Note: The winners for this giveaway have been chosen. Subscribe to Tiny Buddha for free daily or weekly emails and to learn about future giveaways!
The Winners:
Growing up, I was a black-and-white thinker—it was always all or nothing. This way of being rarely served me well when it came to healthy habits, because the little things really do all add up; and usually, something is better than nothing.
This is what I most appreciated about Patricia Monaghan’s book, Meditation – The Complete Guide (recently revised and celebrating its 10th anniversary). It’s not a book that lays out a specific, rigid system entailing an hour of consistent daily practice.
It’s a book that explores 50 different ideas to help us live more fully in the present, including a few that may surprise you.
From New World Library:
An easy-to-use self-test on personal habits and preferences directs readers to choose a practice to fit their tastes and circumstances. The authors describe all the major forms of Eastern and Western religious practice—from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam to the traditions of India, Japan, China, and Tibet.
Readers can explore techniques derived from Asian and African customs or meditations simply found in life practices such as sports, gardening, and creative arts. Meditation – The Complete Guide is designed for all readers, from the beginning meditator to the healing professional, with chapters on practices to heal physically, emotionally, and mentally.
The Giveaway:
To enter to win 1 of 2 free copies of Meditation – The Complete Guide:
- Leave a comment below
- Tweet: RT @tinybuddha Book Giveaway & Interview: Meditation – The Complete Guide http://bit.ly/rA8af0
If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can still enter by completing the first step. You can enter until midnight PST on Sunday, December 18th.
The Interview:
1. What motivated you to write this book?
When the American Medical Association accepted meditation as a treatment for hypertension, insomnia, and chronic pain, my co-author and I became aware that many people attempt meditation but then give up.
In many cases, they attempted a practice that was the wrong “fit” for them for religious, physical or other reasons. We began gathering information about multiple forms of meditation for such people and then found the information could enrich even those who already have a favored meditative practice.
2. You explore 50 different meditation practices in your book and you’ve included a quiz to help people identify their ideal meditation style. How did you discover which meditation style works best for you?
First, become aware of the many options. Select one or two practices that seem appropriate to your needs, desires and lifestyle. Then practice for awhile. Learning to meditate takes time, so don’t give up after a week or even a month.
After a few months of practice, you should look forward to meditating. If you procrastinate about meditating, try another form.
3. You included some practices that aren’t commonly considered meditation, such as journal writing. How do you define meditation?
A practice, which may be religious or secular, that centers you in the immediate, the present moment. A practice that quiets the busy mind. A practice that allows you to detach from striving for a time and center yourself in something beyond your ego. There are other ways to define meditation, but these are found in most meditative practices.
4. Have you found that people often shy away from meditation solely because they had a less than ideal experience with one particular style?
Absolutely! The typical meditation drop-out enrolled in a class just called “meditation” and then decided it “didn’t work for me” or that “I just can’t meditate.” This often happens when the teacher is adamant that there is only one way to meditate—after defining meditation in a way that, indeed, only their way fits! Anyone can meditate.
5. What other factors do you think contribute to the hesitancy to start a mediation practice?
Some people fear that meditation means practicing another religion. For instance, some Christian preachers discourage the practice of yoga because it descends from Hindu (and even pre-Hindu) Indian religion, although it is perfectly possible to practice hatha yoga without worshiping Shiva and Kali.
Others feel that meditation involves extremely rigorous rules that they might feel inadequate to follow. Yet many forms of meditation are somewhat flexible in practice.
Finally, people might feel that they must be physically very fit to engage in meditative practice; they are usually thinking of yoga or another movement meditation. Yet even such practices can be adapted for those who have physical limitations.
6. Why is so important to incorporate meditation into our lives?
Modern life is fast and loud. Meditation is slow and quiet. We need the balance of meditation!
7. Is Meditation: The Complete Guide a book for beginners, or can this book also help more advanced practitioners deepen their practice?
Beginners certainly will find the book useful. But I would not be so bold as to say that advanced practitioners can deepen their practice from the short introductions to each tradition that we provide.
However, they will find the philosophical background and the extensive resource lists useful. And even advanced practitioners will find other options that they had not fully considered—for we are all beginners at some things, even when advanced in other ways.
8. What tips would you offer someone who is new to meditation?
Meditation is not a theory. It’s a practice. Find one or two forms of meditation and try them out for six months, and then re-evaluate. If you don’t feel they are the most suitable, try another form.
Also: most people can find 15 minutes a day to practice. Few can find an hour. Don’t set yourself up by promising to meditate for a long time every day. Constant regular practice is the goal.
Learn more about Meditation – The Complete Guide on Amazon.
FTC Disclosure: I receive complimentary books for reviews and interviews on tinybuddha.com, but I am not compensated for writing or obligated to write anything specific. I am an Amazon affiliate, meaning I earn a percentage of all books purchased through the links I provide on this site.

About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
- Web |
- More Posts
For long I have wanted to start meditating but so far haven’t because I don’t have the time/it’s difficult/I don’t really know what to do/etc., so this book would come in really handy. Thanks for the chance to win (and sorry, I don’t have Twitter account)!
I’d love to win this and give it to my Mom, she’s looking to learn how to meditate.
“First, become aware of the many options”. That’s exactly what I need. “Don’t give up”. More good advice. I would love to win this book and get started on my journey.
i really want to start 2012 with a peaceful mind. this should probably help me a lot!
Why haven’t I discovered this blog earlier? I’m subscribed!
Very cool!
What a fantastic giveaway!
This is fabulous- I just began a meditation practice this year, so I’d love to have any addition insight on how I can deepen that practice!
I would love a book on meditation. I have been practicing for about a year, some new ideas and a guide would be helpful.
I have been meditation for a couple years now & I would love to learn some more practices. This would be fabulous, tinybuddah.com is very inspiring and has recently helped me through a lot.
Yea some times society can be so cerebral need to learn how to still the mind with steady practice the benifits are good!
Would love the chance to win! Very ecited thanks for the chance
I’d love a copy.
This would be awesome!!!
Breath alarm! 🙂 I’d like a copy
I just took a fascinating class about different somatic practices, one of them being meditation. We are so rushed and frantic that we have forgotten to be and how to be in tune with our bodies. Instead of a mind/body connection we are trying to operate from two different places, the mind and then the body and to be whole and happy the two should be as one, as they are meant to me.
I would love a copy of this book!
Love it! Meditating really does make such a huge difference!
I’m grateful for knowing and touching upon the present as often as I can. You cannot change the past. I wish more could know a quiet moment.
Meditation is on my resolution list this year. This would be MOST helpful in getting me started!
thanks so much ☺
Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. I enjoy reading and learning about a subject very dear to me.
SO happy to hear that there is more than one way to meditate. I have tried to meditate over the years and just can not seem to get into the flow. Hopefully I will win this book and find a way that is a great fit for me.
Meditation to go!!!
I would love to win a copy!
I’ve always wanted to try meditation, so I would be so grateful to have some guidance on how to start! 🙂 The closest I’ve ever gotten is a bit of mind-quiet after yoga!
I love this site. You always manage to have you just what I need to hear. Thank you.
Would love to explore different ways to meditate. I only knew deep breathing is the only way to meditate and that’s all. Interesting to know what else is in the book.
My twitter id: @MegMehP:twitter
Thanks.
Meditation does not come easily to me – so difficult to clear the clutter from my mind. Would love to read about different ways; hopefully one will work! Thank you Tiny Buddha for making each day brighter!
My daughter used to tease me about my Siddha Yoga meditation practice. Now at age 20, she is asking me to teach her how to meditate. This book would be a perfect gift for her. Thank you for the chance to win it!
I’ve been developing my spiritual practice and loving it. My job is very stressful so I balance it with meditation and yoga and finally finding a church. I am always looking for ways to improve and grow and while I was raised Catholic, I’ve been intrigued by and attracted to eastern practices for a while and now belong to a Unity Church. It would be fun to find info that puts it all together in one book! thanks for the chance.
I’m a subscriber and could definitely use this book to better my meditation.
Love to win a copy ! Thanks !
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/thisenvy/status/147737675267444736
In to win 🙂
https://twitter.com/#!/anthony_grace
Even if I’m not lucky enough to win a copy, I’ll be happy to pick one up at my local bookstore. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thank you!
Would love a good book for the winter break!
Thanks for sharing the insights about your book in the interview with Ms Lori. I would love to read your book at some point of time. I am also planning to go for a Meditation course in December end called Vipsanna Meditation which is based on Buddhism.
Sounds like a great read!
Whoa! Nobody needs this like I do!! I am SO stressed, no home, no job, borrowed car…..and still trying to maintain calm!! Lord love my family for letting me bunk for a while!! I would LOVE help with learning more about meditation!
With my busy schedule I really need this book to learn to relax.
This would be the perfect gift for someone I know!
Great interview! I would love to learn meditation so I can bring more peace and focus to my life.
https://twitter.com/#!/lindalatina/status/147740266143559680
tweeted
Tweeted too!
This would be amazing. I’m slowly learning to meditate. The more tools the better.
It’s been about 20 years since I practiced meditation… I look forward to reading this book and getting back to it. I felt so much more at peace and ‘in flow’ when practicing. Thank you.
Thanks so much for this post, Lori. I’m currently undergoing intense depression and stress and have found a lot of comfort in your posts. Would love to have a copy of this book if possible. Thank you once again.
I’ve wanted to try meditation for a while. My brain doesn’t stop.
I appreciate the idea behind this book. Having optons as to what works for each individual is freeing. I spent many years as a using drug addict, searching for answers. Having gotten clean and practicing prayer and meditation, and finding a path that works for me has been HUGE! This book will give me different ideas to try to find the path that leds me to daily peace of mind and an open heart, able to recieve the love that I have been closed off to for so long. Thank you
It sounds like a great book if I will it would be awesome but if not I can always buy it later 🙂