Stillness and Meditation

Books

Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life.

The first book to describe mindfulness meditation, a form which is more "active" than some kinds of meditation.  Helpful and inspiring.

Bodian, Stephan. Meditation for Dummies.

This is actually a really wonderful book!  The author is a former editor of Yoga Journal.  The book covers the history of many forms of meditation as well as giving "how-to" instructions.

Farhi, Donna. The Breathing Book.

Most Americans, especially women, need to read this book simply to learn that we all (at least most of us) breathe poorly.  Simple breathwork described, as well as beginning yoga postures.

Lasater, Judith. Relax and Renew: Restorative yoga postures.

This is a form a yoga which requires lots of props, but it's wonderfully refreshing and anyone can do it.  Great stress relieving!

Putnoi, Johanna. Senses Wide Open.

Exercises and essays to help you get out of your head and into experience. A must read for anyone who analyzes their life away!

Online

www.learningmeditation.com. Wonderful site to walk you through some simple guided imagery. A good beginning that can be done at your computer, in just a few minutes.

www.yogajournal.com. Yoga Journal's website; great articles that range from philosophy to asana practice to recipes and more.

CD/Audio

Weil, Andrew. Breathing; the Master Key to Self Healing.

This CD teaches you simple breathwork techniques and can be done anywhere in a short amount of time.

Weil, Andrew. Sound Body, Sound Mind: Music for Healing.

Currently out of publication, but I hear it's coming back.  I love it so much that I decided to leave it on the list.  Sound waves can change our brain patterns; this CD is the most relaxing experience I've ever had. If you ever see this, buy it!

Weil, Andrew and Jon Kabat-Zinn. The Masterkey to Self Healing/Meditation for Optimum Health.

Auditory explanation of how to do Mindfulness Meditation and other forms as well.  Don't do this in the car!

Retreat Centers

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Phone: 800-741-7353 or online at www.kripalu.org. A yoga retreat center in the Berkshires of Western Mass. Ongoing classes and workshops in yoga, meditation, self awareness; a wonderful retreat and renewal spot. Spa facilities.

Omega Institute. Phone: 800-944-1001 or online at www.eomega.org. A holistic learning center near Rhinebeck, NY. Holds workshops in yoga, meditation, self improvement - closed during the winter. Like an adult summer camp, slightly less "spiritual" than Kripalu. Spa facilities and a great coed sauna.

Meditation supplies

Living Arts. A catalog of yoga equipment, meditation cushions, candles, etc. Yuppy, but good quality. Phone: 800-254-8464 for a catalog or online at www.gaiam.com.

Yoga Zone. Another catalog of mostly yoga equipment and clothing, but also some nice cushions, cd's, fountains, etc. Phone: 888-264-9642 or online at www.yogazone.com.

DharmaCrafts. Meditation supply catalog from a Zen retreat center. Incense, books, mandalas. Phone: 800-794-9862 for a catalog or online at www.dharmacrafts.com.

Soulutions for Daily Living. Source for cool meditation supplies, books, etc in Newtown, PA. www.soulutionsfordailyliving.com.