Review Detail

Meditation: The Complete Guide by Patricia Monaghan and Eleanor G. Viereck

Patricia Monaghan, author, poetess, and practitioner of zazen and qigong has combined her knowledge of meditation, mythology and spirituality with Eleanor G. Viereck’s dedication to ecology, health, and yoga to produce a wonderful book that guides readers through the many and diverse methods of meditation. Find your favorite or sample them all: there are plenty to choose from. Whether your preference is dance, yoga, candle meditation, journaling, or creative visualization there is something to suit your taste. There are even a few creative methods that you may not have associated with meditation before, such as nature sketching, needle crafts, and sports.

More than just a guide to meditation, this book offers a fascinating insight into the power of mythology and belief behind each of these styles of meditation. Readers can learn about the fascinating histories of rhythmic dance which permeate all belief systems, the liberating practice of writing haiku poetry, and the uplifting melodies of Taize singing. Each chapter offers an introduction to a form of meditation, information on its history and guidelines on how to practice it. There are also checklists for further practice and ample resources for those who wish to delve deeper.

Monaghan and Viereck have created a book that is great for those who want to begin meditating but are not sure where to start. For readers who are concerned that meditation may not come easily, rest assured that you will be able to follow gentle exercises that will help focus you thoughts and movements in ways that are enjoyable and come naturally.