Opening to Meditation: A Gentle, Guided Approach (Book & CD) [Hardcover]

Diana Lang (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 2004

Over 50 million people seek to reduce stress, according to a Stanford Research Institute study. Opening to Meditation takes the mystery out of the popular practice of meditation, making it as easy as breathing with a user-friendly book and CD. The book unfolds in three sections: The Art of Meditation, How to Practice, and Common Questions. The inspirational CD, written from a Western perspective to appeal to the rapidly growing group of beginning meditators, features two guided meditations to "Open" and "Deepen" and is set to relaxing music and soothing nature sounds. Beginners and experienced alike will benefit from this innovative, easy-to-use title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (October 25, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577314549
• ISBN-13: 978-1577314547
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 6.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #81,915 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Poetry of Meditation, April 25, 2005

By 

Tristan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Opening to Meditation: A Gentle, Guided Approach (Book & CD) (Hardcover)

This book is truly a gem of simplicity and depth. As I read it, I found myself entering the delicate layers of meditative awareness. The author speaks with a voice that is both universal and personal. She reminds us that we all have potential to touch our souls and live sacred lives. There is nothing dogmatic in her approach, nor does she make you feel that you need anything outside of yourself in order to penetrate the great mysteries. She tells us we are good beyond our wildest dreams, worthy of the same love and admiration as any of our greatest heroes and teachers. The book in itself is enough to lift you to great heights...but if this is not enough, it also comes with a CD which includes a spoken introduction to meditation and two guided meditations that are deep and sweet enough to loosen any constraint or stress you might be feeling. I used the CD daily during a time of inner struggle and was given much healing and assurance from her calm voice and words. To sum it up, this book and CD carry the poetics of meditation. They transcend what is often written about in a dry and didactic tone. Buy this book by Diana Lang. From beginner to expert, it will help you on your path.

55 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST meditation book ever!!!, January 28, 2005

By 

Betty Mehling (Calabasas, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Opening to Meditation: A Gentle, Guided Approach (Book & CD) (Hardcover)

Whether you have meditated for years or are on the brink of discovering meditation, Opening to Meditation is the most user-friendly approach to meditation I have experienced in the 30 years that I have meditated. It's unique combination book-and-CD package approaches this ancient practice in an easy, gentle and practical manner. You will be engaged to its message from the first sentence. Diana Lang creates a safe environment to explore or expand your meditation practice. I have already given six copies as gifts.

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anyone can do it; everyone should, December 10, 2005

By 

beth - See all my reviews

This review is from: Opening to Meditation: A Gentle, Guided Approach (Book & CD) (Hardcover)

I had always avoided meditation, figuring I was too "hyper" or got bored too easily to be open to the process. Diana's book (and accompanying CD) changed my mind about meditation. This little book is so beautifully simple, and so reassuring, that just about anyone who reads it will want to make meditation part of their daily lives.

The book and CD complement each other wonderfully---but either is valuable on its own. What I love is that the author lets the reader define meditation for themselves. She gives them the tools to begin---breathing, focus, observation, openness----and supports them in their journey. You need not worry about "doing it right" ---it's about what's right for you.

What I appreciated most was her reassurance about all the other thoughts that enter your mind when you are meditating. It's okay. Everyone has it. (I had no idea that this was true!) You don't need to "start over" or give up. This was of tremendous value to me, and will keep me on my meditation path.

I also bought this book as a gift. It's perfect.