Meditation : An in-Depth Guide

by Gawler, Ian; Bedson, Paul

• ISBN13: 9781585428618
• ISBN10: 1585428612
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-06-02
• Publisher: Tarcher

Summary

Meditation is increasingly recommended for relaxation, for enhancing relationships and well-being, to increase performance in sports and business, for personal growth, and to assist healing. Introducing mindfulness-based stillness meditation, Ian Gawler and Paul Bedson explain how to build a daily meditation practice. The authors also show how meditation can be used to work with our emotions, aid healing, manage pain, or as a spiritual practice. Meditation is a path we can pursue and refine throughout our lives. Drawing on modern science as well as ancient Eastern traditions and the authors' own extensive personal experience as practitioners and teachers, this guide offers the techniques and understanding needed to explore meditation practice deeply. It is also an invaluable resource for meditation teachers from all background.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Gift of Meditation	p. 1
Meditation Journeys: About the Authors	p. 15
Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation	p. 39
Introducing Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation	p. 41
Preparation	p. 57
Establishing Comfort and Ease	p. 59
Relaxation	p. 75
Learning to Relax	p. 77
Progressive Muscle Relaxation	p. 88
Mindfulness	p. 107
Mindfulness of Breath	p. 109
Habits of Thinking and Awareness	p. 124
Mindfulness of Body	p. 152
Knowing Your Body	p. 163
Mindfulness of Emotions	p. 175
Connecting with Feelings	p. 183
Stillness	p. 209
Mindfulness of Thoughts and Stillness	p. 211
Stillness and the Nature of Mind	p. 234
The Complete Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation Technique	p. 245
Other Applications	p. 261
Meditation and Mind-Body Medicine	p. 266
Meditation for Transforming Pain	p. 280
Meditation, Imagery and Affirmations	p. 304
Meditation Using Intention-Forgiveness, Gratitude and Loving Kindness	p. 322
Meditation Using Inquiry-Contemplation	p. 339
Meditation and the Spiritual Path	p. 353
Conclusion: Integration	p. 368
Appendix: Definitions of Meditation	p. 371
Acknowledgments	p. 379
Notes	p. 383
Bibliography	p. 385
Index	p. 389
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