Austen Stephen

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Meditation for Everyday Living

This inspiring volume leads readers gently into the art of meditation, explaining how it can bring spiritual peace and tranquility to men and women in all walks of life. An enclosed compact disc presents gentle music and several guided meditations that readers can play to help create a contemplative atmosphere. Meditation produces practical benefits, inducing improved sleep patterns and a reduction of negative emotions, including anger, grief, mood swings, and the sense of low self-esteem. Drawing largely from ancient Indian methods, the author teaches the essential steps required for successful meditation. They include concentration techniques, breathing exercises, comfortable sitting positions, and routines for quieting tumultuous thoughts. Readers come to understand exactly how meditation affects both mind and body, for instance, lowering the pulse rate and, in the long term, actually delaying the aging process. Methods described and recommended include candle gazing, stillness, chanting the sacred aum, empowering the body's chakras, and much more. Approximately 90 color illustrations enhance the absorbing text to help readers achieve a serene mind and a sound body.