10 Best Meditation/Mindfulness Books

Meditation is a way to help you not only find inner peace, but be your best self possible. While there are various ways you can learn how to meditate, one of the top methods is by using a meditation book. These are designed for both beginning and advanced meditators and teach you ways to be more positive and calm. This article will explore some of the best meditation books on the market today and how they can help you.

What is a Meditation Book?

A meditation book is a tool you can use to help guide you in your meditation journey. While each will vary in their design and writing style, they are meant to not only serve as an inspirational guide, but provide you with helpful meditation exercises you can use in your daily life.

Why Meditate?

There are a variety of reasons why you should meditate. Meditation can lower stress levels in your body which can help you to feel calmer. In addition to this, meditation has been shown to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, asthma, depression, chronic pain, headaches, and tension.

Besides its health benefits, meditation works to help you overcome OCD and increase your creativity. It can also encourage you to be more optimistic, less fearful, and teach you how to possess positive energy.

Meditation will provide your body and mind with numerous benefits making it a good thing to practice for your overall health.

The Benefits of Using a Meditation Book

There are quite a few interesting benefits that come with using a meditation book.

They Help to Explain What Meditation Is

A great benefit of meditation books is that many dive into what meditation is. Unlike some tools which might briefly discuss how it is meant to help keep you relaxed and calm, meditation books go deeper and describe not only the scientific benefits of it, but also its history. For instance, most will describe how meditation began in the East, particularly with Buddhism. You’ll also learn of different types of meditation styles, such as Zen meditation which formed in Japan. Because of this, you’ll not only be able to educate yourself on meditation, but be able to better understand what you are doing.

They are Easy to Use

Meditation books are incredibly easy to use. You just need to open them up and start reading (or listening if you have an audiobook). They will encourage your mind to start pondering things about meditation which can encourage you to have deeper meditation sessions in the future.

They are Written with Different Styles and Designs

Another great benefit of meditation books is that each one is written in a different style. You’ll everything from poetic options to ones that are humorous. Due to this, readers can buy one that will fit their preferences well.

In addition to writing styles, you’ll also find the books have their own design schemes. Some might be printed with bright colors and feature illustrations, while others might have a calmer scheme featuring light hues. This provides you with plenty of options so you can find a book that will be fun and enlightening for you to read.

What to Consider Before Investing in a Meditation Book

Before you buy a meditation book, it’s important to consider a few things.

Its Purpose

While all meditation books are designed to encourage you with learning more about meditation, some might focus on certain aspects of life more than others. For instance, one book might be geared to help those with anxiety learn how to meditate, while another might be designed to encourage those with a busy lifestyle to set aside some time for meditation. Due to this, it’s important to consider the purpose of the meditation book before you buy it to ensure it works well for you.

Its Format

Another thing to look at is the format of the book. For instance, do you prefer to hold a hardback in your hands or read the book on an electronic device? Perhaps you just want to listen to someone reading an audiobook to you while you meditate or do other activities. By considering this, you can be sure you’re able to enjoy your meditation book and easily access it when necessary.

If There are Meditation Exercises Provided

If you want to practice what you’ve read, make sure that there are meditation exercises provided. Some books are designed solely for inspiration and don’t contain meditation prompts or exercises you can use. On the other hand, some books focus solely on meditation exercises and prompts. Because of this, it’s important to consider which works well for your needs before investing in the book.

Its Layout

Some books are designed to be read throughout the year, while others can be read in one sitting. Before you buy one, think about whether you want a book to guide you through the year or one that you can read in a few days for inspiration. Depending on your preferences, you’ll want to carefully consider this aspect.

Best Mindfulness Books

Mindfulness Meditations for Anxiety

This meditation book by PhD Michael Smith tells more about how harmful anxiety can be in your life and the destruction it can cause. Whether it’s a few minutes of fear or a full-blown panic attack, anxiety can wreak havoc on your life. Smith writes more about why anxiety is so problematic and how you can use mindfulness meditations to help combat it.

Inside this book, you’ll discover a handful of helpful tips and guides you can use to learn how to calm your anxiety. Smith gives you steps you can follow, such as first identifying the source of anxiety. You can then move on to using one of the meditation scripts in the book to help your body and mind be at peace. The book is split up into eight different parts which each focus on a different aspect of anxiety and mindfulness, such as your emotions and mind. There is also an introduction in the front which tells more about why the author was inspired to write this book to help others.

The mindfulness guides provided in the book range from five-minute meditation scripts for quick relief to longer meditation scripts you can use throughout the day. Smith also includes 100 exercises you can try to help ground yourself, such as breathing techniques. In addition to this, you’ll also find inspirational quotes that can help motivate you to overcome anxiety so you can be your best self.

 

Pros

  • It teaches you how to naturally cure anxiety.
  • The book helps to guide you through the basics of mindfulness and includes easy techniques you can follow.
  • The book is easy to read and understand.

Cons

  • Most of the exercises provided in the book require you to sit, rather than move around. This may or may not be a problem for some.

Practicing Mindfulness

This meditation book by Matthew Sockolov features 75 meditation scripts readers can use to help with their mental health and to reduce stress in their life. The 75 exercises provided each range in their difficulty allowing you to start with easy options and eventually working your way up to harder ones.

Besides exercises, the book also includes more information about mindfulness. Readers will learn why it’s important to practice and some benefits it provides, such as stress-relief and inner peace. In addition to this, Sockolov describes how mindfulness can help you to react positively to things that might otherwise annoy or bother you, such as loud noises and insomnia. Each exercise features an average time length on the top, a quick description about it, and step-by-step instructions you can follow. There are also a few famous quotes sprinkled throughout the chapters to help you better understand the significance of the exercises.

Practicing Mindfulness is broken up into three different parts which focus on basic mindfulness exercises, how you can use mindfulness each day, and how you can have the best mood for mindfulness. There is also a quick introduction in the book which explains more behind why Sockolov wanted to write the book as well as the key points of mindfulness, such as seeing clearly and being fully present in the moment. The author also includes a glossary of terms so you can better understand what is being described in the exercises, such as “feeling tone” and “monkey mind”.

Pros

  • The book is filled with helpful exercises and advice.
  • The writing style is easy to read.
  • It can help you to better learn how to control your emotions.
  • It’s an affordable option.

Cons

  • The book might not be the most inspirational option.
  • It’s not ideal for advanced meditators as it’s written more for beginners.

Practical Meditations for Beginners

Practical Meditations for Beginners is written by Benjamin W. Decker and is designed to help you become your happiest self within 10 days. Inside the book, you’ll discover tips you can use for finding inner peace with the help of meditation practices, such as Zen. Decker describes various meditations you can use that can help you find the right one that will work well for your needs. The author also breaks the book into various sections which each focus on a specific aspect of meditation, such as eating, emotions, and observation.

The book features 10 practices you can use for each of the 10 days. Each chapter is set-up in chronological order which builds on the progress you made the previous day. You’ll find a lengthy description in the beginning which tells more behind what the exercise is meant to help you with, what tools you’ll need for it, and step-by-step instructions for you to follow. You’ll also discover illustrations so you can visually understand what certain hand motions and poses listed in the book mean.

In addition to exercises for you to follow, Practical Meditations for Beginners also includes writing prompts. These prompts are designed to help make you think more about your meditations which can motivate you to better connect with yourself.

The beginning of the book also features more information behind the history of Zen and the benefits it can provide. You’ll also find a helpful definition guide so you can better follow what is being said.

Pros

  • It includes exercises and illustrations to help you with your meditation practices.
  • The writing is easy to follow making it perfect for beginners.
  • The book features a calming color scheme.

Cons

  • It’s not meant to be used by advanced meditators.
  • The instructions are meant to be followed in chronological order over a 10-day period. This means it might not work very well if you skip around or don’t follow the exercises each day.

The Untethered Soul

Author Michael A. Singer writes a captivating book that describes how you can be free from your fears and limitations. Singer tells of common problems that plague many, such as anxiety and stress, and how they can be problematic in your life. Designed for beginners, The Untethered Soul will take you into the fields of meditation and mindfulness and how they can help you succeed in life.

This book is co-written with the Institute of Noetic Sciences meaning the information provided is scientifically researched. While reading, you’ll learn about what causes emotions and how to deal with negative ones when they strike. You’ll also discover how to find your inner energy through various exercises to help calm your body and mind down.

The Untethered Soul is broken up into five sections which focus on various aspects of meditation, such as how to awaken your consciousness and live happily. Singer writes with a captivating style which is not only easy to read, but teaches you plenty of helpful information along the way.

There are a few meditation sessions you can use along the way during your readings, although this book tends to focus more on the “whys” of meditation. This makes it an ideal read for those who might want to learn more about how meditation can help them in their daily life.

Pros

  • The author writes in an easy-to-read style while also providing plenty of in-depth information.
  • It’s published in various formats, such as paperback and audiobook.
  • The hardcover edition comes with a stylish ribbon bookmark.

Cons

  • While it is broken up into different sections, some parts might feel a little rushed.
  • There aren’t many strategies to use in it. Because of this, if you’re looking for a book that guides you through exercises, this probably isn’t the right one to invest in.

Just Sit

Just Sit is written by Sukey Novogratz and Elizabeth Novogratz for those who want to meditate but don’t. The book includes an eight-week plan readers can follow to help them start their meditation journey while incorporating it into their busy lifestyle. The authors create exercises everyone can easily do and which only take a few minutes.

Besides teaching you how to meditate, you’ll also learn why meditation is so crucial. You’ll read of the numerous health benefits meditation can give, such as anxiety relief, weight loss, and better sleeping habits. Readers will be able to learn more about the history of meditation and how it has grown in popularity throughout the world. The authors also describe more behind the biological meaning of meditation and how it trains your brain and body, including when done with tools such as chakras.

The book features eight chapters that focus on specific aspects, such as excuses for not meditating and how your mental health can benefit from doing it. There is also a creative preface which explains how the authors started their meditation journey and why they were inspired to write this book.

In addition to this, readers will find inspirational quotes and fun illustrations that work to better describe what is being told in the chapters. The illustrations/infographics also make it faster for you to read the information provided which can be beneficial for those who don’t have much time.

Pros

  • It’s easy to read and written with a fun style.
  • The book features creative illustrations that help to better describe what is being said.
  • It’s ideal for beginners and those who don’t have much time for meditation.

 

Cons

  • The print might be a little small for some.
  • Some might not find the humor in the book appropriate.
  • It’s a little repetitive in some areas.

The Book of Awakening

This meditation book by Mark Nepo describes how you can awaken from a dull and stressful life into one that is filled with joy and peace. The Book of Awakening explains how to savor life and take each day one at a time. In addition to this, you’ll discover ways to help yourself feel at peace even when faced with hard situations.

Some meditation books tend to list what you need to do, but Nepo writes with a beautiful style that is almost poetic. He explains that while life can be difficult, there is also much beauty in it – something which is worth living for.

The beginning of the book features a foreword that explains more behind the author’s desire to write a book focused on meditation. You’ll also learn more about Nepo’s life and why he believes it’s so important to focus on the good. While reading the book, you’ll find quotes and phrases that are meant to help encourage and inspire you. Readers will also learn more behind the history of meditation.

There are a few exercises at the end of each chapter you can use for meditation. These vary in their times and difficulties, although most ask you to ponder on a certain prompt and then try a specific breathing exercise.

Pros

  • The book is filled with beautiful descriptions that are designed to inspire you.
  • There are motivational quotes and phrases at the beginning of each chapter.
  • It includes a few meditation exercises.

Cons

  • While it includes some, this book isn’t focused on meditation exercises. Because of this, if you’re looking for many to do, you might want to invest in a different option.
  • Some areas might be a little repetitive.
  • The book is over 400 pages long which means it will take some time to read.

The Daily Stoic

Authors Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman tell of how many of history’s legends, like George Washington and Ralph Waldo Emerson, used the teachings of ancient Stoics. Inside, you’ll read not only of their lives, but important lessons to use in your own life. The book contains 366 meditation scripts and is broken up into three different parts which each focus on a specific aspect of meditation. Because this book includes scripts for each day of the year, the three sections are broken down so you can study them during certain months of the year. In addition to this, each month has a theme, such as happiness, passion and emotions, duty, and virtue. In the beginning of each chapter, you’ll also find a quote by a famous Stoic to help you think more about what is being described. Some philosophers you’ll read about in the book include Seneca, Epictetus, and Musonius Rufus.

Readers will also find an intriguing introduction that tells more behind the history of meditation and how it spread throughout the world. The back of the book also contains a glossary full of terms and passages to help you better understand the teachings. Holiday and Hanselman also provide suggestions for further readings if you’re interested in learning more. This is all intended to help encourage you to not only have stronger meditation sessions, but find lasting inner peace in your life.

Pros

  • It contains a short passage for each day of the year.
  • Readers will be able to learn more about ancient Stoics and read some of their thoughts.
  • The book comes in formats such as paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Cons

  • The book could read like a self-help book to some rather than as a meditation book.
  • You might need to do some background research on Stoicism before reading to fully understand what is being said.

A Year of Mindfulness

A Year of Mindfulness is a recently published book written by Jennifer Raye. This book features a mindfulness lesson for each of the year’s 52 weeks to help you find tranquility and learn how to be fully present in the moment. Written as a journal, the book features various themes for each week with seven prompts for each day. This includes everything from writing down what you are thankful for to describing your surroundings. There is space below each prompt where you can scribble down your thoughts, allowing you to later go back and check your previous feelings during this time.

This mindfulness journal also features a beautiful color scheme which is designed to calm your brain and encourage you to be happy. In addition to this, readers will find inspirational quotes and an introduction to mindfulness so you know what to fully expect when using the journal. This introduction covers a few colorful pages which each focus on an aspect of mindfulness, such as exploring your mind and centering your body. This way, you can prepare yourself for what the book will teach you and some of the prompts you will be thinking and writing about.

Raye includes a few resources at the end of her book if you’re interested in learning more about mindfulness. Readers will find a handful of websites and other books in the resources they can use to continue their journey in mindfulness.

Pros

  • The book features an easy-to-read layout and beautiful design.
  • It’s an interactive way to help you with meditation and mindfulness.
  • The book includes other resources you can use if you’d like to continue with your journey in meditation and mindfulness.

Cons

  • Some prompts might be a little difficult to do or think about.
  • While there is space to write your thoughts down, there might not be enough room for some.

Dear Universe

Author Sarah Prout writes over 200 small meditation scripts in her book Dear Universe. Prout explains why meditation is so important and how it can help us have peace both mentally and physically. The book explores more about why we hide our emotions and struggle with achieving good health and success. The meditations written in the book are designed to help you answer these questions by guiding you through difficult thoughts and stressful situations in your life and providing ways you can work to get through them. Many of the meditations also include experiences from Prout’s life to help provide examples as to what is being taught.

Each meditation features a catchy title and brief inspirational passage which usually ends with a note of encouragement or question for you to ponder. The book is broken up into four parts which each focus on different aspects of meditation, such as letting go of fear and how to love.

At the end of Dear Universe, readers will find various resources they can use to further their meditation, such as free worksheets and a visualization chart to help you better document your meditation journey.

Pros

  • There are plenty of meditation scripts you can read to help you get through each day.
  • The book is easy to read and broken up into different sections. This allows you to flip through it and read certain themed scripts when necessary.
  • There are stunning illustrations throughout the book providing a beautiful visual guide for the meditation scripts.

Cons

  • The author does tend to talk a lot about her personal experiences. This may or may not be a problem for some.
  • It’s written more for those interested in starting their meditation journey. Because of this, those who have been practicing meditation for a while might not find it very informative or helpful.

5-Minute Daily Meditations

If you’re short on time and want something quick and easy to read, this book might be a good option. 5-Minute Daily Meditations is written by Sah D’Simone and includes small yet powerful meditation scripts you can read each day to help you stay calm and focused. This meditation book features one script for each day of the year and focuses on various parts of life, such as emotions and fear. It also touches on love and forgiveness. The scripts are only a few short sentences and are labeled the day of the year you should read it. Some also feature prompts you can ponder on during your reading.

The book is broken up into three sections which feature certain months of the year. Each month features a theme the scripts will focus on, like self-love, growth, healing, and wholeness. Readers will also find a short introduction in the beginning describing how the author started their journey in meditation and the impact it has had on their life.

The layout of the book also helps to make reading the information inside easy and features a beautiful color scheme designed to help keep you calm when reading.

Pros

  • It’s an ideal read for those who want to do meditation but don’t have much time to do so.
  • The book is well-organized and features a calming color scheme.
  • It can also help you with practicing mindfulness and thinking more about the beauty of each day.
  • The book comes in various formats.

Cons

  • The scripts tend to be very short and might only take a few seconds to read.
  • While there are a handful of prompts featured, there aren’t many in the book as it’s designed to be an inspirational read. If you want ways to practice what you’ve read, you might want to consider another option.

If you’re searching for a way to be more positive and relaxed in your life, meditation books can help you, especially Mindfulness Meditations for Anxiety. The book is designed to help guide you through the stresses and fears in your life and how you can work through them. In addition to this, it provides plenty of exercises you can try and the information is easy to read. You’ll also find numerous inspirational quotes in it that can help to motivate you. Because of this, the book is one to definitely consider investing in if you’re looking for a good meditation book to use to help guide you each day.

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