Most of us know that meditation is “good for us”. It helps us to reduce stress, be more present, compassionate and loving towards ourselves and others, etc. Despite this, most of us still struggle to adopt a regular meditation practice.

Over the past 30 years I have read many books on meditation and spirituality and they have all been helpful in different way, but they have never explained the science behind meditation.

This book explains exactly what happens in our brains and body as we meditate and how we change as a result of our daily practice.

The author includes research on quantum physics, epigenetics, neuroscience, electromagnetism, and neurocardiology in terms that are clear and understandable for those of us who have no understanding of this information or how our lives are impacted by them.

It is the first book that has motivated me to move my sporadic meditation practice into a daily practice both AM and PM. While the author does a great job explaining terminology and research, the book is still a bit dense from a scientific perspective and I found the audiobook easier to get through. The physical book is a great resource for follow up information and meditation practices.

Meditation is a personal experience and different authors will speak to us at different points in our lives and our process. If you are just starting out, this may or may not be the book for you.

Take a look at it and see if it “feels” right to jump into. If not, consider some of these other options I have used over the years that have been transformative books for me:

• Ekhart Tolle: The Power of Now & Practicing the Power of Now

• Byron Katie: Loving What Is (Four Questions that can Change Your Life)

• Pema Chodron: Start Where You Are, The Places that Scare You, When Things Fall Apart

• Thich Nhat Hanh: Being Peace, The Miracle of Mindfulness

This list is a short starting point for anyone interesting in looking to further their understanding and practice of meditation and mindfulness. There are unlimited books on the subject and it’s important to find the authors that move you as they will be most helpful in your personal transformation process.

Action Step:

Pick one of the books listed here or something you’ve been thinking about reading to further motivate you in your practice. Spend time each day reading through (or listening to) your book and spending a short amount of time each day practicing what you’ve read.

Notice how you feel as you go through your day. Be kind to yourself as you slip into old patterns of stress or negativity and keep practicing your new habits of self-compassion, presence, acceptance, love and joyful living.

Everything is a process and everything changes if we continually commit to improving the quality of our lives 1% at a time!