Hurry up and meditate

By David Michie

From the rear cover -

If meditation was available in capsule form, it would be the biggest selling drug of all time. It has been scientifically proven to deliver highly effective stress relief, boost our immune systems and dramatically slow the ageing process. It has also been shown to make us much happier and more effective thinkers. Given all the physical and psychological benefits, why aren't more of us doing it?

In his thought-provoking and entertaining book, David Michie explains the nuts and bolts of meditation. As a busy professional, as well as a long-term meditator, he also gives a first-hand account of how to integrate this transformational practice into everyday life. Combining leading edge science with timeless wisdom, Hurry up and meditate provides all the motivation and tools you need to achieve greater balance, better health and a more panoramic perspective of life.

'This is one of the most accessible and relevant books available on meditation. Hurry up and read it!'

~ Ian Gawler, author of 'Peace of mind and meditation'

Note: There are a couple more reviews on the inside of the book - I may type them out later if I get around 2 it :)

Introduction

Yes, it's a deliberately provocative title. After all, being in a hurry is the opposite of meditating, isn't it? If we have a lot going on in our lives, is it realistic trying to find even more time to meditate? The idea of infusing our daily schedule with newfound tranquillity may sound appealing - but not everyone is temperamentally suited to sitting around in the lotus position chanting 'Om'. Not to mention the fact that some of us just have very active minds. We'd like to meditate - but we're simply not capable of switching off.

Whoa! Back up a little! These are what I call the most common 'buts' of meditation - as in 'I'd like to meditate but ...'And the amazing thing is that it's exactly the people who use the 'too busy', 'too hard' and 'too hyper' justifications who stand to gain the most from meditation.

How can I be so sure of this? Because I was one of them.

This book has been written for people in a hurry, and its message is quite simple: meditation is probably the best chance you've got to combat stress, cultivate happiness, enhance your performance, realise your goals and attain mastery of your mental, emotional and material destiny.

Big claims, you may think - but they're supported by compelling evidence.

...

Once you've been meditating for a while, of course, you won't give two hoots about scientific studies because you'll have direct, first-hand experience of how good it feels to meditate - and how stressful it feels not to. Just as we don't need scientific research to persuade us that a long, cool drink is wonderful on a hot summer's afternoon, once we've experienced the benefits of meditation on a personal level, the clinical whys and wherefores no longer seem so relevant. Though in the beginning, they have an important part to play in getting us motivated - and keeping us that way.

If I were to summarise the scientific evidence in just a couple of paragraphs, it's probably fair to say that if meditation were available in capsule form, it would be the biggest selling drug of all time. Where else can you find a treatment regime which lowers blood pressure and heart rate, providing highly effective anti-stress therapy without any side-effect whatsoever? Which, in addition, not only improves immune function, leading to less chance of catching a cold or flu bug, but which also significantly decreases our likelihood of being struck by a life-threatening illness like cancer or heart disease? Which improves neural co-ordination and, over time, actually changes the neuroplasticity of our brains, making us more efficient thinkers? Which boosts production of DHEA - the only hormone known to decrease directly with age - thereby slowing the ageing process? Which can form a powerful part of any complementary treatment regime for cancer and other illnesses - a function so important I have devoted a whole chapter to this subject. And these are just some of the physical benefits

May type more of the Intro later - or you could just go out and buy the book - on what I have read so far I highly recommend it :)

Page 12 -

More important is the knowledge that with perseverance, an open heart and clarity of purpose we can achieve profound inner transformation. If we choose, we can change our experience of reality so that our happiness is less conditional on the quirks of circumstance, and instead becomes an abiding presence. We can replace our short-term concerns with a more panoramic sense of destiny beyond anything we might currently imagine. We can celebrate a more transcendent understanding of who we are and why we're here.

Page 132 -

By the practice of this meditation
My whole body is vibrant with robust good health
My life is richly imbued with happiness and purpose
For the sake of my family, friends and all living beings

Note: You can read these excerpts on a computer screen but I highly recommend you buy the book - it is much nicer sitting in a comfy chair witha copy in your hot little hands. Judging by my reading so far it is well worth purchasing :)

Some links -

HUGE update July 2012!

Note: send44 draft has WAY more than anyone would EVER need!

Some people do not know the difference between mindfulness and concentration

Leads 2 this quote - The habit of ignoring our present moments in favor of others yet to come leads directly to a pervasive lack of awareness of the web of life in which we are embedded - click - sent 2 forum!

Beginners Guide to Simple Daily Happiness - sent 2 Mum

Great page of thoughts about meditation!

Mindfulness section of Tiny Buddha site - loads at that site!

Buddhanet has some great stuff -

Most of the followin come from this Chopra thread! -

Should anythin happen 2 that thread -

Tonglen is one of my favourite meditations - click

http://www.viewonbuddhism.org/meditation_practice.html

Let us learn What is not Meditation - click

http://www.meditationiseasy.com/mCorner/here_and_now_Meditation.htm

Understanding the functioning of our mind forms the basis of Buddhist philosophy and practice - sent 2 the forum

Meditation cartoons - click ... click ... click

Do we really need any more meditation advice - click

http://www.do-not-zzz.com/

You could always look 4 mind in this collection - click

http://www.dharmamemphis.com/mindfulness/a_guide_to_mindfulness.htm

http://www.thedailymind.com/meditation/13-meditation-articles-that-could-change-your-life/

http://www.wildmind.org/mindfulness

Guided meditation

Plus some audio

See also mp3.htm - zencast - talkingbuddhism - dharmaseeds ...

How to do Mindfulness Meditation - a fabulouis site - click

http://www.messagefrommasters.com/Meditation/osho_quotes_on_meditation_part_1.htm

Meditation - Then and Now

This search tosses up a few - click

Can meditation be fun?

http://www.wildmind.org/blogs/on-practice/how-to-move-forward-by-being-here-now

Meditation Handbook

MUCH more from "In the practice of loving-kindness, we first consider ourselves" - click

http://matadornetwork.com/bnt/20-basic-fun-sexy-resources-for-beginning-meditators/

http://here-and-now.org/wwwArticles/open.html

Loads at that site!

Dealing With Problems

Page 10 of this thread has some Surya - hardly EVER pick it up these daze!

This thread has a couple about meditation advice

Meditation Bible

Or click here

Meditation and Boredom

Or click here

Beginning or Deepening a Personal Meditation Practice

Or see this page

I don’t know anyone who finds meditation easy

In case this isn't in chopra thread - search 4 medit and/or mind!

For example - guide 2 happiness!

Youtube on happiness habits -

Mindfulness searches memorised - click ... click ... click ... click ...

All threads at Buddhist forum

For example

Fabulous collection of quotes

Includes some Tolle?

www.calmcentre.com

More videos at Youtube

No-thought 4 the day

All my efforts here, sutras or jokes, are nothing but means to wake you

The problem that results from slotting meditation into an already busy day

Establishing a practice of meditation

A couple of images

Plus this dude :)

A man who is happy with himself is full of love, flowing - tosses up a few!

FAQ about meditation

Another comprehensive guide

Pema Chodron is another excellent author about meditation

Discovering Happiness - send 2 the forum and into hurry!

Leads us 2 a huge list of blogs

Here is one on mindfulness

Meditation class

Active meditation tosses up a few! -

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=Active+meditations&rls=com.microsoft:en-au:IE-Address&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7ADFA_en&redir_esc=&ei=5N4EULXLBMf4rQe52-ynBg

Some great quotes from a library session :)

More great advice on being more mindful - loads at that site!

Kindness and Mental Health: An Interview with Sharon Salzberg - another huge site!

Meditation on the present moment - click - tosses up quite a few!

A few more thoughts on meditation practice

Don't frget 2 smile

Not sure if Leunig is a Buddhist :)

God bless the perplexed

Difficulty Meditating

Very interestin search abou mindfulness & thoughts

How not 2 meditate :)

Ditto