Hi everyone! Something that I really enjoy doing is going to a meditation class offered by my local library. The woman who runs it, Joann Xi, is the founder of the Center for Health, Happiness, and Chan. This organization promotes a mindful and contemplative lifestyle and teaches the art of meditation to those in the greater Akron area. During class this week, Joann gave us a paper listing some helpful books, apps, podcasts, and websites that she recommends and I thought that I would share it with all of you. And, if you are interested in seeing Joann in action, check out my blog post which features her YouTube videos. She’s amazing!
From Eastern Traditions:
Books:
- The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation as Taught by S.N. Goenka by William Hart
- Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh
- True Love by Thich Nhat Hanh
- Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chogyam Trungpa
- Bringing Home the Dharma by Jack Kornfield
- The Wisdom of No Escape by Pema Chodron
Podcasts:
- Insight Hour Podcast with Joseph Goldstein
- Ram Dass Hear and Now
- Heart Wisdom Podcast with Jack Kornfield
Websites:
From Western Traditions:
Books:
- Invitation to Love by Thomas Keating
- Intimacy with God by Thomas Keating
- Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- Fully Present by Susan L Smalley and Diana Winston
- Mindful Work by David Gelles
Audio Books:
- Going on Being by Mark Epstein
- Going to Pieces without Falling Apart by Mark Epstein
Podcasts:
- 10% Happier with Dan Harris
Apps:
- Headspace (Westernized version of eastern meditation practices)
YouTube:
- Zen Den
- Cosmic Kids
Websites:
Integration of East/West:
Books:
- Living Zen Loving God by Ruben L.F. Habito
- The Mystic Heart by Wayne Teasdale
- The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts
I hope that some of these wonderful options to help introduce you to meditation or further your practices prove to be beneficial to those who need it. Once a skeptic, I truly believe in the power of meditation and the amazing work that Joann is doing, so please enjoy!
Who else participates in meditation? What are some ways that help you to relax? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
