Beginning Mindfulness: Learning the Way of Awareness: A Ten Week Course

This book offers a structured, ten week course in learning the way of mindfulness as a spiritual practice. Because of this, I find it useful. It is good for the very new person, and for those like myself who are studying without yet having a teacher and who may not be naturally self-disciplined. It begins with a four week section designed so the reader knows how to set up the basic elements - breathing, sitting meditatin, daily life practices and such, both formally and informally. After this phase is completed, the student will have the basics as part of a schedule and can move on. In the fifth through eighth weeks, the student learns to focus on mindfullness of body, feelings, thinking and objects of mind (this last chapter focuses on thoughts, feelings, or object of perception which our mind is focusing on - and includes mindful conversation and deep listening). In the third section, weeks nine and ten, one practices loving kindness and compassion. At the beginning of each section there are two guided meditations you can use, breathing in, breathing out (and specific sentences to help guide you) The final section has ways to continue this. This book is very good as a help to those working alone. A good-sized book, it offers over 200 pages of instructions, not including introduction, appendix, index and other comments. It is a book I can use over and over...someday I'll grow out of it but not just yet.

Accessible, simple, straightforward -- this is the sort of meditation instruction book that Andrew Weiss offers. It's not preachy, doesn't profess to offer answers. Rather, it offers a direct way into what some consider a difficult, even unattainable practice. Mindfulness is a miracle, Thich Nhat Hanh says and to be present to what is actually happening -- pleasant or unpleasant -- is a great accomplisment. To be present for another person is a great gift. It's what our partners, children and friends really want -- our true presence. Here's a guide about how to get here.So, in this book, there is a path laid out, with infinite variations possible, for bringing more mindfulness into the lives of individuals, families and communities. Goodness knows we need guides like this in these times of fear, violence and uncertainty. They steady us on the path and allow us to discover our connections with all beings.

If you are a beginner to meditation, Andrew's book is an easy to read set of lessons, which will help you stay in the present and stay aware of your own body and the world around you. For those of you who have been practicing meditation for awhile and feel stuck or loosing interest in meditation; this book contains a wonderful set of tools that will improve one's meditation practice and in becoming more mindful and aware of every aspect of your daily life. The book reflects the same lessons, practical guidance and methods that Andrew offers in his own meditation classes. I've found his lessons in Metta meditation and Tonglin breath very helpful in providing loving kindness, and healing to myself and others. He has changed my life and the book is a wonderful reference.

Beginning Mindfulness is a practical how-to manual based on the author's many years of teaching meditation and related skills: it is also a delight. Weiss, a senior practitioner in two Zen traditions, is open-minded, clear-eyed, at once amused and compassionate toward himself and toward the world. He writes well, and his voice is welcoming and authentic. This book is a flower of spiritual candor, rooted firmly in the mud of daily life; experienced meditaters will appreciate the light confessional tone, and newcomers to the path with find in it a guide they can trust.

I have read this book several times and every time I read it, I find something new. It's a true gift! I use this book for my own practice and as the basis for a meditation class I teach. The simple practices have brought me peace and freedom and allowed me to live a more authentic life. This book has far-reaching effects. I can clearly see the positive impact my practice has on the people around me and how the exercises benefit those I teach. The lessons are designed to be incorporated into everyday life making it powerful, yet practical. This book offers you an opportunity to awaken to your true potential and participate in raising the consciousness of the entire planet!