Customer Reviews

Mindfulness For Dummies (Book + CD)

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I began reading this book in preparation for an eight week course in Mindfulness hosted by it's Author. At first I was a little sceptical as to how a subject such as meditation might fit into the somewhat formulaic structure of the Dummies franchise. I needn't have worried! The writing is clear and inspiring, the exercises (and tips) neatly segmented and explained.

The book (and CD) not only assisted me in the preparation and completion of the course itself, but have also acted as an amazing source of reference over the subsequent weeks, months and hopefully years to come!

My Mac for Dummies book has long since seen a page turn but this one I feel is unlikely to be gathering much in the way of dust...

If you are new to Mindfulness I heartily recommend this book. The author Shamash Alidina acts as a brilliant guide to help you begin your journey to discover a different way of living. Those lucky enough to read the book will find it hard to put down. Chapter by chapter Shamash guides you through meditation practises that will help you live a 'richer' life and combat depression and anxiety, amongst other afflictions. He writes not just for 'Dummies' but for those of us fed up with rushing from one place to another, always stressed, never enjoying the things we should be and shows us how to establish a life we would rather be living. A foolproof guide, that really is one of the best 'manuals' I have read, coupled with good humour and an enjoyable style, Shamash has given us a 'Bible' on how to cope with everyday life in a world where stress seems inevitable and shows us how to deal with it. The tips and meditation practises he explains are excellent and really work! The CD is the perfect accompaniment to a book that should be compulsory on all bookshelves.

An absolutely brilliant book that assists you in dealing with unwanted thoughts, feelings and unhelpful lifestyles, so you can become a happier, more compassionate human being. Put it on the National Curriculum I say!

This book is brilliant for people who already like mindfulness and beginners alike. I have been using mindfulness for nearly a year now but there is lots for me to learn and gain from this book. I have also brought some copies for some friends who have no experience because it is written so clearly and sectioned so well that it will allow people to learn at their own pace.
The accompanying cd has several meditations of different lengths and types all in a nice style.
Shamash's writing style really is very accessible and friendly. It is a book you can read through, dip into, or use as a reference book.
I personally started to use mindfulness for chronic pain but it has made life a lot calmer and easier in other ways as well as helping with pain.

This is a good and clear guide to practice of mindfulness at any level. I think of mindfullness as meditiation without any belief system (religion) attached.

Lots of useful pointers, guides and personal practice thoughts from an established practitioner and teacher.

Easy to dip in and just follow your own route from there, with the added bonus of the cd though I havent tried that yet. Enjoy!

I have been looking into mindfulness for a couple years now, but I wish that I had found this book first.

Continuing the excellent standard of the dummies books, this book hold you by the hand and walks you into Mindfulness step by step in a controlled way. I never once felt like I was gtting left behind, and my understanding of this great subject has vastly improved. The CD add's to the experience- especially for those with an auditory preference.

Because I had been reading up on the topic for some time- I did know a bit already, but the book never once patronized me, or made me feel like I was out of sync.

Would definitely recommend.

As with all "for dummies" books a useful and helpful introduction to learning mindfulness meditation and embedding mindfulness into one's daily life. The enclosed CD is very useful in enabling exercises to be carried out and the author's approach is kindly, facilitative and sympathetic. Definitely a "must" for those who want to expand their daily consciousness and live an even fuller life.

I've just finished reading the book and wanted to share with everyone how wonderful it is.
I already practise breathing and mantra meditation, and wanted to find out more about mindfulness in particular, as it seems to be such an integral part of meditation in general. I've bought and read other books on the subject and enjoyed them. This book, however, is the first one that's really got me started on mindful practices. I'm starting small, and Shamash makes it easy to do just that.
He writes clearly, knowledgably and welcomingly, and has certainly inspired my curiosity and keenness to get started!
So far I have listened to the CD but haven't done the meditations, as I tend to prefer to meditate on my own. I'll use the CD though, when I'm feeling particularly tired or low in energy. His neutral and pleasant voice will be both soothing and helpful, I'm sure.
I would like to thank him for this book. It's started something for me!

Having read Kabat-Zinn's 'Full Catastrophe Living', I bought this `Dummies'book as I needed a simple guide to Mindfulness. This book is excellent, covering all aspects that a beginner needs to learn, without being patronising or preachy.It is an ideal partner to the Kabat-Zinn book; there is no conflict of interests or methods. I have not yet read the whole book,but,looking ahead and dipping into other chapters, I can see that I will find all the guidance,and encouragement I will need to practise Mindfulness.
Currently, I have reached the section on `Full Body Scan',and the accompanying Audio CD is indispensable for this part,as Alidina gently talks the listener through the scan,often anticipating any potential problems, just before we encounter them. This book is suitable for anyone, from any cultural or faith background, or none.
One small problem-I think my copy of the Audio CD has a small glitch-the body scan commentary omits the right big toe. Not to worry, I have just acknowledged and accepted its absence.

I adore this book! It really does do what it says on the cover! The author has a wonderful way with words, and so easily makes you think "Oh yes, I hadnt thought of that". If you need help with stress, and how to "just be", then please please get this book! There is also an accompanying CD which gives further instruction on how to mediitate and live for the now. I cannot praise it enough, the most helpful, soothing and "stays with me" book I have ever read, love it!!

I have taken a short Mindfulness Meditation course in the past, so not all of this was new to me. I found the book provided a good introduction to mindfulness meditation and a very useful reminder. The CD is excellent! If you want to start practising meditation, then this will be a good book to start with.