Editor’s Comment: I like to think my life was “saved” by Amy Skerry and Paul Gellman who led me to meditation practice back in the 1990s. The stress of starting a business while raising a family had led me to physical maladies that were anxiety-induced. For eight years I sat most days and attended group meditation weekly. Now, many years later I can come to the moment, particularly in times of greatest stress just by noticing my anxiety and actions that result from the clutter. Jon Kabat-Zinn was one teacher and I’ve long recommended his books, retreats and audios on the subject but I will now add this great book to my collection. It’s more thorough than anything I’ve read and keeps things western and simple. If you struggle with anxiety, consider meditation; if you struggle with meditation, read this book. As the authors point out, meditation is not something to “do well”, in fact I still struggle with monkey mind when I sit. But it’s life changing just to notice your mind and where it’s taking you.
Favorite excerpt: “Mindfulness is a state of noticing, which means not worrying about the future or the past”.