Headspace guide to meditation & mindfulness, Andy Puddicombe, 2011 - When an idea comes with a complete suite of book, app and Netflix docuseries, you have to approach it with skepticism, even if its about meditation. It is with that I approached this book. I have near zero knowledge on the subject and have never meditated ever. I very much liked the way the book is written. It is genial, genuine and very approachable. Doesn’t alienate you with mumbo-jumbo and is straight-forward and practical.
It talks a fair bit about the benefits, clinically proven but somehow didn’t inspire me to try or keep up the practice. My favorite part hence was the “Approach” bit where some misconceptions that meditation is a state of mind to be created and maintained are cleared. I liked the analogy of sitting by the side of the road watching thoughts and emotions pass by, not trying to stop them but just acknowledging them. This idea by itself was worth my time spent reading it. The other ideas of mind being a wild horse, or blue sky with clouds as well was equally powerful and relatable.
There are several small incidents/stories from the author’s life as a monk around the world in several monasteries and various countries, told like parables to convey simple ideas which make the reading less tedious and more engaging. Bulk of the book is on practice and integrating meditation and mindfulness into everyday life (take10), the usefulness of which it would be too early for me to vouch for. As a naturally calm and mostly unstressed person, its a bit hard for me to push myself to try it. Maybe I will over time as it is something I have been wanting to integrate into my life as well, especially the mindfulness bit.
This book might be for people like me who have no clue about meditation than for others who are already practicing. I think this may even be hated as it tries to take something considered spiritual and personal, mainstream to the masses, in the process probably watering it down like what Bryan Adams did to rock (take10 is meditation 10 mins a day using a specific procedure) - but it would have achieved its purpose if it brings it to more people who benefit. 8/10