Meditation is an ancient eastern personal development practice now being discovered by modern western civilization. The great interest in meditation today stems from its benefits in stress reduction, healing, and spirituality. More people than ever are discovering the meditative approach through classes, books, tapes, and online. The rewards range from physical health to peace of mind to spiritual fulfillment.

At the same time, there is confusion and even mistrust. With so many meditation "experts" selling their services, newcomers don't know where to turn. They need to know about the different types of meditation, whether or when a teacher is necessary, what the pitfalls are, and most importantly, how to begin.

This non-sectarian, practical 50-page beginners' guide provides a clear and concise definition of meditation and its' benefits; succinct answers to common questions that arise, and basic instructions for starting and maintaining a meditation practice for health, growth, and fulfillment.

Meditation - Beginners' Questions & Answers includes helpful hints, breathing exercises, simple meditation instructions, and resources for further investigation.

Sections include: + Why Meditate? + Different Kinds of Meditation. + Is a Teacher Necessary? + Getting Started. +What is the Purpose of Ritual? Hints on Relaxation, Visualization, Mantra, and a Bibliography.

Excerpt: "Meditation involves some form of focussing or "centering." We could use the term "concentration" so long as it doesn't imply knitting one's brow and getting a headache. We are speaking of a very natural, uncomplicated act of attention. The most common focal point for developing meditative concentration is the breath. It is always there, can be immediately felt in the center of one's body, and operates on the subtle interface between the voluntary and involuntary nervous systems. Two breathing techniques follow. The first is a yoga cleansing breath; the second is a breathing meditation called passive breath awareness. (You may wish to pre-record these instructions and play them back during your practice.)"

Lonny J. Brown, Ph.D. is the author of "Self-Actuated Healing - The Alternative to Doctors & Drugs is Within You" and "Enlightenment in Our Time". He has contributed to America Online's Alternative Medicine Forum, Alternative Health Practitioner, Yoga Journal and many other progressive Web sites and publications. Dr. Brown teaches Mind/Body Healing, Stress Management, Yoga and Meditation at hospitals, schools, and businesses throughout the US., and offers holistic health counseling by email, phone, and in person in the New England region of the US. His Web features essays, tapes, books, and links to a variety of integrative health sources as well as Enlightenment Web sites.