Basics of Meditation: The First Steps to Changing Your Mind and Your World - Softcover

Hilton, Julia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1604948752 ISBN 13: 9781604948752

Publisher: Wheatmark, 2013

Synopsis

In its most basic form, meditation is very simple. But it is also a deep and complex practice that can take years of study to understand and even more to master. This book, the first in a series intended to give a thorough explanation of meditation practice and practical applications for the modern world, will introduce you to the basics of meditation. While most information available about meditation comes down to us through the world's great religions, meditation taught as a secular practice is accessible and helpful to everyone, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity. Meditation is powerful enough to shed its religious robes and walk out into the world on its own so that it can benefit people of any religion or belief. This book will help you start a powerful and profound practice of working with your mind.

About this title

About the Author

Julia Ferganchick Hilton, PhD, earned advanced degrees from the University of Arizona. In 1999 she survived a major airline crash, which set her on a new course of study about how we deal with trauma and life. Julia began a serious practice of meditation in 2005. She completed the Asian Classics Institute's extensive program of Buddhist philosophy, and traveled to Europe, Asia, and India to further her studies. 

In 2007 she spent two months volunteering and studying in a remote monastery of the Kagyu lineage in eastern Tibet. She completed advanced studies in meditation and eastern philosophy at Diamond Mountain University, and has completed certification in the Yoga Studies Institute Classics of Yoga and Tibetan Heart Yoga programs. In 2006 she began teaching meditation regularly both in her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, and throughout the world. Julia specializes in teaching meditation practices that are accessible and beneficial to a wide range of people who seek to improve their lives.

Julia cared for her husband, Charles Hilton, after his diagnosis of terminal cancer in 2012 with the help of home hospice. During that time, Julia herself was diagnosed with breast cancer and the BRCA 1 gene mutation. She underwent a radical double mastectomy in April 2013. She now uses her experiences as a cancer survivor and meditation as a basis to help others who face physical and emotional challenges.

From the Back Cover

In its most basic form, meditation is very simple. But it is also a deep and
complex practice that can take years of study to understand and even more to
master. This book, the first in a series intended to give a thorough explanation of
meditation practice and practical applications for the modern world, will introduce
you to the basics of meditation.

While most information available about meditation comes down to us
through the world's great religions, meditation taught as a secular practice is
accessible and helpful to everyone, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity. Meditation
is powerful enough to shed its religious robes and walk out into the world on its own
so that it can benefit people of any religion or belief. This book will help you start
a powerful and profound practice of working with your mind.

"...Julia has created an easy and understandable read and gratefully it is not
full of jargon or complexities. I found it a joy to read and know others will have
the same experience."
-- Lloyd Field PhD,
author of Business and the Buddha: Doing Good by Doing Well

"Learning the basics of meditation is a useful thing for all of us, and Julia
has a unique and sincere ability to share her own personal experience and also
teach and inspire those around her."
-- Jeff Gitterman, CEO of Gitterman & Associates Wealth Management,
and author of Beyond Success: Redefining the Meaning of Prosperity

"This compact, sensible book sparkles with warmth and clarity..."
-- Irene O'Garden, author of Women on Fire

From the Inside Flap

"Julia's book is like gentle nature itself. We all
know the story of 'throw a pebble in the middle of a
pond and watch the concentric circles move out to
the shoreline.' This first book in this series gently
guides the reader to the rationale for meditation and
how the process begins. Julia has created an easy and
understandable read and gratefully it is not full of
jargon or complexities. I found it a joy to read and
know others will have the same experience."
-- Lloyd Field, PhD, author of Business and the
Buddha: Doing Good by Doing Well

"This compact, sensible book sparkles with
warmth and clarity. From enormous personal
trauma, Julia has created enormous personal peace,
and in this gentle guide, she shows us how. Her
helpful tips for the beginner (also good reminders
for experienced meditators) are presented without
"religious robes," as she says. It makes this guide
useable and giftable by those who prefer their inner
explorations free of such affiliations. The moment
I finished reading it, I could not wait to give it to a
friend herself in need of peace. How glad I am that
Julia is writing a series of these meditation guides,
for she is a wise, encouraging friend for the ongoing
journey."
-- Irene O'Garden, author of Women on Fire

"Imagine you could give the gift of true
happiness and contentment to anyone you love, to
family or friend. With great simplicity and wise
insightfulness this is what teacher and author Julia
Hilton offers in this wonderful book on meditation.
She begins with the simplest steps and leads you into
a mature practice that will change your life and the
lives of those you love while increasing your capacity
for compassion exponentially. Believe me, it will heal
and transform your whole world."
-- Ron Starbuck, Poet/Author of When Angels
Are Born and Wheels Turning Inward

"Dr. Julia Hilton has composed a thoughtful,
insightful, and thorough exploration of the timeless
practice of meditation for the beginner. Filled with
personal anecdotes based on years of experience, the
Basics of Meditation offers the perfect foundation for
anyone interested in exploring the transformational
nature of a contemplative way of life."
-- Mark Trippetti, Creative Strategist,
New York City

Edition details

• Publisher: Wheatmark
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1604948752
• ISBN 13: 9781604948752
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168