Meditations and Rituals for Conscious Living : A Reflective Meditation Process

Meditations & Rituals for Conscious Living invites readers to reflect on weekly meditations that allow them to deepen their understanding of themes and practices that bring spiritual experience to life. The process combines reflective meditation - returning to a theme each day for a month, with ritual - an end-of-month ceremony that gives the theme substance here and now. Each month offers a new theme, with its accompanying ritual. Over the course of the year, these themes and practices provide a foundation for living each day consciously and with an open heart, creating a more alive and vital connection to the world, and to the sacred. The first week of January offers the following theme for daily reflective meditation: "Stillness is the ground of being from which all else emerges. It is within and behind every breath, every thought, every action. It is my starting point, my resting place, the home base to which I can return again and again." The monthly themes are: January - Stillness; February - Wholeness; March - Compassion & Lovingkindness; April - Getting Grounded; May - Mindfulness; June - Gratitude & Generosity; July - Oneness; August - Intention; September - Creating Possibility & Synchronicity; October - Paradox; November - Active Surrender; December - Living Consciously.

Nancy J. Napier, M.F.T., is a pyschotherapist and hypnotherapist in private practice in New York City. Her other books include "Sacred Practices for Conscious Living;" "Getting Through the Day;" and, "Recreating Your Self." Nancy has an extensive background in spirituality, meditation practices, and applying spiritual principles to everyday life, which she brings to her work with individuals and couples. She offers workshops for professionals and the public on subjects including the transpersonal dimensions of therapy, healing from abuse, living with intention, accessing future possibilities, and enhancing mindful living.

Carolyn M. Tricomi, Ph.D., is a Professor of Counseling at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the City University of New York. She is a senior trainer for the College, leading Human Dignity seminars for police both nationally and internationally, with a focus in Eastern Europe. Carolyn has an extensive background in spiritual and transpersonal approaches to psychotherapy which she brings to her work with individuals and couples in private practice. Her experience bringing spiritual principles into everyday life is reflected in her work with facilitating workshops on meditation and Breathwork, as well as leading women's circles that focus on ritual, self-healing, and living in the present moment.