10% Happier by Dan Harris

I’ve talked about this book in my posts about meditation – Meditation for Beginners and Meditation Q & A. This book is the why of meditation, and comes from the voice of a skeptic, which probably speaks to more people (at least in the beginning). Dan Harris shares his story, and why he needed meditation to enter his life. It also talks about how to start slow and not put pressure on yourself to be a perfect meditator. This is the book that got me started on my meditation journey, and I know it’s had the same impact on many others.

Just Sit by Sukey Novogratz

Just Sit is all about the how of meditation and makes it so accessible to everyone. It also talks lots about the benefits of meditation – if you weren’t convinced you wanted to make meditation a part of your life before this, you’ll be convinced after. With all it’s pictures and visual cues, this is a quick, easy, digestible read.

Unplug by Suze Yale Schwartz

I was sold with Unplug right from the get-go. Even though I love all the cheesiness that can come with meditation, I really like the raw, get down to business, “this-stuff-is-really-good-for-you,” kind of perspective on meditation as well. Unplug does exactly that – it covers the who, what, where, when, why, how, of meditation, in a no non-sense way, and brings meditation to everyone, even if you’re the person that truly thinks they only have one minute a day, or less… Also, it’s now on my wish list to visit her meditation studio in LA.

Hope these books help get you on the mat!