Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

I've always been intrigued by the idea of meditation- to a degree some of the most free times I've spent is through playing music and at those moments of completely removing ones self from ones surroundings and surrendering to the moment- most musicians will understand this feeling. The emotional connection to everyone around you and to the music. It's exhilarating, and the only way I've managed to explain it properly to non musicians is to compare it to the moment of making love to someone, when the world disappears and your only goal is to merge with that person before you. The moment is all that matters, then and there.

Now what does this have to do with the book? Quite simply, through some of the meditative exercises
Harris offered in this. I managed, whilst only briefly, to achieve a similar feeling. It lasted only seconds, but it was there- and these exercises, combined with music practice have been having some effect on personal anxiety and well being recently.

It may not be for everyone, and this book really only serves as a basic introduction, but I'll definitely move forward and read more on the subject. Especially in light of reading some of the studies on the subject that Harris quoted in the book. The evidence towards mindfulness and meditation is growing, and being thoroughly explored within neuroscience and Psychology now- and in combination with stoic philosophy, I can see it have a positive effect personally.

I'd recommend this to anyone, like me, who is sceptical but interested in meditation and its benefits.