The best meditation books to live more in the "now"

Why am I passionate about this?

Solan McClean has developed the practice of present moment awareness through the experience of driving using the PRND method and is best know as the author of Learning to Drive into the Now: PRND. He is active in many areas of self-realization including Zen meditation, Vipassana meditation, Kripalu Yoga, Dharma Yoga, and of course mindful driving.


I wrote...

Learning to Drive Into the Now: Prnd

By Solan McClean,

Book cover of Learning to Drive Into the Now: Prnd

What is my book about?

If you have ever desired to become a more attentive, compassionate, and liberated human being...NOW is the time. In the pages of this book you will learn to overcome your egoic mind patterns, and discover the path to finding your True Self. You will develop a practice of mindful driving in the current moment with dynamic awareness, and reveal the Truth of your Higher Self. By applying the techniques and practices illustrated by Solan McClean in "Learning to Drive", you will not only learn to drive with more attention, serenity, and compassion, but you will learn how to use your experiences to transform your life outside of your car. "Learning to Drive into the Now: PRND" is a great program for those who are new to self discovery, meditation, and practicing mindful awareness. If you've ever tried sitting meditation and couldn't put together a meaningful practice because you didn't have the time, were bored, or didn't feel you were getting results...this is the practice for you If you already have a meditation practice, you will find "Learning to Drive" a great addition to your learning library.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

Solan McClean Why did I love this book?

This is the book I recommend as a first read for those who want to experience present moment awareness and explore the practice of what is also called Vipassana meditation. Tolle lays out in very plain language the concepts and practices that make every moment a meditation.

By Eckhart Tolle,

Why should I read it?

23 authors picked The Power of Now as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

**CHOSEN BY OPRAH AS ONE OF HER 'BOOKS THAT HELP ME THROUGH'**

The international bestselling spiritual book, now with a new look for its 20th anniversary. Eckhart Tolle demonstrates how to live a healthier, happier, mindful life by living in the present moment.

************

'I keep Eckhart's book at my bedside. I think it's essential spiritual teaching. It's one of the most valuable books I've ever read.' Oprah Winfrey

To make the journey into The Power of Now we will need to leave our analytical mind and its false created self, the ego, behind. Although the journey is challenging, Eckhart…


Book cover of Be Here Now

Solan McClean Why did I love this book?

An older book that was born out of the first meditation movement in the 60s in western culture. A great overall primer on what it means to become awakened through meditative practice.

By Ram Dass,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Be Here Now as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Beloved guru Ram Dass tells the story of his spiritual awakening and gives you the tools to take control of your life in this “counterculture bible” (The New York Times) featuring powerful guidance on yoga, meditation, and finding your true self.

When Be Here Now was first published in 1971, it filled a deep spiritual emptiness, launched the ongoing mindfulness revolution, and established Ram Dass as perhaps the preeminent seeker of the twentieth century.

Just ten years earlier, he was known as Professor Richard Alpert. He held appointments in four departments at Harvard University. He published books, drove a Mercedes…


Book cover of Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives

Solan McClean Why did I love this book?

This book offers both a first hand story and a great guide to finding your own practice. Dan Millman lived this experience and he shares it beautifully. This booked inspired me to seek more practical experiences in meditation and a spiritual life.

By Dan Millman,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Way of the Peaceful Warrior as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An International Bestseller — Rediscover Life’s Larger Meaning and Purpose

The 20th Anniversary Edition with a New Afterword and Revisions by Dan Millman.

A book that could change your life: When Dan Millman was a young man, he expected that hard work would eventually bring a life of comfort, wisdom, and happiness. Yet, despite his many successes, he was haunted by the feeling that something was missing. Awakened by dark dreams one night, Dan found himself at a gas station with an old man named Socrates, and his world was changed forever. Guided by this eccentric old warrior, and inspired…


Book cover of Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings

Solan McClean Why did I love this book?

This collection of Zen and Pre-Zen writings and is as pertinent today as it was when it was initially published in 1957. A great book to read, pickup and just read a passage, or keep going back to for inspiration. I get something different every time I open it up.

By Paul Reps, Nyogen Senzaki,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Zen Flesh, Zen Bones as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"It has stayed with me for the last 30 years, a classic portraying Zen mind to our linear thinking." -Phil Jackson, Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls and author of Sacred Hoops

Zen Flesh, Zen Bones offers a collection of accessible, primary Zen sources so that readers can contemplate the meaning of Zen for themselves. Within the pages, readers will find:
101 Zen Stories, a collection of tales that recount actual experiences of Chinese and Japanese Zen teachers over a period of more than five centuries The Gateless Gate, the famous thirteenth-century collection of Zen koans Ten Bulls, a twelfth…


Book cover of Hidden Mind of Freedom

Solan McClean Why did I love this book?

Tulku wrote a great resource to facilitate learning and practicing meditation and opening up the mind to its innate healing powers and abilities to center and calm the soul. Another book that deserves to be read more than once.

By Tarthang Tulku,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hidden Mind of Freedom as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Hidden Mind of Freedom helps us to awaken our inner resources through meditation and self-observation. In simple, direct language Tarthang Tulku shows us how to activate the healing qualities latent within the mind. Breathing techniques, mantra, and visualization exercises foster deep relaxation, promoting clarity and concentration. Awareness of mind's hidden resources opens a gateway to lasting freedom and peace. An accessible text that has surprising depth on repeated reading.


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StairWell

By James Sale,

Book cover of StairWell

James Sale Author Of StairWell

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Poet Entrepreneur Consultant Innovator

James' 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

StairWell is the second volume of The English Cantos, where the Poet leaves the confines of Hell’s hospital ward and enters Purgatory. Following in the footsteps of Dante Alighieri, the Poet must climb the staircase to the Chapel of St. Luke, at once a real place of solace and sacredness in the midst of the blighted hospital, but also a metaphysical plane, accessible only to those who may pass the trials and tribulations of the purgatorial ascent.

On the journey, the Poet will meet figures both from his personal life, and those more well known, all fighting their own battles of self-improvement.

Combining deep psychology with the fantastical grandeur of an Arthurian legend, StairWell explores the fragility and wickedness of the human condition balanced with the transformational powers of Hope and Faith.

StairWell

By James Sale,

What is this book about?

From the misery of Hell’s corrupted wards, to the mountain of personal transcendence…

StairWell is the second volume of The English Cantos, where the Poet leaves the confines of Hell’s hospital ward and enters Purgatory. Following in the footsteps of Dante Alighieri, the Poet must climb the staircase to the Chapel of St. Luke, at once a real place of solace and sacredness in the midst of the blighted hospital, but also a metaphysical plane, accessible only to those who may pass the trials and tribulations of the purgatorial ascent.

On the journey, the Poet will meet figures both from…


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