Diana Lang has created the most marvelous presentation of the practice of meditation that I have ever seen. For me, meditation is about stillness and simplicity. How can an author address this in words? Words have weight. Words clutter. Diana puts simple, beautiful words together to show a practical, accessible, welcoming approach to the beginner. She somehow embodies, at the same time, in the same words, the profound truths of this ancient practice, speaking to the life long meditator, and any other dedicated spiritual seeker who wishes to hear. From the gently unfolding lotus in the cover art to the spoken words on the CD, this work is a jewel of elegant simplicity. I have read, re-read and listened countless times, letting the words move into an enduring harmonic tone. When I first studied meditation, I read Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Shambhala Library) Reading both is well worthwhile. If you can only read one, I recommend Opening To Meditation.

The best teachers are the ones who guide you to your own inner knowing, encouraging you to trust your self and your path. Diana Lang is such a great teacher.
This little gem of a book is both a gentle and powerful tool. Simple. Potent. I love it!
But, I love the CD even more. The meditations are beautiful and soothing. Diana's voice is like a balm, gently reminding you that everything is alright, that you're alright. But there is also a refreshing authenticity in her words. I use the CD often , and it's always wonderful. No matter what's going on with me at the time, the meditations bring me to a place in myself that's more clear and relaxed. And more true.

Best meditation book ever!

I love this book! As an international life coach, I have given this book to many clients and all have loved it. A typical comment is something like..."Oh, I thought meditation was going to be boring and hard. This was wonderfully relaxing AND I felt so much better after listening to the wonderful, soothing CD even the first time. Amazing!"
It's a great book and CD. If you're new to meditation, it really is your perfect introduction.

I have read all of the reviews posted thus far, and I heartily concur with the many reviewers who love this book and have gained so much from Diana Lang's style of teaching. Many people are interested in the idea and purported benefits of meditation but are reluctant to try it, imagining it to be something too foreign or esoteric, or just too difficult. Do we have to sit in a particular position for a particular amount of time? Do we have to breathe in a certain way? Must we understand the meaning of words like "prana" and "chi"? Do we have to achieve some spiritual "level" to meditate effectively?

This small but substantive book is written in familiar, uncomplicated, non-threatening language, gently guiding the beginning meditator into the soft space of his or her own inner awareness. And on the CD, Diana's voice has such an intimate, compassionate quality, that not only do her words take root, but the resonance of her voice takes root, too. After listening as often as I have, especially at night when sleep is sometimes elusive, the sound of her voice has as much of an affect on my inner quiet as the message she delivers.

Also, as others have noted, the book is quite beautiful, the cover art a perfect metaphor.

The book is pretty and well written; however, the woman's voice on the CD is so irritating to me that I can't use it. There's no use trying to meditate when you're blood pressure is rising. Others may not have this problem.