Official Review: Meditation For Beginners by Madame Missou

[j p gilbert]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Meditation For Beginners" by Madame Missou.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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In her latest instalment of her "Compact - 45 minutes condense experience" series, Madame Missou's "Meditation For Beginners" introduces us to simple meditation techniques which, according to her, can be easily integrated into our daily lives. It is evident that Madame Missou is passionate about meditation, which in some places, makes this guide come across little authoritarian. But, if you can get passed that and there are gems to be had.

Madame Missou's small thirty-five page guide is packed with plenty of content. She begins with introductory theory and then moves on to numerous exercises spanning different aspects of meditation. She also finds time to make a clear distinction with hypnosis, by stating "hypnosis is a way to control our thoughts", whereas, meditation allows us to become more aware of our thoughts.

After discussing various preconceived ideas and blowing away a number of myths surrounding meditation, Madame Missou introduces us to the meditation chamber. She places a lot of importance upon setting up this space. However, nearly all of the exercises can be carried out during daily activities, so why this is needed us confusing to me.

As Madame Missou takes us through her exercises, the reader is able to explore different ways to start their journey. Choice is presented, which allows the reader to be drawn to an exercise that feels comfortable.

There are fifteen very comprehensive exercises from various schools of thought. They are simplistic in nature and range from breathing, walking and visualisation to name but a few. Unfortunately though, they are not easy to follow as they all contained within the main text instead of being presented more clearly.

Overall, I found Madame Missou's "Meditation for beginners" to be rushed and opinion based. Footnotes linking to her sources would allow us to follow her thought process and enhance her credibility. Also, guided walk-throughs would have enhanced the reader's experience of the exercises, as opposed to sometimes just pointing them to watch YouTube videos.

Furthermore, there is the paradox of time. Meditation for beginners is written with busy people in mind. There is the suggestion that it will not take long to read the exercises, and that it can be carried out on the move, instantly. Yet, the whole idea of meditation is one of focusing inwards, slowing down and calming our thoughts.

This, therefore, leads me to wonder if some things should not be rushed and a higher level of commitment than a few minutes a day, is required for any real gains. With this in mind, I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars.

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Meditation For Beginners
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[Tanaya]

Great review! I started meditating a few months ago and really enjoy it. I found the irony you pointed out near the end to be quite interesting. You had a lot of solid critiques that are well justified.

[bookowlie]

Great review! You brought up many good points. With these types of books, it's important that the instructions be clearly laid out and easy to follow. Good, constructive criticism.

[j p gilbert]

Great review! I started meditating a few months ago and really enjoy it. I found the irony you pointed out near the end to be quite interesting. You had a lot of solid critiques that are well justified.

Thank you for your comments. Like you I have meditated in the past and found it requires a certain amount of focus to quieten the mind. Admittedly, others may find the techniques described in the book useful and easier to apply.

-- 06 Dec 2015, 07:28 --

Great review! You brought up many good points. With these types of books, it's important that the instructions be clearly laid out and easy to follow. Good, constructive criticism.

Thank you for your comments. I was trying to be fair to the content and the way it was being presented. I hope that came across.

[kimmyschemy06]

some things should not be rushed and a higher level of commitment than a few minutes a day, is required for any real gains

I very much agree. Great review!

[j p gilbert]

some things should not be rushed and a higher level of commitment than a few minutes a day, is required for any real gains

I very much agree. Great review!

Thank you for commenting. The Dalai Lama first daily meditation is for three hours -
http://www.dalailama.com/biography/a-routine-day

[chytach18-]

Great review! I understand why you have rated the book with 2 stars. Madame Missou seems to be a very strong personality. I'm not sure if it helps her with her business. I personally would prefer somebody softer and empathic. It's meditation, after all.

[j p gilbert]

Great review! I understand why you have rated the book with 2 stars. Madame Missou seems to be a very strong personality. I'm not sure if it helps her with her business. I personally would prefer somebody softer and empathic. It's meditation, after all.

I agree. Hopefully, Madame Missou will take on board my comments and present http://www.OnlineBookClub.org with a revised edition. If she did,I would be happy to look at Meditation For Beginners again.

[quadbrookie]

Great review! I have meditated before and have no clue about being able to meditate while walking.

[j p gilbert]

Great review! I have meditated before and have no clue about being able to meditate while walking.

Same here. I am sure there might be some benefits - the act of consciously thinking about meditation, the power of the thought etc. The distractions would prevent me though.

[gali]

Nice review! You made good points about mediation.

[j p gilbert]

Nice review! You made good points about mediation.

Thanks. It is good of you to say so.