NEW WORLD MEDITATION

Gray (Focusing—Learn from the Masters, 2013) and Truslow offer a lively, profound meditation guide.

The authors begin this concise yet thorough handbook with a discussion of the inner workings of the brain. It focuses on the idea that early memories and actions provide the foundation for humans’ self-images and cognitive thought patterns. Gray points out that the resulting need for understanding and awareness is a chronic human problem (“We are constantly trying to meet the expectations of our parents and what we perceive as the requirements of society, rather than following our own personal truth”). New World Meditation, they believe, is the answer to realizing human potential, as it offers a total connection between the physical and mental realms, which the authors call “Body/Mind Wisdom.” It’s built upon the Buddhist practice of mindfulness meditation, and in the book’s second part, Gray and Truslow guide readers on how to build a daily New World Meditation practice. They put inexperienced readers at ease by addressing the difficulties of “resistance,” and providing advice on how to achieve more advanced levels of self-inquiry. In the third section, the authors go into more detail about the practice’s healing powers, and deal with issues of fear, shame, abandonment and forgiveness. They close the book by talking about existential crises and achieving awakening. Overall, this is an engaging look at the potential of New World Meditation, which is enhanced by interwoven anecdotes that draw parallels to the authors’ own lives. This personal touch lends the book an authoritative but inviting tone. Additionally, the authors’ writing style and adherence to a logical structure makes the sections about history, medicine and the finer details of neurology fit together seamlessly. Mindfulness is both a trendy and a timeless subject, and the authors provide a fine introduction to it that allows readers to expand their own practice. 

A standout look at the power of New World Meditation.