Relax and Be Aware: Mindfulness Meditations

Shambhala.com; Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Mindfulness is one of the Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief (HelpGuide.org)

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Relax and Be Aware   (shambhala.com)

Since mindfulness is known to be so physically, mentally, and spiritually beneficial, why not practice it right now? Why not practice it every moment?

Burmese Theravada Buddhist Master U Tejaniya Sayadaw writes that we can indeed practice it every moment. The key is not forceful effort, but rather a continuous gentle remembering of our intention to renew our awareness.

Thirty-one short chapters — “A Month of Daily Life Meditations” — show precisely how to build a daily life meditation practice that steadily develops relaxation, refreshment, and enlightenment.

“The right time to meditate is all day long, from the moment we wake up and open our eyes, until the moment we fall asleep at night,” writes Tejaniya Sayadaw. “If you are practicing correctly with right effort, it will definitely bring peace and joy.”

Reviews

Ven. Tejaniya's previous book is great.

"When I first met the Sayadaw in Myanmar [Burma], it was like I had stum­bled across a hidden treasure of wisdom that I knew would change my life. This book may very well do the same for you."

—Alexis Santos, insight meditation teacher and senior student of U Tejaniya Sayadaw

"This is an enormously helpful approach to mindfulness training. With a focus on the states of mind wherever we are, Relax and Be Aware is an invitation to well-being and freedom."

—Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart

"Relax and Be Aware reminds us what is essential to mature mindful­ness practice. To be wholly present beyond a meditation cushion or retreat requires intention in each thing we do.

It is this persistent effort to cultivate an observing mind that enables us to see things as they are and not as we wish them to be. This powerful way of being nourishes wisdom that liberates us from suffering."

—Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness

"Sayadaw offers simple, clear instructions for being aware. While simple, clear instructions do not mean the practice is easy, if we are willing to engage, they are very effective. His instructions and daily reflections encourage us to cultivate awareness and wisdom all the time — not simply in formal sitting and walking practice, but in the fullness of our lives."

—Andrea Fella, Co-Guiding Teacher of Insight Meditation Center, Redwood City, California

Select Reader Reviews

Arunothia

(Arunothia · ★★★★★ · Feb. 6, 2021) I usually steer away from reading about Buddhism other than what's taught by S.N. Goenka-ji and his way of Vipassana [free insight meditation 10-day vegetarian retreats].

This mainly stems from my strong belief that eating meat is against dhamma and practices where this is not emphasized bothers me so much that I don't want to listen beyond that. I'm glad I didn't do that with this book...

Arunothia Marappan’s review of Relax and Be Aware: Mindfulness Meditations for Clarity, Confidence, and Wisdom (goodreads.com)