How to Meditate Without Even Trying

by Peter Russell

A refreshingly simple approach to meditation that replaces effort with ease and shows how true peace of mind is always closer than we think.

What if meditation didn’t require discipline, technique, or hours of sitting still but was actually something you looked forward to?

In How to Meditate Without Even Trying, Peter Russell shares the liberating insight at the heart of his decades-long the harder we try to meditate, the more we get in our own way. Russell shows that true meditation is instead about the practice of releasing effort, relaxing the mind, and gently returning to the present moment. In clear and calming prose, he walks readers through a minimalist approach to meditation designed to help

• cultivate presence without controlling their thoughts
• let go of resistance, tension, and emotional discomfort
• reclaim their natural inner calm — even in a noisy, busy world
• integrate mindfulness into daily life through “mini” and “micro” meditations
• rediscover the practice as a source of joy, clarity, and deep contentment

Rooted in both lived experience and timeless wisdom, this is a book to keep within arm’s reach — an invitation to stop striving and start being.

144 pages, Hardcover

Published April 21, 2026

About the author

Peter Russell M.A., D.C.S., (07 May 1946 - ) is a British author of ten books and producer of three films on consciousness, spiritual awakening and their role in the future development of humanity.

He has designed and taught personal development programs for businesses, and has remained a popular public speaker.
In 1965 he was awarded an Open Exhibition to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, to study Mathematics. In 1969, he gained a First Class Honours in Theoretical Physics and Experimental Psychology. He then went to Rishikesh, India, where he trained as a teacher of Transcendental Meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. In 1971, he gained a post-graduate degree in Computer Science. From 1971 to 1974, he studied for a Ph.D. on the psychophysiology of meditation at Bristol University.

Reviews

[James Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Informative

I loved this book for its very simple and informative message. It simplifies the whole idea of meditation. This process becomes a”look” at the Self within. During this time, the most important feature, according to the author is to have an inner sense of “gratitude “. This feeling of gratitude leads to a relaxation of the body and an opening of the mind.

This process allows the dealing with fear, anger, and anxiety. These negative ideas and thoughts are encouraged to be “brought in and resolved “. In fact, the author states that ignoring or pushing thoughts lie these to the”back of your mind” will never allow resolution or freedom.

I was particularly impressed how the author’s ideas were explained, in a simple friendly and positive way. No need to have previous meditation training to get real value from this read.

[Phil Calandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

"How to Meditate Without Even Trying" teaches a unique form of meditation from others in that it enables and provides a natural state of restful awareness. Most other forms of meditation focus on one's breath, a flame and other environmental things. Unfortunately, the effort expended makes it harder to relax and difficult to go into deeper levels of silence. It should be noted that the author, Peter Russell, learned and taught Transcendental Meditation and practices it today. There is great similarity between TM and Effortless Meditation. The actual practice of Peter Russell, Effortless Meditation, in this book appears rather basic and scanty in terms of beginning a practice. The author offers a five-week Audio Course that may be more beneficial.

[Peter Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Russell described this book as being suitable for those just starting a meditation practice and also for those who have been meditating for many years. I agree. It is clear, accessible, concise and practical in a way that will be helpful to those with little or no prior experience. He also draws on his 50 years of experience as he gives helpful insights and suggestions that will benefit most of those who have also been meditating for many years. In a crowded field, this book stands out and can be embraced by just about anyone with an interest in meditation.