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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Inspirational, Mental Health, Self Help

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.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A genuinely refreshing take on a subject that often gets weighed down by technique. Russell's central point — that meditation isn't something you do, but something that happens when you stop trying so hard to make it happen — sounds almost too simple until you actually sit with it. Drawing on decades of practice and his background in physics and consciousness research, he gently dismantles the effortful striving that most of us bring to the cushion and points to something much more natural underneath. Short, clearly written and quietly profound. I've recommended it to several people who've bounced off more conventional meditation books, and to a one they've found it useful. The kind of book you finish in an evening and think about for months. Five stars.

[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.

[Amy Hearst · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED the first half, then I got a bit lost when he gets into the "body" "self" stuff - very similar to Eckart Tolle. At the end, he summarizes some key points to meditation which I think are super good.
He talks about micro meditation which I LOVE.
He's very good - I did the audio version of this book. Now I'd like to check out some of his other teachings/writings.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible, commonsensical, almost-too-simple approach to TM-style effortless meditation and secular nonduality. Pretty good, if slight.

The thing I most wanted to say though is that this book is made up of chopped up and rearranged bits of his earlier book, Letting Go Of Nothing. The books are maybe 75% the same. This one's a little better though, so ignore LGON is my advice.

[Kimberly Monaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading How to Meditate Without Even Trying, trust me, you’ll want to give it a go! Read my full review: https://booksuplift.com/how-to-medita...

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and practical

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent hints and tips for keeping your attention where it belongs!!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

5. Good advice from someone who has his 10,000 hours in the subject of meditation.

[Frances Mena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring