Start Here Now: An Open-Hearted Guide to the Path and Practice of Meditation

by Susan Piver

A concise, jargon-free guide to learning what Buddhist meditation is—and isn't—with advice on how to start a meditation practice

If you want to meditate but have no idea where to begin, then best-selling author and Buddhist teacher Susan Piver is here to help. Her book Start Here Now contains everything you need to know in order to begin—and maintain—your own meditation practice. Piver covers a variety of essential topics such

· What meditation is (and what it is not)
· The three most common misconceptions about meditation
· How to overcome obstacles that get in the way of your practice
· The positive effects of meditation on relationships, creativity, and difficult emotions
· Frequently asked questions

Piver presents meditation as something more than the self-help technique du jour—it is a path to love, joy, and courage. This book contains two self-paced meditation programs to help you start here—now!

Genres: Nonfiction, Buddhism, Meditation, Self Help, Spirituality, Psychology, Religion

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Susan Piver is the New York Times bestselling author of many books, including the award-winning "How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life", "The Wisdom of a Broken Heart", "Start Here Now: An Open-Hearted Guide to the Path and Practice of Meditation", and "The Four Noble Truths of Love: Buddhist Wisdom for Modern Relationships".

Piver has been a practicing Buddhist since 1993 and graduated from a Buddhist seminary in 2004. She is an internationally acclaimed meditation teacher, known for her ability to translate ancient practices into modern life. Her work has been featured on the Oprah show, TODAY, CNN, and in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and others.

In 2013, she launched the Open Heart Project, the largest virtual mindfulness community in the world with 20,000 members.

Reviews

[Jason Pettus · Rating 4 out of 5]

As part of a big transformation that's been going on in my life over the last year and a half (including going back to school last year at the age of 47, so to completely change what I do for a day job), I have started adding several new-agey-sounding things to my regular routine, including now seeing a therapist twice a month, practicing "radical empathy" towards people who piss me off, and doing a daily "gratitude journal" as well as meditating, albeit a completely secular, atheistic form of meditation that's much more akin to medical health advice than to spiritualism. But after recently sharing my insights with a friend about what I've been learning from these new activities, and having that friend remark that it sounded "surprisingly Buddhist," I thought it might be worth it to pick up a handful of completely random books on Buddhist meditation from my local library, just to see what they were talking about and whether it really does jibe with what I've been learning from my secular explorations of meditation (more commonly referred to by us non-religious types as "mindfulness").

This is the first one I read, by a media-savvy Buddhist who's been on Oprah among many other places, and who apparently runs the largest online mindfulness community on the planet, and I have to say it was pretty good; a systematic look at meditation for complete beginners, the eye-rolling language of so many of these kinds of books is kept to a minimum here, with Piver instead talking in a casually conversational and non-pretentious tone about both the "high concepts" of meditation (like the history of Buddhism, its various schools of thought, and how these differing schools will affect the way you meditate based on which you follow), and about the nitty-gritty stuff like literally how you should hold your body while meditating, how long you should do it, what it might mean if you keep falling asleep in the middle of sessions, and a lot more.

Now, that said, despite Piver insisting that Buddhist meditation is not a "religious practice," it's hard to discuss Buddhism without bringing a lot of spirituality into it, the part of all this stuff that as an atheist always goes south for me; and I have to confess, I also didn't care for the parts about building a little shrine where you meditate, starting your sessions with a "request to the universe for blessings," or any of that other stuff that to my humanist ears starts sounding an awful lot like a Portlandia comedy sketch. Ultimately I like to think of my meditation practice as simply another self-directed step towards better health, much like how I switched several years ago to an all "Mediterranean Diet" eating plan; and just as I'm not actually a North African even though I now often eat like one, I also feel like I can learn beneficial things from Buddhism even while not actually being a Buddhist (specifically in this case, realizing that when I told my friend how meditation has been great for separating whether I feel good or bad about myself on any given day away from any good or bad things that actually happened to me that day, I was pretty much accidentally repeating what Buddhists have to say about non-attachment to suffering). So in that sense, this was a quite worthwhile read, and it's recommended for others who are interested in meditation whether or not they're interested in becoming Buddhists as well.

[Jill Salahub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start Here Now: An Open-Hearted Guide to the Path and Practice of Meditation by Susan Piver is brilliant. It’s an easy to digest overview of the practice of meditation, just what a reader would need to begin, but also includes a wealth of resources to support deepening the practice. The book includes what meditation is and is not, gives an overview of various types of meditation, discusses the obstacles to mediation, and considers how the practice impacts specific aspects of one’s life. The book also provides an easy to follow seven day meditation challenge to help the reader get started, along with a plan for a weekend meditation retreat at home. The other resources made available are extensive – online materials created specifically as companions to the book, three different appendixes (an F.A.Q, a list of important figures in the Buddhadharma, and other resources, including books and in person support for the practice), and of course, the Open Heart Project.

This book follows in the tradition of the best dharma books, ones like Pema Chödrön’s When Things Fall Apart and Sakyong Mipham’s Turning the Mind into an Ally. One way it does so is that each chapter is relatively short and to the point, clear and direct. One doesn’t need a lot of time to be able to read a chapter, and there is plenty in each chapter to keep one in contemplation for some time. And, it would be easy after having read the book from beginning to end the first time, to go back and consult it a chapter at a time, in no particular order, as each one stands alone in the wisdom it communicates at the same time as it adds to the whole of the book. I know I will come back to this book again and again, flipping directly to the chapter I need, as a reminder, as inspiration.

This book is perfect for someone new to the practice of meditation. However, I’ve practiced meditation for nine years, the last three with Susan’s direct instruction, and I found myself underlining multiple somethings on every page of this book.

The foundation of this book is Susan Piver’s many years of practice and teaching, and it is infused with her love of the practice and her students. She ends the book by sharing her personal story of how she made her way to meditation. The story of her own life, how she found her path is an inspiration. Her good nature, wisdom, kindness, and sense of humor fill the book with genuine warmth. To read this book, to make use of the resources offered truly is to have your very own personal meditation instructor. Susan Piver makes the practice of meditation accessible, possible, and even desirable.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice beginner book on meditation. I really liked how concise she was while always reminding the beginner meditator to give ourselves grace.

My favorite part is when she writes how that there is no wrong way and no right way to meditate. She helps to take away the pressure. Her tips are helpful and I appreciated the q and a at the end.

[KWinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may seem silly that it took me a week to read a teeny tiny book, but it is a tiny book full of big ideas. I couldn't just read it in one sitting. Here is the thing, it's a great starter book for mediation. Also very helpful-the videos on the website that go along with the book. The cat in the videos gets five stars in my opinion!!!
Great read. Well done. It really helped me decide where I want to go next with my brand new practice.

[CA Ram Melam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Start Here Now by Susan Piver is a compassionate and accessible guide for anyone interested in meditation. Piver, a respected meditation teacher, demystifies the practice with warmth and clarity, making it approachable even for absolute beginners. The book offers straightforward instructions on beginning meditation, covering everything from posture to mindset. Piver also explores meditation's emotional and spiritual benefits, encouraging readers to approach it with openness and curiosity rather than strict discipline.

One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on meditation as a flexible, individualized practice rather than a rigid routine. Piver addresses common challenges and misconceptions, helping readers overcome obstacles and cultivate self-compassion. While not a comprehensive manual on all forms of meditation, Start Here Now is perfect for readers seeking an inviting, non-intimidating entry point into mindfulness. With its gentle guidance, this book serves as both an introduction and an encouragement to bring greater awareness and peace into everyday life.

[KJ Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource and warmly written guide for those interested in beginning and exploring meditation practice.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book on the history and lineage of meditation techniques and clear instruction. Definitely appreciated the perspective and believe it will have a positive and invigorating effect on my practice. It gave me a lot to think about when it comes to following one method of meditation and not combining different lineages. With our western culture being such a melting pot of ideas and theories it is easy to take on the practice of picking and choosing the parts of different beliefs that "work" for us. Susan gives a very compelling case for really doing the research to uncover the practice that speaks to you and then getting an actually teacher. Definitely got me thinking and being more intentional in how I structure my practice time ... all in a very positive way!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this title because I was reading a description for a workshop given by Susan Piver. I found a list of her books and decided to read this one. A great book for anyone interested in learning about meditation, whether you have meditated before or not. Easy to understand. Less than 200 pages including a question and answer chapter and a list of resources. Many non-fiction books tend to be wordy, this one is not, which I appreciate. It's to the point. One of those books that you might find yourself taking notes, if that is something you do. Author explains that there are different types of meditation techniques. Makes suggestions to help start a practice. This book is a good reference with suggestions of other books to read about meditation, Buddhism, etc.

[Cal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second first on meditation. The first one being "the miracle of mindfulness." Unfortunately, a lot of the points laid out by Thich Nhat Hanh were brought up in this book, so not much new material was brought to the table for me. I would recommend this book if you have read zero in regards to mediation, as it is an easy read and makes its points easy to understand. Although, would not recommend to people with some research into the field. Personally.

[Matt Root · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard an interview with the author where she laughed at herself, saying that she knew the last thing the world needed was another book on meditation, but that she apparently had a book on meditation inside her that needed to get out. I for one am very glad she did. It's concise, humorous, helpful, and cuts through a lot of crap.

[Dong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This kickstarted my morning meditation practice (again), so it was definitely effective. It's a short book and you can read it in one seating. Learned a lot about the different types of meditation and a lot more details / traditions behind the one the author practices. Overall it was informative and enjoyable. Easy to understand with actionable points / steps for the reader to follow

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Susan Piver. I've attended two meditation retreats that she's led, and in each, she has been insightful, clear, and warm. This book is a great place to start if you want to investigate meditation. It also useful bits for those who have been meditating for a while. And it's a great reminder of the instructions!

[Fabrizio Trotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Piver does an outstanding and generous job with her Open Heart community, introducing people from all ovet the World to meditation and Buddhism. This book is a great stepping stone to get into meditation, even if you have done it for a while and miss some of the theoretical and practical framework that goes with it. Well written, quick, personal, an easy recommendation.

[Jane]

I don’t feel I can rate this book because it is the only one on meditation I’ve ever read. I attended an introductory class on meditation at my local library. The teacher recommended several books, with this one at the top of the list. The book seems to have a lot of good information and is not intimidating. Whether I will succeed in trying/learning to meditate remains an open question.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a good, vague overview of meditation. I'm not sure why, but I was not expecting it to be so personal from the author, and some of the chapters frustrated me with their fillers, but overall, I enjoyed a springboard into the world of mindfulness-awareness.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the recent books I've read have led me to start researching meditation. This is a good book to read if you want to start meditating.

However, I'm just not sold by the author as far as the purpose of meditation. There are too many times she says, "trust me".

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent guide for those new to meditation. Her advice is simple and well-constructed. Be aware that she is teaching a specific kind of meditation and so some of her recommendations may be different from what you have heard from other sources.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice on starting a meditation practice. Especially interested in the weekend meditation retreat plan, will give that a try.

[Claudia Yahany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Estos asuntos son mejores con menos palabras, sin promesas vacías o intensiones inalcanzables. Empieza aquí y ahora.

[Leslie Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this while I was taking a class with the author. Susan Piver is a wonderful teacher and she makes meditation accessible for all.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this. It gave me exactly the grounding and propose I have been looking for in my meditation practice.

[Nicole G · Rating 5 out of 5]

clear, concise, and non intimidating introduction to meditation 😍

[Adam Kościuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent intro!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! A short memoir/how-to on Tibetan Buddhism meditation practice aimed toward the American beginner.

My only complaint is that the book is so small it’s hard to hold and turn the pages.

[Joel Atella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably will purchase for future reference. Foundational. I learned a lot.

[Ashley Adams]

p. 38

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic choice for beginners starting their meditation journey! While I've explored meditation on and off, I struggled to maintain consistency. I've always believed that meditation could enhance my self-assurance and enrich my relationships by reshaping my approach to being human—embracing the courage to simply be. Acknowledging your thoughts impermanence is key. The author suggests redirecting focus, such as to the breath, to reduce entanglement in discursive thoughts, leading to synchronization of the mind and body.

A pivotal insight gleaned from this book is that meditation isn't about halting thoughts altogether; rather, it's about adopting a new perspective on them, accepting the mind as it is without the pressure of only having positive thoughts. Moreover, the author introduces the reader to various meditation methods, empowering readers to select the practice that resonates with them, while acknowledging her expertise lies in Shamatha ("the practice of tranquility") meditation and the Vajrayana school of Buddhism.

Above all, I've learned that meditation involves confronting discomfort head-on and embracing the present moment. This book has motivated me to delve deeper into Buddhism, explore various meditation techniques, and, most importantly, commit to daily meditation sessions of at least 10 minutes.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

clear, concise, and non intimidating introduction to meditation 😍

[Richard Heilbrunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start Here Now by Susan Piver is the book I always wished to have available when asked to suggest a book to someone or anyone looking for a guide to begin a meditation practice. Susan is right on the edge of "Not too Tight -Not to Loose". Her instructions are easy to follow and understanding enough to know we will all at some time look for excuses or occasions to loose our discipline. Her instruction is based on the foundation of her own personal experience which is alive and tender and something we can all relate too. She also offers online video instruction and virtual sangha for encouragement and support. I also got the Kindle version myself so the instructions and support are always close. I highly recommend this book.

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to learn more about meditation. Susan Piver gives a detailed account of what meditation is and an unbiased explanation of how meditation can improve your life. I could not have chosen a better beginner's guide. Susan explains everything in detail, and gives realistic expectations for how to begin and what to expect. The book is funny, which I did not expect. I have been done reading the book for a week and have finished my first week of meditation. The book is a good, quick, easy read if you have been thinking about beginning a mediation practice and are unsure where to begin.