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An Ordinary Dude's Guide to Meditation: Learn how to meditate easily - without the religion, fluff or hippie stuff
There are hundreds of meditation books out there. Many written by monks, and some written by hippies and spiritual gurus. But how many of these books are written by an ordinary dude? Someone who is just like someone who has a day job, whose preferred outfit is jeans and a t-shirt, and enjoys knocking back a few beers on Friday night?I'm as ordinary as they come. The only difference...I've been meditating for over 13 years. And I want to show you how you can meditate too—in a straightforward language that any ordinary dude or dudette can understand.Over a decade of practice, meditation has transformed my life, bringing more peace, calm and clarity into it than I could have ever imagined when I started at the age of 19. And now, I want to share how meditation can do the same for you.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2017
157 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
John Weiler
7 books2 followersThanks for visiting my Author page. My name's John and I'm originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. As a writer, I've written for US TV shows that have aired on networks such as A&E, BIO, Spike, National Geographic and more. I've also published five books (four that have been bestsellers).
My books are about mindfulness, travel and dude stuff—all of which I consider myself an expert in.
I’ve been meditating for 15+ years and have lived on 3 continents. And in the process, I’ve spent ample time on my couch eating pizza, watching NBA hoops and sampling the delicious porters and lagers of the world.
For the past 6 years, I’ve resided in Bangkok, Thailand where I run a freelance writing (www.johnweiler.co) and meditation (www.ordinarydudemeditation.com) business.
When I launch books, I usually do so for free or at a heavily discounted price.
To get some of that action, click the follow button now.
My books are about mindfulness, travel and dude stuff—all of which I consider myself an expert in.
I’ve been meditating for 15+ years and have lived on 3 continents. And in the process, I’ve spent ample time on my couch eating pizza, watching NBA hoops and sampling the delicious porters and lagers of the world.
For the past 6 years, I’ve resided in Bangkok, Thailand where I run a freelance writing (www.johnweiler.co) and meditation (www.ordinarydudemeditation.com) business.
When I launch books, I usually do so for free or at a heavily discounted price.
To get some of that action, click the follow button now.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 5, 2018
If you are seeking a book that sounds mystical, magical, and otherworldly, you are definitely in the wrong place. However, if you are seeking a serious yet irreverent book featuring the basic how-to of meditation, you’ve found it.
Author John Weiler has crafted an interesting book, one that is fun to read yet will teach you the basics of meditation. I have dabbled in meditation before, finally settling with regulating my breathing while doing yoga poses. There is something hypnotically soothing about exercising this way, and using the techniques outlined in the book, I have no doubt that it is possible to achieve the benefits Mr. Weiler talked about.
At appropriate spots, the author supplied pictures to go along with his descriptions, which were down-to-earth and never preachy. While some may ay that it is not proper to teach only one aspect of a religion, I see nothing wrong with people using available techniques, especially if the benefits have a huge impact on a person’s health. This book can have that effect. Four stars.
My thanks to the author for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
Author John Weiler has crafted an interesting book, one that is fun to read yet will teach you the basics of meditation. I have dabbled in meditation before, finally settling with regulating my breathing while doing yoga poses. There is something hypnotically soothing about exercising this way, and using the techniques outlined in the book, I have no doubt that it is possible to achieve the benefits Mr. Weiler talked about.
At appropriate spots, the author supplied pictures to go along with his descriptions, which were down-to-earth and never preachy. While some may ay that it is not proper to teach only one aspect of a religion, I see nothing wrong with people using available techniques, especially if the benefits have a huge impact on a person’s health. This book can have that effect. Four stars.
My thanks to the author for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
July 25, 2020
Straightforward
One of the reason I wanted to start meditating is I felt I am am autopilot mode most of the time. I read a lot of books, mostly whatever I can get, but the catch is I cannot remember much of the long books I read. In such case I felt reading a long self help book would be like chasing my own tail. John weiler's simple to the point writing actually solved that dilemma. While writing this review I have successfully meditated for 3 days. Lets see.. Thanks
One of the reason I wanted to start meditating is I felt I am am autopilot mode most of the time. I read a lot of books, mostly whatever I can get, but the catch is I cannot remember much of the long books I read. In such case I felt reading a long self help book would be like chasing my own tail. John weiler's simple to the point writing actually solved that dilemma. While writing this review I have successfully meditated for 3 days. Lets see.. Thanks
November 13, 2020
Good beginning meditation book.
I have been meditating for quite a number of years and I find it to be very calming. Bought this book for my adult son who wanted to learn how to become calm and meditate. But he didn’t want any “woowoo religious stuff” (his words). So, I looked for a simple “how to” book that would still be helpful. This definitely fits the bill. I enjoyed it and even picked up a tip or two. Recommend it for all levels of meditators.
I have been meditating for quite a number of years and I find it to be very calming. Bought this book for my adult son who wanted to learn how to become calm and meditate. But he didn’t want any “woowoo religious stuff” (his words). So, I looked for a simple “how to” book that would still be helpful. This definitely fits the bill. I enjoyed it and even picked up a tip or two. Recommend it for all levels of meditators.
October 9, 2022
For a beginner, it's a great little book. I read it in less than an hour. It covers the why's and the hows of meditating in layman's terms.
You don't need to delved completely into the realms of Buddhism and spirituality in order to meditate, and this book covers none of that.
It's just plain common sense.
I've already been meditating for around 8 months, but this book still had little insights I hadn't thought about.
Well worth a read.
You don't need to delved completely into the realms of Buddhism and spirituality in order to meditate, and this book covers none of that.
It's just plain common sense.
I've already been meditating for around 8 months, but this book still had little insights I hadn't thought about.
Well worth a read.
October 3, 2019
Learning something new.
I found this book to be an easy read which helped me to understand meditation and how to. I have learned something new to add to my life I recommend this book for anyone just starting out,just like me. I'm 71years old,so an old dog can still learn new things!
I found this book to be an easy read which helped me to understand meditation and how to. I have learned something new to add to my life I recommend this book for anyone just starting out,just like me. I'm 71years old,so an old dog can still learn new things!
April 25, 2020
A Short, to-the-point book to help you meditate
This book is jam-packed with helpful information and advice to get you on the way to meditating. I liked how concise it was because I don’t have much time and it didn’t go on and on and on—just simple, easy instructions and interesting metaphors. I can’t wait to try meditating to relieve my stress and anxiety!
This book is jam-packed with helpful information and advice to get you on the way to meditating. I liked how concise it was because I don’t have much time and it didn’t go on and on and on—just simple, easy instructions and interesting metaphors. I can’t wait to try meditating to relieve my stress and anxiety!
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August 19, 2021Meditation explained without the bells and whistles
I have been interested in meditation for some time, and I am so glad I came across this book. It has answered so many of the basic questions I had,and had no one to ask. If highly recommend it to all those new to meditation and it's benefits !
I have been interested in meditation for some time, and I am so glad I came across this book. It has answered so many of the basic questions I had,and had no one to ask. If highly recommend it to all those new to meditation and it's benefits !
March 13, 2018
Great intro to meditation
Easy and quick read. Practical tips and exercises that are very approachable. I highly recommend this for someone who wants to begin or restart a meditation practice.
Easy and quick read. Practical tips and exercises that are very approachable. I highly recommend this for someone who wants to begin or restart a meditation practice.
August 15, 2018
Best! simplest and short!
Best simplest and short! This book cleared up confusions questions frustrations fears. Very very simple! And very clear about why one would want to meditate= motivation! I get it, and so simple. So, thanks!
Well written, clear, good pictures, short.
Best simplest and short! This book cleared up confusions questions frustrations fears. Very very simple! And very clear about why one would want to meditate= motivation! I get it, and so simple. So, thanks!
Well written, clear, good pictures, short.
January 16, 2021
Simple and practical
Simple and straightforward, this practical guide to meditation offers a starting point on your journey. The additional resources at the end was a nice touch. The first minute is the longest.
Simple and straightforward, this practical guide to meditation offers a starting point on your journey. The additional resources at the end was a nice touch. The first minute is the longest.
February 7, 2022
Easy to read and follow
It was nice that the author made meditation easy and provided excellent examples and simple practices to follow. Style of writing made it a comfortable reading experience.
It was nice that the author made meditation easy and provided excellent examples and simple practices to follow. Style of writing made it a comfortable reading experience.
November 6, 2018
Meditation
Great short book. Instructional and entertaining without being boring. Many longer books could learn a thing or two from this author.
Great short book. Instructional and entertaining without being boring. Many longer books could learn a thing or two from this author.
March 14, 2019
Review
Well written book, easy to read and follow along. It is nice to read a book about meditation without all the Buddhist, religion filling most of the pages.
Well written book, easy to read and follow along. It is nice to read a book about meditation without all the Buddhist, religion filling most of the pages.
April 22, 2020
If you have never meditated then this might be the book for you. If you have ever meditated then do not bother. It is very, very basic.
April 26, 2020
An Ordinary Dude's Guide to Meditation
I definitely feel meditation can be for everyone and enjoyed reading the book. I will be recommending this book to many of my male friends.
I definitely feel meditation can be for everyone and enjoyed reading the book. I will be recommending this book to many of my male friends.
May 13, 2020
It's okay, but once you've read the first few paragraphs you've read all the book has to say.
June 25, 2023
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.3/5
Good information, provided in an easy to understand way. Nothing Earth shattering, though.
Good information, provided in an easy to understand way. Nothing Earth shattering, though.
June 19, 2018
Discloser: The Author sent me a free copy to review
Overall this book is a quick and easy read. The authors writing style is natural and flows well. If you are looking for a short synopsis of what meditation is and how to do it, this book is for you. Amazon lists it as 90 pages, but if the odd formatting was removed, it would probably be more like 40 or 50 pages. That’s OK if you are looking for a quick introduction to meditation.
I would hope in the next edition of the book the author adds more details, more depth. Especially regarding what the beginner can expect as they meditate. More information on how to do it, the author discusses the importance of “awareness” (AKA mindfulness) but only alludes to the importance of concentration, e.g., “focus on stillness…” etc. Serious meditation cannot happen without real concentration – which I’m sure the author knows, but the explanation is missing.
Also the author discusses the various benefits of meditation, but they are mostly discussed as side effects. It would be good to include information of carrying awareness into your whole life as part of a deliberate practice.
Again, if you are looking for a quick introduction, this is it.
Overall this book is a quick and easy read. The authors writing style is natural and flows well. If you are looking for a short synopsis of what meditation is and how to do it, this book is for you. Amazon lists it as 90 pages, but if the odd formatting was removed, it would probably be more like 40 or 50 pages. That’s OK if you are looking for a quick introduction to meditation.
I would hope in the next edition of the book the author adds more details, more depth. Especially regarding what the beginner can expect as they meditate. More information on how to do it, the author discusses the importance of “awareness” (AKA mindfulness) but only alludes to the importance of concentration, e.g., “focus on stillness…” etc. Serious meditation cannot happen without real concentration – which I’m sure the author knows, but the explanation is missing.
Also the author discusses the various benefits of meditation, but they are mostly discussed as side effects. It would be good to include information of carrying awareness into your whole life as part of a deliberate practice.
Again, if you are looking for a quick introduction, this is it.
January 16, 2018
While I didn't find a lot of new information in here (I've read a lot on the subject), I liked that it appealed to the everyman, without talking *down* to anyone. Weiler does good job of explaining the purpose, and benefits, and some easy ways to approach it if you're new, or to come back to it, if you've done it before.
If you're considering trying meditation, or want a little more on why you should bother, this is a great, short book on the subject, and he has some finer details to avoid early pitfalls, near the end of the book.
If you're considering trying meditation, or want a little more on why you should bother, this is a great, short book on the subject, and he has some finer details to avoid early pitfalls, near the end of the book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews