Hurry Up And Meditate: Your Starter Kit For Inner Peace And Better Health

by David Michie, Nicholas Bell (Narrator)

If meditation was available in capsule form, it would be the biggest selling drug of all time. It has been scientifically proven to deliver highly effective stress relief, boost our immune systems and dramatically slow the ageing process. It has also been shown to make us much happier and more effective thinkers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Meditation, Health, Personal Development, Buddhism

Audiobook

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

David Michie is the internationally best-selling author of The Magician of Lhasa series, The Dalai Lama's Cat series, and several non-fiction titles on meditation and Buddhism. His books are published in over 30 languages and 50 countries.

In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa.

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Reviews

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells of the benefits of meditation, and then repeats it. Then it refers back to other chapters and sections after they have already passed. I don't think most people who pick up a book on meditation are looking to be convinced as to why they should try it, but maybe I'm wrong. Quick run down - it is good for your health. There you go. And again, meditation has been PROVEN to be good for your health.

There are brief instructions on how to start meditating, with nods to various religious traditions without trying to embody any of them. It would be easy to listen to this book at 1.5x speed and never do anything with the information, which is all I've done so far. But I know for sure I can refer back to chapter 10 when I'm ready to try.

There was some information on types of meditation, on finding a mantra, and on not giving up just because it's hard. I would have like the book to be much more about the practical information such as this.

It would probably have been better in print, when I could skim the cycle of repetition. The information itself isn't bad, but it was the depth of a pamphlet, not a book. They should never have forced the issue to try to turn it into a book. Meditation is a bit like fitness or weight loss - a discipline. It's not complicated, but you have to do it. So go do it. Maybe I will.

[Mark Robison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book especially invaluable for one aspect: It hammers on good scientific research showing the benefits of meditation for better brain and body health. He makes a strong case that doing it every day is every bit as important as eating and sleeping well and getting enough exercise. I read a lot of meditation books and the writing in this one and the perspective is very much for beginners and not very inspirational. (The author is Aussie.) But it’s the book that got me on the cushion and kept me there. I also liked the instructions in different types of meditation, some of which I didn’t know about. Anyway, if you intellectually understand why meditation would be good but don’t actually practice it, then this will be a useful book. Grade: B+

[Elevate Difference · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a skeptic like myself, a book called Hurry Up and Meditate isn't usually my first choice on a bookshelf. David Michie is better known for his previous work, Buddhism for Busy People, which is exactly what it sounds like. Michie comes from the business world, and this is evident in his writing. Not wasting time with frilly accounts of new age-y mumbo jumbo, he presents meditation as a very practical activity with countless benefits. Acknowledging that many people are often leery when confronted with the idea of actively participating in something so passive, he gives a first-hand account of how to integrate the practice into everyday life. Referencing studies conducted by a variety of sources, the book offers a view of meditation not often seen in self-help books.

Hurry Up and Meditate offers the most basic of guidelines for those just becoming acquainted with the ancient practice. The book begins with the nuts and bolts of meditation, investigates the psychological and physical benefits, and offers ways to enhance the practice once it has become mundane. Michie makes a very appealing case for meditation—though at times this is not enough to maintain motivation. However, even the inevitable hang-ups one usually faces when taking on a new routine, as an entire chapter dedicated to trouble shooting may restore enthusiasm. Exploring the nearly every aspect of beginner's meditation, Michie truly delivers what is promised: a starter kit. But when faced with a busy schedule and the troubles of modern existence, whether meditation will yield inner peace and better health is up to you.

Review by Corey Janssen

[Alan (on December semi-hiatus) Teder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible Audio Daily Deal $1.95 on April 10, 2017

I've been looking to get into meditation and yoga and it was an ideal opportunity to get started when Michie's "Hurry Up and Meditate" showed up as the Audible Audio Daily Deal.

The first 1/3rd of the book is more of a teaser which presents Michie's personal history with meditation and talks about the general health benefits of daily meditation. This whets your appetite for the actual tips about getting started and suggestions for continued encouragement and coaching down the road.

One thing that surprised me was that meditation doesn't necessarily require sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat but can be done in various positions as long as you can keep your head and spine in straight alignment i.e. you could even do it lying down if you are recovering from injury or other infirmity etc. And if you don't know what to think about to start with, just use a daily affirmation to lead yourself in and out and count breaths in-between. Even if the session is short it is still better than nothing at all.

In any case, this book was an easy and simple introduction that encouraged me immediately and I have already added a daily meditation to my morning regime.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without a doubt the best handbook for both the whys and hows of meditation. This will give you a clear summary of the physical and mental benefits, followed by a solid description of various meditation techniques and how to apply them. As much as I love Thich Nhat Hahn's books, if a person is interested in meditation, I would start here.

That said, this was an audiobook, with an Australian reader. Hard to focus when you keep expecting him to say, "You call that a knife? THIS is a knife!"

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't quite finish this before I had to return it to the library but this was a fabulous quick and dirty introduction to meditation and mindfulness for "the busy person," which we all are. If you're interested in the subject but don't know where to start, this is where to start.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast and informative read, but repetitive. This is less of a "how-to" manual and more of a manifesto on the value of meditation. The author has a kind voice. It's clear that he wants meditation to make others as happy as it has made him. Because he is so passionate, he tends to repeat himself often.

He makes the practice of meditation accessible to people of any religious affiliation or belief system (the author being a Tibetan Buddhist himself) by explaining that the effects of meditation go beyond the confines of any particular tradition. He also gives examples of ways to customize meditations across all the major religions as well as instruction for a purely secular practice.

His personal experiences and direct examples in chapters 4 and 5 were the most helpful for me. I wish he had included complete guided meditations within the text.

[Ros Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sort of book you pick up, read a bit, digest and return to a while later. Lots of good tips and ideas of how to get into meditation which I would like to do. I am however suffering from huge distraction, monkey brain & therefore inability to do more than 10 minutes at a time - which I’m told is fine. I will keep at it!

[Vaughan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of repetition on the sales pitch for the "why" to meditate which I didn't feel was really necessary. Someone who has picked up this book had already made that commitment and wants to go the next step and focus on the "how" to meditate.

If you are going to get this book I recommend also finding the accompanying audio book of guided meditations. That provides some practical applications

[Chris Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is written from a personal angle, it concentrates on the mental and physical health benefits of the practice and it is quite matter of fact about how to begin and what to expect day to day. Best of all there is no hocus pocus or new age flakiness to get through (although for those seeking a religious basis for meditating there is a range of cross-cultural options and advice presented later in the book). It includes some excellent quotes from known practitioners and philosophers, it is good humoured and most of all it makes you eager to start straight away!

[Jim George · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 1st book on meditation, I found the author's style to be informative, and simplistically inviting. Just a nice broad overview, with lots of helpful advice to get you started, there isn't anything presented in an unobtainable fashion - it really gives you a Hey I Can Do This! - kind of a feeling. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a base explanation and outline.

[DROPPING OUT · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good, all-around introduction to meditation that lays it all out for the non-practitioner. That Snow Lion, a top-shelf publisher of materials relating to Tibetan Buddhism (especially primary texts in translation) indicated to me that while Michie's approach is low-brow and popular, it is solid.

[Saji Maruthurkkara · Rating 5 out of 5]

All you wanted to know about meditation. Firstly, the book explains the health benefits of meditation including scientific studies (which helps skeptics like me). Secondly, it goes through the different types of meditation practices and gives a beginners guide to it. Finally, it answers some frequently asked questions.

Good book if you are interested in meditation.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wish they would have hurried up and told me how to meditate. Too much time spent getting to what I considered the purpose of the book. Couldn't finish.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction and exploration of meditation. The author has a passion for the subject and a genuine interest that stems from a long-standing lived experience with meditation. The book explores anecdote, case studies, and wider scientific literature and robust research. There is a clear effort made to be impartial to the type of meditation that the reader should pursue, as he explains several kinds of meditation and allows us to make up our own mind what might suit us within the context of our own lives. There are practical guides to different types of meditation, a discussion on the history and evolution of the practice in both the East and the West, and some great examples to really help the reader gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

If you wonder if a whole book on meditation might be samey or dull, this book certainly isn't. It's light, airy, spacious and ignites gentle curiosity - just as meditation should.

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An argument for and introduction to meditation plus some techniques. Michie highlights typical issues beginners face and offers supportive advice on what to do and expect.

He refers to scientific studies for evidence but then possibly overplays it with a chapter on cancer which concerned me. Self-care, relaxation, etc., can support people but underplays the importance of western medicine for people surviving long term. Spontaneous remission does happen but is not fully understood and can't be linked to meditation or other wellness practices.

As an introduction it's disappointing that it seems to be missing clear warnings that meditation is not suitable for everyone. It can lead to negative side effects or worsen mental ill-health like anxiety or depression.

It's a good introduction but don't rely on this book alone and if you have any concerns, try and check with a professional before continuing.

[Helene Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review - A friend has been recommending I try meditation for a while, as I struggle with my mental health, productivity and distractions. I didn't really start to give it a go until this coronavirus lockdown situation took hold, but I have tried it, and it really does help to clear your mind, at least for a little while at the moment. Sometimes I think I'm just too easily distracted. This book offers some thoughts and opinions I'd never really considered before, about how meditation can not only affect your mental health, but your physical health as well, and it gives some pointers on how to get started as well as different types of meditation you can try until you find the one that best suits you. It's an interesting book, and one which I listened to on audiobook.

General Subject/s? - Health & Wellbeing / Meditation

Recommend? – Yes

Rating - 14/20

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first few chapters outlining the physiological and psychological benefits of meditation did a good job at convincing me to form a daily meditation habit. Though I find the author's remarks such as 'we can only confirm a correlational, instead of a causal relationship between meditation and (insert health benefit)' a bit concerning.

For me personally, the most helpful bit from the book is actually when the author used the 'carrying a full mug of coffee' analogy to illustrate the difference between mindfulness and awareness. The analogy made me realize all this time when I thought I was meditating, I was actually sitting there letting my mind run free with my eyes closed. Making the distinction between mindfulness and awareness drastically increased the quality of my meditation practice. Overall a good introduction book to meditation.

[Salami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd rate it 3/5 for enjoyment but probably 4/5 for a meditation NF book. I didn't find it enjoyable but it was pretty informative and not very difficult to read. I listened to the audiobook while also reading this and used it to fall asleep.

It's a pretty decent starting point. The beginning few chapters tell you about all the reasons why you should meditate and the benefits of it, often referencing scientific studies. It can be a bit dry to read. If you want to learn how to meditate, you can skip directly to that chapter. It mentions later that you should remember what the benefits are to motivate you to meditate because it'll be easier to do it than trying to do it because "it's good for you".

Meditation isn't yet a habit of mine but I'm closer to meditating on a more frequent basis than not.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I would call myself something between a novice and intermediate meditator - I meditate semi regularly and have done so for many years - however I have never actually read a proper book on meditation. This was the perfect introductory guide to meditation!

This book is exactly how I think non-fiction books should be written: with a clear logical structure, in plain English, with a healthy dose of skepticism, and with ample references.

The book starts with an introduction, then goes into the evidence on the physical and psychological benefits of meditation, and then covers the "how to" of meditating, followed by some ways to turbo charge or troubleshoot your practise.

In my view, just the perfect introduction to meditation!

[Ed Schaefer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure what to think or how to rate this book. The concepts are certainly solid and useful, however I expected the audible version to be true guided meditations that I could pick one or two and follow them each morning - but while in chapter 1 it indicates the length of the meditation, some as long or longer than 20 minutes, the audiobooks longest chapter is 13 minutes and the book as a whole is less than 60 minutes. Some great ideas and solid introduction to meditation, and very short guided meditations for beginners, but if you are looking for a daily guided meditation to listen and follow along and grow your practice you may want to look elsewhere.

[Nigeyb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have often thought about meditating and have used a few apps like Headspace yet I have never stuck with it.

Hurry Up and Meditate: Your starter kit for inner peace and better health is very helpful and persuasive. I will try once again, only now I feel more informed and determined.

4/5

[David Lubin · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those, like myself, thinking of trying meditation, this is a good introductory book. Michie gives a good overview, explains the benefits of daily meditation, and presents some simple techniques. He explains how to categorize the various levels (1-9) and does so in a factual, straight forward manner. He does not get too carried away though at times, he comes close. The book is an easy read. I got interested in doing daily meditation from a friend and this was an excellent way to for me to get started.

[Roxanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the tag line of a “beginners’ toolkit” to be decidedly misleading because the author spent more time demonstrating the benefits of meditation and summarising the various forms of meditation than showing the reader how to get started in meditating. So read another book if you’re more interested on the “how”.

The author did attempt to provide a benchmark or yardstick by which one can measure oneself on “getting better at meditating”, a viewpoint that I found useful because most meditators tend to recommend the approach that whatever happens happens.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. It wasn't a detailed guidebook that outlined the complete steps to improved mindfulness, but it does provide what it promises: a starter kit.

Michie's book espouses the benefits of meditation on both mind and body while providing easy ways to incorporate it into the busy Western lifestyles so many of us lead.

This book certainly won't be the last stop on your journey for meditation, but it is an excellent first step.

[Minwoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of the book was on the benefits of meditation, which I didn’t feel the need to be convinced of yet again as I was reading Sam Harris’ “waking up” simultaneously. I did find the meditation practice guides to be helpful as I had no idea what I was doing in my first meditation session and had 5 more sessions to go through at my retreat! (Though I think Joy of Living by Mingyur Rinpoche does a way better job all around)

[Vanessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was okay, I like the scientific back up for sharing the health, body and mind benefits however it was less in inspiring and more guidebook for me. It left feeling like meditation sounds more of a chore than I know it actually is possibly a really great book if you're wanting to become a meditation guru but if you want to just start as a novice I'd read the scientific benefits and then do your own fun research you'll feel more empowered that way.

[Mellow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first real book I read about meditation and subtle intro into Buddhism. It really helped me learn better ways to deal with the grief of my father's passing as well as with just typical emotional struggles. The author relates to the reader with his own personal experiences in learning about meditation and then offers several different methods to start from. Highly recommended for anyone who needs some calm in their life. :)

[James R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful tips for meditating and interesting stats about why it's good for you. I think the author veers onto shaky ground when he talks about the benefits of meditation for cancer patients and overstates the impact it can have (it's obviously very good but I suspect people who are into meditation get a lot of other stuff right about their lifestyle too, which his data most likely doesn't account for) but thankfully he always recommends it as a supplement to science-based treatments.

[Inez Castor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unmixed blessing

There are thousands of books on meditation, but I was led here by "The Dhali Lama's Cat," a being who touches me, teaches me. This is the single best book on meditation I've ever read, an has enabled me to step fully into a meditative practice after years of toe dipping.