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Effortless Deep Meditation: How to Transcend Without Trying And Meditate Like a Pro
This is the book for “mindfulness” flunkies and frustrated seekers fed up with hit-and-miss approaches to meditation. Effortless, deep meditation (EDM) is exactly what it says it is.
With zero effort, you’ll dive deep into the intimate self-awareness that stills your mind and feeds your soul. Joanie Higgs’ 50 years of teaching and practising meditation is capsulized in this personal, engaging, and eminently practical manual. Within a week, you can truly be an “advanced meditator”!
That means you’ll:
-Know that your meditation is going to “work” every time
-Be able to meditate deeply anytime and (almost) anywhere
-Nod sagely when others talk about “trying to learn to meditate”
With zero effort, you’ll dive deep into the intimate self-awareness that stills your mind and feeds your soul. Joanie Higgs’ 50 years of teaching and practising meditation is capsulized in this personal, engaging, and eminently practical manual. Within a week, you can truly be an “advanced meditator”!
That means you’ll:
-Know that your meditation is going to “work” every time
-Be able to meditate deeply anytime and (almost) anywhere
-Nod sagely when others talk about “trying to learn to meditate”
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 9, 2022
Just a quick note before I begin. Although I've decided to adopt this meditation practice, it is not my intent to endorse it or suggest that it is better than other forms of meditation. In my situation, it is the one that most provides what I've wanted.
For some years, I've been trying various forms of meditation. Early attempts seemed like dismal failures. A few years ago, I attained more consistent satisfaction with Headspace. It provided a foundation, and then demonstrated multiple approaches. Later, I would leave it to practice a form of mindfulness meditation (sometimes called observational meditation). Essentially, during my sessions, I "watched" what was going on in my mind, but didn't attempt to intervene unless there was a specific goal that I wanted to achieve (such as determining a path toward finding a solution to a problem).
During this later time, I became acutely aware of David Lynch and his strong endorsement of Transcendental Meditation. I've been highly appreciative of his creativity, and thought that it most likely had its origins from his beginnings as an artist (and then bringing that awareness to his filmmaking). He did not say, "My creativity has come from Transcendental Meditation," yet it had to have some influence. (That became readily apparent to me after taking his Master Class on filmmaking.)
As I did research on Transcendental Meditation, I was significantly bothered by one aspect. It was touted as being extremely simple to learn ... in fact, people could practice it successfully after only one lesson (although it had multiple sessions). Well, if it was so simple to learn and could do so much good, why was it so expensive? (I was told in an introductory informative session that the organization is non-profit, so the cost is to pay for its instructors.)
Just as I decided to get started with the Transcendental Meditation program to enhance and more easily connect to my creativity, a TM practitioner told me that if I wanted to try it out, I should read EFFORTLESS DEEP MEDITATION: HOW TO TRANSCEND WITHOUT TRYING AND MEDITATE LIKE A PRO. The cost was certainly more affordable, and I felt less "trapped" into adhering to a schedule if conflicts should arise.
EFFORTLESS DEEP MEDITATION is a very short book. In fact, it could easily be read in one sitting. However, I wanted to explore its benefits, so I decided to follow its instructions implicitly. After an introductory section detailing the writer's background and the story behind the creation of the practice, it explains what needs to be done for each of five days. One chapter covers the first day (in two sessions), the next chapter covers what should be done over the next two days, the next chapter provides some answers to common questions that often arise ... and then has the meditator continue for two more days. Then, there is a another chapter for the fifth day. The book concludes with chapters about meditation practice, in general.
In my mindfulness meditation practice, I followed the mental preparations that I'd learned from Headspace. Effortless Deep Meditation did not require this. In fact, I was quite surprised by how quickly I was able to enter into a meditation state. It didn't require nearly the time to "get the body ready."
The first day consisted of a practice that was extremely simple to learn. However, it also focused on getting acquainted with a mantra. Now, I will admit that I was very dubious about the need of a mantra. I pictured its use as someone sitting cross-legged and chanting, "Om," which seemed bit silly to me. Well, that wasn't it. The other thing that surprised me was that I had been under the impression that the mantra needed to be a "meaningless word" so as not to create a conflicting image. Yet, one of the three mantras suggested was not meaningless to me. (I chose one that was meaningless.)
Because of the focus on the mantra, I finished the first day not entirely impressed with the method. However, I stuck with what I'd learned ... and the second day was a WOW session for me! I was shocked (and extremely pleased) by how I felt afterward. I went for a long walk soon afterward and was having a wonderful time paying special attention to things that usually barely drew my notice.
Days three, four and five were not WOW days, but they were quite satisfying. Two hours later, I was still noticing that my mind seemed to be more alert and responsive.
Late in the book, after all five sessions, the writer goes into more detail about mantras. Primarily, she defines them as vehicles that transport the mind, drawing it inward as opposed to its usually outward focus. In many ways, I wish that this information had been presented for the first day's session. That would have taken away some of my "mantra skepticism," although I can appreciate that it could also be viewed as "too much information" by someone who wants to get started as soon as possible.
I've noticed two other changes from my mindfulness meditation practice. When those previous sessions were finished, I very soon stood up and went about my business. I can't do that after one of these sessions. Yes, it is part of the instructions not to hurry away and do something else. But, I find that my body needs some time to "lull" in the recent experience. I'm usually ready to do something else a few minutes after the session, but one session required five-minutes before I was ready to move.
The other change is that I've started to have very vivid dreams that I remember in great detail. In fact, for a writing project, my characters ... not people that I remembered from life ... were in my childhood home, the details of which I haven't thought of for many years. It was both slightly uncomfortable and incredibly fascinating. My second night of dreaming wasn't the same at all, but it was equally vivid and memorable.
So, is this an indication that my creativity is being enhanced? I have no idea. It is too early to tell, although I do find it easier to enter my writing sessions.
The writing of EFFORTLESS DEEP MEDITATION is very readable and easy to follow. Some parts feel as if there is a conversation occurring. And there are also phot0graphs (which will be a special treat for fans of The Beatles).
If you are looking for a change in your mediation practice ... or if you want to start one that is quickly and easily learned (with an absence of hard and fast rules), EFFORTLESS DEEP MEDITATION is worth a look.
For some years, I've been trying various forms of meditation. Early attempts seemed like dismal failures. A few years ago, I attained more consistent satisfaction with Headspace. It provided a foundation, and then demonstrated multiple approaches. Later, I would leave it to practice a form of mindfulness meditation (sometimes called observational meditation). Essentially, during my sessions, I "watched" what was going on in my mind, but didn't attempt to intervene unless there was a specific goal that I wanted to achieve (such as determining a path toward finding a solution to a problem).
During this later time, I became acutely aware of David Lynch and his strong endorsement of Transcendental Meditation. I've been highly appreciative of his creativity, and thought that it most likely had its origins from his beginnings as an artist (and then bringing that awareness to his filmmaking). He did not say, "My creativity has come from Transcendental Meditation," yet it had to have some influence. (That became readily apparent to me after taking his Master Class on filmmaking.)
As I did research on Transcendental Meditation, I was significantly bothered by one aspect. It was touted as being extremely simple to learn ... in fact, people could practice it successfully after only one lesson (although it had multiple sessions). Well, if it was so simple to learn and could do so much good, why was it so expensive? (I was told in an introductory informative session that the organization is non-profit, so the cost is to pay for its instructors.)
Just as I decided to get started with the Transcendental Meditation program to enhance and more easily connect to my creativity, a TM practitioner told me that if I wanted to try it out, I should read EFFORTLESS DEEP MEDITATION: HOW TO TRANSCEND WITHOUT TRYING AND MEDITATE LIKE A PRO. The cost was certainly more affordable, and I felt less "trapped" into adhering to a schedule if conflicts should arise.
EFFORTLESS DEEP MEDITATION is a very short book. In fact, it could easily be read in one sitting. However, I wanted to explore its benefits, so I decided to follow its instructions implicitly. After an introductory section detailing the writer's background and the story behind the creation of the practice, it explains what needs to be done for each of five days. One chapter covers the first day (in two sessions), the next chapter covers what should be done over the next two days, the next chapter provides some answers to common questions that often arise ... and then has the meditator continue for two more days. Then, there is a another chapter for the fifth day. The book concludes with chapters about meditation practice, in general.
In my mindfulness meditation practice, I followed the mental preparations that I'd learned from Headspace. Effortless Deep Meditation did not require this. In fact, I was quite surprised by how quickly I was able to enter into a meditation state. It didn't require nearly the time to "get the body ready."
The first day consisted of a practice that was extremely simple to learn. However, it also focused on getting acquainted with a mantra. Now, I will admit that I was very dubious about the need of a mantra. I pictured its use as someone sitting cross-legged and chanting, "Om," which seemed bit silly to me. Well, that wasn't it. The other thing that surprised me was that I had been under the impression that the mantra needed to be a "meaningless word" so as not to create a conflicting image. Yet, one of the three mantras suggested was not meaningless to me. (I chose one that was meaningless.)
Because of the focus on the mantra, I finished the first day not entirely impressed with the method. However, I stuck with what I'd learned ... and the second day was a WOW session for me! I was shocked (and extremely pleased) by how I felt afterward. I went for a long walk soon afterward and was having a wonderful time paying special attention to things that usually barely drew my notice.
Days three, four and five were not WOW days, but they were quite satisfying. Two hours later, I was still noticing that my mind seemed to be more alert and responsive.
Late in the book, after all five sessions, the writer goes into more detail about mantras. Primarily, she defines them as vehicles that transport the mind, drawing it inward as opposed to its usually outward focus. In many ways, I wish that this information had been presented for the first day's session. That would have taken away some of my "mantra skepticism," although I can appreciate that it could also be viewed as "too much information" by someone who wants to get started as soon as possible.
I've noticed two other changes from my mindfulness meditation practice. When those previous sessions were finished, I very soon stood up and went about my business. I can't do that after one of these sessions. Yes, it is part of the instructions not to hurry away and do something else. But, I find that my body needs some time to "lull" in the recent experience. I'm usually ready to do something else a few minutes after the session, but one session required five-minutes before I was ready to move.
The other change is that I've started to have very vivid dreams that I remember in great detail. In fact, for a writing project, my characters ... not people that I remembered from life ... were in my childhood home, the details of which I haven't thought of for many years. It was both slightly uncomfortable and incredibly fascinating. My second night of dreaming wasn't the same at all, but it was equally vivid and memorable.
So, is this an indication that my creativity is being enhanced? I have no idea. It is too early to tell, although I do find it easier to enter my writing sessions.
The writing of EFFORTLESS DEEP MEDITATION is very readable and easy to follow. Some parts feel as if there is a conversation occurring. And there are also phot0graphs (which will be a special treat for fans of The Beatles).
If you are looking for a change in your mediation practice ... or if you want to start one that is quickly and easily learned (with an absence of hard and fast rules), EFFORTLESS DEEP MEDITATION is worth a look.
March 2, 2025
Bless you Joanie Higgs!
When the student is ready the teacher appears! This was exactly what I needed to read. Thank you for making this so easy! I have been meditating with this simple method and I feel like you threw me a Life buoy. I wish everyone would practice this. I am truly grateful for your gift. Simply bliss!
When the student is ready the teacher appears! This was exactly what I needed to read. Thank you for making this so easy! I have been meditating with this simple method and I feel like you threw me a Life buoy. I wish everyone would practice this. I am truly grateful for your gift. Simply bliss!
August 18, 2024
Great introduction to TM
Simple and effective introduction to TM, called effortless deep meditation here. The author explains some of the history and de-mystifies a technique that is often shrowded in secrecy. I have practiced meditation for over ten years and found this technique the most sustainable and effective.
Simple and effective introduction to TM, called effortless deep meditation here. The author explains some of the history and de-mystifies a technique that is often shrowded in secrecy. I have practiced meditation for over ten years and found this technique the most sustainable and effective.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews