Stay Woke: A Meditation Guide for the Rest of Us

by Justin Michael Williams

A no-nonsense guide to establishing a personal meditation practice, changing your life, and taking hold of your dreams.

This is not really a meditation book.

Yes, you’re going to learn everything you need to know about meditation, but if you came looking for a typical guide to mindfulness, you’re in the wrong place. We are modern people in a high-tech world. We have first world problems and long to-do lists. And if you grew up in struggle―overcoming homophobia, sexism, trauma, shame, depression, poverty, toxic masculinity, racism, or social injustice―you need a different type of meditation … one that doesn’t pretend the struggle doesn’t exist.

Here you will

- How to actually find stillness when your mind is going crazy
- Why most guided meditations get boring after a while
- What nobody tells you about “setting intentions” and the scientific process to manifesting
- Four hidden habits that sabotage your growth―and how to move past them
- Proven techniques to overcome anxiety, stress, and trouble sleeping
- Daily rituals that cement and enrich your practice
- How to use mindfulness to take action toward the causes you believe in and get sh!t done

Whether you’ve tried meditation but it never sticks, or you’ve heard about it but never gave it a shot, Justin Michael Williams guides you step by step in creating a custom meditation ritual that fits in with your busy (and sometimes messy!) modern life. With free downloadable audio meditations every step of the way, Stay Woke gives people of all genders, identities, colors, religions, ages, and economic backgrounds the tools to stop wasting time, overcome self-doubt, and wake up to the lives we were really born to live.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Meditation, Personal Development, Spirituality, Mental Health, LGBT

328 pages, Paperback

Published February 11, 2020

Reviews

[Magdelanye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meditation is not about relaxing; meditation is about becoming more alive. p20

Growing up in a rough neighbourhood with gunshot holes in his apartment building, all JMW wanted was to get out. A scholarship to UCLA gave him the opportunity to spread his wings. He was on a fast track to corporate success when he realized that there was more to life. Now working at the intersection of music, mindfulness and social justice, this workbook gives readers the chance to become participants.

All thoughts are welcome, all feelings are honored, all guards are down. p95

What I love most about JMW is the spin he puts on common teachings and the joy he so freely shares. The second part of the book is full of exercises that will get you looking at things in a new way, and doing things differently for immediate results. A lot of the material is also covered in video teachings and available on you tube and he has various workshops and retreats as well as a weekly revival meeting on zoom.

If smoking was meditation, cigarette smokers would be respected as the most dedicated, disciplined practitioners around. No matter where, no matter what the circumstances, they will always find time for a smoke. p254

I am not finished with this book. After a couple of weeks stuck on one exercise, I had a breakthrough that took me quickly through the rest. Now I am ready to start it again and maybe this time I will be able to overcome my reluctance to write in this gorgeous book.

Your life is always giving you the answers that you need. Meditation tunes you to hear them. p155

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this much more than I expected. My background is an on again off again meditator for 20 years; also, full disclosure- I know and study with some of the people discussed in the book. That being said, I tend to be a pessimist about books in general in that I think there might be a few helpful thoughts but overall blah. I am always glad to be proven wrong. This is not just a step by step guide to meditation - which it is. But it also discusses in depth how to avoid the pitfalls along the way. In particular, it discusses the potholes created by our current social structure and not just personal or family, which is not something I’ve seen addressed to this depth in a meditation book. There are times when I did feel the language felt a little ‘marketingly’ and a little bit falling on the side of ignoring how extreme a survival sport life is for some. But overall, a very good book.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you make disparaging jokes about SJWs, this is probably not the book for you. For the rest of us, in Stay Woke, Justin Michael Williams teaches his Freedom Meditation method (based on the teachings of Lorin Roche). Justin is a kind, compassionate, and encouraging teacher, and I appreciated his honesty, inclusiveness, and sense of humor.

I love how Justin framed his teachings with stories about learning to cook from his Baca (grandmother). More than any of the other books I’ve read on meditation, this book really does help you develop a recipe for a personalized practice that works for you. You’ll read some easy to understand discussion of the science regarding meditation and citations to some of the research. You’ll also find discussion of energy balls, healing touch, crystals, sage, and bibliomancy. Explore with an open mind, but know that substitutions are encouraged.

I loved Justin’s guidance for choosing and using a mantra. I never really resonated with using a mantra before, but I now have a mantra that inspires me. And I appreciated the section on meditations for social justice. One of my favorite exercises was the Privilege Walk. What a great way to learn about the different forms of privilege!

The author’s website features a free community portal offering more than 50 guided meditations, videos, a song playlist, and other resources. It’s a lovely collection, although it does require a login to access, which will add you to the author’s email list.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who doesn’t yet have a personal meditation practice. If you’ve been hesitant to try meditation or you’ve had trouble maintaining a meditation practice, Justin’s suggestions may be just what you need.

Be aware that the book does contain some profanity and discussion of adult topics. This is the first meditation book I’ve read that offers suggestions for working with unhealthy habits regarding sex, drugs, and porn.

Thanks to Sounds True for providing me with an unproofed ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The guide is definitely more woo-woo than I thought it was going to be, but that didn't stop me from really enjoying reading it and doing many/most of the exercises.

I've never been able to meditate before, because I feel so angry when I try. I didn't have that experience with these techniques. I think it's because I felt seen as a person who experiences systems of oppression instead of feeling controlled, talked down to/over, and just put upon. (Typically, I experience people who really push meditation, mindfulness, etc. as assholes.) This is kind of a big deal for me, but I imagine it's not an experience every reader would have.

I also liked that there wasn't a lot of somatic/bodily sensation stuff (feel this, feel that), because I find that triggering.

I'm glad this book exists. I enjoyed reading it, even if a lot of the techniques are not for me. It is also a really beautifully designed book with terrific artwork and easy to read pages.

The version of the privilege walk in the book is really good too. It is a really useful version of a powerful tool for understanding difference. Love.

The author engages in some superstition/magical thinking in parts of the book, and I find that problematic when juxtaposed with the science (with citations) in there too. Nobody heals people with magically warmed hands. WTF. Just no. However, this is my only major issue. The ritual building...well, to each their own, I guess?

Overall, this is a great guide for people interested in the basics of meditation, but who don't want their guidance from old white people in turquoise jewelry. I wish the author had spent more time on social justice topics, but he does an amazing job seeing marginalized people and finding ways to include them (us) in the practice of meditation and self-care. Worth the read/experience, even for people who don't intend on meditating.

Will I buy a copy? Undecided.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stay Woke is not a typical book about meditation and mindfulness. The author relates well to the impact of personal history, the stresses of our daily schedules and the many other things life throws our way to keep us from taking (not having, but taking!) the time to look inward, center ourselves, and discover/rediscover our passions and our best path. He's well aware of the many roadblocks in our way (or that we put in our way) of taking a "time-out" to connect with ourselves and he addresses how to handle them.

Williams speaks a lot regarding intention and also of framing our personal goals and actions not only on what we would like to see more of in our lives, but also on how they can be of service to others. I like that. I like that a lot!

His outlook is a positive one and he conveys his message well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sounds True for giving me the opportunity to read a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions given here are my own.

[Shannon Warto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is transformational. It is beautifully written, with humor, grace, compassion, and authenticity. I’ve continually heard friends raving about the benefits of meditation but always related to it as a chore or a “have to”....Justin Michael William’s magical book has turned meditation into a “want to”, a “must”, and an absolute gift to myself and my well-being, and having that gift translate into how I show up fully for the people I encounter in my life, and implement action in my desire for an equitable, loving, compassionate, connected and just world. Justin Michael Williams makes meditation so accessible and inspiring. I cannot recommend this book more highly!

[Michelle-lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so needed especially in this current climate. I have taken some of the author's online courses and had no doubt that I would enjoy this book and it definitely lived up to my expectations. I loved the images and the exercises throughout the book.

This isn't the type of book you sit and just read through. You need to sit and spend time with it but you will definitely come out on the other side as a different person. I recommend this book for anyone on a spiritual journey especially BIPOC readers.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like reading about meditation more than I like meditating at times. I feel author Justin Michael Williams gets that. He wrote this book directed at people who have experienced struggle and relates the ideas of meditation to racism, sexism, homophobia to his practice. I found the book well-written, enjoyable, and very relatable.

[Max Ostrovsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gotta be honest - I didn't do any of the meditation exercises. I was more interested in the "Woke" aspect of tying meditation to social justice.
And, I have to admit, the book did a pretty good job. I actually would have wanted more of that aspect.

And I do fully intend to go back and actually do the meditation exercises.

[Tibby]

I hadn't really expected to pick this book up, but Williams was interviewed on The Good Ancestor podcast and it piqued my interest. A few months later he was invited to do a presentation at a local bookstore and, since I wanted to attend, I bought the book.

I've been trying all year to start and maintain a journal practice, but I've struggled. I don't really know why. Probably all the reasons we all struggle with- time, writer's block, not knowing how to get started, feeling silly. Pairing that practice with the meditation in Stay Woke felt like it might help. Certainly many of his meditation prompts are followed up with journalling.

I appreciated how Williams is open and honest about his own journey and also points out that the media image of meditation is something that won't work for most people. He's clear the meditation does not have to last hours and you need to develop a practice that works for you and for the life you're living. And he walks you through that step by step. He is tirelessly upbeat, but not in a toxic positivity way.

The book is broken into two sections, the first walks you through how to establish a meditation practice and the second has a forty-day kick start with a ton of guided prompts for specific issues or things you might want to tackle. For me, having gone slowly and deliberately through the first two thirds of the book was enough to establish a ten minute meditation-20 minute journalling practice. Williams suggests several approaches to his forty day challenge and the forty prompts in the back, one of which is dipping in when necessary. I prefer that approach since I may not be struggling with all the issues he tackles or not struggling with them in the order they're presented in the book. This trove of guided meditation help make the book something you can continually return to when you need a little help.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has many good insights. BUT. Is scientifically inaccurate, toxic and damaging in regard to its "approach" to being "woke" for female survivors of sexual assault. In this section, it is blatantly outdated and inaccurate. Not only is this section homophobic, mysoginistic, and gender reinforcing; it is just plain and simply wrong.

As a MA candidate for clinical trauma psychology and a survivor of sexual assault myself the "woke statements" contradict all therapeutic and research supported evidence for the healing process for women suffering from the painful symptoms of PTSD inflicted by such deeply traumatic events.

It states that survivors should not say things like "I finally get along with my dad on politics" but rather should practice affirmations of "gratitude" for the "new men" in their lives. Not only are these two things non-correlated in the slightest but, this also creates mindsets for vulnerable women blindly "following" men in their lives without constructively considering how they may get caught repeating toxic cycles from their past. Hindering the breaking of generational and interpersonal trauma cycles, of which I consider a highly spiritual practice. These statements are also HIGHLY homophobic. In that assuming men and women being together is the "norm" and that women are the only ones that suffer from sexual assault.

I am disgusted by the authors gaslighting perception of women and patriarchal views instilled within this section sold off as being "woke" for individuals seeking paths of enlightenment. I would say that was not very "woke" and extremely lacking in self-awareness to write such statements without reflecting on his view based off of his role as a man within a patriarchal world.

I would not recommend this book to ANYONE for this reason.

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're into mindfulness, meditation, etc. but are sick of what seems like advice for a very specific group of people that maybe don't look, act, sound, etc. like you or may not understand your experiences, this book might fill this gap for you. Williams gives the reader a guide that looks at what meditation is, what it isn't, and how you can engage in that and self-care.

I can't say I was blown away by what the author had to say. Some of it is familiar since I've enjoyed reading books about meditation and found it tough. It felt like the book was trying to do a little too much: talk about meditation, give the reader exercises, etc. Not that this is necessarily bad, but it also felt like it wasn't very much for me and/or lots of it I had seen in other forms elsewhere.

But all the same I did find bits and pieces that were useful, some things that helped me reframe my thinking, etc.

I do think this can be a great resource for the right person. If I had come across it in a different time of my meditation journey I might have thought of it differently. But I wouldn't spend over 20 USD on it and am glad it was available at my local library.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from Sounds True in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

When I first previewed this book I did not know what to expect since it clearly states in the book description that if you are looking for a mindset meditation book then this book is not for you. When I read on, their right this is not a mindset meditation book but a book of motivation to set you on the right path for success. The language expressed throughout the book was so positive and inspiring and Justin Michael Williams adapts to all types of personalities while focusing on perception. No matter the obstacle or goal in mind, this book will help anyone no matter the circumstance.

We will consider adding this title to our Self-Help collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Karma · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the book was beautiful. This isn't one for Kindle, folks. This is a book that you need to hold in your hands. A print copy would let you appreciate the illustrations.

The best thing about this book is the author's voice. The book just feels so motivating and inspiring, it is as if the author is right next to you and present in a very non-judgemental way. I loved that about the book.

This isn't a typical meditation book. In fact, the author shares his own take on meditation, including how to meditate and the secret sauce to make it last.

Perhaps, my favorite section was the one on intention setting. A slightly different way, for sure, but one that worked for me.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've tried many different apps, tools, and methods for meditation and this is the first time I actually feel connected to my practice and WANT to do it rather than feeling like I SHOULD be doing it!
This book has totally changed the way I relate to meditation and I recommend it for anyone who wants to incorporate meditation into their life. Williams leads you through a process to create a practice unique to you and something you will connect with and enjoy. There are also a bunch of guided practices to intersperse with your personal practice. I'm so glad I own this book to have as a reference.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.

I love this book!

It's an incredible guide for marginalized groups and people that have experienced trauma. It helps you work through barriers of focus and identify ways to calm your brain down. It's an incredible look at self care that acknowledges the problems that many of us face with anxiety and societal and even familial expectations.

It's a longer and more thorough book than I expected. There's sections to work through the body and mind and cultivate self acceptance and a path forward.

This is really a great guide!!

[Sarah Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meditation is often seen as a luxury, something that only those with ample time and resources can practice. This is due to society convincing us that anything we do that doesn't produce money must be a waste of time. Stay Woke completely breaks down the misconceptions that people may have about meditation, and it gives readers the tools to create the ideal meditation routine for their lifestyle.

If meditation is something you have avoided because you found it intimidating or impossible to fit into your busy schedule, I recommend reading this book to learn otherwise!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and design. The author is very self-assured, to put it lightly, but he also brings a lot of humor, compassion and joy to this book. I found many of the meditation and visualisation exercises useful. Take what you need and leave what you don't. There is some talk of crystals and healing energy in this book which is a bit much for me, but it is otherwise a refreshing and different approach to meditation that I think will resonate with people from a wide range of different backgrounds.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting read especially from the POV of a white female. Justin is an articulate author and he breaks down some wonderful methods of mindfulness and meditation in his book. It is clear that his target audience is marginalized group but I like how he didn't let that keep anyone interested from enjoying what he has to teach us. So he was able to address his target audience's unique needs and perspective without excluding the rest of us. I didn't have to feel ashamed of not being marginalized to learn from him and felt like he also was addressing my quest as well.

[Charles Reed · Rating 2 out of 5]

48%

I feel like the author was trying to put out a good message here, and just completely fucking failed, he literally ignores what meditating is and says no that's not natural that's not meditating, well all of the actual original meditating guides and philosophies completely disagree with that, so stop making shit up.

But the actual problem here isn't that, the actual problem is that the author is so fucking divisionary, that this comes out as I'm hurt and I'm going to fight you message.

If you put out a message that separates people, then you are the fucking problem.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of books on meditation and I loved his simple, down-to-earth, real take on this practice. Intended for all audiences, especially those who are marginalized, which I loved. I particularly found his link to social justice different and encouraging. I respect his knowledge on the topic, but found it to be a little this-is-what-you-should-do-and-you-will-have-the-life-of-your-dreams...too much of that. Didn’t finish because of it.

[Maxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stay Woke: A Meditation Guide for the Rest of Us by Justin Michael Williams

Stay Woke penned by Mr. Williams is a fantastic book that is easy to relate to and apply to daily life.
I found the information relatable and realistic, straightforward easy to implement.

I have recommended Stay Woke to several friends of various beliefs and I highly recommend this book.

[Kelly Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sister gave me this book for my birthday in February and it was so relevant to everything going on right now. I am so grateful to have had this book during this time. I actually bought it and gifted it back to her because it was so wonderful. This book is inclusive to everyone even if you are not a minority. It will make you feel better.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe there are a lot of hidden gems in this book! I absolutely appreciate Justin acknowledging the unrealistic techniques that are often taught within your typical white yoga/wellness courses and providing readers with techniques that can be realistically applied in during your daily/weekly routine.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I've read how to actively apply and engage in a meaningful meditation practice. It's so clear and logical, and my spouse who had meditated for years even learned things from it. If you are interested in meditation, this is a must - read.

[Emma Eiram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. It’s a fresh take on meditation for those of us who feel like we’d rather beat our heads against a brick wall than meditate (often because meditation has a brick wall feeling) I love all of the online resources too, mark my words, this book will make a meditator out of me.

[Kathryn Troeschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spiritual bypassing here! The author recognizes and works with trauma, enabling the reader to create their own truly holistic practice. He shares his experiences and gives dozens of short mindful practices that are easy to customize. The book also has a link to hear guided meditations.

[Warren · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt the overarching approach in the text is transactional, which is not my favorite approach to meditation. Meditation is not a cosmic ATM, and fulfilling your wishes is not the same as enlightenment.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stay Woke is not your average meditation book. It is a book to help you with your goals and what your struggles are. It is to help you overcome what is blocking you and move forward. Great book.

[Kelly Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opening, creative, honest. This book is everything I didn't know I needed. Thank you, Justin