Experts Share New Year’s Resolution Tips

Set small goals: Ngakma Nor’dzin, author of Relaxing into Meditation.

“Nor’dzin suggests that people who want to establish a regular practice of relaxation and meditation set themselves up to succeed, rather than be over-ambitious and fail. She advises people to aim to meditate 10 minutes a day, every day. Through starting in small ways we establish a change in our lives, which can simply become part of our lives.”

http://malenrutherford.com/experts-share-new-years-resolution-tips/

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Relaxing into Meditation by Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim

Available from Lulu.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, and other bookshops worldwide.

The problem lies in our way of seeing

"The first fundamental certainty is the experience of unsatisfactoriness. Dukkha—unsatisfactoriness—is not what we are and where we are – but how we are. It’s the subjective quality of our experience that is being described as unsatisfactory. The problem lies in our way of seeing rather than in the material fabric of the world."

p23, Rays of the Sun, Ngakpa Chögyam, Aro Books worldwide, 2010, 978-1-898185-06-2

Relaxing into Meditation : Inspiring Reviews

Relaxing into Meditation has received many reviews, all positive.  These provide and insight — from many different viewpoints — into what the book has to offer.

For some people, the reviews themselves have proved sufficiently inspiring for them to begin and sustain a meditation practice without ever having read the book.

Here are some excerpts from the reviews, with links to the full text. We hope that you find them interesting and inspiring.




"Relaxing into Meditation is the best book on meditation I've ever read, and I've been browsing them since the mid-70's. I say this because of the distinction made between relaxation and meditation, and the explanation of why relaxation must happen before meditation can begin."

— Rossinna Ippolitto


"The patience and accessibility of the information is one of the highlights of the book throughout."

— Kamili Feelings


"Although she writes about a subject that others have been prone to mystify and deliberately, it often seems, obscure, she writes in such an accessible and approachable way that you are drawn to listen avidly to what she has to say. She is, in fact, overwhelmingly kind and gentle in her approach, so that, no matter your age or background, you are likely to be comforted and inspired by her work."

— Lois Henderson


"Ngakma Nor’dzin’s goal isn’t to get us meditating for an hour in both the morning and evening. It’s to help us develop a greater sense of awareness and compassion, fostered through meditative practices that are as diverse as we are as individuals."

— Lori Deschene


"This is the kind of book I wish I had when I first started meditating."

— Dan Hersam


"This book got me meditating again, after a long period of only occasionally finding time for it"

—  Esther Wieringa


"It is accessible and not plagued with off-putting esoterica like so many others on this subject. Although understandable for a novice, it also has value for the more practiced."

— Phyllis Proctor


"Nordzin gives excellent explanations of some basic, commonly used relaxation and meditation techniques that can be used effectively no matter what your level of experience is."

— Frank Martin


"The author presents the art of meditation in terms that anyone can understand."

— Michael Gibb


"Wherever you are on your meditation journey you will find this book a constant companion allowing you to discover many enjoyable and informative methods.  An easy to digest guide to meditative practices for calming the mind, nurturing creativity, rejuvenating the spirit, and nourishing the soul."

— Gary Stone


"I wish this book would have been there when I started to try meditation. It's written in a very accessible way and explains the basics and more in a very down-to-earth manner."

— Tink-NL


"It’s excellent for beginners, and I’d highly recommend it as one of the best books I have read for anyone who’s got an interest in starting to meditate."

— Noreen Blanluet


"So the book starts with relaxation practices and then phases gently on to meditation practices. The meditation practices have their roots in the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. There isn’t any kind of philosophy or religious dogma. It focuses completely on meditation as a skill, a practical skill than enhances life and promotes well being."

— Mark McHugh


"As someone who does not meditate, but would like to, I found this book very useful in getting me started and giving me concrete steps to follow. "

— Booklorn Reviews


"Those who are just beginning their meditative journeys will find the plain language and illustrations particularly helpful. From sitting, to breathing, to walking, stretching, and even singing, Lama Nor'dzin covers it all in this very practical, very inspiring guide."

— John DiGilio


"This book provides a step-by-step guide to the various methods that can help relieve stress and leave you feeling more calm. [...]  It is easy to follow, with illustrations that help you understand the techniques suggested - it will leave you feeling at peace in no time."

— Healthy magazine

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Relaxing into Meditation by Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim

Available from Lulu.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, and other bookshops worldwide.

Approach all that happens with an open heart

At Christmas time people seem to make an effort to be jolly. Strangers will greet you with a 'Merry Christmas' and generally there is an air of open-heartedness and goodwill. We all enjoy the sparkly decorations and coloured lights and are able to rediscover child-like pleasure in such simple things.

We can always live like this and not forget it just because Christmas is over. It is in fact possible to be warm towards one another throughout the year and continue to encourage the cheerfulness of spirit we discover at Christmas.

If we approach all that happens with an open heart, a sense of appreciation and the intention to be warm and kind toward others, we will discover peace and contentment and help others to discover this as well.

— Ngakma Nor'dzin Pamo

The police state of karmic vision

"Awareness means relinquishing the police state of karmic-vision and assuming personal responsibility"

p51, Rays of the Sun, Ngakpa Chögyam, Aro Books worldwide, 2010, 978-1-898185-06-2

Relaxing into Meditation : Review in Holland & Barrett's Healthy Magazine

Holland and Barrett's Healthy magazine have reviewed Relaxing into Meditation.

In the January/February 2011 edition (with Gisele Bündchen on the cover)

'Ngakma Nor'dzin, a Western Buddhist believes that regularly practising relaxation and meditation is essential for a totally stress-free life.  This book provides a step-by-step guide to the various methods that can help relieve stress and leave you feeling more calm. There is particular focus on breathing and relaxation, which Nor'dzin believes is the starting point to meditation.  It is easy to follow, with illustrations that help you understand the techniques suggested - it will leave you feeling at peace in no time.

A good book for beginner meditators.'

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Relaxing into Meditation by Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim

Available from Lulu.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, and other bookshops worldwide. 

Relaxing into Meditation featured on Books We Love by Assisting Authors Online

Janis Friesler and David Shultz of Assisting Authors Online have featured Relaxing into Meditation amongst the books they love.  Please see the Books We Love section of their site.

Assisting Authors Online : http://www.assistingauthors.com/
Books We Love :  http://www.assistingauthors.com/books-love/

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Relaxing into Meditation by Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim

Available from Lulu.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, and other bookshops worldwide.

The New Book Review: Reviewer Gives Book on Meditation Top Marks

"This is a fabulous book for those who have been curious about meditation but were a little hesitant, feeling they didn't have "the right stuff" to be successful at it. The text is gentle and fun and calmly inspiring, and even if you have dabbled in meditation before you'll learn new ways to think about what you have been doing. Relaxing into Meditation is sure to become a classic."

-- Rossinna Ippolito

Read the full review at The New Book Review: http://bit.ly/nrprimnbr

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Relaxing into Meditation by Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim

Available from Lulu.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, and other bookshops worldwide.

Responsibility

"No-one else is responsible for how we perceive the world"

p51, Rays of the Sun, Ngakpa Chögyam, Aro Books worldwide, 2010, 978-1-898185-06-2

Relaxing into Meditation : Review by John DiGilio

"Whether you are new to meditation or seasoned in your practice, Lama Ngakma Nor'dzin's book is the perfect accompaniment to your cushion, bench, or chair. Her step-by-step instructions cover a myriad of proven meditation techniques and are explained in a way that is accessible. Those who are just beginning their meditative journeys will find the plain language and illustrations particularly helpful. From sitting, to breathing, to walking, stretching, and even singing, Lama Nor'dzin covers it all in this very practical, very inspiring guide. ( )"

Relaxing into Meditation Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim

John DiGilio reviewed Relaxing into Meditation on Librarything.com  (http://www.librarything.com/work/10257145)

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Relaxing into Meditation by Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim

Available from Lulu.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, and other bookshops worldwide.

Rossinna Ippolito : An Appreciation of Indexing

A skilled indexer is able to understand the purpose of a book and draw together the main themes of the writing in order to create an index that provides access to the heart of the material.

In working with Rossinna Ippolito on Relaxing into Meditation, it was immediately evident to us that she not only had the perspicacity and skill to find the common themes and ideas but also truly understood the author's intent in writing the book.

As a result, we have an index which provides the reader with a clear guide to the main topics of the book and enhances their experience and understanding.

'ö-Dzin Tridral
Aro Books worldwide


For more information about Rossinna Ippolito's work as an indexer, please see her website (http://www.indocsindexing.com/welcome/welcome.html) and follow her on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/Impressivesort)

Relaxing into Meditation : Review by Booklorn Reviews

"This is a very accessible book on meditation with a lot of practical information, like how to make a sitting cushion/strap as well as the words for guided meditation that you can have someone read to you as you meditate or buy as audio tracks (or make your own, I suppose). I liked the fact that the book focuses on practicalities like how to relax and what meditation actually is rather than focusing, as another reviewer noted, on more esoteric aspects of meditation. As someone who does not meditate, but would like to, I found this book very useful in getting me started and giving me concrete steps to follow. ( )"

Relaxing into Meditation Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim

Booklorn Reviews reviewed Relaxing into Meditation on Librarything.com  (http://www.librarything.com/work/10257145)

Follow Booklorn Reviews' blog here : booklorn.com

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Relaxing into Meditation by Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim

Available from Lulu.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, and other bookshops worldwide.

Pacific Northwest Chapter of the American Society for Indexing recognises Aro Books worldwide

The Pacific Northwest Chapter of the American Society for Indexing has recognised Aro Books worldwide as a publisher which values good indexes.

Nancy C. Gerth, President writes:

"We are delighted to inform you that Aro Books worldwide has been placed on the third annual Honor Roll of Publishers.  This award, originated by the Pacific Northwest Chapter (PNW) of the American Society for Indexing (ASI), recognizes publishers who value good indexes and the professionals who write them.  Aro Books worldwide was nominated by Rossinna Ippolito, an indexer who worked with you during the last year"

We are happy to have been recognised in this way and and have enjoyed working with Rossinna Ippolito on the index of Relaxing into Meditation.


For more information about the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the American Society of Indexing please see their website - http://www.pnwasi.org/

A good heart

"Having a good heart goes further than anything in terms of empathising with the nondual state"

p50, Rays of the Sun, Ngakpa Chögyam, Aro Books worldwide, 2010, 978-1-898185-06-2

Relaxing into Meditation : Review by Mark McHugh

"The chapters of this book describe in a very practical way a sequence of exercises in relaxation and meditation.

The first six chapters are purely relaxation and breathing exercises then the seventh is a careful and very practical guide to the postures of sitting for meditation as a preliminary to the meditation practices described in the remainder of the book. Patterns so that meditators can make their own cushions and mats are included as an appendix. The author describes (and gives a pattern for) a sitting “band” used by Tibetan meditators. This fits around the back and knees and looks like a very comfortable and supported sitting position which I am looking forward to trying.

The remaining chapters of the book describe more properly meditation practices although the first few practices could be used as both meditation and relaxation practices. So the book starts with relaxation practices and then phases gently on to meditation practices. The meditation practices have their roots in the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. There isn’t any kind of philosophy or religious dogma. It focuses completely on meditation as a skill, a practical skill than enhances life and promotes well being.

Chapter twelve is the clearest introduction to the practice of meditation that I have heard or read but I hope many readers will come to know that in these words is the greatest of all possible gifts. The term Ngakma Nor’dzin uses for the primary meditation practice is “letting go”. This phrase by itself is a very clear and wonderful explanation of what meditation practice is. The book continues with chapters devoted to the support of this primary meditation practice with advice on how to begin and sustain a daily meditation practice as well as some exercises and yogic techniques that will help with the inevitable aches and pains of sitting still for a while as well as helping with the problems of sleepiness and restlessness.
There are two contemplative practices described “friend, enemy and stranger” and also loving kindness meditation. These therapeutic and transformational practices are supported by the established “letting go” meditation practice.

The final chapter is a longer review of all the practices described in the book and describes the benefits of a regular meditation practice. There is also some advice on the subject of a teacher and a supporting group to sit with.

The book is an excellent introduction to meditation for the individual but will also be a very good resource for the introduction of a relaxation and meditation practice to a community group, a work-place group, adult education group or perhaps a nursing home. The author has taken particular care that the practices are accessible and safe for older people.

The words of this book are full of love, joy and care. ( )"

Relaxing into Meditation Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim

Mark McHugh reviewed Relaxing into Meditation on Librarything.com  (http://www.librarything.com/work/10257145)

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Relaxing into Meditation by Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim

Available from Lulu.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, and other bookshops worldwide.

Relaxing into Meditation : Review by Noreen Blanluet (win the book)

"In a nutshell, as you probably would have guessed from the title, this book covers the practice of meditation. It’s very comprehensive and talks about many different techniques, meditation positions and posture, possible problems people encounter and how to deal with them… anything you need to know really. Although many (possibly all) of the practices are from the Buddhist tradition, it is written in a neutral, open manner, and you definitely don’t need to consider yourself a Buddhist to enjoy the various techniques. It’s excellent for beginners, and I’d highly recommend it as one of the best books I have read for anyone who’s got an interest in starting to meditate.

I would also recommend this book to more experienced meditators. I used to attend my local Buddhist centre and practiced meditation for many years, and this book acted as a useful reminder to me. It also introduced me to types of meditation I had not had the opportunity to practice before, and provided reassurance about problems I used to encounter while meditating, that were not often expressed and shared.

What a lovely read.

The tone of the book is gentle and full of commonsense. Reading the words is a serene, grounding experience and you can feel the energy of the author, Nor’Dzin Ngakma, coming through and gently accompanying you through the experience.

It’s an all round lovely book, I’m happy to have been offered the chance to read it, and I recommend it without the slightest hesitation."

Relaxing into Meditation Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim available from Lulu (http://bit.ly/nrprimlul), Amazon.co.uk (http://bit.ly/nrprimzuk), Amazon.com (http://bit.ly/nrprimzus)

Noreen Blanluet reviewed Relaxing into Meditation on her web site BeAmazingToday.co.uk (http://www.beamazingtoday.co.uk/2010/12/relaxing-into-meditation-win-the-book/) and she is also offering the chance to win the book.

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Relaxing into Meditation by Ngakma Nor'dzin
Aro Books worldwide  ISBN 978-1-898185-17-8 http://bit.ly/nrprim

Available from Lulu.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, and other bookshops worldwide.

The nature of mind is non-dual

"Glimpses of rigpa can arise spontaneously through the initial cessation of struggling to maintain the processes of samsara and relaxing into a more open view. We relax and discover with a jolt that the nature of mind is non-dual. We relax and discover in a flash that the nature of view is realised. We relax and discover with surprise that there is a flicker of harmonious natural congruence in activity and being."

p207, Spacious Passion, Ngakma Nor’dzin, Aro Books worldwide, 2009, 978-1-898185-07-9