10 Best Meditation Books in 2022 (Yoga Instructor-Reviewed)

Pros:

• Explore 10 meditation styles in 10 days
• Clear instructions for each
• Writing prompts encourage you to record daily insights

Cons:

• Once you find a style you like, you may need a more in-depth book on it

This meditation book walks you through a 10-day journey. Each day you'll be introduced to a different meditation technique. The practical guide is written for both beginners and experienced meditation practitioners, with step-by-step instructions and writing prompts.

Readers loved how effective this book is at teaching a variety of meditation techniques and concepts. They said that it's easy to follow and helps them feel relaxed!

Pros:

• Looks at ancient breathing practices and modern scientific findings
• Contains breathing exercises to benefit health
• Personal and entertaining writing style

Cons:

• Some reviewers found it a dry read

Most of us don't really think about breathing, but this book will change that! Through the author's worldwide travels, it looks at the evolution of how we breathe and points out how modern humans aren't doing it in the most healthy way.

With history, a personal journey, medical and scientific studies, spiritual and cultural insights, and even breathing techniques, this in-depth read is a must for understanding breath.

Pros:

• Considered a Zen classic; the late author was one of the most prominent Zen teachers in America
• Covers basics of meditation like posture and breathing
• Full of wisdom you'll turn to again and again

Cons:

• Not for light reading

This is the 50th anniversary edition of a Zen Buddhism classic. It covers practical meditation aspects, but is perhaps most well-loved for the insights and wisdom of the author.

A few reviewers found that wisdom hard to grasp, saying it reads like a riddle at times. Others say that although the concepts can be difficult, that's exactly what makes it such a valuable perspective.

Pros:

• 75 exercises with practical advice on breath and focus
• Starts out with short meditations that even total beginners can handle
• Meditations for specific situations or emotional states
• Helps change your habits to lead to a happier you

Cons:

• Some found it only repeated variations on the same theme

Mindfuness is a practice that doesn't require accepting any new spiritual belief system, which makes it universally appealing. In this book, the author will help you meditate in a mindful way to deal with the stresses of everyday life. It promises to make you feel more gratitude, become grounded, and experience mental well-being.

Readers say it's practical, accessible, and relatable. It's recommended by everyone from therapists to beginners who thought they'd be too busy to meditate. Reviewers say some of the meditations are good for kids, too.

Pros:

• Introduces qigong and tai chi, forms of movement meditation
• Provided insight into choosing a healthier lifestyle
• Great if you're worried about needing to sit perfectly still to meditate

Cons:

• Some of the same information can be found on the author's YouTube channel for free

If you have concerns about your ability to remain motionless, which many practices require, you might find movement-based meditation better for you. This book looks at qigong and its martial arts companion tai chi, ancient Chinese forms of healing and meditation.

Reviewers found it easy to follow, with detailed descriptions and illustrations. They say it's eloquently written and has both a Chinese and Western perspective.

Pros:

• Wise sayings from ancient Stoic philosophers
• Covers 366 days with insights and exercises
• Short but thought-provoking daily quotes
• Glossary of Greek terms

Cons:

• Some complain about a lack of flow
• Others liked the quotes but weren't fans of the commentaries

This book gives you a year's worth of practical wisdom from ancient Greek Stoic philosophers that is just as relevant today as it was during their time. With daily reflections, you should find yourself more at peace, self-aware, and resilient. 

Reviewers loved that the text is easy to digest. The easy-to-read daily insights were a favorite feature, too. Many readers found themselves living life differently after reading the daily meditations! 

Pros:

• Targeted advice for modern women in a revised edition
• Encouraging and humorous
• Short, daily readings won't add time to your busy life

Cons:

• Not all the meditations may apply to your situation

This meditation book is made specifically for women who feel they have too many responsibilities. With advice, funny stories, encouragement and reminders, this book helps you find calm in your life.

A few readers mentioned they preferred the tone of the first edition of the book, but most found the day-by-day format served as the perfect pick-me-up.

Pros:

• 365 passages to reflect on each day
• Written in a comforting and inspiring way
• Repetition with variation helps make the messages stick
• Positive affirmations help those suffering from trauma

Cons:

• May be too simplistic for those wanting more than emotional healing

This book walks readers through a journey of finding comfort and inspiration, with the end goal of spiritual growth and renewal. It aims to help readers find their purpose and connect with themselves on a much deeper level with daily affirmations you can meditate on. 

Many readers commented about the short yet effective tidbits of wisdom that they found in the daily meditations. They loved that the book gets them to reflect and find peace. 

Pros:

• Detailed descriptions of the chakras to help you diagnose your areas of concern
• Mantras (chants) and mudras (hand postures) with pictures
• Guided meditations

Cons:

• Some reviewers say it's too basic if you have any knowledge of chakras at all
• The theories are too New Age for some

The idea that your body has various energy centers called chakras goes back hundreds of years. Through this book, you'll learn to identify them and practice meditations for each, to reduce stress, improve your energy, and gain balance.

Readers like how easy it is to follow, with color-coding and clear organization. You may prefer the spiral bound format so it stays open to guide you during meditations.

Pros:

• 30 simple, short, fun exercises
• Includes breathing and movement
• Techniques can be done in real-life situations and locations
• Helps kids find calm and focused energy

Cons:

• Adults will want to read it, too!
• If you choose to get the CD version, the tracks are not divided into smaller portions

Mindfulness meditation is great for kids to learn the art of focusing their thoughts and being in tune with their feelings. This illustrated book teaches kids how to breathe and manage their emotions with 30 simple exercises that can be done anywhere.

Many reviewers loved that the illustrations in the book really engaged their kids, helping them calm down and manage anxious feelings. They appreciated that there were a variety of techniques to try, too.