Meditation has been shown to help people stress less, exercise more, and sleep better. But just sitting still is harder than it seems, even just for two minutes. There are many techniques to help train the mind to be still.  Here are a few books to help you find the practice that is right for you.

Find the Right Practice For You

It is important to find something that fits your personality and lifestyle. 

Meditation: The Complete Guide: More Than 35 Practices for Everyone from the Beginner to the Healing Professional by Patricia Monaghan and Eleanor G. Viereck

Mindfulness Meditation

The practice aimed at training the mind to focus on what is occurring in the present moment.

The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh

Mindfulness by Ellen J. Langer

Transcendental Meditation

A practice that involves the use of a sound or mantra to focus the mind.

Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity by David Lynch

Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul: How to Create a New You by Deepak Chopra

Zen Meditation

A practice that uses observation of the breath.

The Heart of Meditation: Discovering Innermost Awareness by The Dalai Lama

Comfortable With Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion by Pema Chödrön

Listening to the Heart: A Contemplative Journey to Engaged Buddhism by Kittisaro and Thanissara

Meditation for Children

You are never to young to start practicing. 

Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee MacLean

Meditation is an Open Sky: Mindfulness for Kids by Whitney Stewart

Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!