A good book about meditation, which also explains why barriers to meditation arise, such as overthinking or fear of change. A really good guide. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

Liked the simplicity of the book. It is easy to read and as the title suggests, it does a great job of introducing what meditation is and doesn’t try to go into depths that may not be comprehensible for beginners.

Good book to red if you are exploring and trying to understand what meditation is and want to start a meditative practice

Great intro to mediation that normalizes and demystifies the barriers that sometimes deter people from continuing with a long-standing meditation practice.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Introduction to Meditation" by Noraa Casi is a **user-friendly and encouraging guide** for anyone curious about starting a meditation practice. Casi shares her personal story to create a relatable tone, emphasizing that meditation is **for everyone, regardless of background or beliefs**. The book demystifies meditation, addressing common misconceptions and offering practical advice for beginners. Its strengths lie in its breadth, inclusive tone, and practical advice. While it has room for improvement, it remains a valuable resource for anyone curious about starting a meditation practice

Strengths:
* Comprehensive introduction: The book provides a broad overview of meditation, including its history, benefits for body, mind, and soul, and various techniques.
* Practical guidance: Casi offers practical tips for starting and maintaining a meditation practice, emphasizing consistency and patience.
* Variety of techniques: The book introduces diverse meditation styles such as mindfulness, mantra, silent retreats, chakra, crystal, and acupressure, allowing readers to explore what resonates.
* Inclusive approach: The author stresses that meditation is for everyone and promotes compassion as a central value.

Areas for Improvement:
* Lacks depth: While it introduces many techniques, it does not delve deeply into any one of them, and readers may need additional resources for more detailed guidance.
* Limited scientific detail: Though it mentions studies, it could offer more in-depth explanations of the science behind meditation's benefits, such as brain wave activity.
* Overly general statements: Some claims lack nuance and could be framed more specifically, rather than asserting that a particular technique is beneficial for everyone.
* Repetitive: Concepts like consistency and patience are repeated frequently.
* Organization: The order of some content could be more logical to improve the flow of the book

Recommendation:
This book is highly relevant and beneficial for its intended audience—absolute beginners looking for a gentle and accessible introduction to meditation. It effectively demystifies the practice and provides a broad foundation for further exploration. Those seeking in-depth instruction on specific techniques or a deep dive into the scientific research might need to consult other sources, but it serves as an excellent starting point. The book encourages experimentation and self-discovery, promoting the idea that each person’s meditation journey is unique..

Thank you to NetGalley and TQ Associates for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

Most people come to meditation at a point in their lives when the pressures of daily living are taking their toll, physically and emotionally. This was the case for the author herself, caught up in the highly stressful corporate world when she turned to the practice, without any true faith in what it could really offer. I’ve found myself in that place many times; I’ve tried meditation many times, but, unlike Casi who turned it into a lifestyle and profession, it never really ‘stuck’ with me.

This book is for skeptics as much as it is for beginners. In clear, readable language, the author has written a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help those interested in trying, but maybe, especially, those who have tried but never really committed to a personal practice. She covers everything from history through spiritualism through neuroscience to provide a fascinating context for meditation. And she also goes through the many reasons people are resistant to commitment, ways to overcome these, and how to find the practice that will best serve you and your life. This is an excellent manual for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.

Introduction to Meditation by Noraa Casi is a fantastic resource for anyone ready to explore meditation and mindfulness. Whether you’re seeking inner peace, stress relief, or a new self-care habit, this book guides you through the process with clarity and encouragement. Highly recommended for beginners looking to start their meditation journey with confidence!
Casi’s writing is warm, encouraging, and free of unnecessary jargon, making it an excellent choice for those new to meditation. The step-by-step guidance ensures that readers won’t feel overwhelmed, while the focus on sustainability helps set the foundation for a long-term practice.