Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent years, and for good reason. With the fast-paced nature of our lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to take a moment to breathe. Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. It’s a simple concept, but it can be challenging to put into practice.
One of the best ways to learn about mindfulness is through reading. There are countless books on the subject, but not all of them are created equal. That’s why we spent hours researching and testing different books to find the best ones on mindfulness.
When it comes to choosing a book on mindfulness, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the author’s credentials. Are they an expert in the field of mindfulness, or are they simply jumping on the bandwagon? Second, think about the style of the book. Some books are more instructional, while others are more anecdotal. Finally, consider your own learning style. Do you prefer a more interactive approach, or do you prefer to read and reflect on your own?
After extensive research and testing, we’ve identified the top books on mindfulness that are worth your time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these books will help you deepen your understanding of mindfulness and improve your overall well-being.
Top 3 Best Books on Mindfulness
2. Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere
3. Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World
We know that in today’s fast-paced world, it can be tough to find a moment of peace and quiet. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best books on mindfulness to help you cultivate a sense of calm and clarity in your daily life. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or an experienced practitioner seeking new insights, these books offer practical tools and wisdom to help you stay present and centered. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best books on mindfulness.
Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday
If you’re looking for a practical guide to mindfulness, Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday is a great choice.
Pros
- The book offers a variety of meditations for different situations, including work, relationships, and sleep.
- The meditations are easy to follow and don’t require any special equipment or training.
- The book includes tips for incorporating mindfulness into your daily life, which can help you reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
Cons
- Some readers may find the meditations too basic or repetitive.
- The book doesn’t offer much in the way of scientific explanations of mindfulness or its benefits.
- The language can be a bit simplistic at times.
If you’re looking for a straightforward introduction to mindfulness, Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday is a great choice. The book offers a wide range of meditations for different situations, from dealing with difficult emotions to improving your focus and concentration. The meditations are easy to follow and don’t require any special equipment or training, making them accessible to anyone. Additionally, the book includes tips for incorporating mindfulness into your daily life, which can help you reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
That being said, some readers may find the meditations too basic or repetitive, especially if they already have experience with mindfulness. Additionally, the book doesn’t offer much in the way of scientific explanations of mindfulness or its benefits, which may be a drawback for some readers. Finally, the language can be a bit simplistic at times, which may make the book less engaging for some readers.
Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere
If you’re looking for a book that teaches mindfulness to kids, then Breathe Like a Bear is an excellent choice. It’s a fun and easy-to-read book that can help children learn to calm themselves and focus better.
Pros
- The book is well-written and engaging, making it easy for kids to follow along and participate in the exercises.
- The illustrations are colorful and fun, which can help keep kids interested and engaged.
- The book is suitable for kids as young as three years old, which means it can be used to introduce mindfulness to children at an early age.
Cons
- The book is relatively short, with only 96 pages, which means it may not provide enough content for some readers.
- The book is part of a series, which may mean that readers need to purchase additional books to get the full benefit.
- Some readers may find the exercises too simplistic, especially if they have already been practicing mindfulness for some time.
Overall, we would definitely recommend Breathe Like a Bear to parents and educators who are looking for a fun and engaging way to teach mindfulness to kids. The book is well-written, easy to follow, and suitable for children of all ages.
Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World
If you’re looking for a book that can help you find peace in a world that seems to be moving too fast, Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World is worth considering.
Pros
- The book provides a comprehensive guide to mindfulness meditation that is easy to follow.
- The exercises are simple and can be done anywhere, even if you have never meditated before.
- The book includes a CD with guided meditations that can help you get started.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book’s eight-week program too structured.
- The book may not be suitable for those who are looking for a quick fix to their stress and anxiety.
- The book’s focus on mindfulness meditation may not be suitable for everyone.
The book’s eight-week program is designed to help readers develop a mindfulness practice that can help them find peace in their daily lives. The program includes guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and other techniques that can help readers become more aware of their thoughts and emotions.
One of the things we liked about the book is that it provides a comprehensive guide to mindfulness meditation that is easy to follow. The exercises are simple and can be done anywhere, even if you have never meditated before. The book also includes a CD with guided meditations that can help you get started.
However, some readers may find the book’s eight-week program too structured. The book may not be suitable for those who are looking for a quick fix to their stress and anxiety. Additionally, the book’s focus on mindfulness meditation may not be suitable for everyone.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to mindfulness meditation, Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World is worth considering. The book provides a practical and easy-to-follow program that can help you find peace in a world that seems to be moving too fast.
A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh
If you’re looking for a book that will help you practice mindfulness in a fun and easy way, A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- The book is a quick and easy read, with short chapters that make it easy to digest the material.
- The stories and anecdotes featuring Winnie the Pooh are not only cute and charming, but also help illustrate the concepts of mindfulness in a relatable way.
- The exercises and meditations included in the book are simple and easy to follow, making it a great choice for beginners.
Cons
- Some readers might find the book a bit simplistic, especially if they’re already familiar with mindfulness practices.
- The tie-in with Winnie the Pooh might not appeal to everyone.
- The book is quite short, with only 128 pages, so readers looking for a more in-depth exploration of mindfulness might want to look elsewhere.
In A Walk in the Wood, the authors use Winnie the Pooh and his friends to illustrate mindfulness concepts such as being present in the moment, letting go of worries and anxieties, and finding joy in everyday experiences. The book includes exercises and meditations that can help readers practice mindfulness in their own lives.
Overall, we think A Walk in the Wood is a great choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of mindfulness. The book is easy to read, accessible, and charming, and the exercises and meditations are a great way to start incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine.
Mindfulness in Plain English
If you’re looking for a beginner’s guide to mindfulness, Mindfulness in Plain English is a great choice. It provides a clear and concise introduction to Vipassana meditation, which is a form of mindfulness meditation that focuses on observing the breath and body sensations.
Pros
- The book is easy to read and understand, even for those who have never meditated before.
- The author provides practical tips and exercises to help readers develop their mindfulness practice.
- The book is affordable and available in both paperback and Kindle editions.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book’s focus on Buddhist philosophy and terminology to be distracting or confusing.
- The book is relatively short, so it may not provide enough detail for more experienced meditators.
- The author’s writing style may not be to everyone’s taste.
Overall, we recommend Mindfulness in Plain English to anyone who is interested in learning more about mindfulness and meditation. It provides a solid foundation for beginners and offers practical advice for developing a regular meditation practice.
In the first few chapters, the author explains the basic principles of mindfulness and provides guidance on how to develop a regular meditation practice. He also addresses common obstacles that may arise during meditation and offers tips for overcoming them.
Later chapters focus on more advanced topics, such as the nature of consciousness and the role of mindfulness in everyday life. The author also provides guidance on how to integrate mindfulness into one’s daily routine, which can be especially helpful for those who struggle to find time to meditate.
Overall, Mindfulness in Plain English is a great choice for anyone who is interested in learning more about mindfulness and meditation. It’s an accessible and practical guide that provides a solid foundation for developing a regular meditation practice.
The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation
If you’re looking for an introduction to mindfulness and meditation, The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh is a great place to start.
Pros
- Provides a simple and accessible introduction to mindfulness and meditation
- Offers practical exercises to incorporate mindfulness into daily life
- Written in a concise and relatable style
Cons
- May not offer much new information for those already well-versed in mindfulness and meditation
- Some readers may prefer a more specific focus on mindfulness for certain issues, such as anxiety
- Written from a Buddhist perspective, which may not resonate with all readers
In The Miracle of Mindfulness, Thich Nhat Hanh presents mindfulness as a way to achieve inner peace and happiness. The book offers practical exercises and insights into how to incorporate mindfulness into daily life, such as focusing on breathing and staying present in the moment. Nhat Hanh’s writing style is concise and relatable, making the book an easy and enjoyable read.
While the book may not offer much new information for those already well-versed in mindfulness and meditation, it provides a solid introduction for beginners. Some readers may prefer a more specific focus on mindfulness for certain issues, such as anxiety, rather than a general overview.
It’s worth noting that The Miracle of Mindfulness is written from a Buddhist perspective, which may not resonate with all readers. However, the book’s emphasis on mindfulness as a way to find inner peace and happiness can be valuable for anyone looking to improve their mental wellbeing. Overall, we recommend The Miracle of Mindfulness as a great starting point for those interested in mindfulness and meditation.
Today I Noticed: A Little Book of Mindfulness that Will Change the Way You See the World
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine, Today I Noticed is the book for you.
Pros
- The book is short and sweet, making it easy to read and perfect for busy individuals.
- The illustrations are charming and add a touch of whimsy to the book.
- The messages are relatable and will inspire you to appreciate the little things in life.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book too simplistic and lacking in depth.
- The book does not offer any new or groundbreaking insights into mindfulness.
- The book may not be suitable for those who are already well-versed in mindfulness practices.
In Today I Noticed, the authors offer a series of mindfulness prompts that encourage readers to take notice of the small things in life. Each prompt is accompanied by a charming illustration and a short message that will inspire you to slow down and appreciate the present moment.
The book is divided into chapters that cover different aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and nature. Each chapter offers a series of prompts that are designed to be completed in just a few minutes, making it easy to incorporate mindfulness into even the busiest of schedules.
Overall, we would recommend Today I Noticed to anyone who is looking for a quick and easy way to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routine. While the book may not offer any groundbreaking insights into mindfulness, it is a charming and relatable read that will inspire you to appreciate the little things in life.
21 Day Mindfulness and Meditation Challenge: Develop Self-Awareness, Reduce Stress and Manage Negative Emotion
If you’re looking to develop self-awareness, reduce stress, and manage negative emotions, the 21 Day Mindfulness and Meditation Challenge is a great book to consider.
Pros
- Provides a 21-day program to help readers develop mindfulness and meditation skills
- Offers practical exercises and techniques to help reduce stress and manage negative emotions
- Written in an accessible and engaging style
Cons
- Some readers may find the 21-day program too short to fully develop mindfulness and meditation skills
- The book may not provide enough in-depth information for readers who are already familiar with mindfulness and meditation practices
- The writing style may not be suitable for readers who prefer a more academic or scientific approach
The 21 Day Mindfulness and Meditation Challenge offers a 21-day program that is designed to help readers develop mindfulness and meditation skills. The book provides practical exercises and techniques that can be used to reduce stress, manage negative emotions, and improve overall well-being. The program is easy to follow and the exercises are well-explained, making it accessible to readers who are new to mindfulness and meditation practices.
The book is written in an engaging and accessible style, making it easy to read and understand. The author provides clear explanations of the concepts and techniques, and the writing is free of jargon and technical terms. However, some readers may find the writing style too simplistic, or may prefer a more academic or scientific approach.
One potential drawback of the book is that the 21-day program may not be long enough for some readers to fully develop mindfulness and meditation skills. Additionally, readers who are already familiar with mindfulness and meditation practices may find that the book does not provide enough in-depth information.
Overall, the 21 Day Mindfulness and Meditation Challenge is a great book for readers who are new to mindfulness and meditation practices and are looking for a practical, accessible guide to help them develop these skills.
Mindfulness: The Remarkable Truth Behind Meditation and Being Present in Your Life
If you’re looking for a concise and informative guide to mindfulness, then this book is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The book is written in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.
- It offers practical advice and techniques for incorporating mindfulness into your daily life.
- The book is relatively short, making it a quick and accessible read.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book too basic or simplistic.
- The book doesn’t offer a lot of in-depth analysis or scientific research.
- The author’s writing style may not be to everyone’s taste.
In this book, the author explores the concept of mindfulness and how it can be used to reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve overall well-being. The book is divided into short chapters and includes practical exercises and techniques for incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine.
One of the things we appreciated about this book was the author’s clear and concise writing style. The concepts are explained in a way that is easy to understand, even for those who are new to mindfulness. Additionally, the book offers a number of practical exercises and techniques that readers can use to incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives.
That being said, some readers may find the book too basic or simplistic. The author doesn’t delve into a lot of in-depth analysis or scientific research, which may be a turn-off for some readers. Additionally, the author’s writing style may not be to everyone’s taste.
Overall, if you’re looking for a quick and accessible guide to mindfulness, then this book is definitely worth considering. It’s written in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, and offers practical advice and techniques for incorporating mindfulness into your daily life.
Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners: 50 Meditations to Practice Awareness, Acceptance, and Peace
If you’re looking for a practical guide to mindfulness meditation, then Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners is a great place to start. With 50 meditations to choose from, this book offers a variety of techniques to practice awareness, acceptance, and peace.
Pros
- The book is concise and easy to read.
- It offers a variety of meditation techniques to suit different preferences.
- The author’s friendly and realistic approach makes mindfulness meditation accessible to beginners.
Cons
- The book may not be detailed enough for experienced meditators.
- Some readers may prefer a more structured approach to meditation practice.
- The book’s small size may make it difficult to read for some people.
In the first section of the book, the author provides an introduction to mindfulness meditation and its benefits. She also explains how to prepare for meditation and offers tips for creating a meditation space. The second section of the book contains 50 guided meditations, each with a specific focus, such as body awareness, breath awareness, or loving-kindness.
The author’s writing style is friendly and approachable, making the book easy to read and understand. She offers personal anecdotes to illustrate her points and provides clear instructions for each meditation. The book’s small size also makes it easy to carry around and refer to as needed.
Overall, Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners is a great resource for anyone looking to start a mindfulness meditation practice. The book’s variety of techniques and the author’s friendly approach make it an excellent choice for beginners.
Meditations on Intention and Being: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, Mindfulness, and Compassion (Anchor Books Original)
If you’re looking for a book that can help you reflect on your daily life and practice mindfulness, then Meditations on Intention and Being is a great choice.
Pros
- The book is organized into 365 short essays, making it easy to read one entry per day for a year.
- Each essay provides a quote and a reflection on yoga, mindfulness, and compassion, making it a great resource for those who want to incorporate these practices into their daily life.
- The author, Rolf Gates, is a yoga teacher who has integrated yogic and Buddhist wisdom into his being, making the book a valuable guide for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual practice.
Cons
- Some readers may find the essays to be too short and lacking in depth.
- The book assumes some prior knowledge of yoga and mindfulness, so it may not be the best choice for beginners.
- The book is only available in paperback, so those who prefer e-books or audiobooks may be disappointed.
Overall, we highly recommend Meditations on Intention and Being to anyone who is interested in incorporating mindfulness and yoga into their daily life. The book provides daily inspiration and guidance for those who want to deepen their spiritual practice, and the short essays make it easy to read one entry per day. While some readers may find the essays to be too short, the book is still a valuable resource for anyone who wants to live a more mindful and compassionate life.
The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction: A Guide to Coping with the Grief, Stress, and Anger That Trigger Addictive Behaviors
If you’re looking for a practical workbook to help you cope with addictive behaviors, then The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The workbook provides practical exercises and tools to help you understand and cope with the root causes of addictive behaviors.
- The exercises in the workbook are easy to follow and can be completed at your own pace.
- The workbook is designed to be used in conjunction with therapy or support groups, making it a useful addition to your recovery toolkit.
Cons
- Some of the exercises in the workbook may be challenging or triggering for individuals with severe addiction issues.
- The workbook is primarily focused on addiction-related issues and may not be as useful for individuals dealing with other mental health concerns.
- The workbook may not be suitable for individuals who prefer a more traditional, text-based approach to self-help.
Overall, we would recommend The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction to anyone looking for a practical, hands-on approach to coping with addictive behaviors. The exercises in the workbook are designed to help you develop mindfulness skills and coping mechanisms that can be applied to a wide range of situations.
The workbook is divided into several sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of addiction and recovery. The exercises in each section are designed to build on one another, helping you develop a deeper understanding of your addictive behaviors and the underlying emotional and psychological issues that may be driving them.
Whether you’re dealing with addiction issues yourself or supporting someone who is, The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction is a valuable resource that can help you develop the skills and tools you need to cope with the challenges of recovery.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best book on mindfulness, there are a few key features to consider. We recommend taking the following factors into account before making a purchase:
Content
The content of the book is the most important aspect to consider. Look for books that provide clear and concise explanations of mindfulness concepts, as well as practical exercises and techniques to help you develop your mindfulness practice. It’s also important to consider the level of detail provided in the book. Some books may be more suitable for beginners, while others may be geared towards more experienced practitioners.
Author
The author’s experience and credentials are also important to consider. Look for books written by authors who have a background in mindfulness or related fields, such as psychology or meditation. You may also want to consider whether the author has a particular approach or philosophy towards mindfulness that resonates with you.
Format
The format of the book can also impact your experience. Consider whether you prefer a physical book, e-book, or audiobook. Some books may also include additional resources, such as guided meditations or worksheets, which can be helpful in developing your mindfulness practice.
Reviews
Reading reviews from other readers can also be helpful in determining whether a book is right for you. Look for reviews that provide specific feedback on the content, writing style, and overall usefulness of the book. Keep in mind that everyone’s experience with mindfulness is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.
By considering these factors, you can find a book on mindfulness that is tailored to your needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 Ts of mindfulness?
The 4 Ts of mindfulness are:
- Trigger – the event that prompts you to practice mindfulness
- Task – the mindfulness practice you choose to do
- Time – the duration of your mindfulness practice
- Type – the specific type of mindfulness practice you choose to do
What are the 4 concepts of mindfulness?
The 4 concepts of mindfulness are:
- Awareness – being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings
- Acceptance – accepting things as they are without judgment
- Presence – being present in the moment
- Compassion – having compassion for yourself and others
What are the 7 attitudinal foundations of mindfulness?
The 7 attitudinal foundations of mindfulness are:
- Non-judging – observing without judgment
- Patience – being patient with yourself and the process
- Beginner’s mind – approaching each moment with a fresh perspective
- Trust – trusting yourself and the process
- Non-striving – letting go of expectations and focusing on the present moment
- Acceptance – accepting things as they are without judgment
- Letting go – letting go of thoughts and emotions that do not serve you
Which book should I read for mindfulness?
There are many great books on mindfulness, but the best book for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. We recommend doing some research and reading reviews before choosing a book.
What are the best-selling books on mindfulness?
Some of the best-selling books on mindfulness include:
- “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
- “Mindfulness in Plain English” by Bhante Gunaratana
- “Wherever You Go, There You Are” by Jon Kabat-Zinn
- “10% Happier” by Dan Harris
What are the best mindfulness books for beginners?
Some of the best mindfulness books for beginners include:
- “The Miracle of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh
- “Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World” by Mark Williams and Danny Penman
- “The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness” by Andy Puddicombe