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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The No-Nonsense Meditation Book summary
Steven Laureys
A Scientist’s Guide to the Power of Meditation
23 mins
Brief summary
The No-Nonsense Meditation Book by Steven Laureys is a guide to meditation that focuses on cultivating mindfulness and improving mental clarity. It offers a straightforward approach to meditation with practical tips for beginners.
Table of Contents
The No-Nonsense Meditation Book
Summary of 7 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 7
The brain’s evolution explains why we worry so much.
The human condition is fraught with constant thinking. Our heads never stop spinning with thoughts, ideas, analyses, and worries. At times, this cognitive noise can be overwhelming.
But it’s that ability to think quickly and clearly that launched us on our evolutionary path to the top of the food chain. And though our brains have come a long way, they’re not as modern as you might believe – in fact, they’re downright prehistoric. Like the monkeys we once were, they can’t sit still. They swing from neurological branch to branch, warning us about threats, dreaming of a brighter future, and ruminating over the past.
It’s no surprise, then, that we struggle to enjoy the moment and spend so much time fretting instead.
The key message here is: The brain’s evolution explains why we worry so much.
Survival is a stressful business. Avoiding danger and making the most of opportunities in an uncertain world requires hypervigilance. That’s true of pretty much every living being.
Take microbial bacteria, the first life forms on our planet. They evolved crude sensors that helped them steer clear of dangerous areas and find safe places bustling with food.
Our prehistoric forebears weren’t much different. Their minds raced with questions: like Where is it safe to sleep? Will that animal eat me? Are these berries tasty treats or toxic killers? Survival gave the brain a full-time job as it sifted through sensory and experiential data to make life-or-death decisions. The easiest way to end up in trouble, after all, was to switch off.
Over the millennia, Homo sapiens became smarter. They got better at identifying threats and found ways of making life more comfortable – think fire and agriculture. These evolutionary milestones made us what we are today: a species with unparalleled control over our environment.
Life on prehistoric savannas and steppes couldn’t be more different to life in the twenty-first century, yet the human brain hasn’t changed much. Our brains remain hypervigilant even though supermarkets don’t stock poisonous berries and we’re unlikely to be devoured by wild animals. Anything that looks like a threat – say, a rude remark or an argument – causes the brain to go into overdrive.
Like our ancestors, we find it hard to switch off. Unlike them, we can afford to. We don’t have to lead anxious, fretful lives. We have the luxury to be calm and enjoy the present moment. We just need to learn how.
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What is The No-Nonsense Meditation Book about?
The No-Nonsense Meditation Book (2021) explores the science behind meditation. As the latest neuroscience research shows, you don’t have to be a monk in search of nirvana to reap the benefits of meditation. In fact, it’s a great solution to many distinctly modern problems like stress and chronic anxiety.
The No-Nonsense Meditation Book Review
The No-Nonsense Meditation Book (2020) is a practical guide that introduces readers to the transformative practice of meditation. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With clear instructions and strategies, the book empowers readers to incorporate meditation into their daily lives, helping them find inner peace and balance.
- Through scientific evidence and personal anecdotes, the author illustrates the benefits of meditation, making it an engaging and informative read.
- By discussing different techniques and answering common questions, the book keeps readers engaged and motivated to continue their meditation practice with ease.
Who should read The No-Nonsense Meditation Book?
- Natural worriers
- Would-be meditators
- Scientists
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The No-Nonsense Meditation Book FAQs
What is the main message of The No-Nonsense Meditation Book?
The main message of The No-Nonsense Meditation Book is finding inner peace through practical meditation techniques.
How long does it take to read The No-Nonsense Meditation Book?
The reading time for The No-Nonsense Meditation Book varies. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The No-Nonsense Meditation Book a good book? Is it worth reading?
The No-Nonsense Meditation Book is a valuable read for those seeking mindfulness and calmness. It provides effective meditation techniques in a practical and straightforward manner.
Who is the author of The No-Nonsense Meditation Book?
The author of The No-Nonsense Meditation Book is Steven Laureys.
What to read after The No-Nonsense Meditation Book?
If you're wondering what to read next after The No-Nonsense Meditation Book, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The 6 Phase Meditation Method by Vishen Lakhiani
- Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics by Dan Harris
- The Buddha and the Badass by Vishen Lakhiani
- Meditation by Osho
- The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
- Mindfulness by Joseph Goldstein
- Deeper Dating by Ken Page
- Unplug by Suze Yalof Schwartz
- How to Retire by Christine Benz
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell