“A rare
combination of deep, clear, and accessible wisdom, The Little Book of
Being is a gem, filled with fantastic reflections, practices, and
teachings that will nourish new and experienced meditators alike. Written with
an engaging freshness, this book reminds us of what we know, love and regularly
forget—the natural awareness that is our very essence.”
—Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical
Acceptance and True Refuge
“The Little Book of Being is a
lovely, simple, wise, and helpful book. It is filled with down-to-earth
practical wisdom, wonderful tools to free the heart, and a perspective of
self-kindness that we all need.”
—Jack Kornfield, author of A Path With
Heart
“The Little Book of Being is more
than little, and more than about simply being. Diana Winston offers us a big
idea about . . . a state of mind we may sometimes call presence—or a ‘natural
awareness,’ in her terms—that research suggests boosts our immunity, reduces
inflammation, and even can slow the aging process. Even more, her wise and
accessible teachings offer us practical tools for becoming more fully aware and
cultivating the clarity and tranquility that arise when the mind accesses this
open, receptive state. Take in these powerful ideas, and bring more well-being,
equanimity, and connection into your life!”
—Daniel J. Siegel, MD, clinical professor and
founding co-director, UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center; executive
director, Mindsight Institute; author of Aware: The Science and
Practice of Presence
“The Little Book of Being offers new
and experienced meditators reliable guidance on the practice of natural
awareness, as well as classical mindfulness. Helpful, accessible, and humorous,
it makes meditation an inviting adventure while also setting realistic
expectations.”
—Guy Armstrong, author of Emptiness: A
Practical Guide for Meditators; guiding teacher, Insight Meditation Society
“Crafted
with kindness, The Little Book of Being offers a wonderful
invitation to the realm of natural awareness. Weaving clear, concise instruction
with encouragement and personal anecdotes, Diana Winston leads us in the
direction of a meditation practice free from judgment and striving. Through
exercises that point toward short glimpses of natural awareness, we can learn
to experience relief from the patterns of our habitual mind.”
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Real
Happiness and Real Love
“Without ever becoming precious or dogmatic,
Diana Winston shows how natural, or non-dual, awareness emerges within the
continuum of mindfulness practice and is an antidote to the trap of excessive
striving. The book is a testament to her years of experience and is a treasure
trove of elegant, accessible meditations. Highly recommended for anyone who
wants to free their heart and mind.”
—Christopher Germer, PhD, author of The
Mindful Path to Self-Compassion; co-developer of the Mindful
Self-Compassionprogram
“In a clear and encouraging voice, Diana Winston
points out how the shift from noting what is happening to the
more spacious awareness that it is happening relaxes the mind
and body into a state of okay-ness, bringing natural compassion and deep
well-being.”
—Sylvia Boorstein, PhD, author of Happiness
Is an Inside Job
“Diana Winston lives and breathes the clean,
clear air of mindful awareness, and brings a great deal of experience and skill
to the table. The practical, accessible, and doable tools and techniques,
meditational tips and pointers, and plain ol’ wisdom here have helped me
discover, recognize, and recover who and what I am, and what we all genuinely
are at the level of our very best selves. I believe this will certainly help
you, too, release the buoyant little buddha within and live the miraculous life
you want and need.”
—Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the
Buddha Within: Eight Steps to Enlightenment; founder of the
Dzogchen Center and Dzogchen Retreats
“Diana Winston’s wonderful new book, The Little Book of Being,
combines the authority of her long and deep practice with her engaging
conversational voice—for everyone from beginners to long-time meditators.”
—Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of Mindful
Games and The Mindful Child
“Breaking new ground, this wise and elegant book, The Little
Book of Being, is a wonderful guide to the important next stage of
mindfulness practice: natural awareness. These down-to-earth essays and
short-glimpse practices are wisdom bites that are just the right size to enjoy
a delicious taste of natural awareness whenever you like. Highly recommended!”
—Loch Kelly, MDiv, LCSW, author of Shift
into Freedom
“This is a phenomenal book about
mindfulness—and self-acceptance, joy, love, and the natural wisdom and goodness
inside each one of us. . . . Each page is full of loving wisdom plus practical
suggestions for living with ease, in harmony with oneself and others. Diana
Winston combines tremendous clarity with warm-hearted friendly support. Wow,
really a gem!”
—Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Buddha's
Brain
“Using tools from across the Buddhist traditions, Diana Winston defines
a “spectrum of awareness” in language that is simple and compelling. This
teaching helps us recognize, generate, and rest in various states of peace and
ease. Diana’s insights and clarity provide a clear path to natural awareness.
The book is highly creative and innovative and will be a source of wellness for
many.”
—Bonnie Duran, DrPH, professor, University of
Washington School of Social Work; leadership team member of the Indigenous
Wellness Research Institute