"Learning to meditate is the greatest gift you can give yourself in this life. For it is only through meditation that you can undertake the journey to discover your true nature, and so find the stability and confidence you will need to live, and die, well." - Sogyal Rinpoche.

In our busy new world, it can be difficult to find the time and discipline of mind to just be.

The six meditations in the two 30-minute sessions on this CD from ABC Audio help beginning meditators relax the body, calm the mind and awaken the heart.

Dr Gillian Ross has an Honours Science Degre and a Doctorate in Behavioural Sciences. She's also a trained yoga teacher and student of Eastern and Western spiritual philosophies.

Her clear and soothing voice, accompanied by gentle background music, allows you to tap into the wisdom of your inner self.

While the meditations are Buddhist in flavour, the relaxation and breathing techniques are drawn from the Indian practice of yoga.

The CD is designed to be used daily, preferably at dawn or dusk.

The cover gives a background to meditation along with tips on preparation, posture and the process.

One meditation involves observing an object, such as a candle, while the second is basically an inner navel-gazing exercise.

A must for any aspiring meditator's collection.

* you can buy the CD from ABC Audio at http://shop.abc.net.au

Reviewed by Yvette Nielsen
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