If you're considering meditation as a stress reliever, Girl Seeks Bliss contains excellent comprehensive advice. I never before understood the reasoning behind meditating in a certain location, assuming a specific position, or the value of properly placed pillows. However, I can now appreciate how these simple gestures convey my intentions to my body and mind and therefore lead to a more satisfying experience. I, too, experienced "Monkey Mind," where my thoughts continuously jumped from one of life's branches to another. Ms. Beland's suggestions about what to concentrate on have already led to increased serenity.

Have you considered yoga as a potential form of exercise? It's not just for the body. Buddhists have long recognized how the postures-or asanas-encourage self- awareness, balance, breathing, release, equanimity and compassion. While toning muscles, participants also benefit from a calmer mind.

Unlike other guides to Buddhism, Girl Seeks Bliss gives readers suggestions on how to apply the concepts to contemporary life. Buddhist Secrets to Occupational Bliss might make your job less stressful. The Five Steps to Nookie Nirvana, which focus on intimacy, not sex, are awesome. And don't miss The Eight-fold Path to Recognizing a Good Guy on page 90. The author also provides a brief examination of a few of Buddhism's main schools, a glossary of Buddhist terms, and a list of other resources that provide in-depth information for specific crises.

Ideally, enlightenment should begin in an atmosphere that encourages self-pampering. For those of us who cannot trade the daily grind for a spa (recommendations and reviews included), Girl Seeks Bliss offers compassionate encouragement while we attempt to replace our convoluted thoughts with true sensory awareness. Though not an easy task, our minds and bodies will thank us for persevering. I thank Ms. Beland for making my attempt much easier.