In this gracefully structured two-CD course, Jack Kornfield demonstrates why he is so highly regarded as a meditation instructor. His warm voice and generous spirit transcend the medium to provide a clear line of sight to the heart and soul of meditation. The down-to-earth instruction dissolved my perception of meditation as a high-brow endeavor; simply by following along as Kornfield speaks, I realized that all I have to do is stop NOT being mindful.

Dr. Kornfield’s credentials are impressive. Trained as a Buddhist monk, with a Ph.D. in psychology, he is also the author of several books and the co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society and the Spirit Rock Center. More importantly, he is a gifted teacher. From the reminder that "wakefulness, love, and ease are within you," Kornfield guides us through these practices with sincerity and with confidence in his listener’s innate understanding.

Beginning with Mindfulness, Kornfield explains proper body placement to aid meditation, for "putting the body and mind at ease." In Loving Kindness meditation, he uses "phrases, images, and feelings that allow us to express compassion effortlessly." And Forgiveness Meditation, he explains, "enables us to be released from the sorrows of the past."

The second CD takes us through a Gratefulness Practice where Kornfield reminds us that most ancient cultures have rituals, chants, or prayers to acknowledge blessings, and he encourages us to "awaken a benevolent and compassionate heart." Buddha Transforms Difficulties offers particularly vivid visualization exercise to ease us through any number of personal difficulties. And then there is Mind Like Sky, which must have been designed especially for me. This practice, which is meant to help us "open to spaciousness," is a surprising - and surprisingly effective - approach for those of us who are captivated by just about anything except breath.

This course is a rare example of truth in advertising. Just as the jacket promises, Guided Meditation: Six Essential Practices to Cultivate Love, Awareness, and Wisdom really can "open the door to the ...joy of meditation." Whether you choose to experience all the sessions in the order they’re presented or to focus on only one or two, I believe you’ll find Kornfield’s easy and non-judgmental style encouraging. If you aren’t ready to commit to sitting practice, this course could easily be used to enhance physical and emotional relaxation with no effort beyond pushing "play." And if you’re an expert meditator already, Guided Meditation: Six Essential Practices to Cultivate Love, Awareness, and Wisdom can bring you back to the pure basics of practice.