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Bliss More: How to Succeed in Meditation Without Really Trying

Light Watkins

4.14 · Rating details · 676 ratings · 84 reviews

From one of America’s top meditation teachers comes a revolutionarily simple approach to everyday practice—especially if you don’t think you have the time or the patience.

Imagine you’re sitting on a cushion with your legs crossed, ready to tap into unlimited joy. There’s just one problem: You can’t get comfortable (let alone still), and your head is full of way too many th ...more

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Hardcover, 272 pages

Published January 23rd 2018 by Ballantine Books

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Apr 22, 2018 Carrie Poppy rated it it was amazing

A really wonderful, practical approach to meditation that is accessible and inspiring simultaneously. I really enjoyed it and immediately started implementing the principles. The style Watkins uses for meditation is basically a version of mantra-based meditation like TM, yet it lacks a lot of the more questionable facets of that movement. His version of meditation is something akin to relaxed thought, unfocused presence, and allowing oneself to experience the bliss of human experience. He invite ...more

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Aug 07, 2018 Jim Maroon rated it liked it

"My meditation is better than your meditation" might be a better subtitle.

I struggled over how to rate this one. On the one hand, the meditation does work. I have added two 20 minutes mantra meditations to my 1.5 to 2 hour daily practice. (NOTE: there is no such thing as "over meditating"... unless you are neglecting responsibilities to yourself or family. Science provides solid evidence that the more you meditate, the better. But then, there is also good science showing as little 20 minutes a d "My meditation is better than your meditation" might be a better subtitle.

I struggled over how to rate this one. On the one hand, the meditation does work. I have added two 20 minutes mantra meditations to my 1.5 to 2 hour daily practice. (NOTE: there is no such thing as "over meditating"... unless you are neglecting responsibilities to yourself or family. Science provides solid evidence that the more you meditate, the better. But then, there is also good science showing as little 20 minutes a day can have a profound impact on you.) I find this particular form of meditation effective. It goes well with my breath, body scan, walking, eating, and metta (Loving kindness) meditations. Add to that the fact that I like Light Watkins. I heard him on Dan Harris's 10% Happier podcast and he really comes off as a nice guy.

On the other, the book is annoying in so many places. First, it has a strong tendency to mock other meditation forms. It is clear to me Light doesn't really know much about them, so I assume he is just relying on TM propaganda and dogma to form his opinions. I don't think he intentionally misrepresent them, although misrepresent them he does.

And the book is not great on science. After making fun of the thousands (yes, thousands) of scientific studies showing the benefits of mindfulness mediation, he cites one 40+ year old study on transcendental meditation. In addition, he makes one unsubstantiated claim (meditation improves the 6th Sense? Seriously?) after another with zero scientific evidence. But then, I've heard many authors on meditation make similar New Age type claims, so I'm not sure why it bothers me so much here. Maybe because he belittles other teachers and traditions? But if you want to see some solid science on meditation that sifts out the wheat from the chaff, check out Altered Traits, by Danny Goleman and Richie Davidson.

All that said, I still give this book 3 stars. It is worth a read. We are all different. Just as we have different learning styles, so too will we find different meditation forms useful. Maybe you have tried other meditation styles and teachers and having trouble finding traction, and maybe this one will work for you. Or, maybe like me you just want to add to and round out your current practice. Or maybe you are curious about TM (don't go for this book to understand traditional vedic meditation. It isn't about that. This is very much TM).

Just ignore what Light says about other traditions. Because he doesn't know what he is talking about. Pay attention to the actual meditation instructions, instead. If you do, I think you will find it usefull. ...more

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Nov 27, 2017 Kathleen rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, nonfiction-other, pub-date-2018, read-in-2017, help-thy-self, netgalley-2017, read-ebook, free

This is the first book I've ever read that is exclusively about meditation. I'm glad I read it. It's not the first and last word about meditation, but it's a good start to get past some initial barriers. If you're an experienced meditator and you have a routine that works for you, you probably don't need this book. Unless you're looking for a gift for someone who is interested in meditation but having trouble getting over some mental barriers to begin. ...more

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Sep 17, 2018 David rated it it was ok

I have been meditating for quite a while and was wanting to see a different approach or method. There were a few useful tips, but perhaps the book is more for the beginner.

I found it mostly full of either stuff I didn’t care about and wanted to skip, or stuff that was a little too out there and a little too TM for my tastes.

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May 18, 2018 Chad Perry rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Great book on how to perform meditation simply and what you can expect from this practice. I have explored many meditation methods and Light Watkins insight seems to be the most practical approach that I have found. A good read if you are interested in exploring this practice.

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Feb 25, 2019 Allegra Wermuth rated it liked it

I have to thank Light Watkins for inspiring me to start a real and consistent meditation practice. I like this attitude and style and really enjoyed the first half of the book. I found myself flipping through the remainder of the book, feeling like I had read it already, felt repetitive. But I’m glad I read it.

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Nov 03, 2018 Kate rated it really liked it

Short and simple. This book is about a different type of meditation (more akin to TM though he says you can't learn TM from a book so doesn't claim that it is that exactly) than the Concentration type that seems to be most popular these days (MBCT, Headspace, noting thoughts, etc.)

I haven't actually tried the technique, since my meditation time is going to Headspace at the moment, but I am intrigued. I put Bob Roth's book on hold at the library but I suspect that this one is the go-to for puttin ...more

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Jul 03, 2018 Nicholas Smith rated it really liked it

This book is a great introduction to meditation. Light Watkins helps coach newbies (like myself) with tried-and-tested meditation techniques. Light demystifies meditation, shatters the myths and backs up the benefits with science in layman's terms (thankfully). Now, there's no more excuses for not meditating everyday – anymore. ...more

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Jul 15, 2019 May rated it it was amazing

I'm on day 9 of daily meditation so far, and I've already learned so much more about my own mind. This book revolutionized my understanding of, and interest in, meditation. I highly recommend it to anyone who has considered meditation too difficult or strenuous. I mean, the author's name is Light. He truly makes it easy! ...more

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Apr 06, 2018 Carol rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2018, amazon-vine, non-fiction

Please see my review at Amazon. com under C. Wong. Thank you.

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Apr 12, 2018 Cameron Chesnik rated it it was amazing

An easy read with a lot of anecdotal stories that reinforce Light Watkin's E.A.S.Y. theory. It seems like a logical approach to meditating that I am excited to begin. ...more

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Jun 18, 2018 Yuen Tan rated it it was ok

Borrowed this audiobook for a 14 hours flight. If you ever need convincing to take up meditation. Not exactly how to ...

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Jun 18, 2018 Steven rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: religion

This isn't a bad book, but it's more of a beginner's guide as the author says in the first chapters. The techniques presented in this book are super basic, and you can glean the same insights from reading books by monks (who are, arguably, better teachers of meditation than this author).

One of the main issues I have with this book specifically is that it offers some bad advice regarding form and posture. It's important that you're comfortable during meditation, but the author claims that it isn' ...more

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Dec 30, 2018 Jasmyn rated it really liked it

I listened to this one and honestly was not sold on it at the beginning, but I am so glad I stuck with it.

I have picked up so many books on meditation in bookstores and never walked away with any because I generally find them either overwhelming with heavy science, (and I don't need more of these books piling up), way to religious, or appear to be a super strict 2000 step instruction guide on how to meditate, which doesn't feel achievable for me, or any human being I know!

This book ended up bei ...more

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Feb 28, 2018 Johanna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I found this book thru an Instagram post by Light for a 21 day blissmore challenge. Being on vacation, it seemed the perfect opportunity. 21 days later I’m still at it and looking forward to my meditations every day. Light has done a great job of writing in a conversational tone so you are able to grasp the method and feel challenged, but at the same time encouraged and inspired. The world needs more bliss and here’s the way to do your part.

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Oct 08, 2018 Angela rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Meh. Just okay.

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Jan 08, 2019 Michael Kich rated it really liked it

I did really like this book, which could probably best be considered as a primer. Its most tangible benefits so far have been that I'm a) regularly meditating and b) I've actually been enjoying every one of my meditations, which is a real first for me. Light's E.A.S.Y. approach has caused me to seriously question the meditation orthodoxy that I've absorbed from other teachers and books over the years. For one thing, the first and central tenet to Light's approach is that meditation needs to be p I did really like this book, which could probably best be considered as a primer. Its most tangible benefits so far have been that I'm a) regularly meditating and b) I've actually been enjoying every one of my meditations, which is a real first for me. Light's E.A.S.Y. approach has caused me to seriously question the meditation orthodoxy that I've absorbed from other teachers and books over the years. For one thing, the first and central tenet to Light's approach is that meditation needs to be physically relaxing and comfortable, meaning that laying down is absolutely fine. I've laid down on the floor with a folded up blanket under my head for every session so far, and I have to say I prefer it immensely to sitting practice. You can't have real meditation with chronic straining and tension, and you certainly can't have bliss while your body is in agony. I also like that Light's approach uses a settling sound (just a generic vedic mantra) that happens to work very well for me for the stated purpose. I also really like that his approach emphasizes very modest sitting times and a layperson's goals in life: each sitting should be 10-20 minutes and no more (although it won't kill you if you over-meditate), and you should meditate at least once every day and no more than twice a day. That's a very different approach from mandating that you have to sit at attention for 40 minutes at a time twice a day, and it seems to be working much better than the latter set of expectations. In addition, the goals that meditation addresses are concrete - kitchen table issues, as he called them in a 10% Happier podcast episode with Dan Harris -, and not immediately lofty spiritual goals. It's not that nirvana is off the table, but that's an end-game if anything; the first order of business is to improve your basic mental and physical health, and to help you to function a little better in your daily life. Light's philosophy does stray perilously close to productivity porn at times, but importantly he never mentions meditation in the context of meditation helping you to accomplish more at work in less time. He compares a daily meditation practice to brushing your teeth in the morning (I don't he's the first to use that analogy), which tells you a lot about the advantages and limitations of the E.A.S.Y. method: it's simple, portable, and effective for most people's real lives, but it probably isn't going to be the method you use if you decide to explore the jhanas or strive for liberation. Then again, his stated goal is not in line with monastic goals. This isn't monasticism for the layperson, and that's actually something about the E.A.S.Y. method that greatly appeals to me.

One thing that I am curious about, and which he doesn't delve into as much as I would like, are the differences between mainstream mindfulness and his method, which is an offshoot of TM (transcendental meditation). Mindfulness meditation emphasizes paying attention to everything, good or bad, and developing the quality of awareness in your sittings; Light's method emphasizes, in contrast, ease and relaxation and actually allowing your mind to run free. Your awareness eventually dials down and turns off for the period of the meditation. So, it's easy to see how his method promotes rest and relaxation, which is key, but I don't see how it promotes awareness, which is also key to recognizing and dissolving patterns of behavior. He does talk about, for example, the increasing frequency of what he calls 'cognitions' with a regular meditation practice - intuitive leaps that effortlessly come about. The principle there seems to be that a rested and refreshed mind will run itself well, without the need for conscious attention being paid to every experience. He actually does mention a shortcoming of mindfulness practice in connection with that, in that it selects certain facets of experience to pay attention to and excludes the rest -this produces a fragmented awareness, even if it is focused.

I am also very interested in the different effects of different mantras, which he mentions earlier in the book but doesn't go into detail about. I've read about that principle before, that certain mantras are really intended for certain purposes, and that not just any mantra will do - they each have their own particular energetic effects and will lead to different outcomes. I'm skeptical, but also chronically intrigued by that notion. For example, I read elsewhere that probably the most well-known mantra in the world, 'Om', is great and works well for use in groups, but that it will cause the practitioner to tend towards asceticism and pursuit of ultimate, spiritual goals. It's not really for householders or those who want to pursue worldly goals, such as a career or romantic relationships.

All in all, a useful, concise, and cheap read (I got it for free on kindle with gift points I had accumulated). I'm extraordinarily picky about which titles I award five stars to, but this one certainly merits four stars, and really more like four and a half. ...more

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Feb 14, 2021 Robert rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: meditation, non-fiction, 2021

Bliss More is a mixture of being a guide book for how one goes about meditating and also a motivational treatise to get you started or encourage you to continue in a habit of daily meditation. The author with the enigmatic name of Light Watkins is a well established meditation teacher from the USA.

Light states up front that this book is primarily geared towards beginners to the discipline of meditation and also for people that have struggled with meditation techniques with no or just limited suc Bliss More is a mixture of being a guide book for how one goes about meditating and also a motivational treatise to get you started or encourage you to continue in a habit of daily meditation. The author with the enigmatic name of Light Watkins is a well established meditation teacher from the USA.

Light states up front that this book is primarily geared towards beginners to the discipline of meditation and also for people that have struggled with meditation techniques with no or just limited success, although he also states that some people well accustomed already to successful meditation routines may glean some useful insights in this book also.

I’ve tried meditation in the past, unsuccessfully it must be said, and I have never formed a regular habit, so I felt that I was an ideal audience for this book. So my review is subjective in that respect.

The book is presented in 2 parts, of which the first can be further subdivided into two other sub-sections.

First Light gives an introduction and explanation regarding his own history of how he got into meditation, his own struggles and scepticism to the discipline, how he reached a turning point that eventually led him to meditation success and then eventually how he ended up becoming a meditation teacher.

Then he presents and explains his straight forward, E.A.S.Y. method to meditation. It’s very well explained and while the basic method is divulged to the reader in a single chapter, subsequent chapters then build upon this basic knowledge and further clarify the process and describe potential difficulties that a learner may experience and advises one how to get through these obstacles successfully to lead to successful meditation.

I did like Light’s honesty in telling the reader that meditation is no magic bullet to dispel all of life’s problems, just another tool in the human arsenal to help us be – to paraphrase – become better versions of ourselves. Please don’t let that turn you off, he builds up his proposals and arguments in a logical, sincere and humble manner.

The second part of the book contains much anecdotal evidence and reports from past students about how meditation has helped them in their daily lives. I’m always a bit of a sceptic regarding these kinds of assertions, so I’ll reserve my judgement until sometime in the future if I succeed in forming a regular and successful meditation habit and see any benefits for myself.

However, it was an inspiring narrative overall, I enjoyed his no-nonsense simple approach, clear explanations and positive motivational outlook. I feel this is a nicely put together book, and would think that I will certainly be referring to it again. It certainly has motivated me to try meditating regularly. For anyone who wants to get started in meditation, I would highly recommend this book. ...more

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Jan 24, 2018 Alissa added it

Ok...So I've recently (the past year or two) gotten into Yoga and Meditation and all that New Age-y stuff (although I draw the line at Naked Bonfire Dancing. Too unsanitary). The stuff I'm doing...it's all good. And a lot of it has actually worked. Especially the Yoga, being good for the body and mind. YAY! So when I saw this on the New Book Shelf on the way to my desk, I curiously picked it up to browse...maybe read.

I don't think I'll bother with this one.

Although it seems a lot of other Goodr ...more

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Jun 24, 2020 Jane rated it really liked it

I have been interested in meditation, mindfulness and learning to be in the moment for quite some time. I have been dealing with sleep issues and daily challenges of trying to quiet the monkey chatter of my busy brain, especially when trying to get to sleep or back to sleep. I have read numerous books self help books relating to mindfulness and meditation. Ever since I started practising yoga, I have become more interested in meditation and have even tried a few 21 day meditation challenges. I n ...more

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Aug 24, 2020 Sarah Clark rated it liked it

When I bought this book, I’d recently hit a meditation plateau and was feeling disillusioned with my unsatisfying meditation sessions. My mom had taken the Light Watkins online meditation class and recommended it for me, but I decided to go with the book as it was cheaper and taught the same meditation philosophy. I was skeptical as first, as most practitioners of other meditation styles likely are, but the EASY method has definitely helped me be less judgmental of my meditations and helped me a ...more

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Dec 24, 2020 Bastard Travel rated it really liked it

First off, there's no way to know whether the author's given name is a pun. If it's deliberate, I hate him. If it's not, I pity him, and it sucks that his birth name is Light, but when you're dealt that kind of hand I suppose you have to become a meditation guru.

That said, he's down-to-earth, for a guru. Watkins disavows the old, traditionalist machinery of meditation where you need to contort your body into the least comfortable positions available to maximize your Enlighteniness and really jus ...more

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Oct 28, 2019 Erin rated it really liked it

Shelves: spirituality

Really enjoyed this! Read it based on a friend's recommendation, but it was definitely not the first (or probably last) meditation I read. But she said it made it easy for her to do, and I agree with that--it really breaks meditation down into a simple process, and the thesis is--don't overthink it. Don't force it. Get comfortable. And I honestly had to unlearn some of my bad habits that I'd read in other books that made me thinking (or trying not to think) about the thinking.

One of the biggest ...more

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Dec 22, 2018 Ann Chunharakchote rated it it was amazing

I read this book because I was looking for a way to elevate my meditation practice - and it did. Prior to this book, I had been meditating daily but could not fathom the idea of meditating without a timer or a phone. Thanks to Watkins' approachable meditation method, combined with his creative way of explaining it, I no longer rely on a timer to meditate and now find timer-free meditation more freeing.

Some of his personal anecdotes and that of others also resonated with me. For example, his sto ...more

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Feb 12, 2018 Betty rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Simplified yet meaningful method for developing a meditative life

I first meditated at an ancient Buddhist temple in Sapporo, Japan, where you cover your hair and are slapped on the shoulder every few minutes to "awaken" you if you should fall asleep during the meditation. A part of that experience was magical, however for me it mostly made me focus too heavily on my "monkey mind" and confused my understanding of how to sustain my own meditation practice (away from a temple or shrine). There are ...more

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Mar 18, 2018 Anna Domestico rated it liked it

I first encountered Light Watkins on the Mind Body Green podcast and was intrigued by his narratives of meditation. I immediately requested his book from the library to learn more on the subject he spoke so eloquently about. To be honest, I found his writing to be a little bit hokey with little real scientific evidence to back up his claims. Most of what he said could have been distilled into an even shorter book (or essay).

All of this said, I brought the rating from 1-2 stars up to 3 because I' ...more

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Apr 26, 2018 Marie rated it really liked it

Shelves: mindfulness

"Do less in meditation and accomplish more than you think is possible."

"Sit comfortably. Use an easy to see timing device. Sit for ten to twenty minutes. Close your eyes. Passively think the sound ah-hum. Let yourself simultaneously get lost in your thoughts. When you remember that you are meditating, passively begin thinking ah-hum again."

"E.A.S.Y. Embrace Acceptance Surrender Yield

H.A.R.D. Holding your position Austerity Resistance Doubting the Process

"Meditation is not just restful but deepl ...more

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Oct 04, 2018 Richelle Simon rated it it was amazing

Day 21 of a Bliss More meditation challenge is done! I read the words this week and they are rattling in my mind over and over again. 'It takes courage to live a happy life' 💜. This challenge has shown me how courageous of an act it is to be calm, and at ease with thoughts. They're just thoughts, but wow do they ever have a powerful hold. I'm combatting symptoms of depression daily. Obsessive negative thinking is very much a part of my day. I pray that 1 day I wont have to fight such an exhausti ...more

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Jan 24, 2019 Zinny rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019

This was an informative and easy read. I picked it up from the library after hearing the author interviewed on the “Good Life” podcast. There was definitely some fluff in this book and it was a tad gimmicky but despite that it did accomplish its goal- to get the reader interested in meditation and give them the means to begin to practice and troubleshoot their issues. I really enjoyed the last part of the book which dived into research and anecdotes from his students. I have just started to medi ...more

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Feb 24, 2018 Liz Harris rated it it was amazing

I have always wanted to meditate and have read several books. This method in this book was easy. And, I felt more comfortable, and normal in my difficulties getting into the meditation "space."

I did have one issue with the book. He describes a woman who ran out of his class when he began playing a song. Later, he found out, this song had played at her wedding and her husband had told her he was leaving her the day she ran out of the room. Later, when he wrote about this event, I felt he brought ...more

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