Posted by ★★★★★
Cross-posted on my Goodreads account.
I read Kelly’s previous book, Shift Into Freedom, a couple of years ago but did not review it. I devoured this follow-up quickly and recommend you read it, as well.
Kelly’s “effortless mindfulness” differs from standard breath or noting techniques, both of which engage the mind in concentration activities, in that it shifts attention away from the mind altogether to locate awareness progressively further away from the mind, first in the body, which Kelly calls “local awareness”, and then in one’s broader surroundings, which Kelly calls “spacious awareness”.
Without getting into metaphysical-speak regarding the nature of awareness or the “essential goodness” of people or imagining a big-C Consciousness, none of which is necessary for practicing any kind of mindfulness, I believe that these practices are akin to the techniques for shifting attention bodily and spatially that psychologist Les Fehmi teaches in his “Open Focus” books and courses.
A lot of the teaching material and exercises, particularly chapter 6 of this book, are the same as from Shift Into Freedom. However, this book shows a maturation of Kelly’s teaching methods. He explains things more clearly. He also incorporates some useful psychology models. Chapter 6 stands alone as an exceptional mindfulness and non-dual awareness meditation course.
If you’ve read Shift Into Freedom, this is worth reading, despite the redundant content. If you haven’t read Shift Into Freedom, this is a fantastic way to begin a mindfulness practice.