Prayer, meditation, and study of virtues are useful in finding peace and abiding love within. These spiritual practices are a foundation for growing into caring teens and adults. For example, when we feel appreciative we are feeling happy and peaceful in that moment. In times of stress, taking time to remember one thing we do have, with appreciation, helps us see the light at the end of the tunnel.

My recommendations:


1. A String and a Prayer by Eleanor Wiley and Maggie Oman Shannon. This special book includes lots of details on amulets and materials to use, such as bone, clay, feathers, mirrors, nuts, seeds, glass, gold and silver, and semi-precious stones, amongst others. I have found that the act of stringing beads and concentrating on a short mantra or prayer with each bead absorbs me in quiet reflection. Read my review here.


2. Divine Interventions by Dan Millman and Doug Childers. The life-changing events told in the book happened all over the world, to all ages of people, including those as young as 8 year old Lucia dos Santos, one of the children of Fatima, Portugal, in 1915. The 'Miracle of Fatima' has long been of interest to me, having first read about the events as a young teen. Read my review here.


3. Meditation Lessons for Teens and Adults by Susan Kramer. I've included more than 70 offerings of basic and specific case meditations and prayers to give you tools for a life-time of stress reduction and spirituality. Read my summary here.


4. Singing Bowl Exercises for Personal Harmony by Anneke Huyser. I've used singing bowls for many years as a calming and centering practice in the periods before I sit in meditation. For me, it seems a beautiful prelude going from the outer harmonious tones of singing bowls to the inner melodies of meditation. Read my review here.

I hope you enjoy getting started on learning skills to meditate for now and a lifetime.

Article by Susan Helene Kramer