A groundbreaking journey through meditation in America―from the arrivals of the first yogis and Zen masters to today's mindfulness era.



Meditation has gone mainstream. Across the country, in doctor's offices and classrooms, mindfulness and yoga are touted as science-backed tools for self-improvement. But a generic idea of meditation―an image, a vibe―is in danger of eclipsing the practice itself. Journalist Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, a lifelong practitioner of Transcendental Meditation, sets out to trace the many forms of meditation available today back to their spiritual roots. From the arrival of the first Indian swamis in the 1890s, through the rise of Western Buddhism, she reveals how ancient Eastern practices transformed American culture―and how America, in turn, transformed the meaning of meditation. Along the way, Gritz visits laboratories at the forefront of new research, delving deep into the science of how meditation changes our bodies and our minds―and makes an irresistible case for how 'mind-wandering' can enrich our creativity. Concluding with a practical guide, this is an essential listen for anyone embarking on their own journey inward.