The World of Relaxation

A Guided Mindfulness Meditation Practice for Healing in the Hospital and/or at Home

By: Jon Kabat-Zinn Ph.D.

Narrated by: Jon Kabat-Zinn

The World of Relaxation was conceived as a way to reach out to patients lying in bed in the hospital and inviting them to experiment inwardly, with Jon’s guidance, in bringing mindful awareness to their present-moment circumstances, utilizing the occasion of having to lie in bed for some time - whatever the viewer’s medical condition and prognosis - to do something for him or herself to promote healing of the mind and body, as a vital complement to whatever the health care system and one’s doctors are doing by way of medical treatments and rehabilitation. Over 100 hospitals have used this program over the years on their in-house television channels, and doctors often prescribe it to their patients, recommending that they practice with it several times a day. The program is meant to be “done” by the listener, rather than simply listened to. During most of the time, the listener is encouraged to have his or her eyes closed.

In the past 30 years, Dr. Kabat-Zinn’s eight-week outpatient mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program has spread from the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center to hospitals and clinics across the United States and around the world and occasioned an entire field of clinical medicine and basic and clinical research, much of which has already demonstrated the profoundly positive mental and physical health consequences of practicing mindfulness meditation both formally and informally in one’s daily life. The practices in The World of Relaxation are guided meditations similar to the formal practices in MBSR, particularly mindfulness of breathing, body sensations, thoughts and emotions, and the body scan.

The original harp music by Georgia Kelly was composed specifically for this program and is played by the composer. Harp music has been associated with healing since pre-biblical times. The music enhances the process of relaxation and establishes a flowing rhythmicity that entrains the listener’s attention and carries it through the various stages of the program. The notes of the harp have the quality of coming out of silence and disappearing back into silence, singly and in raining curtains of sounds, just as do our thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness, one’s capacity to inhabit the present moment with nonjudgmental awareness, deepens over the course of a single session and even more, through repeated practicing with this program over days, weeks, months, and years. The learning occasioned by practicing with this program on a regular basis can stand one in good stead from moment to moment and from day to day as one’s life continues to unfold.

©2013 Jon Kabat-Zinn (P)2010 BetterListen! LLC

Buy any other of Jon’s CDs before this one

Poor recording quality of both voice and music. Moreover, arpeggios played at 100 miles an hour are not relaxing; just the opposite. Also, higher notes get louder and louder which distracts from the whole purpose. Any other of his CDs are better. This one is not just not good; it is bad. Poor recording quality. Erratic music volume. Speed of arpeggios don’t support relaxation. Harpist is talented, but this music is not at all a match for the purpose of this CD. I will return it. Very disappointed.

An Oldie But A Keeper

I am so pleased to have this recording back in my collection--it is an old favorite of mine. The length of 55 minutes is the perfect amount of time for this basic body scan and guided relaxation/positivity boosting exercise. In the past it was used for patients in the hospital but it works really well at home too. Whether you have a chronic condition, a health crisis or are just exhausted it fits the bill perfectly. I listen at bedtime and though I rarely am awake at the end--I know it by heart--I just love the sense of encouragement I feel after listening.

The harp music-composed for this program--is a tiny bit loud in spots and the sound a tad rough in the beginning but don't let that make you miss this recording. It is great for beginners and more experienced meditators to boost your relaxation and sense of "I'm ok--I can deal with anything" attitude. Worth a listen.

simply on point

I am a long time fan of Jon Kabat -Zinn. Every item from him is a quality product. I especially like this CD because it is short and simple. A short introduction and an excellent mediation. Just right!

Bad Reaction

Would you try another book from Jon Kabat-Zinn and/or Jon Kabat-Zinn?

Maybe

What was most disappointing about Jon Kabat-Zinn’s story?

The speakers voice is muffled. Music is too loud in relation to the voice.

How could the performance have been better?

Different reader and better recording systems. This was not read, it was a speech. Music too loud. Microphone of the reader is not clear.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The concepts are good. It is not relaxing. It is should be reproduced in a different room.

God awful harp

He says listen to the music but it is like demented angels. Who could follow anything with that background? Maybe remix and have it softer. Very disappointed.