No Magic Here - Save Your Money
I bought this CD based on the stellar reviews (and despite the fact that it is HUGELY overpriced - a 20 minute CD should cost no more than $7-8 dollars. Or there better be bonus material!) and was very disappointed for many reasons. Kathy Freston writes a great book, but she doesn't know how to make a meditation CD. I've been listening to meditations for over 10 years now (back when they were on tape!) and so feel that I can comment on what usually works. Firstly, Freston has a lovely voice, but she 1) talks like she's reading from a script - very quickly - and with little or no intonation. Her near monotone is hard to take - especially when she says: "Prepare for a a Miracle" in a very deadpan manner and then rushes into the next idea so you can't take that in. I just couldn't get over the monotone - it was almost rushed, with no enthusiasm. A real surprise. And talking too fast is NOT relaxing; it forces the listener to work harder to keep up. It provides no opportunity for the listener to absorb what's being said and allow their own images and feelings to appear. 2) she also talks through 99% of the CD, which, again, leaves little or no room for silent reflection or for answers to the questions she asks to pop into one's mind. She jumps right in and offers answers of her own, as well as expository information that is best left for the introduction to the meditation, not the meditation itself. The constant chatter stands in for our own Monkey Mind, which we're supposed to be getting away from! In her defense, I'll say that this seems to be a trend these days - those leading the meditations seem to love the sound of their own voice and talk constantly, leaving no gaps for silence, which is very important to have in meditation. Those guiding the meditation seem to forget there is a listener who, as in any 'conversation,' deserves their time to 'speak.' In our case we, as the one being guided, should be given regular pauses to silently fill in our side of the conversation with whatever rises up into our minds to be processed or to inspire us. Otherwise, it's very much one-sided. 3) the music is often SO loud, it starts to eclipse her voice and I had to struggle to pick out what she was saying. Again, not very relaxing. It's too bad, because she has some great ideas and visuals in this meditation, but she doesn't create a quiet, restful, relaxing environment in which to process and experience them. If you want a good meditation, try those by Mary Maddux, who also does ALOT of talking, but has a soothing, quiet voice - she speaks slowly, with inflection, and the music is very much in the background. Otherwise, save your money, or use this as merely an informational CD. Perhaps rerecord the meditation in your own voice, at your own speed, and listen to it that way.
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Best Meditation CD
I've tried quite a few, and though all have something good to offer (any attempt at meditation is a good start), I find Kathy's CDs to be most productive. I don't know what it is ~ her voice, the music mix, carefully chosen words ~ but I respond to Kathy quickly and easily, making the time I set aside for meditation more efficient. She comes across like a spiritual friend, gently guiding your intention to work in your favor. Once you learn to stop sabotaging yourself, you discover how powerful intent truly is.
I try others, yet always come back to Kathy's CDs. That says something.
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