Publisher: Adams Media (Trademark of Simon & Schuster)

ISBN: 9781507214374

On the back cover of The illustrated Book of Mindful Meditations for Mindless Moments, Courtney E. Ackerman reminds us how practising mindfulness is "just a folded basket of laundry away."

We don't need to dedicate a large block of time sitting in a cross-legged position in complete silence to sense the benefits of mindfulness. All we have to do is practice mindfulness during our everyday activities in our home, on the run, at work, and with loved ones.

Every one of these simple tasks provides us with the opportunity to be in the present moment, and conscious while withholding judgment, both inside and outside of ourselves. Put simply, Ackerman tells us that mindfulness is just taking the time, paying attention to what's going on around us, and observing ourselves and our surroundings. There is evidence that we are considerably happier when we pay attention to what we are doing.

The 190-page tome provides readers with a road map in implementing into our day-to-day life several opportunities to create an awareness of the present moment. And all it boils down to is making a conscious effort.

To show us the path, Ackerman divides her book into four segments, Meditation at Home, Meditation On the Go, Meditation at Work, Meditation With Loved Ones. Within these categories, she delves into the many actions where we can practice mindfulness at any occasion of the day.

Among the primary tasks are brushing your teeth, washing your face, taking a shower, shopping, walking into work, listening to music, cooking dinner, greeting a friend, sharing a meal, holding someone's hand, having an afternoon snack, calling a friend, getting dressed, cleaning the house, taking out the trash, sitting at a red light, people-watching.

One illustration of practising mindfulness at home involves the act of washing our face. Feel the sensation of the water splashing on our faces and hands. Notice the smell of the soap and the way it moves over our skin. Enjoy the feeling of being clean and refreshed.

If we are on the go, we can find occasions to develop mindfulness. I bet after you head out the door of your home on your way to work or someplace else, you never hesitate for one moment to glance at the door, its color, its chips, or its view looking over the pavement where you live.

How about your workplace? Here also, the mundane routines offer an excellent environment for employing some daily reflection. This may include writing an email where we can think about the words we choose as we write. Just feel the keys as you purposefully press each one and observe the letters as they show up on the monitor. Consider your objectives and whether your wording matches them before you hit send.

Meditations with loved ones likewise afford us an excellent opportunity to apply mindfulness. The very deliberate act of smiling at a stranger is one means that will share your joy, and perhaps it will pass into them your positive energy.

With its lucid, entertaining writing, dressed up with animated illustrations, this slick little book brings to light the many ways mindfulness can generate benefits to our emotional and physical health, and to the relationships in our life. Once you get the hang of it, you will realize how it improves your experiences' quality.