Editorial Review

Kabat-Zinn, founder of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, is perhaps the best-known proponent of using meditation to help patients deal with illness. (The somewhat confusing title is from a line in Read more

Reviews (32)

WONDERFUL: Nuts and nolts for learning about yourself
Jon Kabat-Zinn helps even the most distressed of us learn about self-healing and self-nuturing. I am a physician and I recommend this to ALL of my chronic pain/depressed/anxious patients, and it has dramatically changed many of their lives.
Great gift for a friend.
This book is a bitof a paradox.It is dead simple but quite complex all at the same time.I have utiised the program as detailed in the book in its most simple form.Follow the steps and see what happens.It is a great guide and it works and that is why I bought my most recent copy as a gift for a friend.However the basics are just the beginning.In very simple language this book gives you access to a new way of thinking about "you & the world" and a vast array of quality sources and peer reviewed references to support and elaborate on the ideas presented in the book.This book is the antithesis of most of the self help babble in the market place.It's the product of research, clinical experience, time and results.It's a great book that plots a simple path for those who need to find the space and time for centering their lives, once there, it gives them a framework and any number of directions that will enable them to anchor that tranquility in real time.

A study and course in life
This is really a mini course in a book form on how to keep and get you life together. I have practice a lot of various faiths, that have helped my life. So this book has come at a point in life that has fit in quit well. It is a book which you have to take your time and work with. You should follow the exercises and reflecton what is being taught. I would recommend this book to anyone going through a crisis in life or trying to get back on tract after living through one. Do not pass it up. You will learn advice to pass on to friends as well. It is well written and easy to follow. This book is worth every bit of 5 stars. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Health/Fitness    3. Psychology    4. Stress (Psychology)    5. Stress Management    6. Self-Help & Practical Interests    7. Self-Help / Stress Management   

Subjects:  1. 1937-    2. American - General    3. Fiction - General    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Humorous    6. Karon, Jan,    7. Literary    8. Literary Collections    9. Literature: Classics    10. Mitford (N.C. : Imaginary place)    11. Mitford years    12. Sagas    13. Fiction / Literary   

Editorial Review

Rarely does a book come along that tackles a perennially difficult human issue with such clarity and intelligence. Harold Kushner, a Jewish rabbi facing his own child's fatal illness, deftly guides us through the inadequacies of the traditional answers to the problem of evil, then provides a uniquely practical and compassionate answer that has appealed to millions of readers across all religious creeds. Remarkable for its intensely relevant real-life examples and its fluid prose, this book cannot go unread by anyone who has ever been troubled by the question, "Why me?" ... Read more

Reviews (94)

Kushner Non-Academic Video
If you are looking for the academic lecture video by this same title (the one hour lecture delivered at UNC), this isn't it. This is a shorter video, with a pragmatic focus on individual persons and families dealing with catastrophic loss. A good primer for health care workers, but does not have the broad academic, philosophic, and theological applications that the earlier lecture video has.

Listen to this book BEFORE reading mumbo jumbo
I wish more people could see that their humanity in the world rather than try to be God, or relentlessly seek answers when none exist. This is a brilliant discourse on the sadder parts of the human experience. Rather than try to alleviate pain by trying to find out why a tragedy happened, etc ... it is often more healing to also see the humanity of an event when no real explanation is possible. Bad things happen to good people and vice-versa. This world is complex and simple at the same time. But most of all, this book is a blessing against the current wave of New Age blame game mumbo jumbo...
Simple, well done and thoughtful
This book is an easy and enjoyable read about a difficult philosophical topic.It deals with the practical reality of the exisence of evil and ties it to a combination of random chance and people's free will.That is the underlying thesis and deep philosophical arguments are avoided.
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Subjects:  1. Death / Grief / Consolation    2. Death, Grief, Bereavement    3. Depression    4. Inspirational    5. Inspirational - General    6. Self-Help    7. Self-Help / Depression   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (10)

Wonderful introduction to mindfulness meditation
I'm sad to see a reviewer be so judgmental about this audio - especially one who claims to respect the teachings of the Buddha.These guided meditations are accessible for anyone, without the baggage of what some might call a religion - Buddhism. (For me, it's a philosophy more than a religion, and I have learned more about Buddha and his teachings because of these audios.)As cassette tapes, these audios were my introduction to the practice, and they resonated for me then, and still do after 13 years.
a dumbed-down version of old Buddhist texts - ex. Satipatthana Sutta
It's very disappointing to read/listen to individuals who take old buddhists texts and re-interpret the texts as their own.Kabat-Zinn borrows so much and rarely mentions Buddhism.Pitiful.For those critically evaluating the book/audio, it's useful to note that many of these new ideas are actually old ones; simply because no one has a copyright on old buddhist texts doesn't imply that we can without impunity stealthily borrow their ideas without citation.
Disappointing
I was disappointed by the lack of creativity brought to this expensive set of cd's.I'm sorry to say, "Guided Mindfulness Meditation" was silent, and slow going.Metaphors, stories, nuggets, and music were missing.My first purchase of Dr. Kabat-Zinn's work was the audiotape, "Wherever You Go There You Are".Dr. Kabat-Zinn did a great job here through his use of voice, music, and text.He was able to transport me to a peaceful state, his soothing voice lyrically illustrating relaxation metaphors.Soothing music was the backdrop for his interesting approach mixing together fact and story.I was hoping "Guided Mindfullness Meditation" would be just as inviting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention    2. Audio - Relaxation/Meditation    3. Audiobooks    4. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    5. Meditation    6. Religion    7. Stress Management    8. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    9. Religion: general   

Editorial Review

In his follow-up to Read more

Reviews (55)

A very easy way to be introducted to this concept
This is a book that is very easy to read and introduces a western person to concepts of Budism without the religious part.It is a great way to learn concepts that are helpful in daily life.It can help a person to be more focused and effective in life by being mindful.This is a must read.He also has CDs or Tapes for meditation which are very easy to learn to meditate from.It is not religious either.It is just focusing on your breath.This is budism that can be incorporated into the life of anyone of any faith because it is just the concepts and not the religious aspects, but after learning these things one might want to explore more into a faith that creates such wonderful things.

Great Intro to Meditation!!
If you have any desire to learn about or practice meditation,you couldn't find a better resourse.

I found myself again with this book!!!
The langauge in which this book is writtenso clear and effective it is actually amazing. How Jon Kabat communicates such a foreign consept so easily and effectively. I couldnt believe how quickly I learned how to focus and be in the moment and enjoy the moment not worrying about what's next. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention    2. Buddhism - General    3. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    4. Buddhist Philosophy    5. Consciousness    6. Death, Grief, Bereavement    7. General    8. Meditation    9. Psychology    10. Religion - World Religions    11. Stress Management    12. Self-Help / Meditations   

Reviews (2)

Good Common-Sense Approach To Adversity
Rabbi Kushner's new book, "Overcoming Life's Disappointments" is a good friend to have if you've got some adversity in your life.He takes Moses, who spent 40 years wandering in the desert with his people and then was forbidden to enter the promised land with them, as his model on how a good person copes with trials.His advice is that life continues to have good things in store for us even after our dreams are shattered, if we don't let ourselves become hardened and embittered but keep our minds and hearts open.This sounds obvious enough, but it's easier said than done.Rabbi Kushner provides many stories from his long career to explain how we can cope.As a self-confessed admirer of Sigmund Freud, he's not big on the mystical or intuitive aspects of religion.He's more of a "duty is its own reward" kind of guy.But he is a preacher of what C.S. Lewis called "the Tao": the basic "way" that most religions have in common.If you are looking for essential answers, Rabbi Kushner is a good place to start.

Rabbi Kushner gives a few pointers in resiliency
One of the hardest things for anyone to learn, no matter where you are in life, or how much money you have, is coping with times when things don't turn out as you expect. Some people never recover, while others seem to sail past a disaster with hardly a break in stride. The trick isn't in what the disaster is, but how they've handled it.
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Subjects:  1. Adaptation, Psychological    2. Bible - Stories - Old Testament    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Inspirational    5. Inspirational - General    6. Jewish Law    7. Judaism - General    8. Life skills    9. Old Testament Commentary    10. Personal Satisfaction    11. Religion    12. Religion / Inspirational   

Reviews (70)

The best one yet!
This one was worth the wait, but this reader is sad that part of Mitford is over. I couldn't get enough of Father Tim, Cynthia, Dooley, Sammy and all our old friends and new friends alike.
great service
great to work with, it arrived in hawaii quickly and in great shape.

Could have been so much better....
I was so disappointed. Too many characters, big print, no resolution, just...disappointing. Good thing she is on to another series, but this one deserved better. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Church membership    2. Episcopalians    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Religious    5. Mitford (N.C. : Imaginary place)    6. Religious - General    7. Fiction / Religious   

Editorial Review

Welcome to Mitford, North Carolina, the small mountain town at the center of Jan Karon's bestselling novels about rector Father Tim and the heartwarming cast of characters surrounding him. This boxed set includes paperback editions of the first four books in the series: Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (97)

My adopted family!!!
These books and the story of the people in Mitford are the dearest I have read in a long time....Jan Karon's writing style really makes me want to get back to the happenings in Mitford as soon as I can!!I have even ordered book seven - will keep these on my bookshelf so I can visit every now and then.

Finally a series I can leave on my coffee table...
I agree with several other reviewers in saying that this is a departure from my usual book choices. But let me say that I have throughly enjoyed every book. While some may argue that Mitford is idealistic and couldn't possibly exist in the real world, I would ask to see their reading lists. Most of us read to "escape" the real world so why would I want it in my books?!?
A wonderful series that you will not want to put down!
Mitford is the kind of place that we would all love to live.... a slpeey little town in the mountains where you know your neighbors. I recommend buying these books... and curling up in your favorite chair with a warm blanket and cup of hot chocolate! Turn the phones off and slip away... I guarentee that you won't want to come back! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - General    4. Fiction / Religious   

Reviews (16)

For anyone who got hungry reading the Mitford series
This is a fantastic collection of recipes with excerpts from the books where the recipe is mentioned.If you ever got hungry reading one of Jan Karon's Mitford books, this is a must have for your kitchen.I checked it out of my library and bought it the next day, I loved it so much.

Esthers Amazing OMC
I just made this cake this morning.While it is somewhat labor intensive, it is well worth it!Absolutely delicious - rave reviews from all who ate it.

Mitford's best cooks!
Jan Karon cooks up a selection of recipes that are as delightful as her Mitford characters. This reads with familiar insights from her novels.You will want to share bothtidpits and large portions with friends ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cookery in literature    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Courses & Dishes - General    6. General    7. Cooking / Culinary Arts & Techniques   

Editorial Review

Father Tim Kavanagh and his wife, Cynthia, return from Whitecap Island to "the little town with the big heart" in Jan Karon's seventh novel in the bestselling Mitford series, Read more

Reviews (87)

Mitford Series
My wife tried for several years to get me to read this series. "Sissy Books", I'd cry. I bless the day when I finally succumbed to her charms and read the books by Jan Karon.I have read them once, retired, and started re-reading them again.I laughed, I shed a few tears (that's hard for a retired police officer to say)and I had some very important lessons in life re-emphasized. I saw in Father Tim a man after God's own heart, and it makes me want to be that kind of man. I highly recommend In This Mountain as well as the entire series.

Amazing Author!
Jan Karon's Mitford Series is a welcome reprive from today's busy world! Reading her book is like snuggling up with your favorite blanket and a cup of hot chocolate on a snowy night! Once you begin her books... you don't want to put it down. She has a way of writing so that you feel as if you are really there in "Mitford".If you are thinking of purchasing it... you can't go wrong! Go for it!

Mitford book series
After shopping the internet, I found your books to be the lowest prices. As for the book In This Mountain. It is the 8th of a series of nine books and I highly recommend everyone reading the entire series.Wonderful easy reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. General    4. Religious - General    5. Fiction / Religious    6. Modern fiction   

Reviews (63)

I love Mitford
Even if you have not read the other books in the series, this is a wonderful holiday read.I love all of the Mitford books, I am so sad to see the series come to an end.

Wonderful!!!!
A friend gave me this book and I didn't grab it up right away... but when I did ~ WOW!!I really love her sweet characters and beautiful little town!!
I love Mitford
Once again I loved this book, the people in it.It is so refreshing to read in the midst of a life of turmoil. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - General    4. Sagas    5. Fiction / Religious   

Reviews (25)

Notes on the translation
I have a little insight on the translation picked. the NIV really wasn't the first choice, but was rather a compromise between the editors and the major donors for the project. NIV was a happy medium for those involved, and is generally more accessible to the mainstream biblical reader, but I know the editors wanted a "better" translation.

Stuby Bible with a diiferent twist
This is a study Bible that takes a different approach than most other study Bibles.It focuses on the archaeological evidence and proofs for Biblical events.It is very good and presents material in an easy to read format!

Makes me want to read it on and on.
I have always looked for a different kind of Bible. I love Bibles with lots of commentaries or study notes. My favourite bible was The Quest Bible for the Question and Answer portions in each page. When I saw the sampler for the Archaeological bible, I just had to have it. The pages are indeed beautiful and although shallow a reason, makes me want to read it through and through. I like the parchment design even if other people think it's distracting. The only thing I don't like about the Archaeological Bible is the study notes are mainly about history, culture, and tradition. People looking for study notes to help you interpret the verses should look somewhere else. In fact, it would probably be good to have a bible with stuyd notes along side the Archaeological Bible which has historical notes. It would definitely let one understand the Bible better. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bibles    2. Bibles - New International    3. Religion    4. Religion / Bibles / New International   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (1)

Philosophy & Practice for Improved Health
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a program used in hospitals and medical clinics around the world. Jon Kabat-Zinn teaches a foundation for mindfulness that encourages healing. He is the founding director for the Stress Reduction Clinic and Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.
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Subjects:  1. Attention    2. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    3. Inspiration & Personal Growth    4. Meditation    5. Religion    6. Therapeutic use    7. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    8. Religion: general   

Editorial Review

In undertaking a spiritual life, we must make certain that our path is connected with our heart, according to author and Buddhist monk Jack Kornfield. Since 1974 (long before it gained popularity in the 1990s), Kornfield has been teaching westerners how to integrate Eastern teaching into their daily lives. Through generous storytelling and unmitigated warmth, Kornfield offers this excellent guidebook on living with attentiveness, meditation, and full-tilt compassion.Read more

Reviews (40)

A book with heart!!!!!
This is an excellent and sensitively written book by a former Buddhist monk and clinical psychologist. Jack Kornfield uses stories and lyrical language to weave a portrait of an authentic spiritual life characterized by insight, compassion and wisdom. He makes Buddhism accessible to modern people and shows us how it is relevant to modern life. This is no small task and Kornfield pulls it off brilliantly, with warmth and an entertaining style. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for deeper meaning in their lives whatever their specific beliefs. It is also an important book that connects Western psychological thought to Eastern worldviews.
one of the best books I have ever read
I highly recommend this book.It has changed the way I look at life and spirituality.Nearly every line in the book is filled with profound meaning.Additonally, the style is clear and the ideas accessible for anyone who is truly interested in spiritual fulfillment.I am at greater peace with the world since having read this book.

A delightfully clear, engaging guide for beginning meditators
Jack Kornfield is a humble and humorous guide when it comes to incorporating eastern practices into one's prayer and/or contemplative life. He is down to earth, emminently practical, and tremendously encouraging. A strong advocate of developing a disciplined practice of meditation, Kornfield has a very nice way of communicating this necessity without scaring the novice off. He has a great reserve of wonderful stories and anecdotes which make his suggestions spring to life. I've been a college chaplain for 20 years, reading and recommending books on spirituality for all of those. Kornfield is a exceptionally fine teacher and I consider this book his best. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Meditations    4. Philosophy    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Spiritual life    8. Spirituality - General    9. Body, Mind & Spirit / New Age   

Editorial Review

As if being a priest in this day and age isn't difficult enough, try shepherding two parishes, located hundreds of miles apart, at the same time. A predicament of biblical proportions indeed, but one the indomitable Father Tim Kavanaugh and his cheerful wife, Cynthia, can handle, with a little help from the Lord--not to mention their friends--in Jan Karon's Read more

Reviews (162)

Delightful... as are all of Jan Karon's books!
Mitford is the kind of place that we would all love to live.... a slpeey little town in the mountains where you know your neighbors. I recommend buying this book... and curling up in your favorite chair with a warm blanket and cup of hot chocolate! Turn the phones off and slip away... I guarentee that you won't want to come back!

Then Sings My Soul
"A New Song" is capable of lifting one's soul from under winter's repression;whether it is weather or lost soul related.This book,like Jan's others,provides a cool,pristine drink from a novel bubbling with joy,life,and laughter.It satisfies the thirst for a good read that is NOT filled with sex,violence,and vulgarity!

Keep Them Coming
I lose myself in Jan Karon's books. The series on the little town of Mitford and Father Tim I hope will never end. We need these type books today. God, integrity, goodness, honor and love is so sorely lacking in our world today that I feel hopeful when I am able to find something so rewarding to read. I pray that Jan Karon will continue to develop new characters while keeping the old to remind us that with faith all things are possible. A New Song is well worth the read!! May Jan keep them coming. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - General    4. Fiction / Religious    5. Modern fiction   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (237)

A Common Life: The Wedding Story
Another in the wonderful Mitford series - I have enjoyed each up-lifting book!The characters become like family and neighbors; you laugh and cry with each one; and as soon as you finish one book you can hardly wait to read the next.

Another great one by Jan Karon!
While this book was shorter... it was nevertheless a great story! It is well worth the money and time!
A very common life . . .
Disappointing for Ms. Karon's readership -- very mundane and you could skip this book entirely and not miss anything with the Mitford happenings.This is not worth the money!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Sagas    5. Fiction / Family Saga    6. General & Literary Fiction   

Editorial Review

Father Tim, a cherished small-town rector, is the steadfast soldier in this beloved slice of life story set in an American village where the grass is still green, the pickets are still white, and the air still smells sweet. The rector's forthright secretary, Emma Garret, worries about her employer, as she sees past his Christian cheerfulness into his aching loneliness. Slowly but surely, the empty places in Father Tim's heart do get filled. First with a gangly stray dog, later with a seemingly stray boy, and finally with the realization that he is stumbling into love with his independent and Christian-wise next-door neighbor. Much more than a gentle love story, this is a homespun tale about a town of endearing characters-- including a mysterious jewel thief--who are as quirky and popular as those of Read more

Reviews (353)

One to share
The Mitford books are ones that I reach for whenever the world seems too big and scary for me!Jan Karon finds a way to comfort and entertain at the same time.Father Tim and the cast of characters are in my heart, and I find myself giving these books as gifts, because I want to touch the people I care about the way these books have touched me.

For those with "old fashioned" tastes
I am a person that almost exclusively reads fiction from the 1800s (19th century that is).Since I am a librarian, I am really trying hard to branch out and read works that are a little more current.This sounded like an old fashion tale that I could get into because it contains a different/older set of values - the values found more in older literature.Most readers coming into the library for this series are older and for some reason, though I'm "only" 34, many of my preferences match more to people 30 to 40 years older than myself.(Old soul and all that stuff).I'm not religious, but you don't have to be to enjoy this story of a church pastor that is trying to get along - trying to deal with some changes and perhaps a post-mid life crisis in a way.This pastor happens to be a 60 year old bachelor that is just starting to develop some feelings for a woman.Being that he is in fact 60 years old (never married), you can imagine how difficult this is for him to be in a relationship that could force some change in him.I like the fact that it is a longer book - it gives you the chance to live more with the characters and then at the end, want to continue that relationship - it's nice that there are many more titles to follow that I can enjoy.I've previously read Anthony Trollope's Barchestor Towers series (6 long books - 19th century) that also has a Clerical setting, perhaps that is what led me to Jan Karon's works.

A Gooey, Down to Earth story about the life of a small town southern pastor
This book is the first of 8 or 9 books about the life of Father Timothy, an Episcopal priest in his early 60s living in Mitford, North Carolina. He is a well loved priest, and has been ably serving his congregation for ten years.
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Subjects:  1. City and town life    2. Episcopalians    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. General    6. Mitford (N.C. : Imaginary plac    7. Mitford (N.C. : Imaginary place)    8. North Carolina    9. Religious - General    10. Fiction / Religious    11. Modern fiction   

Reviews (3)

Changed my life!
Mindfulness is happiness. If you are not appreciating the present moment, you are not fully alive. This great book helped me understand what it really means to be mindful. It shows us how to be more mindful in our everyday lives by approaching life in a totally new way. I highly recommend this excellent book! If you like these positive life-changing books, you might also like "The Ever-Transcending Spirit" by Toru Sato. This is another fantastic book that has changed my life! It looks at things from more of a relationship perspective but it is completely outstanding! This very special book puts your life into perspective and I guarantee that it will also improve all of your relationships dramatically! Have fun!

Good, but short on some details.
I bought this book to help me deal with Social Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, and depression. A good self-help book for mindfulness training for anxiety
This book is well written for self-help purpose, and it includes a clear, systematic discussion on various attitudes and essential exercises in mindfulness training.It serves a good introductory work for mindfulness-based intervention. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mood Disorders    2. Psychology    3. Self-Help    4. Spiritual    5. Stress Management    6. Coping with stress    7. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (34)

Blow your mind to save your mind.
A friend turned me on to this book and it changed my whole perspective on life in general and my life personally.
Excellent but brutal
One of the few books I've read that I recommend time and time again to my students - an excellent but brutal analysis of the human condition.
Straight-forward and Easy to Read
With a series of concise essays that are penetrating and remarkably to-the-point, Krishnamurti presents the reader with a many-sided exploration of spirituality, morality, ethics, religion, and belief. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - Gurus    2. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    3. General    4. Human beings    5. Liberty    6. Life    7. Philosophy    8. Psychology    9. Self (Philosophy)    10. Thought and thinking    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    12. Oriental & Indian philosophy    13. Religion / General   

Reviews (5)

Enjoyable and highly usable
Terrific 2 CD set - enjoyable to listen to, highly informative, short and sweet.You are on your way to using the techniques immediately.Nice addition to my "arsenal" of self-healing techniques.

Great for Beginners
I am just a beginner at Meditation, and I am trying to learn this for my health.
Good introduction to meditation
This is a solid introduction to the practice of meditation. The first disc features Weil and Kabat-Zinn giving background information about meditation. The second disc features guided meditations. Like any spiritual practice, the more information an individual gets, the better he or she becomes at that practice. This set of discs is a good starting point that will get a person going into meditation immediately, which might lead the listener to pursue additional materials about spirituality. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Relaxation/Meditation    2. Audio Adult: New Age    3. Audiobooks    4. Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Healing    6. Meditation    7. Running Time: 150m    8. Complementary Medicine