Meditations of the Heart

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
As in all of Fernando Ortega's recordings, his music resounds with feelings and memories rooted in the Spanish melodies of his grandfather as well as classical sources, folk-rock and early American church hymns.

Fernando began playing piano at the age of eight and went on to study classical piano at the University of New Mexico. His musical inventiveness and tender touch combine to create two incredible solo piano recordings.

In this collection of outstanding piano solos, Fernando creates a peaceful and contemplative environment to encourage the meditations of your heart.

All of the original piano solo performances are rendered in majestic simplicity by Fernando and are played on the warm strings and rich woods of a nine-foot Steinway grand piano.

A must have recording for every Fernando Ortega fan!

Meditations of the Heart, Music, Fernando Ortega

The Ease of Being: Guided Meditations for Centering and Healing
Average customer rating:

Works Better the Longer You Use It

Gentle yet remarkably effective

Fall Asleep While Listening

Excellent Guided Meditations

Not as good as I had hoped.

The Ease of Being: Guided Meditations for Centering and Healing
Mary Maddux and Richard Maddux
Manufacturer: Heart of Healing
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Self-Help | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General | New Age | Styles | Music
Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
Healing | New Age | Styles | Music
Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music
General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Meditation Music | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Creating Calm In Your Life: A Guided Meditation and Stress Reduction CD

Guided Meditations: For Calmness, Awareness, and Love

Silence of Being: Guided Meditation for Inner Peace

Journey into Deep Relaxation

Your Present: A Half Hour of Peace

ASIN: B00009R5VP
Release Date: 2002-04-01

Tracks:

Silence: a Centering Meditation
Allowing: a Healing Meditation
Flowing Freely: an Emotional Healing Meditation

Album Description

May 12, 2005 UPDATE: The Ease of Being CD has now been re-mastered for improved audio quality.

The soothing voice and deeply relaxing music on the Ease of Being restore a centered state of awareness and support healing. The meditations encourage trust in the natural flow of life, leading to greater physical, mental and emotional ease. The instructions suggest that you "…simply allow the words and music to wash over you… It is not necessary to understand, or even hear, all the words". Instead of asking you to focus on specific instructions or images, these meditations gently guide the mind to relax completely. In this relaxed state, healing can happen naturally and effortlessly.

Once referred to as "meditations without borders", the Ease of Being does not represent any particular tradition. It gives you the freedom to relax into your own, unique healing journey. One customer stated, "These meditations are unique - you can just float with them". If you listen with an open mind and heart, The Ease of Being can take you straight to the "heart of healing"!

Customer Reviews:

Works Better the Longer You Use It.......2007-06-13

When I first listened to this CD I wasn't sure if it was helping me to relax. But as I continued to use it I began to notice a calming and soothing effect that continued afterward. It has now become a favorite of mine for chilling out and also as a prelude to a great night's sleep. Highly recommended.

Gentle yet remarkably effective.......2007-06-05

Mary's meditations have been a great help to me during a time when life has been difficult. She advises to "let the words wash over you" and that works well when I don't try to focus on the specific words but just relax and let whatever happen. The music is also extremely soothing (check out Richard's CD:Pure Light: Music for Meditation & Relaxation). Overall a wonderful way to kick back and distance myself from all the craziness.

Fall Asleep While Listening.......2007-05-22

I got this for stress issues, but every time I listen to it I can't get past the first few minutes without falling asleep. Very relaxing voice and music!

Excellent Guided Meditations.......2007-05-09

There are many guided meditation tapes available out there. For me, this is one of the best, although I imagine different approaches/voices/styles work better for different people. The Ease of Being is unique in that it gently guides you to a place of less effort and a letting go of the need to control. This results in a very deep and relaxing experience. I also feel the music enhances the effect of relaxation, allowing the listener to "float" away to a peaceful place.

Not as good as I had hoped........2007-05-08

I am fairly new to meditation and have been looking for some of the best guided meditation cds to help me in my practice. I tried this one based on the (mostly) good reviews on here. After listening to this cd a few times myself, I found that I did not really care for it. I like the concept behind the three meditations on the disc. The first one is called "a centered meditation", which runs around 16 minutes. The second meditation is called "a healing meditation" which runs around 17 minutes in length. The third meditation is called "an emotional healing meditation", which is around 15 minutes and was what I felt that I wanted since I have had kind of a rough and stressful time this past year. Well I have to say that I agree with some of the other reviewers about how distracting the speaker's voice is! I did listen to the samples available here and thought that the slowness of her sentences was a bit distracting, but hoped that I would just get used to it or that the meditation would be so good, it wouldn't really matter. But unfortunately that hasn't been the case. Her voice just isn't conducive to relaxation for me. Granted, her voice is nice, but she pauses right in the middle of a sentence for so long, I find myself wondering "well is she going to finish it?" or "can she not think of what word she wants to use next?". I almost got the feeling that she was looking at a timer while recording the meditation and trying to stretch her thoughts throughout the time allotted.

The emotional healing meditation didn't really give me as much as I had hoped for either. It is kind of repetitive and was not very helpful to me personally. She just kept saying, "emotions will come and go and we don't know why. It's just energy and a part of life. Just allow whatever comes and let it go". I know that she was probably going for the concept of "if you can feel it, you can heal it", which is true. But I don't know...it just wasn't as good as I thought it should have been. Perhaps it's just my personal preference, but this cd didn't help me as much as I had hoped. If anyone knows some great, relaxing, yet life transforming guided meditation cds...please feel free to let me know what they are.

My Secret Heart: Romantic Meditations for Ambient Piano

Average customer rating:

Seductive and Ethereal
This cd is amazing, perfect for massage
A Piece of Heaven
Most Powerful Music Yet
Soundscape for True Romantics

My Secret Heart: Romantic Meditations for Ambient Piano
Michael Whalen
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

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Like Rain Through My Hands
Softest Touch
Timeless
Allure of Sanctuary
Real Piano: A Collection

ASIN: B00074CC6E
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Tracks:

I Have Loved You For A Thousand Lifetimes
Hands Of Silk
Tantric
Two As One
Your Eyes In The Candlelight
Addicted To You
For You
Moonglow
Swimming In A Lovely Sea Of You
Love's Secret

Amazon.com

With song titles like "Swimming in a Lovely Sea of You," one might expect Michael Whalen's My Secret Heart to be as deep in the schmaltz as Yanni playing a candlelight étude for Linda Evans. The fact that he avoids a saccharin overdose is one of the few minor successes on this album of ambient piano compositions. Taking cues from artists like Harold Budd and Suzanne Ciani, Whalen orchestrates a series of romantic mood pieces full of deeply echoing piano and electronic effects that shimmer in the background. Like Ciani, he wears his heart on his keyboard. Unlike Budd, however, he lacks the emotional austerity and distance that would allow his music to speak at a deeper level. Although Whalen spends most of his time doing nature documentary soundtracks and jingles, he does have a gift for ambient space, as evidenced by his albums Nightscenes and Like Rain Through My Hands. My Secret Heart fits in as a minor extension of these works, but the maudlin inscriptions--"Two as One" or "Addicted to You"--wouldn't pass muster on a Hallmark Valentine's Day card. Absent any irony, they trigger an automatic gag reflex that's only slightly overcome by music that deserves better. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Seductive and Ethereal.......2006-05-07

I was immediately mesmerized on hearing this on Soundscapes. Michael Whalen has composed and performed the most haunting and lingering piano sounds I have heard in a long time. You feel each piano note deeply, sometimes holding a breath not wanting to miss its penetrating moment. It is not only seductive it is intoxicating. I have played it for listening and for dining, all my friends and guests are captivated by it.

This cd is amazing, perfect for massage.......2006-02-21

I am a LMT and I purchased this cd for song #1- I overheard on XM radio. This cd is awesome. I never get tired of it. It is perfect for relaxation. I play it at home and at work.

A Piece of Heaven.......2005-02-13

From the moment I first heard Michael Whalen's new CD, "My Secret Heart", I was absolutely captivated. I adore this CD. The music is quite beautiful and evocative, it is as if Michael captured a piece of Heaven in his hands, and it spilled forth and transformed into this beautiful music.

Most Powerful Music Yet.......2005-02-10

"My Secret Heart, romantic meditations for ambient piano" is by far Whalen's most ambitious and revealing project to date. Imagine all your deepest, darkest secrets hanging out for the world to see? Well, that is what is embodied in this album.

From the first track, "I Have Loved You For A Thousand Lifetimes," Whalen succeeds at what I think is the fundamental goal of this album: to make the music accessible and inviting to the listener. Even deeper: to show a side of Michael that few people get to see-a vulnerability, a longing, an HONESTY...who hasn't wanted to express these emotions???

Whalen has chosen exactly the right notes, at the right time, giving ample time for each shimmering note to breathe. More important, the simplicity of this CD invites you into Michael's world, which is about music he cares about expressing-because of who he is, and what he believes in.

Soundscape for True Romantics.......2005-02-09

This CD is a must have for all of you true romantics out there. It provides a beautiful sonic backdrop that is perfect for moments when you want to escape life's stresses. Michael's ability to create beautiful melodies entwined with electronic processing, makes for a rich sonic tapestry that is at times sad, yet stirring nonetheless. "I have loved you for a thousand lifetimes" is a standout, with a gorgeous melody. It is also the song for which the video was created. Outstanding! I thoroughly enjoyed this CD.

Pure Relaxation: Guided Meditations for Body, Mind & Spirit

Average customer rating:

Grateful to have found this
Works well for me
Good for Insomnia
Deeply Relaxing
Real relaxation from this wonderful CD

Pure Relaxation: Guided Meditations for Body, Mind & Spirit
Mary Maddux and Richard Maddux
Manufacturer: Heart of Healing
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Self-Help | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music

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The Ease of Being: Guided Meditations for Centering and Healing
Sleep Easy: Guided Meditation for Deep Rest
Silence of Being: Guided Meditation for Inner Peace
Journey into Deep Relaxation
Drifting Downstream: Guided Relaxation for Stress Reduction

ASIN: B0007R7A6I
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Tracks:

Mini-relaxation Break
Unwinding
Total Body Relaxation
Music for Relaxation

Album Description

The guided meditations and music on this CD calm the mind, soothe the emotions and create a state of deep relaxation in the body. The Pure Relaxation CD includes three powerful meditations, ranging from a brief relaxation break to a guided relaxation to let go of tension throughout the entire body. It also includes a selection of 30 minutes of extremely relaxing music. The "Mini-Relaxation Break" can be used anytime throughout the day, at home or at work. "Unwinding" is perfect at the end of the day to relax and be refreshed for the evening. "Total Body Relaxation" systematically dissolves tension throughout the entire body.

These meditations are unique in that they guide the listener to relax effortlessly. The body and mind know how to relax -- we just need to give them "permission". Relaxation is about letting go. To accomplish things throughout the day requires effort and focus. Many guided relaxation CDs require you to focus on doing something -- tensing and relaxing muscles, breathing in a certain way, imagining something, etc. This CD is different. It will help you to let go of effort in order to relax completely.

Customer Reviews:

Grateful to have found this.......2006-07-13

This CD has worked well for me in many ways. I was looking for a way to relax at the end of the day and the guided meditations and music provided a welcome relief. Especially nice is the progressive relaxation process: "Total Body Relaxation" which always results in my falling into a deep sleep.

The Mini Relaxation Break is good during the day for a quick refreshing pause to activity.

I highly recommend this CD, it lives up to the description.

Works well for me.......2006-05-01

This CD has helped me to relax. All the cuts are good, but the total relaxation track is amazing! If I use it at night it puts me into a deep sleep, or in the afternoon it lets me unwind so I can enjoy the evening activities. The background music enhances the effect of the pleasant voice and it all adds up to a nice experience.

Good for Insomnia.......2005-11-10

I was looking for a CD that would help me to sleep. After using this several times at night before bed, I can say I seem to be sleeping better most nights. Maybe this is just a coincidence since I often go through cycles but it does feel very relaxing to listen to.

Deeply Relaxing.......2005-11-04

I have tried many guided meditation CDs in the past for relaxing and de-stressing. This is definitely one of the best. The music is so soothing and pleasurable that even by itself would be very effective as a relaxation tape. Add to that the narration which is gently reassuring and leads you to a very calm place. I like all of the tracks, but especially the "Total Body" selection which works great as a bedtime prep for a good night's sleep. Overall a great CD.

Real relaxation from this wonderful CD.......2005-10-01

I am absolutely amazed by this! I was extremely skeptical, thinking this couldn't possibly work. BUT I was wrong. I was able to completely relax, which I haven't done in years, truly! The CD concentrated on all areas of the body and kept the mind relaxed by focusing on the various body parts. The background music was very soothing. Love it. Thank you so much!

Average customer rating:

Excellent Meditations - a real JUMP START for your own practice
Love it!
Expected More

Awakened Heart: Two Guided Meditations
Sally Kempton
Manufacturer: Sally Kempton
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Yoga from the Inside Out: Making Peace With Your Body Through Yoga
Yoga for Healthy Knees: What You Need to Know for Pain Prevention and Rehabilitation (Rodmell Press Yoga Shorts)

ASIN: B000BGQVGK
Release Date: 2005-08-22

Tracks:

Intro to CD
Intro to Meditation
Posture
Awareness Meditation
Intro to Heart Meditation
Heart Center Meditation

Product Description

These guided meditations are designed to connect you with the inner presence that is your core self. Led by master meditation teacher Sally Kempton, they offer a taste of the experience available in her workshops and retreats. They can be used for daily meditation practice, or as a method of centering during times of stress. Practiced over time, these meditations can help out become established in your own source of peace, inspiration, and power.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Meditations - a real JUMP START for your own practice.......2007-07-04

Sally offers two excellent meditations on this CD, either of which is a very powerful stepping stone into a very deep meditation space. The thing I love about her, and that comes across so brilliantly on this CD, is how she speaks from the place of being deeply in meditation. Anyone can read out meditation instructions, but it's really about the inner state that she is transmitting. It's like the difference between eating food that is cooked at a fast food restaurant by people who don't want to be there versus eating good home cooked food made with love. Not all food is the same, nor are all guided meditations. I also like the length of these 2 talks. I personally like to use a guided meditation to settle me down and get me started with clear intention, then have the CD stop and continue to sit in deep silence on my own. Either of these meditations are well suited to that. And each meditation is quite different from the other. There is no tone of religion or occultism - just a pure doorway to inner silence and an open heart. They are great for beginners (I have gifted this CD to many people new to meditation who really love it). They are great for advanced meditators - I discovered them after 25 years of meditation, and my practice was revved up and revitalized anew. This is a STRONG recommendation for a great offering from Sally Kempton.

Love it!.......2007-02-15

I love Sally's teaching. She is clear as a razor and you can definitely feel her life long meditation practice.

I believe it is very important to be guided by someone who is truly immersed in meditation. Meditation instructions are not just about words but also about the energy that is transmitted.

Beautiful and from the heart!

Recommended

Expected More.......2007-01-09

The meditations are short and end without any sign they are about to end ... the meditator is lead to a place and left there to finish on their own. That can be done without the purchase of a cd.

Average customer rating:

Extraordinary!

Meditations of the Heart

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Meditations of the Heart Encore
The Shadow of Your Wings: Hymns and Sacred Songs
Hymns & Meditations
Night of Your Return
Storm

ASIN: B000087HWW
Release Date: 2002-11-24

Tracks:

Sacrifice of Praise
Living Water
Morning Star
Family
I Love to Praise Your Name
As For Us
Lift Your Hearts
Your Voice
Into Your Presence
Eyes of a Child

Album Description

As in all of Fernando Ortega's recordings, his music resounds with feelings and memories rooted in the Spanish melodies of his grandfather as well as classical sources, folk-rock and early American church hymns.

In this collection of outstanding piano solos, Fernando creates a peaceful and contemplative environment to encourage the meditations of your heart.

All of the original piano solo performances are rendered in majestic simplicity by Fernando and are played on the warm strings and rich woods of a nine-foot Steinway grand piano.

A must have recording for every Fernando Ortega fan!

Customer Reviews:

Extraordinary!.......2007-05-17

The music is peaceful and meditative. I listen to it every single night before I go to sleep. LOVE IT!

Average customer rating:

Meditations of the Heart
Fernando Ortega
Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Meditations of the Heart Encore

ASIN: B00005AAUG
Release Date: 2002-01-01

Tracks:

Sacrifice of Praise
Living Water
Morning Star
Family
I Love to Praise Your Name
As for Us
Lift Your Hearts
Your Voice
Into Your Presence
Eyes of a Child

Average customer rating:

relaxing
Better than excellent!!!!!

Meditations of the Heart Encore

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Meditations of the Heart
The Shadow of Your Wings: Hymns and Sacred Songs
Night of Your Return
Hymns & Meditations
The Breaking of the Dawn

ASIN: B000087HWX
Release Date: 2002-11-24

Tracks:

Creation Sings

Album Description

In this collection of outstanding piano solos, Fernando creates a peaceful and contemplative environment to encourage the meditations of your heart.

All of the original piano solo performances are rendered in majestic simplicity by Fernando and are played on the warm strings and rich woods of a nine-foot Steinway grand piano.

A must have recordings for every Fernando Ortega fan!

Customer Reviews:

relaxing.......2007-01-10

If you're expecting hymns, this is not the cd for you. It is great listening to, but wasn't like any of the other music from Fernando Ortega that I have purchased so far. Anything by Fernando is still great to own.

Better than excellent!!!!!.......2004-11-02

I recently sat in the presence of this master of worshipful music as he led worship for the Anne Graham Lotz Just Give Me Jesus revival. I got this CD just to listen to his piano music. I usually have it on to fall asleep to every night. For quiet meditative music, this CD is a MUST for your collection.