The challenge follows the 28-day meditation plan outlined is Sharon's book "Real Happiness" with elements also from "Real Happiness At Work". Then stop by the Tricycle Book Club […] Meditation opens the door to real and accessible happiness. This week, Sharon explores the powerful tools of meditation at the launch of the Eight Annual Real Happiness Meditation Challenge. The Real Happiness Challenge is a 28-day exploration of the tools of meditation led by expert teacher Sharon Salzberg.The program is based on Sharon's New York Times bestselling book, Real Happiness, in honor of the ten-year anniversary of the book, and covers a broad spectrum of techniques to give you the tools to live with greater ease and joy. Attempting to find a peaceful space in my maze of boxes and bubblewrap, and then trying to focus on congested breathing slightly reminscent of a chainsaw… yep, it’s been a challenge. As the days led up to the Challenge, I could feel my restlessness, my anticipation, a sense of occasion. And now that I am here, well, this is best explained with the anecdote of the bubble bath. We hope that the challenge fosters real dialogue about the potential of meditation to change one's life, and intrigues more people to find out what meditation is all about. Whether you are brand new to meditation, or a longtime practitioner, Sharon offers down-to-earth expertise based on 40+ years of practical experience studying and teaching. You can get an e-book to begin reading instantly if you join the Tricycle Community now and take advantage of our special offer with Workman Press, the publisher of Real Happiness. Week 2 really put the word CHALLENGE in “28-day Meditation Challenge.” Not only have I had a nasty cold all week, but I’m also in the process of moving. This is exactly why I believe meditation is so important. Meditation helps us experience greater calm. I could sense that my awareness had been amped up before it even began. Whew. Everyone is so addicted to who they believe themselves to be that they are rarely able to experience states of real bliss or happiness. Share. < back to Real Happiness & Meditation. Real Happiness Meditation Challenge, Week 1: Silencing the Inner Monologue One week after beginning Sharon Salzberg’s 28-day Meditation Challenge , I wish I could say that I’d been instantly transformed into a calmer, happier, more whole being; that my relationships had drastically improved and that any stress in my life had disappeared. The challenge is perfect for anyone, whether you are a longtime practitioner looking to refresh your home practice or an absolute beginner trying meditation …