Album Notes

In contrast to most CDs where the meditations last 30-45 minutes or more, Creating Calm In Your Life: A Guided Meditation and Stress Reduction CD is unique in that it contains 4 short, easy-to-do, 15-minute meditations: two mindfulness meditations, a progressive muscle relaxation and a body scan meditation. It's ideal for busy people looking for an easy way to incorporate meditation and relaxation into their lives. Listeners say that Rivka's soft and soothing voice gently guides them to deep stillness and calm. It's a perfect introduction for beginners and a great gift for anyone in need of relaxation.

Yoga Journal, February 2005
"Rivka Simmons ... has obviously done her homework, providing clear instructions and adding new insights that breathe life into each of these stress-relief (meditations). She's particularly interesting in getting us out of our heads and helping us give up some of the rigid self-control that's the source of so much everyday tension. With her soothing voice and empathetic approach, she does indeed create an atmosphere of calm."

Midwest Record Recap, May 2005
“Simmons cuts tot the chase with her guided meditations that take the listener to the safety of the eye of the storm while waiting for it to pass. It’s always a nice find when you find a practitioner that can pull this off without hitting you over the head to get you where they thing you should be. Simmons qualifies as a winner. A smart set smart cookies ought to check out before they crumble.”

The Critical Review, June 2005
”This CD was unique...Ms. Simmons is crystal clear in her narratives...a very well-performed spoken word track.”

The Sun News, June 2005
“I’ve used similar materials but this one was the easiest to respond to. The voice is just right...It is easy to use and all it really takes is 15 minutes.”

Accent On Tampa Bay, July 2005
“In less time than it takes for a coffee break, listeners can move from stress to tension to peaceful calm and inner harmony. There is no distracting musical score, so listeners can focus more deeply on being completely in the present moment.”


Rivka Simmons has been studying and practicing meditation since 1987. She has taught meditation and stress reduction at universities, senior centers, adult education centers, hospitals, high schools and wellness programs throughout the Greater Boston Area.