Mindfulness and Cognitive Therapy Books
|
Books by Jon Kabat-Zinn
This book is the result of a collaboration of many years with Mark Williams of Oxford University, John Teasdale, formerly of Cambridge University, and Zindel Segal of the University of Toronto. They developed a program called Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, based in large measure on MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction), that has proven to be highly effective in dramatically reducing the likelihood of relapse in people with a history of major depression after they have been successfully treated. We wrote this book for anyone who has suffered from depression and has found it frustrating to get a long-term handle on it. A guided meditation CD (77 minutes) consisting of a range of mindfulness practices that are utilized in MBCT accompanies the book, voiced by Jon Kabat-Zinn. In the book, we explain why our usual attempts to “think” our way out of a bad mood or just “snap out of it” can easily lead us even deeper into an ever-downward spiral of depression, as you may very well know from first-hand experience. Instead, we offer a radically different approach. Studies of MBCT have shown that a unified blend of meditative practices and attitudes based on the cultivation of mindfulness, coupled with elements of the theory, treatment practices, and insights of cognitive therapy provide practical and effective ways to recognize and then sidestep the mental habits that lead to despair, including seemingly endless currents of rumination and self-blame. This shift in perspective toward our thoughts and feelings, as well as how they express in our bodies and our lives allows us to face life’s challenges with far greater resilience, and, perhaps surprisingly, to taste far greater happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and well-being in our lives. The Mindful Way through Depression includes easy to implement strategies for:
"Using mindfulness training to prevent and treat
depression is a novel strategy in the West, though it is a traditional
application of Eastern meditation practice. Whether you struggle with
depression or simply want to understand your mind and emotions better,
you will find this book accessible and useful. Depression is epidemic in
our society, and I would love to see this sensible treatment approach
gain ground." "A revolutionary treatment approach. For depression
sufferers, this is a truly useful guide to achieving emotional balance.
For mental health professionals, it should be mandatory reading. I
recommend this book and companion CD most highly." "An invaluable resource not only for those who suffer
from depression, but for anyone familiar with the downward spiral of
negative thinking and self-doubt. The authors of this book explore the
reasons for depression and give us guidance and support, along with
useful tools to find a way through it." "If I could select one group of individuals for people
to really pay attention to when grappling with chronic unhappiness, I
could not think of a better group than these authors. Not only are they
consummate scientists, but they are each personally immersed in the
moment-to-moment mindfulness that they teach. This book brings together
the contemplative practices of both science and insight meditation in an
effective fashion that is understandable to the ordinary person--no
esoteric practice or mental health background is necessary. Read it and
see for yourself!"
"a passionate tour de force" - Publishers Weekly This book is a rhapsody in eight parts on the transformative power of mindfulness in our personal lives and in our lives as individuals embedded in the larger world. Dr. Kabat-Zinn describes how, through paying attention, by both literally and metaphorically coming to our senses, we can live our lives much more as if they really mattered and realize the full extent our potential as human beings in ways both little and big. He reminds us that living in this way is the adventure of a lifetime, and that it is both tremendously freeing and profoundly healing to be present in the only moments in which we ever have to live. He explains that meditation is not what you think, whatever you think it is, all puns intended, and that in our attention deficit disorder society, the power of training ourselves to pay attention wisely and effectively in the face of chronic "dis-ease" and disease is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity for our emotional, physical, and spiritual health, again, as individuals and as a society. This book builds on all of Dr. Kabat-Zinn's previous work, and extends the reader's practical understanding of how to implement the practice of mindfulness meditation in meaningful ways in his or her life. It offers an entirely new level of both understanding and practice. Through deeply personal stories of his own early experiences with meditation and meditation teachers, through the effective use of extraordinary poetry, through simple explanations of the science of the mind and body connection set in the context of the history of the universe and of the evolution of life and of our species, and through describing the roots of mindfulness in the Buddhist tradition and how mindfulness is not itself Buddhist at all but really a universal pathway to sanity and well-being, Dr. Kabat-Zinn paints a comprehensive and compelling picture of our true potential as a species for healingor own destructive tendencies and for living more meaningful lives of deep satisfaction, well-being, and happiness through cultivating and embodying what is already deepest and best in ourselves, starting always and in each moment from where we are now - with huge acceptance and loving kindness toward ourselves, whatever our circumstances. Formal and informal mindfulness practices making use of all our senses - the five traditional ones and others - including the mind itself and its capacity for awareness, are described in great detail with simple and practical suggestions all along the way for implementing their embodiment in our everyday lives through seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and knowing what is being experienced in any moment. An entire section describes the science of the mind/body connection and the results of a number of studies from Dr. Kabat-Zinn's work in the Stress Reduction Clinic that show the effects of mindfulness and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on our potential for healing and for not only coping, but even thriving in the face of chronic levels of stress, as well as working with chronic medical conditions, physical and emotional pain, and disease. Other sections describe in deeply personal as well as universal terms, various aspects of the challenges we face in coming to our senses in this time-accelerated world of perpetual multi-tasking, the potential for mindfulness and what has been learned in mind/body medicine over the past thirty years to diagnose, treat, and effectively heal the body politic as well as the body, and how all this fits into a comprehensive view of our small planet and its fragility and how important the refining of our species' innate capacity for wisdom and compassion is to its short and long-term health, and our own. The book maintains a light and humorful tone throughout, consistent with the suggestion that mindfulness itself is really a way of being, and a way of seeing, one that is far too important and serious for us to take too seriously without a huge dose of lightheartedness and an appreciation for our own pratfalls and self-induced delusions, especially about who we are and where we are going when we forget our deeper nature and drift far from it in both our minds and our lives. "Jon Kabat-Zinn writes clearly and persuasively about
the need for us to bring full awareness to the present moment - not only
to achieve personal peace and healing, but to heal our ailing world. I
am particularly taken by his discussion of 'orthogonal reality,' a sort
of rotation in consciousness that can open new possibilities for
individuals, institutions, and nations. This is a deeply optimistic
book, grounded in good science and filled with practical recommendations
for moving in the right direction." "Jon Kabat-Zinn once again inspires, delights, and
awakens us. His scientific knowledge, poetic vision, and depth of
meditative understanding illuminate so much about our human condition
and our spiritual potential. A brilliant work, both timely and
timeless." "Coming to Our Senses invites us to sanity, offering a
practical, life-altering way to cut through the clutter of our minds and
fine what truly matters. Jon Kabat-Zinn shines as a wise, down-to-earth,
and just plain fun guide to our own basic goodness. His is a sensible –
and sensational – wake-up call, one we all should heed." "Once again, Jon Kabat-Zinn is on the cutting edge.
Coming to Our Senses is thoughtful and provocative, ranging from deeply
personal to broadly political. Its relevance is unquestionable. It
leaves us inspired and optimistic that true healing really is possible."
"A loving, profound, whimsical, wise, genuine, intimate,
surprising, scholarly, liberating, brilliant, and practical look at how
we can become who we fully are and be trusted with the future of the
world." "A wealth of information about the miracles that
mindfulness can work in our everyday lives. The chapter on the author's
experience when his father had Alzheimer's disease is particularly
powerful. Dr. Kabat-Zinn's work has already helped large numbers of
people use mindfulness to prevent a next heart attack. Now he is back to
show how mindfulness can help us to prevent a next terrorist attack. I
hope that many world leaders will give his recommendations serious
consideration." "This is a remarkable book, in its vast scope and for
its great depth, a modern classic, bringing together for the reader the
riches of modern science and the great traditional wisdom of the east. A
powerful and compassionate vision." "Jon Kabat-Zinn is one of the finest teachers of
mindfulness you will ever encounter. This book invites you to discover
the ease, joy, and freedom that mindfulness brings."
"This is simply the best popular book on health I have
read in years. It offers a guide for personal transformation that can
literally save your life." " I strongly recommend this book for everyone who wants
to begin healing their life." "A wonderful guidebook for those of us who choose life
and healing." "A practical guide... to accomplishing that elusive goal
of integrating spiritual practice into daily life." "This book can be described as a door opening both on
the dharma (from the side of the world) and on the world (from the side
of the dharma). When the dharma is really taking care of the problems of
life, it is true dharma. And this is what I appreciate most about this
book."
"Rather than withdrawing from the world, meditation can
help you enjoy it more fully, more effectively, and more peacefully. In
Wherever You Go, There You Are, Jon Kabat-Zinn provides access to
the essense of meditation and its applications for both the beginner and
those who wish to deepen and expand their practice. He embodies what he
describes." "Want to meet the most interesting, exciting person you
will ever know– Let Jon Kabat-Zinn introduce you to YOU. Nowhere else in
the literature of meditation can you find so simple and commonsensical a
path to yourself." "This book shines with an exquisite simplicity and
straightforwardness. Jon Kabat-Zinn is one of the best teachers of
mindfulness you will ever meet." "Ideally, meditation is not something we do, but is
something we live. Wherever You Go, There You Are points the way
to this living spirit with clarity, easy and poetry." "Future historians may well decide that the introduction
of meditation into the Western world was one of the significant events
of the twentieth century and that Jon Kabat-Zinn was one of its most
effective advocates."
Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful
Parenting by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn "At last, an emotionally intelligent guide for parents!"
"Reading this book could be a life-changing event." "This book can help us turn all the relationships of our
lives into everyday blessings... should be given to every parent..." "Shows a way for parents to recognize who their children
really are..." "This is a wonderfully knowing and touching witness to
what it means for us to be mothers and fathers." "Mindful parenting is a deep spiritual practice... this
book will inspire and guide all parents."
|
The Mindful
Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness.
Coming to Our
Senses: Healing Ourselves and the World Through Mindfulness 
Full Catastrophe
Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain and
Illness – 15th Anniversary Edition – with a New Introduction by the
Author
Wherever You Go,
There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life – 10th
Anniversary Edition – with a new Afterword by the Author