Product Description

In his follow-up to Full Catastrophe Living--a book in which he presented basic meditation techniques as a way of reducing stress and healing from illness--here Jon Kabat-Zinn goes much more deeply into the practice of meditation for its own sake. To Kabat-Zinn, meditation is important because it brings about a state of "mindfulness," a condition of "being" rather than "doing" during which you pay attention to the moment rather than the past, the future, or the multitudinous distractions of modern life. In brief, rather poetic chapters, he describes different meditative practices and what they can do for the practitioner. The idea that meditation is "spiritual" is often confusing to people, Kabat-Zinn writes; he prefers to think of it as what you might call a workout for your consciousness. This book makes learning meditation remarkably easy (although practicing it is not). But it also makes it seem infinitely appealing. --Ben Kallen

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1389 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-05
• Released on: 2005-01-05
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Amazon.com
In his follow-up to Full Catastrophe Living--a book in which he presented basic meditation techniques as a way of reducing stress and healing from illness--here Jon Kabat-Zinn goes much more deeply into the practice of meditation for its own sake. To Kabat-Zinn, meditation is important because it brings about a state of "mindfulness," a condition of "being" rather than "doing" during which you pay attention to the moment rather than the past, the future, or the multitudinous distractions of modern life. In brief, rather poetic chapters, he describes different meditative practices and what they can do for the practitioner. The idea that meditation is "spiritual" is often confusing to people, Kabat-Zinn writes; he prefers to think of it as what you might call a workout for your consciousness. This book makes learning meditation remarkably easy (although practicing it is not). But it also makes it seem infinitely appealing. --Ben Kallen

From Publishers Weekly
Kabat-Zinn ( Full Catastrophe Living ), founder of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, here urges readers to practice "mindfulness," a more than 2000-year-old Buddhist method of living fully in the present, observing ourselves, our feeling, others and our surroundings without judging them. Free of trendiness, the book presents meditation as a natural activity that can be practiced anytime and anywhere, without props or trappings. Kabat-Zinn explains how to live in the moment by taking up such techniques as "non-doing," trust and concentration. He shows readers meditation postures and ways to meditate, including visualizing mountains and lakes, and concentrating on walking or standing. Amusing anecdotes illustrate applications of mindfulness in everyday life, including "Cleaning the Stove While Listening to Bobby McFerrin," "Cat Food Lessons" and two chapters on parenting as a form of meditation (children as "live-in Zen masters"). This warm, witty and wise guide should bring relaxation to stressed-out people. Author tour.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Kabat-Zinn, the founder and director of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, provides an excellent handbook on living fully in the present moment through mindfulness meditation. This meditative technique, widely used in Buddhist practice, is presented in nonsectarian form with sufficient instructions for the beginner (who may also order the cassette tapes to facilitate disciplined practice). Kabat-Zinn's previous Full Catastrophe Living (Delacorte, 1990) was directed to those in crisis; this book, which is for everyone, includes reflections on the beauty of the present and meditation's emotional and spiritual applications. An important book for public and seminary libraries, and for health and New Age collections.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Did not find any novel ideas
Perhaps it is because I have some familiarity with the eastern thought that I really didn't connect with much in this book. I didn't find anything new or novel. Perhaps if you are completely new to meditation this could be an introduction but, then again, you will have to continue well past this book if you actually want to practice and benefit from meditation. In the spirit of the message of this book, I can say that this book didn't take me anywhere and therefore it succeeded brilliantly!

personal treasure
Definitely among my most treasured possessions. This is my introduction to meditation that wasn't too drastic. It offers an approach to serenity that includes and coexists with the routines and distractions of daily life. The language and layout lend themselves well to the kind of practical advice that is evenly parceled out at the reader's choosing. The steps are easily implemented which naturally leads to sustainable practice, important if you have work duties or family obligations to fulfill amidst the search for inner peace. Whether you read it through in one go or take time reading parts out of order, this thing works wonders. You will always get as much as you put in, which is better than a lot of other pursuits.

I found this book to be transformative
While I recognize that the power of some books rest only in that they come along at the right time of one's life...this book was simply beautiful. From the first chapter until about 3/4 of the way through, I was completely drawn in and found most of what Kabat-Zinn wrote to be compelling, relevant and so totally perceptive. He spends the first half of the book building the case for meditation and what it means for live life in the present moment of everyday. He then goes into detail about how to effectively meditate. I also purchased the tape companion meditation tapes and have used them to great effect. The book and the tapes have been a great introduction to the power of meditation in one's life.