Main description:

Well known for applying mindfulness to the treatment of depression, pioneering researcher John Teasdale now explores the broader changes that people can experience through contemplative practices. What goes on in our minds when we are mindful? What does it mean to talk of mindfulness as a way of being? From a scientific perspective, how do core elements of contemplative traditions have their beneficial effects? Teasdale describes two types of knowing that human beings have evolved--conceptual and holistic-intuitive--and shows how mindfulness can achieve a healthier balance between them. He masterfully describes the mechanisms by which this shift in consciousness not only can reduce emotional suffering, but also can lead to greater joy and compassion and a transformed sense of self.

Contents:

Foreword, Jon Kabat-Zinn
Introduction
I. Foundations
1. The Quest for Happiness
2. A World of Ideas
3. A World of Relatedness
4. Whole-Making
II. Mindfulness
5. Mindfulness: The Central Underlying Process
6. Mindfulness: The How
7. Mindfulness: The What
8. Transforming Emotional Suffering
9. Mindfulness: The Why
III. Inner Awakening
10. The Awakening Mind
11. Lessons from Flow
12. A Hidden Treasure
13. Understanding the Awakening Mind
14. Paths to Awakening
References
Index