Rating: 
Summary: Inspirational
Review: Mindfulness should be an exercise all beings participate in practicing, not simply exclusive to our Buddhist traditions; a point Kabat-Zinn makes in this wonderful book. What it truly encompasses is a kind of awakening (yes, cliché) where we begin living in accord with not just all people but, also with ourselves. Jon Kabat-Zinn is the director of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, a clinic which likely has helped innumerable beings. Mindful meditation is a letting go practice, a practice of non contriving and ultimately - endurance. It is an acknowledgement of who we already are, beneath the layers of attachments and aversion; that is of course that we are loving and generous people. This book offers a plethora of meditative exercises and mindfulness applications to employ in our daily routines. Zinn suggests utilizing sitting, walking, and even "on your feet" meditation. Metaphors of mindful actions are here using topics like parenting or even washing the dishes. This work will hopefully motivate all who read it. Great book.
Rating:
Summary: Not A Directive To Hide
Review: So far as I can tell, the author never directs the reader to "hide away" from problems or to "pretend that they do not exist." To the contrary, he invites us to observe everyday reality more mindfully and deliberatively than we otherwise might. And "problems," as well as our own recognizable reactions to them, are sometimes part of the observable reality at any particular moment. It is interesting, however, that by following the author's suggestions it seems to become easier to differentiate between a troubling reality and our own angered and fearful reactions to it (which are certainly real enough in their effects upon us). The author doesn't urge us to wear blinders; instead, he provides an unusually well-crafted and sometimes moving presentation of some valuable ideas that tend to make us much more aware, not less so.
Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended
Review: The messages in this book, the significancy of mindfulness, resonated so strongly in me it is as if the author wrote it specifically to me. Kabat-Zinn's writing style, knowledge and common sense attitude were refreshing in a world that often to me seems full of New Age mysticism. His advice that it is "best to meditate without advertising it" made me holler, "Hallelujah!"
Rating:
Summary: Powerful meditation techniques
Review: These techniques proved of much more value to me after reading Conversations with God and An Encounter With A Prophet. Having removed all of my unconscious fears of the spiritual world I could go into a much deeper, peaceful and meaningul meditative state.
Rating:
Summary: The first book to read for stress
Review: This book can teach you how to meditate but that's not the point. More importantly, while reading this book, you ARE meditating. You can be stressed, distracted, emotionally raw, fearful, and overwhelmed by the demons of life and simply reading from this book will ease your mind and bring reality back into focus...
Rating:
Summary: Interesting, insightful *and* useful
Review: This book definitely has a lot to offer. Whether
you currently meditate, used to, or never even
considered trying, there's something useful to
be found here. As another reviewer noted,
if you've avoided meditation because of its
religious or mystical associations, this is an
interesting, secular introduction to the practice. Kabat-Zinn's writing style is clear,
polite, compassionate, and perhaps most importantly, accessible. You don't need vast sums
of cash, your own Zen rock garden, a year's supply of incense, or even necessarily this book (although the latter is definitely helpful) to do this. Can be read cover-to-cover, or piecemeal, depending on your preference/lifestyle/interest; each chapter is brief and to the point, with a nice humorous touch that suggests that life is far too much fun to get so worked up over.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible book!
Review: This book is gem--it delivers on its promise, to convey the depth of daily meditation with some prointers on "how-to", and the impact it can have on your life. Clearly written, it never panders or digresses, and is as pleasant and informative a read as I've seen on such a weighty subject....a must! Dr. S
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful invitation to live your life more fully
Review: This book is full of 2-3 page invitations to live your life more fully! I frequently share passages with my yoga classes. It is inspiring and practical. Take it to heart!
Rating:
Summary: meditation for klutzes
Review: This book is gem--it delivers on its promise, to convey the depth of daily meditation with some prointers on "how-to", and the impact it can have on your life. Clearly written, it never panders or digresses, and is as pleasant and informative a read as I've seen on such a weighty subject....a must! Dr. S
Rating:
Summary: Most nurturing book I've read in the last twenty five years.
Review: This book is poetry in motion. Pick it up, read a chapter and let it soak into your being for days or a week. Something to savor and covet! Kabat-Zinn has collected wisdom through the ages and presented it in a simple, logical and comprehensive manner so that you know, they are all saying the same thing. If we had but ears to hear! I have probably given thirty copies of this book to friends, perhaps the highest compliment I can give it.
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