Wherever You Go There You Are Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life

Rating:
Summary: Very good and specific information
Review: I have read and re-read this book since I bought it four years ago about 25 times. The way it is laid out is great because you can jump right to a chapter, read it, and get a nice nugget of information. Very well written.

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: "Being" is an anti-concept
Review: This is not a self-help book, it is a rationalization for living a lazy, unconscious lifestyle. Jon Kabat raves about the power of "being" but never really explains what being is. His only definition for being is not doing. But to not do is simply an anti-concept devoid of meaning like God (not man), heaven (not Earth), etc. If you come upon a problem, Mr. Kabat-Zinn recommends you "leave yourself" and watch your reactions, observe, and not really be there. In essense, you should hide away from your problems and pretend they do not exist! Note that Jon consistently defaces the word "thinking" to the point where one of his rationalizations is "just think of this (this being any thought process that would disagree with his philosophy) as 'thinking'." It should be recognized that I cannot think of "thinking" negatively, without thinking in the first place! In fact, the only way one can meditate to the highest degree, leaving themself, feeling nothing, doing nothing, thinking nothing, is through death.

Rating:
Summary: Walden Pond is everywhere
Review: I almost wonder if even the author recognizes just what a home run he has hit with this book. Frankly, even if you never meditate you are likely to feel as if this book is worth far more than its purchase price. One of the many ideas to be gained from the book is this (at least, this is how I stumble to express it): every moment we are alive we are, in a manner of speaking, on the shore of Walden Pond. Every single moment offers an opportunity to observe with wonder the mere fact that we live! Even in tense situations, I now find myself quietly observing my own reactions and my surroundings, and feeling amusement and comfort instead of fear. This is the first "self-help" book I've ever owned that actually improved my life.

Rating:
Summary: More than pleasantly surprised
Review: A family member bought this book. I found it sitting on a shelf, glanced at the cover and involuntarily thought to myself "uh oh, granola time," and came within a heartbeat of dismissing the book out of hand. Luckily, I did not. Instead, I read the introduction, and then found myself -- almost in a state of disbelief -- reading on and on. I was amazed to find that the book is not just one more new age book muttering away about a world none of us really lives in. To the contrary, the book is written by someone with a profound understanding of everyday reality, who is astonishingly good at sharing that understanding. This is simply a beautiful little book, beautifully written. I would be curious to know if others are reacting to this book the way I am: I feel compelled to rave about it. I read the book for the first time weeks ago, yet tonight in the grocery store I found myself slowing down, marvelling at the sight of my daughter gaily picking out tomatoes, and consciously basking in the moment. And I'm a middle-aged Republican, not particularly predisposed to spiritual impulses! The author of this book has something timeless and important to impart, and he does so with unusual intelligence and grace. I really like this book -- indeed, I hope I'm forgiven for suspecting that it is a work of genius. I also hope that the author happens to read this review, because he should know how much his work is appreciated!

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.

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: A book to reread whenever life becomes overwhelming.
Review: When the going gets tough, I keep this book at my table to read a few pages at breakfast every morning. A great help in focusing on the truly important things when overwhelmed by life. A positive way to start even the most difficult day. This book earned a permanent place on my bookshelf - and it will never gather dust there for long!

Rating:
Summary: A classic you'll keep forever
Review: This is one of my favorite books. Anyone could learn from it. I can trust it to ground me when I'm stressed, inspire me when I'm down. A very beautiful, very useful book.

Rating:
Summary: Love This Book!!!
Review: I still refer to it when in need of quieting myself. Recommend it highly!!!!