We are all familiar with the benefits of regular physical exercise. Physical activity increases our strength, flexibility, stamina, can prevent cancer and heart disease, lower blood pressure, and keep us at a healthy weight. Physical exercise is also a powerful way of reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many of my clients have benefitted …Read More
Mindfulness Book Recs – East Meets West
Jan 15, 2012
Mindfulness is an approach to living that involves an open, active attention to the present moment in a non-judgemental fashion. In this way, we can observe our thoughts and feelings without becoming swept away by them. We can experience various thoughts and emotions, but they are not who we are. By being able to observe our thoughts …Read More
THE Answers to God, the Universe, and Everything
Nov 24, 2011
Please read my story at the end of this blog that ties into Chopra and Mlodinow’s new book War of the Worldviews: Science vs. Spirituality – it’s surreal and makes you go, “Hmmmm.” Is the universe conscious? What’s the connection between mind and brain? Does the brain dictate behavior? What is the nature of time? …Read More
“Peace Is Every Step” By Thich Nhat Hanh (Book Recommendation)
Jun 30, 2011
This book is a classic that I wanted to bring to people’s attention again today, because it contains a wealth of wisdom that is written specifically to increase peace and happiness in our daily lives. Thich Nhat Hanh is a Buddhist teacher and peace activist, who was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by …Read More
“The Roots of Buddhist Psychology” by Jack Kornfield (Audiobook Recommendation)
May 2, 2011
I recently completed that audiobook The Roots of Buddhist Psychology by Dr. Jack Kornfield, who is a Buddhist psychologist. Dr. Kornfield is highly regarded author and lecturer who has been a Buddhist practioner since the late 1960s. He has lived and studied in Thailand, Burma, and India throughout various times of his life, so you …Read More
“Mindsight” by Dr. Daniel Siegel (Book Recommendation)
Feb 20, 2011
I recently completed the audiobook version of Mindsight by Dr. Dan Siegel. He provided the reading and, fortunately, possesses a wonderfully soothing and engaging speaking voice. Dr. Siegel is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, neurobiologist, researcher, lecturer, author, and professor at the UCLA School of Medicine. I’ve seen Dr. Siegel present a number of times and, along …Read More
“Living Without Stress or Fear” by Thich Nhat Hanh- Audiobook Recommendation
Nov 29, 2010
I recently enjoyed listening to the audiobook Living Without Stress or Fear by renowned Buddhist monk, teacher, author, and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh. I’ve read several of his books and listened to some podcast interviews, but this was the first audiobook that I’ve listened to of his. First, this isn’t really an audio “book” …Read More
“Ram Dass, Fierce Grace” – Documentary Film Recommendation
Nov 10, 2010
Ram Dass, who is formerly known as Dr. Richard Alpert, is a spiritual teacher out of a Hindu tradition. (And yes, Richard Alpert from the Lost TV series is a nod to Ram Dass.) He was a Harvard professor of psychology in the 1960s, where he became a friend and colleague of Dr. Timothy Leary. …Read More
“Ruling Your World” – Book Recommendation
Oct 16, 2010
In the book “Ruling Your World” Sakyong Mipham describes ancient strategies to help the reader achieve mastery over their mind and over their life. Although the strategies and metaphors he describes are very old, they are surprisingly relevant and useful in today’s society. The author of the book is Buddhist, and many of the metaphors …Read More
Turning the Mind Into an Ally – Book Recommendation
Aug 27, 2010
This is a book about the “nuts and bolts” of meditation. Meditation has been a hot topic for the last decade or so in neuropsychological research. Scientific studies of the brains of experienced and novice meditators show that practicing meditation on a regular basis produces changes in the brain’s activity and even in the structure …Read More