I have been a huge fan of Kabat-Zinn from my graduate program in positive psychology and his principles continue to inspire and motivate.

Great read full of examples of how to employ mindfulness in everyday life. Enjoyed.
* I Received an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

Mindfulness can be a confusing and difficult idea and practice to understand and incorporate into everyday life. Reading this book helped make me more aware of the subject and practice, as well as understand how to incorporate this way of thinking and living into my own life.

I’m anxious to encourage customers to purchase this book. The benefits and rewards of mindfulness are shared. Thank you for the advance read, NetGalley.

I first came across the term “mindfullness” in the context of a new safety campaign at work. At the time I thought it was yet another buzz term winging its way across the Atlantic; a new trend about which we would hear endlessly for a year or so before it fizzled out like so many others.

But I kept bumping up against the term in newspapers and magazines and in radio interviews although these didn’t seem to have anything to do with safety awareness. Various ‘celebs’ seemed to be getting super excited about this mindfulness malarky (a development which is guaranteed to get my eyes rolling). Over time certain expressions associated with this concept wormed their way into my head, the chief one of which was “being in the moment” whatever that meant. Sounded very hippy drippy to me.

It’s taken a while for me to get over that initial suspicion and I don’t claim to be anything like an expert but this year I’ve come round to thinking that there is after all more to mindfulness than I’d expected.

My ‘ah ha’ moment (conversion is far too strong a term) came during a mindfulness introductory day run by my local authority. I decided to go with an open mind. Fortunately the tutor was someone who had extensive research evidence to back up claims about the ability of the regular practice of mindfulness techniques to affect our brains, our sense of well being and our health.

Fresh with that new found insight, but wanting more, I went in search of some sitble reading material.

Oh dear. There is an awful lot of dross out there on this topic. Some books I came across contained about as much useful information as a box of detergent. Massive claims about how the practice can change your life. But little evidence about how….

But then, via NetGalley I came across a book by a man who is considered the leading expert on mindfulness, the man credited with starting the whole shabang.

Jon Kabat-Zinn has a Ph.D. in molecular biology. His work in the area of stress reduction and what became known as mindfulness, began in 1979 when he founded the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He’s developed the practice based on extensive research studies.

In his book, The Healing Power of Mindfulness, he shares examples from his decades of experience working with people suffering anxiety, depression and stress. He’s clear that it isn’t a cure for all situations – he doesn’t claim it cures serious illness for example – though it can boost the immune system to make you less susceptible to certain diseases. It’s more a case that the regular practice of mindfulness techniques helps rewire the mind so we can each deal with our particular challenges and make the most of what we have, whatever that might be.

Through the book we learn about a concept called brain plasticity (the astonishing ability of the brain change and reorganise itself – as evidenced by studies showing the effects of meditation of Buddhist monks. Now in case you were alarmed, thinking that you’d have to become a monk to reap the benefits of mindfullness, rest assured Kabat-Zinn isn’t expecting that of you. In fact, some years ago he deliberately removed the Buddhist element to his teachings so that it would have wider appeal.

Reading The Healing Power of Mindfulness, I also, finally, got to understand what that phrase “being in the moment” really means – it’s about coming to terms with things as they are, not worrying about the future or revisiting the past. But just thinking about the present moment.

"Stress is cause by being here, but wanting to be there, or being in the present but wanting to be in the future. It’s a split that tears you apart inside. … It takes a huge amount of fortitude and motivation to accept what is …."

This is not an easy book to read. Originally published in 2005 as part of a larger book titled Coming to Our Senses, The Healing Power of Mindfulness is written often in a complex style that means I had to read passages more than once before I grasped the meaning. It wouldn’t be the book to read if you had no prior knowledge of mindfulness. But if you have some knowledge, and want to go further, this would be great resource. If your appetite is still not satisfied by the time you to the end, there is an extensive bibliography of additional material to explore.

This is the third book in a series by Jon Kabat-Zinn, which has been republished with a fresh take on the subject. Kabat-Zinn explains mindfulness and guides the reader through beginning to practice it. Great for those familiar with or new to this technique.

Kabat-Zinn does not disappoint. This title is phenomenal and not only tells us why we should be more mindful, but how to begin practicing. So many of our ailments are self-inflicted by the crazy lifestyles we find ourselves lost in that simply pausing and breathing makes a huge difference in our lives. Mindfulness will take a while to master, but it is very much worth the effort to try.

This is my 2nd book by Jon Kabat-Kinn. The topic of living in a state of mindfulness is an interest of mine. His books are easy to assimilate and he well supports his statements. I found it motivating to keep reaching for a more mindful present exsistence. especially as he points out how it impacts all areas of your life.

I am a fan of the author's work and find his past works have all been very helpful to me in creating my own mindfulness and meditation practice. I was gifted this ARC by the publisher and appreciate the opportunity to review this book. My opinion is my own. This is part of a series that I have been reading by the author.

From the publisher: "Coming to Our Senses is being repackaged into 4 smaller books, each focusing on a different aspect of mindfulness, and each with a new foreword written by the author. In the third of these books, The Healing Power of Mindfulness (which was originally published as Part V and Part VI of Coming to Our Senses), Kabat-Zinn focuses on the ways mindfulness can change the body and rewire the mind--explaining what we're learning about neuroplasticity and the brain, how meditation can affect the immune system, and what mindfulness can teach us about facing impermanence and, eventually, the end of our own lives. "

I found this profoundly definitive to my personal practice of mindfulness. The author speaks to how we can focus our personal effort on changing our mind and body. If you have a personal practice you will find this immensely helpful as you learn how to move forward with your practice.

I enjoyed the historical aspect of his work described here in essay form and I found it heartwarming . The author is the leading expert on mindfulness and has helped me personally for years with his teachings. Therefor it was uniquely moving to read about his process. This is a approachable body of work that any layperson to the author or to mindfulness can master.

From the publisher: "Coming to Our Senses is being repackaged into 4 smaller books, each focusing on a different aspect of mindfulness, and each with a new foreword written by the author. In the third of these books, The Healing Power of Mindfulness (which was originally published as Part V and Part VI of Coming to Our Senses), Kabat-Zinn focuses on the ways mindfulness can change the body and rewire the mind--explaining what we're learning about neuroplasticity and the brain, how meditation can affect the immune system, and what mindfulness can teach us about facing impermanence and, eventually, the end of our own lives. By "coming to our senses"--both literally and metaphorically--we can become more compassionate, more embodied, more aware human beings, and in the process, contribute to the healing of the body politic as well as our own lives in ways both little and big."

From the author: "When unattended, our thinking runs our lives without our even knowing it. Attended in awareness, we have a chance not only to know ourselves better, and see what is on our minds, but also to hold our thoughts differently, so they no longer rule our lives."

I have been meditating daily for more than a year and 'attempted' it off and on for many more years, always wondering 'if I was doing it right' at that point. Now I know there is no such thing 'as doing it right.' The important thing is to be present in the moment, to be aware of your thoughts and letting them go. It's interesting to learn the actual physical changes that the brain experiences during meditation which can lead to your physical well-being and healing.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. This is part of a multi book series on Mindfulness. I read the first book in the series and gave in 4 stars as well. I really want to read the second book, so I’ll be buying that one soon.

This third book in the series has an emphasis on healing, (which by his definition means to come to terms with things the way that they are), and the relationship with the mind and body. It’s not a “quick” read for me in that I had to reread passages a couple times sometimes in order to understand what I just read. Kabat-Zinn writes densely and it’s a lot to wade through, at least for my mind. I’m a novice at mindfulness and meditation and definitely not from a science background.

The most readable sections for me are when the author tells anecdotes, such as the story of his father and the 8 years his father lived with dementia.

Jon Kabat-Zinn is one of the most prominent names in bringing Buddhist philosophy to the western world, and this book is an excellent collection of his writings. Through personal stories and scientific research studies, Jon shares the many facets and benefits of bringing a mindfulness and meditation practice into our lives While speaking with expertise, his writings are very approachable and not stuffy at all, and it is a pleasure to read his writings.
As someone with an established meditation practice, reading Jon Kabat-Zinn is akin to taking a multi-vitamin or getting a booster shot. Reading his works help remind me of so many things that I know but somehow need to keep re-learning. Thank you, Jon Kabat-Zinn, for sharing your wisdom.

As always, Jon Kabat-Zinn has useful insights for the meditator. Mindfulness training is increasingly being used for medical purposes and has global implications as it is not tied to any religion.

This is a really solid, well written collection of essays on meditation written by one of the foremost Western authorities on the topic, and now updated and repackaged for the present day.

There is something in here for many people I think: the skeptics wanting to engage with scientific studies of meditation, those new to meditation who want to deepen or stretch their practice, and longtime meditators looking for fellowship with one of their own.

I particularly resonated with his account of Christopher Reeves’ approach to his rehabilitation and progress made with it. And laughed so much at his retelling of his teacher Soen Sa Nim’s ways. “You Crazy!” And that’s a good note to end on.

With thanks to Hachette Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book really opens up perspective and discussion about the true meaning of mindfulness and the power and positive effects it can do to the human mind. The information presented in this book was very informative and useful and I'm sure anyone can benefit from this book in their own way. An exemplary read with useful information that can benefit anyone.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review . This book will be an excellent consideration for our self-help collection in our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

I love the writing and and clear way the material is presented. I have read everything by Jon Kabat-Zinn and this is another great piece to add to my collection.

“The Healing Power of Mindfulness: A New Way of Being” is Book 3 in Jon Kabat-Zinn’s elegantly repackaged 2005's “Coming to Our Senses” classic.

Jon is the Godfather of mindfulness and this helpful text, with a new forward by the author, focuses on the ways mindfulness can change the body and rewire the mind. We learn about brain plasticity, how meditation boosts the immune system, and what mindfulness can teach us about impermanence in our world and in our lives.

By "coming to our senses" — literally and figuratively — we become kinder and more aware, better able to contribute to healing of the body politic and to our own lives. 5/5

Pub Date 06 Nov 2018

Thanks to Hachette Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#TheHealingPowerOfMindfulness #NetGalley

The Healing Power of Mindfulness was originally published as parts V and VI of Jon Kabot-Zinn’s 2005 classic book Coming to Our Senses. This volume is updated and with a new foreword by the author. In it, Kabot-Zinn relates the powerful connection between mindfulness and healing which he describes as coming to terms with things as they are, not clouded by emotions or narratives that might inhibit our awareness of the present moment. This healing through mindfulness practice promotes a number of positive physical and emotional outcomes.

Although the book was very interesting and inspiring, it wasn’t what I expected. I thought there might be practical instructions on using mindfulness to heal emotionally and physically, but this is not a how-to book. The basics of mindfulness meditation are covered in other volumes in the set as well as in print, online, and virtual resources listed at the close of the book. Instead, The Healing Power of Mindfulness discusses the ways mindfulness meditation promotes positive outcomes. It provides the answer to why one should commit to a practice of mindfulness.

My favorite chapters are those that are concrete and/or based firmly in Kabot-Zinn’s personal experience. Relating to physical healing, I enjoyed reading about Christopher Reeve’s remarkable resilience after the horse-riding accident that paralyzed him. Though his doctors believed he would show no improvement, he persisted until he felt the wiggle of a single finger. Even when he didn’t experience the outcomes he’d hoped for, he always felt that doctors could learn from the process and help others with spinal injuries. Poignantly, the author relates his experience with his father’s Alzheimer’s and how that inspired him even more to be present in the moment. One study showed that patients with psoriasis who engaged in guided meditations during phototherapy, needed much less time to remove skin eruptions than did patients in the control condition.

The book also deals with emotional or spiritual healing. One chapter, for example discusses neuroplasticity and how mindfulness can actually change the processes in our brains to promote habits of being (or non-being) associated with positive emotions. A mindfulness practice can reduce stress. It can even help prepare us for death, our ultimate and inevitable fate.

Mindfulness also applie beyond the realm of the individual. Kabot-Zinn discusses how organizations (which he calls orthogonal institutions) can promote a spirit of mindfulness. Using dialogue instead of discussion embraces the ideal of mindfulness and can heal relationships and conflicts between people, groups, and even countries. After attending a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction workshop, a judge who instructed jurors before a trial to listen with mindfulness. If only that would happen more!

Though the text was taken from a book published in 2005, it doesn’t feel dated at all. Kabot-Zinn has updated references. When discussing the Super Bowl and the Patriots, he reflected on the team’s more recent successes. The same chapter lauds Colin Kaepernick’s efforts to bring awareness and justice to black victims of police violence.

The book is very dense in some places, and I felt like I had to read some sections multiple times (and maybe need to read again). At times, Kabot-Zinn used very complex (and long) sentences that added to the feeling. Although the book stands on its own, I think it would be more comprehensible after reading the other books in the series. For example, the body scan was mentioned several times, and though I am familiar with it from other sources, the practice itself was described in an earlier volume. If you didn’t know the premise, those sections would be inexplicable.

I am not consistent meditating or practicing mindfulness, but this book certainly has inspired me to recommit to a mindfulness practice!

This is the third book in a series so reader beware. I think it's a great start for someone interested in learning to be more mindful.

This is the third book in a series on meditation and mindfulness. I enjoyed it and think it would be great for anyone new to mindfulness. This book shows you how using mindfulness can help you heal many areas of your life. I highly recommend it.


I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.