Mindfulness for the High Performance World: A Practical, Skill-Based Approach to Developing and Sustaining Mindfulness, Equanimity and Balance

Description

Mindfulness for the High Performance World provides a unique approach to mindfulness training, built upon the principles of Buddhist philosophy written in line with the Dalai Lama’s description of meditation and mindfulness as “Science of the Mind”. This unique volume explores mindfulness as a learnable skill in context with the underpinnings of the teachings of Eastern psychology. The authors, Norm, a physician, cancer researcher and triathlete and Karolynn, a psychotherapist, mindfulness meditation teacher and marathoner, live and work in a high-stress, high-expectation world. Their approach is rooted in an understanding that thoughts produce biochemical and physiological changes and provides a strategic framework to instruct an individual on how to categorize types of thoughts. After harnessing this ability, one is positioned to become both more aware of his or her thoughts as well as the specific patterns of sensations they produce, or Sentinel Sites℠. The awareness of what the mind is doing and the ability to interrupt a thought pattern and/or control the response almost instantly leads one to having a healthier life, improved relationships with others and better adaptability to one’s environment. Emphasizing the importance of physical activity and nutrition, the authors present a systematic approach for people who want to learn and incorporate mindfulness and transform how they live without having to divert their lives and careers. Offering itself as an accessible and skill-based introduction to the principles, practices, and benefits of mindfulness, Mindfulness for the High Performance World is a useful resource for students, athletes and professionals living and working in high-performance, high-stress environments and also for mindfulness practitioners seeking to deepen their skill level. Front Matter ....Pages i-xx Basic Paradigms: Looking for Relief (C. Norman Coleman, Karolynn F. Coleman)....Pages 1-8 Challenges to Overcome—Unexamined Lives, Living an Image, and the Mind-Made World (C. Norman Coleman, Karolynn F. Coleman)....Pages 9-18 Understanding Impermanence (C. Norman Coleman, Karolynn F. Coleman)....Pages 19-27 Understanding Eastern Terms Using Western Concepts (C. Norman Coleman, Karolynn F. Coleman)....Pages 29-37 Dealing With Problems, Misery, and Victimhood (C. Norman Coleman, Karolynn F. Coleman)....Pages 39-50 Learning the Essential Techniques of Mindfulness and Meditation Practice (C. Norman Coleman, Karolynn F. Coleman)....Pages 51-69 Moving Toward Clarity With Sentinel SitesSM (C. Norman Coleman, Karolynn F. Coleman)....Pages 71-90 Living with a New Paradigm and Learning to Judge Effort and not Outcome (C. Norman Coleman, Karolynn F. Coleman)....Pages 91-108 Back Matter ....Pages 109-130