The Mindfulness Book

Author: Martin Newman

In recent years, there has been a tremendous surge in interest in mindfulness, with extensive media coverage. In 2014, Time magazine kicked off the year by declaring that a "mindfulness revolution" was underway, dedicating not one, but two covers to it. Sometimes it seems impossible to open a magazine or newspaper without finding some information about the benefits of mindfulness in reducing stress. In addition to mindfulness entering the mainstream public consciousness, there has also been a massive increase in academic research on the subject, with over 500 peer-reviewed scientific papers now published each year. So, what exactly is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the skill of intently focusing attention on the present moment – in the mind, body, and external environment – with a non-judgmental attitude, and with an orientation of curiosity and openness. I say "skill" because the ability to do this can be developed and strengthened over time; in other words, you can get better at it! I have a theory that the idea of mindfulness appeals to us because it is something we intuitively recognize in our life experience. Whether we are aware of it or not, we already experience it in one way or another: when we are engrossed in a hobby or sport, or comforting a sad child, or focusing our full attention precisely on solving an urgent problem at work, in these cases, we are fully focused on what is happening in the present moment instead of acting unfocused. This book returns to the original core ideas of this 2,500-year-old practice, and provides you with a practical explanation, according to the best insights of contemporary psychology, on how it works. If you are interested in achieving a calmer and more focused mind, this book offers you a simple, time-tested path to do so.