Mindfulness: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Psychology

Down-to-earth and artfully crafted- using easily understandable language to explain the roots of mindfulness in ancient Buddhist wisdom and links to modern psychology. The stories / experience of participants of mindfulness programmes included to illustrate the concepts adds further human touch to the book. Co-authored by Christina Feldman, a teacher of teachers, and Willem Kuyken, psychology professor and Director, University of Oxford Mindfulness Research Centre; their thoughtfulness and care can be felt through the words. A reference book for mindfulness teacher trainings and highly recommend to all those interested in the practice.

Dialogue between fields can be difficult yet important, and between the fields of science and religion is a prime example. This book kindly explores into the interdisciplinary junctures of Buddhism, psychology and mindfulness. It provides answers and questions for today and years to come. I appreciate how it offers numerous perspectives and seems skillfully unwed to proclaiming what is the “right answer” such as by offering no less than 9 definitions of mindfulness, and 13 metaphors. Mindfulness is something personally experienced and while experts may define it, it is really ours to discover. This book helps dive into this domain, respecting some of the historical roots of mindfulness while exploring its meaning and value in psychology. I feel that at this time in history, it is important to avoid cultural appropriation of Buddhist elements, while simultaneously fostering mindfulness to be accessible and welcoming to people no matter what their background. The book explores into this challenging and important area, and I am grateful to the authors for doing so. Respectful, curious, discerning dialogue across disciplines and ideologies in this age is key to wise personal and societal growth; these courageous authors have stepped up to the call to do this work.

An excellent discussion of Buddhist and psychological science perspectives on mindfulness.

As a student of mindfulness and Buddhism, familiar with much of the literature of both, it is great to see this book which makes accessible some quite deep concepts. For example the descriptions of the four foundations of mindfulness and the transformative effects of mindfulness are very helpful. Also, it is good to see chapters on compassion and on ethics. It is not an introduction to mindfulness - there are plenty good books already. For a mindfulness practitioner seeking a perspective on their journey, and wanting to understand the origins of mindfulness and its contemporary manifestation and significance, this should be a valuable resource.

Very well written book on mindfulness. explains mindfulness very clear by using many many and makes mindfulness accessible to everyone.

I find this book to be superb. It gathers knowledge and perspectives from old and new, exactly as promised on the cover. The two authors both write beautifully and are undoubted experts and leading teachers and practitioners in the field. What pleases me most about this book is the way it goes deeply into the underpinnings of Mindfulness-Based Approaches skilfully answering many of the current questions and challenges that beset mindfulness based approaches. I genuinely feel that we are so fortunate to have this book to refer to. I highly recommend it.

There is such a great feeling when you hold in your hand a gem of a book. This is one. I could not recommend this book highly enough. I can easily say that this book is in my top 3 of mindfulness books.

Fantastic easy to read book