Synopses & Reviews
Alchemists sought to transform lead into gold. In the same way, says Tara Bennett-Goleman, we all have the natural ability to turn our moments of confusion or emotional pain into insightfulclarity.
Emotional Alchemy maps the mind and shows how, according to recent advances in cognitive therapy, most of what troubles us falls into ten basic emotional patterns, includingfear of abandonment, social exclusion (the feeling we don't belong), and vulnerability (the feeling that some catastrophe will occur). Through the simple practice of mindfulness taught in this book, we can free ourselvesof such patterns and replace them with empathy for ourselves and others, as well as the freedom to be more creative and alive.
You'll find the very latest research in neuroscience--including theneurological magic quarter second, during which it is possible for a thought to be caught before it turns into an emotional reaction. And you'll discover the fascinating parallels ofthis science with the wisdom of ancient Buddhism--for Buddhists knew centuries ago that we can end our self-destructive habits.
This remarkable book also teaches the practice of mindfulness, an awarenessthat lets us see things as they truly are without distortion or judgment, giving the most insightful explanation of how mindfulness can change not only our lives, but the very structure of our brains. Here is a beautifullyrendered work full of Buddhist wisdom and stories of how people have used mindfulness to conquer their self-defeating habits. The result is a whole new way of approaching our relationships, work, and internallives.
From the Hardcover edition.
Synopsis
Blends traditional Buddhist teachings with cognitive psychology and neuroscience into a practical program designed to help readers use mindfulness to conquer self-defeating impulses and negative emotional patterns that can keep them from discovering the true satisfaction and fulfillment possible in their lives. Reprint. 100,000 first printing.
About the Author
TARA BENNETT-GOLEMAN, a psychotherapist and teacher, has been offering workshops on the synthesis of Buddhism and psychotherapy for close to ten years with her husband, Daniel Goleman, author of
Emotional Intelligence. She lives in Massachusetts.
From the Hardcover edition.