Synopses & Reviews
How much better would our lives be if we fully understood the consequences of our actions, and if we stopped to think before acting or reacting? Based on the Buddhist teachings of Right Action, this inspirational guide will help you gain insight into the importance of your actions, improve your relationships, and live a more meaningful life.
In How Would Buddha Act?, best-selling author Barbara Ann Kipfer offers a unique, modern take on the ancient teachings of Right Action—the Buddhist concept of acting in loving, compassionate ways and responding to others with the intention of doing no harm. In the book, you'll learn that every thought, word, and deed has a consequence, and that by trying to be a better person in day-to-day life, you will be taking meaningful steps toward true enlightenment.
If you’re like many others, you probably live an overbooked, stressful life. And when you feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and rushed, it's easier to engage in negative behaviors like overindulging in food or alcohol, watching too much television, maxing out your credit card, or neglecting those you love. You might find yourself on autopilot, completely unable to connect with your friends, family, and community. This book offers 1,500 affirmations to help you avoid these common pitfalls, and stay on the path to enlightenment.
Review
"Judith Siegel has given us a book with the force of revelation. Using exciting new research findings on brain physiology, she connects the emotional self to the body in which it lives in a manner that is both readable and wonderfully engaging. Stop Overreacting is a real tour de force; a book that is impossible to put down."
—Maggie Scarf, author of Intimate Partners: Patterns in Love and Marriage and Secrets, Lies, Betrayals: The Body/Mind Connection
Review
"Judith Siegel's Stop Overreacting captures the essential emotional problems that cause people distress. Even better, she clearly delineates very useful and accessible strategies for resisting emotional overload and destructive responses to emotional situations. Stop Overreacting is a valuable guidebook for navigating the basic struggles of our emotional world."
—Beth Jacobs, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, adjunct faculty member of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, and author of Writing for Emotional Balance
Review
"Finally, a practical book that gets at what the real triggers are for overreacting in everyday situations. A terrific integration of varied ideas about how to understand present-day overreactions in light of past experiences, especially past relationship experiences. This book goes way beyond most guides to help readers think rationally and mindfully."
—Alan S. Gurman, Ph.D., emeritus professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Review
As an emotionally sensitive person, I love this book! Karyn does an outstanding job of addressing this delicate topic with both empathy and compassion.
The Emotionally Sensitive Person provides a practical guide for successful coping that also serves to inspire. Highly recommended.”
Amanda L. Smith, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) therapist and treatment consultant
Review
The Emotionally Sensitive Person is exceptional. This unique manual, compassionately written by Karyn D. Hall, will appeal to and serve the needs of those who live with highly sensitive emotions. She highlights proven methods to consciously and skillfully manage unhelpful thoughts and behaviors by following and practicing personalized exercises. Read, practice, experience, and enjoy
The Emotionally Sensitive Person as you learn new ways to enhance your life.”
Diane and Jim Hall, educators for National Alliance on Mental Illness Family-to-Family and NEA.BPD's Family Connections programs
Review
Emotionally sensitive people will want to keep this compassionate, instructional guidebook on their nightstands. Halls clinical wisdom shines through as she offers numerous helpful tools, informed by dialectical behavior therapy, to be used immediately to better cope with one's emotional states. I will recommend this self-help book to my own clients to complement and enhance the psychotherapy.”
Alec L. Miller, PsyD, professor of clinical psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and cofounder, Cognitive and Behavioral Consultants, LLP
Review
This book takes readers by the hand and gently introduces them to the struggle, suffering, and hidden potential of the emotionally sensitive person. Drawing from her wealth of clinical experience, Hall presents essential strategies to support the development of emotional sensitivity into a strength. The chapters are well organized and concisely written. Therapeutic exercises are practical with clear and concise instructions. Anyone who has been accused of being too sensitive can benefit from this book!”
Elizabeth W. Newlin, MD, assistant professor in the Menninger department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine and director of the adolescent treatment program at the Menninger Clinic
Review
For anyone whos ever thought of themselves as emotionally sensitiveor someone whos lived with someone who isthis book is an invaluable gem. Using proven therapeutic techniques, Hall delivers on helping people keep their emotional sensitivity, but honing it so that it is more beneficial than hurtful. I cant imagine a better resource for those who are grappling with this issue in their lives.”
John M. Grohol, PsyD, founder and CEO of psychcentral.com, the Internets leading mental health site
Review
Karyn D. Hall brings a wealth of wisdom and experience to the pages of her new book,
The Emotionally Sensitive Person. With practical advice and useful exercises, she teaches us how to dismantle an emotional roller coaster style and to replace it with just the right amount of sensitivity and feeling. Highly recommended!”
John M. Oldham, MD, chief of staff at the Menninger Clinic and professor of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine
Review
“In an increasingly topsy-turvy world, finding emotional balance is more important than ever—and Margaret Cullen and Gonzalo Brito Pons show you how, walking with you step-by-step, drawing on brain science, ancient wisdom, and the power of mindfulness. Comforting and powerful, down-to-earth and profound, this book is a clear path from stress, frustration, and irritation to calm strength, happiness, and inner peace.”
—Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Buddha’s Brain
Review
“Bravo to
The Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance Workbook! This is a very wise and compassionate book that shows how you can transform difficult emotions by acknowledging and embracing them as a path to greater freedom and peace.”
—Bob Stahl, PhD, coauthor of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook, Living with Your Heart Wide Open, Calming the Rush of Panic, A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook for Anxiety, and MBSR Every Day
Review
“
The Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance Workbook combines the wisdom of reflection, the beauty of compassion, and the rigor of science. It guides its readers into the capacity of mindfulness to reduce emotional reactivity and cultivate kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. The wealth of ideas and practices in this illuminating work will be of benefit and has the potential to transform our individual and collective lives.”
—Shauna Shapiro, PhD, professor at Santa Clara University and author of The Art and Science of Mindfulness and Mindful Discipline
Review
“It is the nature of the human condition to suffer. For many their suffering is worsened by negative emotional states. Using not only their extensive experience as mindfulness teachers but also the knowledge gained by working with leading emotion researchers, the authors give a step-by-step road map to improve one’s resilience and create emotional balance that is accessible to all. For anyone living in today’s rushed and stressful world, this book is a must-read.”
—James R. Doty, MD, professor of neurosurgery and founder and director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University School of Medicine
Review
“This wise and practical book is filled with wonderful practices that can regulate your emotions and change your life.”
—Jack Kornfield, PhD, author of The Wise Heart
Review
“Like other animals, humans evolved with a range of complex emotions that can be sources of joy but also pain and suffering. Unlike other animals though, humans have a capacity for being aware of, observing, and mindfully choosing how to work with these passions of the mind. In this beautifully accessible and carefully crafted book two leading mindfulness teachers have come together to guide us through the sometimes stormy terrain of our emotions. This step-by-step eight-week course is rich in insights and skillfully organized practices for working with and cultivating our minds. Based on the most up-to-date research, this book is a gift for all those seeking emotional balance in the hustle-bustle of modern-day life.”
—Paul Gilbert, PhD, FBPsS, OBE, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Mental Health Research Unit, Kingsway Hospital
Review
“Seamlessly integrating the twin curricula of mindfulness meditation and emotion science, this pragmatic and wise workbook provides readers with clear-sighted guidance for self-care when distressing effects loom.”
—Zindel V. Segal, PhD, distinguished professor of psychology in mood disorders, University of Toronto Scarborough
Review
“This is an extraordinary book that brings together science, Dharma, and psychology in an accessible, actionable, practical, and inspiring way. Not only is this book a must-read but also a ‘must-use’ in a time on our planet where there is so much stress and suffering. Margaret and Gonzalo have done a great service in crafting approaches to emotional balance based on the work of Drs. Paul Ekman and Alan Wallace, as well as their years of practice and study.”
—Roshi Joan Halifax, Abbot, Upaya Zen Center
Review
“At last! A truly useful application of mindfulness to managing the emotional storms of everyday life. This eight-step program helps readers steadily change their relationship to their emotions, becoming less reactive and more flexible. The authors unpack the deep wisdom of Buddhist practices into an eminently usable progression of experiential exercises, meditations, observations, and links to audio recordings and other resources. This one book can make one’s entire life enterprise more workable. Deep bows.”
—Linda Graham, MFT, experienced psychotherapist and author of Bouncing Back: Rewiring Your Brain for Maximum Resilience and Well-Being
Review
“Practical, hands-on, and clear,
The Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance Workbook lays out a full set of tools for cultivating well-being. Everyone from newcomers to meditation to experienced clinicians and teachers may find something of value here.”
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness
Synopsis
Why is it that some people can reflect and respond to stressful situations in an honest but calm way, and others simply explode? Why do some people cling to interpretations of events that are exaggerated or even distorted? According to Judith Siegel, the answers to these questions are deeply rooted in our past memories, but habitual overreaction can be overcome by facing these memories and recognizing the emotional triggers that cause us to lose control.
Stop Overreacting presents Siegel's model for coping with intense reactions to difficult or overwhelming emotions. First, readers examine their unprocessed feelings about past events in their lives and discover how past relationships and events have continued to influence their current interpersonal relationships and needs. The book explains the concepts of splitting (seeing things in black and white and acting accordingly) and flooding (reacting to all similar intense emotional experiences in the past, rather than focusing on the instance at hand). Then, readers learn new skills for neutralizing emotional triggers and returning to the moment when they feel overwhelmed instead of lashing out or retreating into depression and/or anxiety. This book specifically addresses challenges in parenting, intimate relationships, and the work environment.
Synopsis
In Stop Overreacting, renowned therapist Judith Siegel helps readers cope with intense overwhelming and uncomfortable emotions without overreacting, withdrawing into depression or anxiety, lashing out, and/or raging.
Synopsis
When you are criticized or rejected, do you have a tendency to lash out or withdraw entirely? Both types of knee-jerk reactions can have lasting and unintended consequences, affecting our friendships, careers, families, and romantic relationships. The truth is, overreacting hurts us as much as it hurts the people around us. You may see overreacting as an unchangeable part of your personality, but in reality, this tendency, like any other, can be unlearned.
Stop Overreacting helps you identify your emotional triggers, discover a new way of processing impulsive thoughts and feelings, and understand how your emotions can undermine your ability to think rationally in moments of crisis and stress. You'll learn how to neutralize overwhelming emotions and choose healthy responses instead of flying off the handle. Ready to make a change for the better? It's time to stop overreacting and start feeling collected and in control.
Synopsis
Its a commonly heard phrase: Stop being so sensitive. These words can be frustrating to hear, and for emotionally sensitive people, they often have the opposite of the desired effect. In The Emotionally Sensitive Person, a psychologist provides proven-effective cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques to help people who struggle with intense emotions. Readers will learn powerful tools for staying in the present moment, identifying emotional triggers, developing a strong and healthy identity, and experiencing overwhelming or uncomfortable emotions without acting out in an unhealthy way.
Synopsis
Its a commonly heard phrase: Stop being so sensitive. These words can be frustrating to hear, and if you are an emotionally sensitive person, they often have the opposite of the desired effect. You cannot simply switch off your emotions like you would a TV show or a radio station playing an annoying song. But there are effective techniques that can help you manage these emotions before they take over your life. In The Emotionally Sensitive Person, a psychologist provides proven-effective cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques to help people like you who struggle with intense emotions. In the book, you will learn powerful tools for staying in the present moment, identifying emotional triggers, developing a strong and healthy identity, and experiencing overwhelming or uncomfortable emotions without becoming upset. Youll also learn how to be more relaxed in your relationships, how your personal values can affect your thoughts and actions, and how to recognize negative thought patterns before you start acting on them. If you are tired of feeling hurt and helpless when it comes to your feelings, this book will provide you with evidence-based strategies for taking charge of your emotionswhether its at home, at work, or in your relationships.
Synopsis
Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance offers a breakthrough, eight-week program using mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to help readers manage overwhelming emotions before they take a toll on health and relationships. Instead of suppressing emotionswhich can lead to a host of health problemsor overreacting in the heat of the moment, readers will learn how to achieve true, lasting emotional balance using this powerful, evidence-based therapy.
Synopsis
Are you letting your emotions get the better of you? This book offers a breakthrough, eight-week program that combines emotion theory with the powers of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to help you manage overwhelming emotions before they take a toll on your health and relationships.
Experiencing emotions is part of being human. But when emotions become too intense, its easy to feel overwhelmed. As a result, many of us try to suppress strong emotions such as fear, anger, and resentmentwhich can end up causing a host of health problems, from a weakened immune system to heart disease. On the flipside, overreacting in the heat of the moment can be detrimental to relationships.
Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance offers a unique program using emotion theory and MBSR to help you approach your emotions without judgment, understand the source of your emotions, and foster forgiveness and kindness toward both yourself and others. Instead of trying to bury emotions or lashing out and hurting relationships, you'll learn how to achieve true, lasting emotional balance using this powerful, evidence-based therapy.
If you're tired of being caught in a cycle of emotional upheaval that is taking its toll on your health, your relationships, and your quality of life, this workbook will guide the way to emotional balance.
Synopsis
How much better would our lives be if we fully understood the consequences of our actions, and if we stopped to think before acting or reacting? How Would Buddha Act? offers readers a unique, modern take on the ancient teachings of Right Actionthe Buddhist concept of acting in loving, compassionate ways and responding to others with the intention of doing no harm. Readers will learn that every thought, word, and deed has a consequence, and by trying to be a better person in day-to-day life, they will be taking meaningful steps toward true enlightenment.
Synopsis
Experiencing emotions is a part of the richness of life. But sometimes emotions can get in the way of our health and happiness. Suppressing strong feelings like fear, anger, and resentment isn’t the answer—in fact, doing so can lead to a host of physical problems, from a weakened immune system to heart disease. On the other hand, overreacting in the heat of the moment can be detrimental to relationships. So, how can you ride even the strongest waves of emotion without causing harm to yourself or others?
This workbook offers a breakthrough, eight-week program using emotion theory and mindfulness-based techniques to help you manage the overwhelming thoughts and feelings that cause you pain. You’ll learn to approach your emotions without judgment, understand their source, and foster forgiveness and kindness toward both yourself and others. Instead of trying to bury feelings or lashing out and hurting relationships, you'll learn how to cultivate emotional balance using this powerful program.
About the Author
Margaret Cullen, MA, MFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teacher. She has also trained with Zindel Segal in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. For over twenty years she has been teaching and pioneering mindfulness programs in a variety of settings, including cancer support, HIV support, physician groups, executive groups, and obesity support. For ten years she has been involved in teaching and writing curricula for several research programs at the University of California, San Francisco, including “Cultivating Emotional Balance,” designed for teachers, and “Craving and Lifestyle Management with Meditation,” for overweight women. In 2008 she launched a mindfulness-based emotional balance program for teachers and school administrators that has been piloted in Denver, CO; Boulder, CO; Ann Arbor, MI; Berkeley, CA; Portland, OR; and Vancouver, BC. She has also been a facilitator of support groups for cancer patients and their loved ones for twenty-five years at the Cancer Support Community, and is currently a senior teacher at the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University, where she contributed to the Compassion Cultivation training manual. A longtime contributor to Inquiring Mind, Margaret has been a meditation practitioner for 35 years.
Gonzalo Brito Pons, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who has worked with diverse populations in Chile, Peru, and Spain, integrating Western psychological approaches with traditional medicine and contemplative practices. As a certified yoga teacher and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) instructor, he has included these practices in his clinical work and workshops for health care professionals and educators over the last decade. Gonzalo is a certified instructor of the Compassion Cultivation Training Program and serves as a supervisor for Spanish-speaking teachers in training at the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University. He obtained his PhD doing experimental research on the individual and relational effects of compassion cultivation training and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Currently living in Granada, Spain, Gonzalo combines his therapeutic work with ongoing compassion-based and mindfulness-based programs, collaborating regularly with several educational and health organizations. In 2014, he coauthored the book Presencia plena: Reflexiones y prácticas para cultivar mindfulness en la vida diaria (Full presence: Reflections and practices to cultivate mindfulness in daily life).Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, is internationally known for his work as a scientist, writer, and meditation teacher engaged in bringing mindfulness into the mainstream of medicine and society. He is professor of medicine emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and author of numerous books, including Full Catastrophe Living, Arriving at Your Own Door, and Coming to Our Senses.
Table of Contents