by: Daniel J. Siegel
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Binding: HardcoverDewey Decimal Number: 612.8
EAN: 9780393704709
Edition: 1
ISBN: 039370470X
Label: W. W. Norton & Company
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 387
Publication Date: April 01, 2007
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Studio: W. W. Norton & Company
Features:
- ISBN13: 9780393704709
- Condition: New
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
A new framework for maintaining mental health and well-being. From the author of the internationally-acclaimed best-selling text The Developing Mind, and esteemed leader and educator in the field of mental health, comes the first book ever to integrate neuroscience research with the ancient art of mindfulness. The result is a groundbreaking approach to not simply mental health, but life in general, which shows readers how personal awareness and attunement can actually stimulate emotional circuits in the brain, leading to a host of physiological benefits, including greater well-being, resilience, emotional balance, and improved cardiac and immune function. For clinicians and laypeople alike, Siegel’s illuminating discussions of the power of the focused mind provide a wealth of ideas that can transform our lives and deepen our connections with others, and with ourselves.
Average Rating: 
Rating:
- A Judicious ReviewSUMMARY OF THE BOOK
Daniel Siegel's book is an attempt to link the health benefits of 'mindfulness' with current research into the neurology of the human brain. The concept of 'mindfulness' is borrowed directly from Buddhist meditation practices, and Siegel acknowledges this. After introducing us to the topic of mindfulness, Siegel devotes a full chapter to the human brain, complete with diagrams. Then come autobiographical chapters about conferences Siegel attended, where he was introduced to meditation. Then Siegel gives us a detailed exposition of mindfulness and the practice of meditation. The final chapters of Siegel's book discuss the current neurological research into meditation practices.
TARGET AUDIENCE OF HIS BOOK
The book is geared towards multiple audiences. Most of the book is expository, having the goal of explaining mindfulness and meditation to a general public. The latter portion of the book launches into a detailed discussion of the neurology of the brain; Siegel seems to be targeting a readership of medical health professionals.
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL CONTENT
The autobiographical sections in the first chapters of the book are somewhat surprising for the depth of personal experience Siegel shares with us. Several years previous to writing his book, Siegel attended 'retreats' in which he learned about meditation. He describes his efforts to practice silence and stillness in considerable detail. We learn how difficult it was for Siegel to quiet the background 'chatter' in his mind. He tells us how he, "had a remarkable experience eating an apple at dinner". He shares the novelty of rolling a raisin around in his mouth. He tells us how rocks and gravel felt under his bare feet. Siegel's point is that with some effort he was able to free himself from mental chatter, and return to the purity of primary sense experience. These retreats were apparently a turning point in Siegel's life; he rediscovers himself through the practice of meditation. Though a recent convert to meditation practices, Siegel goes on to embrace these subjects in his professional life as co-director of UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center. Siegel's enthusiasm for his subject is obvious; he wants to share and spread the word about meditation practices; hence this book.
THE LENGTHY DISCUSSION OF 'MINDFULNESS'
Siegel is persuasive in his argument that meditation practices have considerable merit. He ... Read More
Rating:
- okThis is a competent overview of the current state of affairs in the intersection of neuroscience, mindfulness studies and certain types of psychotherapy. The book reviews research on neuronal processes that underlie emotional arousal, decision-making and 'self'. Siegel believes that mind has an ability to 'create itself' through brain activity. Hence, an understanding of circuitry underlying brain function should be helpful in clinical, therapeutic and 'personal growth' settings.
The strongest part of the book deals with development of the (child's) brain, attachment circuits & executive function and their relevance to mindfulness practice and therapy. Mindfulness, according to DS, strengthens the executive function of the middle prefrontal cortex and makes it more efficient in controlling downstream limbic, cortical and subcortical regions. This efficiency is synonymous with loosening of neural constrictions through which our views/beliefs ('representational categories') about the world cause 'suffering'. The brain centers involved in awareness. emotional processing and decision making are "plastic" - the connections between neurons are enhanced or weakened by activity. Thus, conscious use of the brain (through intentional living and feeling) will recreate & mold the personality and allow it to live a healthier and more satisfying/rewarding life.
Dan Siegel, a psychotherapist himself, is clearly au courant with contemporary neuroscience research, especially research performed by his friend and mentor Richie Davidson. The attachment to Davidson has its downside because, not being an expert, Siegel is compelled to uncritically sell us other people's ideas and concepts while ignoring much research that happens not to be performed or appreciated by Davidson, Lazar or Iacoboni. Another major weakness is the author's urge to publish before he has crystallized his own (original? independent?) perspective.
Here is my problem with prolific authors on any topic, but especially anything that is related to spirituality or 'mind'. Someone publishes a semi-successful book... and the immediate reflex to semi-fame is to repeat the act. Again and again. So we get the Chopra/Dyer phenomenon - which consists of ad nauseam publications of every half-digested minor insight. It is a form of greed, or better, a form of addiction that I suspect Siegel may be vulnerable to. It takes years, perhaps decades, to gain a true, original insight. ... Read More
Rating:
- Intelligent synthesis of mindfulness and neuroscienceI largely enjoyed reading 'The Mindful Brain'. It is soundly grounded in neuroscience and empirical evidence, combined with great insight and a deep understanding about how our physiology and mental states influence each other.
However, I found that on occasions the writing lacked clarity and kept moving into all sorts of directions that perhaps were not necessary. Overall it was too focussed on theory. I kept looking for more in-depth practical applications and strategies. Even when they were briefly addressed, they were short-changed. For instance 'Being Present as a Teacher' in Chapter 12 consists of only two pages.
Think Less Be More:Mental Detox for Everyone could be a good companion guide to this book, as it is practical, inviting and systematically shows how one can cultivate a 'mindful brain' through practising mindful living.
Dr Christine Maingard, Author of 'Think Less, Be More' [...]
Rating:
- GobbledygookI had hoped this would be a look at the scientific brain research on mindfulness, as well as a practical primer. Instead I found it full of the same BS gobbledygook that you get from 99% of the sources on meditation and mindfulness. Also a protracted story about the author tripping out on a retreat. LAME.
Rating:
- Excellent book!The Mindful Brain is a great read, and probably the best single book on the latest available information connecting mindful awareness with the ongoing development of the human brain.
