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Spontaneous Happiness  By  cover art

Spontaneous Happiness

By: Andrew Weil MD
Narrated by: Andrew Weil MD
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Publisher's summary

Everyone wants to be happy. But what does that really mean? Increasingly, scientific evidence shows us that true satisfaction and well-being come only from within.

Dr. Andrew Weil has proven that the best way to maintain optimum physical health is to draw on both conventional and alternative medicine. Now, in Spontaneous Happiness, he gives us the foundation for attaining and sustaining optimum emotional health. Rooted in Dr. Weil's pioneering work in integrative medicine, the book suggests a reinterpretation of the notion of happiness, discusses the limitations of the biomedical model in treating depression, and elaborates on the inseparability of body and mind.

Dr. Weil offers an array of scientifically proven strategies from Eastern and Western psychology to counteract low mood and enhance contentment, comfort, resilience, serenity, and emotional balance. Drawn from psychotherapy, mindfulness training, Buddhist psychology, nutritional science, and more, these strategies include body-oriented therapies to support emotional wellness, techniques for managing stress and anxiety and changing mental habits that keep us stuck in negative patterns, and advice on developing a spiritual dimension in our lives. Lastly, Dr. Weil presents an eight-week program that can be customized according to specific needs, with short- and long-term advice on nutrition, exercise, supplements, environment, lifestyle, and much more.

Whether you are struggling with depression or simply want to feel happier, Dr. Weil's revolutionary approach will shift the paradigm of emotional health and help you achieve greater contentment in life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2011 Andrew Weil (P)2011 Hachette

Critic reviews

"Weil's program aims for 'positive emotionality' - a far better destination than the roller-coaster ride between bliss and despair. This is more than a New Age prescription for contentment. Weil's revelations and insights from his own lifelong battle with depression lift this guide from a hip and clinical 'how to' to a generous and heartfelt 'here's how.'" ( Publisher's Weekly)

What listeners say about Spontaneous Happiness

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Understand and overcome your depression

My Therapist recommended Spontaneous Happiness. Through understanding negative thought patterns and "rumination", I've been able to pull myself out of a deep dark hole and move forward after a divorce and relocation. I never understood how powerful negative thought is. I now know I'm not as insane as I imagined, and have the ability to beat this.

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11 people found this helpful

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One of Andy's best.

Where does Spontaneous Happiness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the most useful

What other book might you compare Spontaneous Happiness to and why?

Healthy Aging by Andrew Weil

What about Andrew Weil’s performance did you like?

Sincerity

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Spontaneous Happiness?

How to manage my life better in order to avoid depression

Any additional comments?

A must read for anyone taking perscription antidepressants

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5 people found this helpful

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loved it.

There was so much useful information in this book. I enjoyed testing out the different concepts at home.

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4 people found this helpful

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Best book for those with depression

What made the experience of listening to Spontaneous Happiness the most enjoyable?

Dr. Weil has a great voice, if he wasn't a doctor he could have been an announcer.

What other book might you compare Spontaneous Happiness to and why?

Everytime I read a fantasticaly helpful, useful book like this I run out and buy the paper book so I can pass it on to a friend. This one I also bought the Kindle version. This is the best book for those who are or have been suffering with depression.

I would also recommend Healthy Aging which is just as good but needs a snappier title.

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3 people found this helpful

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Andrew Weil Delivers Again!

Would you listen to Spontaneous Happiness again? Why?

This is a must read to anyone dealing with mood issues and trying to understand the common advice given by the mental health field on depression and mood stabilization.

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great informatiin, mindfully delivered.

Dr. Weil is always a great resource for wellbeing information. Truly samrt and well informed.

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Right on target

If you could sum up Spontaneous Happiness in three words, what would they be?

Enlightening, informative, helpful.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Spontaneous Happiness?

How it followed the treatment I'm in now.

What about Andrew Weil’s performance did you like?

The way the overall message was delivered.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No laughing, no crying Just made my therapy make more sense.

Any additional comments?

A great book, lots of information I'm using now and will continue to use.

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nothing new here

If you have heard any of Dr Weil's previous books, you'll find this a repeat.

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Very informative and motivating

In one chapter where he mentions how people in well developed nations are happier than people in less developed nations, I think what it comes down to is the choices we make on how to develop our nation such as making choices on what to buy or who to elect is what keeps people happy and healthy. It isn’t always about if we’re active, or what we eat. We need to resolve the issues that is impacting society which could help people live happier and healthier lives.

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Very Helpful

To me this book is very helpful I highly suggest you read it!! Love Dr. Weil

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