The Science of Mindfulness

A Research-Based Path to Well-Being

By: Ronald Siegel, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Ronald Siegel

Ever noticed that trying to calm down often produces more agitation? That trying to change bad habits can seem impossible? Or that real fulfillment can be elusive, despite living a successful life?

Often, such difficulties stem from the human brain's hardwired tendency to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Modern science demonstrates that this survival mechanism served the needs of our earliest ancestors, but is at the root of many problems that we face today, such as depression, compulsive and addictive behaviors, chronic pain, and stress and anxiety.

For thousands of years, people have used mindfulness practices to deal effectively with a wide range of life challenges. But how exactly does mindfulness work, in scientific terms? How can the human brain, which gives rise to so many of our problems, actually provide a solution?

We are now in the midst of an explosion of scientific research demonstrating that mindfulness practice changes both the function and the structure of the brain. Numerous studies show which parts of the brain are affected by mindfulness practice, and how these neurobiological changes benefit our minds and bodies.

Now, in the 24 fascinating lectures of The Science of Mindfulness, Professor Siegel, a clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School, reveals the science behind mindfulness in compelling detail and demonstrates its application to a wide range of issues - psychological, social, and medical. You'll examine the neurobiology underlying ancient practices that are now profoundly influencing the contemporary world. And you'll learn many practical ways you can use mindfulness techniques in your own life.

This playful, caring course demonstrates the effectiveness of mindfulness in responding to many of humanity's fundamental existential problems.

In addition, this audiobook has complementary soundtracks, which are included in the audiobook from chapters 25 to 29.

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

©2013 The Great Courses (P)2013 The Teaching Company, LLC

The unsuspected benefits of using mindfulness!

Ronald Siegel, PsyD is an inspiring teacher and psychotherapist, who offers a wealth of information about a practice that has been brought to the western world from the east: mindfulness and meditation. We live such busy, conflicted lives that we often do not even dream that slowing down and tuning in to ourselves is a more effective solution than multi-tasking, working harder, or getting caught up in ever more complicated ways to try to manage it all.

I have been privileged to attend several conferences that Dr. Siegel has given, and I found this series of lectures to be fully as exciting and useful as hearing him in "real time." He is a wonderful speaker, and he does a good job of conveying what I think might be unfamiliar to some, but when put into practice, can bring significant change to our lives.

I feel amazed at the sheer amount of information he is able to convey in such a (relatively) short period of time in these lectures. He gives a good introduction to what mindfulness is--it's origins in Buddhist thought, along with scientific studies that are proving how helpful these methods are proving to be in today's busy, often anxious world. He talks about it's uses in daily life, medical situations and even addictions. Now that there is more evidence than ever before that chronic stress is directly connected to many medical and pain conditions, mindfulness is finding it's place especially in the medical world, as it offers an additional way to address chronic conditions.

I like listening to The Great Courses--in fact, I have been buying and listening to them since they were produced on cassette tapes! (Hint: that was a long time ago :-) Although I have never listened to any Course that I didn't like or appreciate, this one is a 5 star winner in my opinion. It is a well-balanced combination of information, interesting anecdotes, useful ways to employ what he is talking about and he maintains a consistent level of excellence in his talks. Speaking of which, Dr. Siegel "talks" a bit rapidly--you may have to listen hard at times to get it all, but he is clearly speaking fast because he has so much information to convey. If you like listening to something that will change your life in positive ways, this is the Course to use your credit on! I *SO* recommend this!

Best I've heard on clinical psych and mindfulness

So, somehow I posted the below review on the wrong book?! But, I know how Audible won't delete the other review when such a mistake is made, so this review was actually for this book.

I first listened to one of the lectures in channels on the audible app. I enjoyed it so much, I searched for the book. I've always seen a lot of treatment options as hit or miss as each person or client is different. And, in the absence of really assessing or being good at assessment by so many therapists, one size fit's all therapy is often uselessly applied. Seeing this has always bugged me, and I doubt that it will change. But, for those that can assess where a client truly is, and realize more conventional treatment doesn't apply, how to help them is more of an issue. Meditation is a great alternative. And, this book talks about so many different types and approaches to do more than just tell someone to do breathing meditation. I love how he talks about comfort meditation vs trying to get the person to confront or stay with the uncomfortable sensations and knowing when the person is in a place to do either. It's creating that safe mental space that so many seem not to understand, regardless of what therapy is used. And, not pushing a patient to face things until they are ready, and feel safe enough in that mental space to do so. You don't tell someone in a free fall to face their demons. Choosing the right type of meditation, or treatment, for the situation is critical. And, I rarely hear people talking about that.
This is just a great course that should be required for all going into the field. I would have loved to have a course like this that really connected clinical psychology with meditation methods. Hopefully things have changed and it is part of the regular curriculum. And, I love Siegel's style. He keeps you engaged and is very relatable when he talks. Just one I know I will listen to over and over again. I almost never bookmark, but have done so repeatedly to revisit parts I wanted to revisit or explore further.

Long but worth every minute

It was hard to listen to in the beginning but I finally understood the authors intent. If you have anxiety this is the book for you.

It was great

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it was really in depth and easy to follow.

What about Professor Ronald Siegel’s performance did you like?

I found he talked a bit too much during the exercises for me personally but other than that he was fantastic.

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

I think I laughed a little in self-reflection.

Exactly what I was looking for

Any additional comments?

Dr. Siegel provides a fantastic science-based framework that helped me understand mindfulness practice and especially the experience of 'no-self'. The various studies and anecdotes throughout the series were immensely helpful and brought home some of the concepts I was struggling with. It is a clear and concise lecture series that I will be certainly be listening to again and again. If you are looking for answers and clarity on the topic of mindfulness, meditation, no-self experience, psychology, etc... I highly recommend purchasing this series.

Great Info & Guide on Mindfulness!

It's a long audio book, but it is definitely worth it! Great background information as well as useful and practical tips on being more mindful, reducing stress, and being present.

Ronald really knows his stuff

great narration and straight to the point he ronald really integrates/melds science and meditation wonderfully

Excellent

I have read many spiritual books, but this course really stands out. Covering meditation but also talking about minute to minute mindfulness in all activities. Highly recommended for those wanting to learn a "less mind" practice.

A multifaceted approach on mindfulness

What did you love best about The Science of Mindfulness?

The author has a firm grasp of all aspects of the topic, from evidence based research to the Buddhist concepts in which much of mindfulness is based.

What does Professor Ronald Siegel bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings a genuine enthusiasm for the efficacy of practicing mindfulness regularly and often.

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

It made me think I had heard this material before, but put more clearly and in a more practical way.

Any additional comments?

It is worth listening to many times as there is so much practical and useful information for virtually everyone.

Comprehensive

So many of my questions about mindfulness were answered in this book. I would recommend this to beginner and intermediate levels meditators.