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The Science of Mindfulness  By  cover art

The Science of Mindfulness

By: Ronald Siegel, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Ronald Siegel
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Publisher's summary

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

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What listeners say about The Science of Mindfulness

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Well organized, thorough and entertaining

If you could sum up The Science of Mindfulness in three words, what would they be?

Well organized, thorough and entertaining

What did you like best about this story?

I learned many different applications of mindfulness that were not immediately apparent to me. For example, how mindfulness can be used to become comfortable with anxiety producing situations. I like that this isn't just presented in theory - there are short and longer meditations for dealing with specific things like that throughout the course.

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

His tone is very conversational - not stiff or rehearsed. He also puts a lot of little jokes throughout the course which keeps it light and entertaining.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The one chapter talks about using mindfulness to increase empathy. There is a suggestion that every time you interact with someone think of the whole life they have lived - that they were a child like me at one point, and have had many vulnerable moments in their life. I'm paraphrasing from memory and probably butchered it, but it's helped me to be more empathetic especially in dealing with frustrations or people that I tend to not give much attention as I go through my day.

Any additional comments?

I have gone back and re-listened to many of the chapters. I like that this does not need to be listened to sequentially. I wish there was a chapter list included with the book description. This is the chapter list from 'The Great Courses' website:

1 Why Mindfulness Matters
2 Our Troublesome Brains
3 Informal, Formal, and Intensive Practices
4 Who Am I - The Perils of Self
5 Mindfulness or Psychotherapy
6 Attention and Empathy in Relationships
7 The Science of Compassion and Self-Compassion
8 Tailoring Practices to Fit Changing Needs
9 Modifying Our Brain Function and Structure
10 Solitude - An Antidote to Loneliness
11 Connecting with Children and Adolescents
12 Seeing Sadness and Depression in a New Light
13 Befriending Fear, Worry, and Anxiety
14 Transforming Chronic Pain
15 Placebos, Illness, and the Power of Belief
16 Interrupting Addiction and Troublesome Habits
17 Overcoming Traumas Large and Small
18 Groundbreaking Mindfulness Programs
19 The Neurobiology of Self-Preoccupation
20 Growing Up Is Not Easy - Facing Impermanence
21 Toward a Science of Wisdom
22 The Promise of Enlightenment
23 Mindful Ethics as a Path to Freedom
24 The New Science of Happiness
25 Bonus Meditation - Breath Awareness Practice
26 Bonus Meditation - Loving-Kindness Practice
27 Bonus Meditation - Mountain Meditation
28 Bonus Meditation - Breathing Together
29 Bonus Meditation - Stepping into Fear Bonus Meditation - Stepping into Fear

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535 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Warning!

If you accept that mindfulness is a valid technique/therapy, (I do), this seems to be quite a good course. BUT, before you buy, be aware that the supplemental materials which are not included with the course are the extended versions of the mindfulness exercises which are explained and briefly demonstrated in the text.

In my opinion, this severely diminishes the value of this course. It's not that the information isn't good, or well explained, but in my limited experience, guided meditations are very helpful, and since they were clearly part of this course originally, I feel the value is much diminished by their exclusion.

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Beware when buying this course through Audible.com

What did you love best about The Science of Mindfulness?

I have not finished the course, as it is incomplete when buying it through Audible.com

Any additional comments?

This author references, both in the audio and the PDF download, additional audio material as part of the practical experience of the course. The author strongly recommends completing the practical before continuing with the course, at each stage. Audible.com has not made the practical part of the course available for download, and the company's attitude is, "not our problem, contact the publisher". My rating of 1 star is not a reflection of this course, but a warning to dissuade potential readers from downloading the material from Audible.com, which seems of the opinion that selling incomplete material is the customer's problem.

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Even more worthwhile with these study aids

I have been enjoying this course enormously. It presents concepts I have heard many times, but not really understood until I heard Prof. Siegel’s clear, everyday explanations. The longer audio forms of the meditation practice are available for download (free) at his website. The material in his book "The Mindfulness Solution" is basically the same as this audio course—very helpful for reviewing. I am thrilled that Audible has added these courses.

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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!



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Excellent and Potentially Life-Changing

I listened to this course after the also-excellent Great Course, Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation. I would heartily recommend both. They cover a lot of the same ground, and even use some of the same Buddhist parables to illustrate certain points, but each has its own valuable information to share as well.

As you can guess from the title, this course focuses more on the science that supports the benefits of mindfulness. It was really quite interesting to hear about the various studies that concretely support the tons of anecdotal evidence about the benefits of meditation. When I picked this up, I was worried that it would only be about the science, but thankfully, it's not. In fact, it could easily serve as an introductory course for anyone looking to start a mindfulness practice. It's well laid out, interesting and inspiring.

In addition to some internet research, I've listened to Real Happiness by Sharon Salzberg, the aforementioned Practicing Mindfulness course with Prof. Mark Muesse, and finally this course. All three are good introductions to meditations, although I would recommend either of the Great Courses more highly than Real Happiness. Still, none of these programs will help much without actually practicing. I finally committed to a daily meditation practice as I was listening to this course, and it really has been transformative.

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Mindfulness and Meditation for us Left-Brain Types

I am convinced that Professor Siegel's approach is really the best way to be introduced to Mindfulness. He strikes an almost perfect balance of technical explanation, philosophical background, anecdotes from his practice, and actual meditation examples.

Frankly, the list of benefits coming from mindfulness is almost unbelievable. I say "almost" because each time Prof Siegel would discuss yet another benefit I would hear myself thinking "there is no way that is true" he would then discuss all the studies that have been done in that particular area that prove out its efficacy.

He is clearly an expert in his field, very enthusiastic, properly self-effacing, and an excellent presenter. There is some mediation practice in-line in the lectures, but there are also full-length meditations included at the end of the course. Since I mostly listen while driving I resisted the urge to practice during the lectures.

Frankly, after listening to the course, I think it would be very hard not to want to put it into practice yourself. I also recommend "10% Happier" by Dan Harris as an excellent companion book to this lecture series. Dan comes into mindfulness as a complete novice (and skeptic). Anything that can win over Dan and Prof Siegel has my vote.

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Question about supplemental audio

Any additional comments?

During the lectures the author refers to supplemental audio files that contain extended breathing meditations and the like. Audible.com hasn't identified the chapters which contain this content, has anyone noted which chapters contain which exercises?

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One of the best courses I have ever taken

I have probably taken 60 courses or so through the Teaching Company, and attended about 20 yrs of formal education. This is one of the best courses I have ever taken in any discipline. Prof Siegel not only has deep firsthand knowledge of the practice and science of mindfulness, but he also embodies it. His teaching comes from a deep well of compassion and understanding, both for his audience and for himself. And he is genuinely funny, with a sense of humor that both instructs and delights.

This is one of the courses that I will be listening to again -- especially the bonus meditation tracks -- and recommending to all of my friends. There are only so many classes that can alter your life permanently and make you a just plain better person. This is one of them. Take it. It will 12 of the best hours you've spent on anything.

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Not finished yet but.... chapters

Hi I haven't finished listening but here are the meditations I found. Hope it helps.

Chapter 25 - Breath Awareness Practice
Chapter 26 - Breathing Together
Chapter 27 - Loving Kindness
Chapter 28 - Mountain Meditation
Chapter 29 - Stepping in to Fear

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