The Science of Mindfulness

A Research-Based Path to Well-Being

By: Ronald Siegel, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Ronald Siegel

Length: 13 hrs and 53 mins

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

New Skin For New Wine

This will provide you with a refreshing antidote for spiritual Alzheimer's. No matter where you are in life you will see new perspectives.

Buddhism and Modern Psychology explained well

Buddhism was explained better in this lecture than I’ve ever seen elsewhere. Modern Psychology has immense value and all the old Freudian or Jungian or Skinner paradigms have been discarded and the lecture shows how the new psychological methods really do help people and how it works.

I am not interested in pursuing happiness or developing techniques for self awareness of the present. Happiness is just an experience that comes from our actions, feelings and sensations and necessarily constructed by what we call ourselves. It’s not our doing but our being, the meaning, taking an understanding on our own understanding that gives me my purpose. The lecturer will even say that the more we pursue happiness the less we will acquire it. As for self awareness of the present it really doesn’t interest me. The ‘now’ distracts me from my ultimate good and I will continue to construct my mythos as I see fit in order to be my ownmost authentic self.

I found that there was a big overlap with the beginning lectures and Hegel. Hegel can be tough reading for most people because of his abstract abstruse writing style. Hegel would say something like ‘the I is the we and the we is the I and we need the other in order to have awareness of the spirit’. That sentiment overlaps with what the lecturer is getting at.

The mindfulness practices aren’t my thing. I pretty much glossed over the techniques but I found enough worthwhile within this lecture to get value out of it overall and would easily recommend it to anyone who is not at peace and needs to re-find their center, or for people like me who wanted to learn about Buddhism and Modern Psychology practices.

Excellent Overview of the Subject

We are often rushed and stressed in our society and don't realize that people have grappled with the same fears and anxieties that we experience for thousands of years across all societies. We think our situation is somehow unique to ourselves or the modern age. This book helps us realize that our fears are actually part of being human, part of how our brains are wired. Through numerous touching personal stories and examples from his clinical practice, the author shows in a very gentle and compationate way that we are all facing many of the same fears. And, points to a path to deal more effectively with these fears through meditation practice. He also explains better than any other books I've read, what the meditation practices are doing to reveal how our minds work. Most meditation books tell you what to do but not really why. I found the explanations helpful. This book really rounded out my understanding of meditation. I think it would also be an excellent introduction, especially for those who might be uncomfortable with some of the mysticism of meditation and would like a little more scientific understanding of what is happening.

La meditación es importante y este libro lo explica el porque

Es un audio libro que instante mente lo hace clásico. Hace unos 8 años hice mi primer curso en meditación y este libro hizo que recordara todo sobre lo importante de la mediación.

Interesting and Useful Information on Mindfulness

Would you listen to The Science of Mindfulness again? Why?

I listened to this course twice last year and will likely do do again this year. References to the studies added to the course's credibility and the guided meditations are nice, especially the one called "Sitting like a Mountain" where he talks you through the seasons. I found new insight on each listen, and expect this will be true for the third time through.

What did you like best about this story?

The individual moments and stories were what made the course memorable (such as the woman who was seeing things that weren't there and how he dealt with that compassionately, his description of watching ants while meditating, his honesty about his emotions after a breakup, and the wisdom stories).

What about Professor Ronald Siegel Psy.D. Rutgers University’s performance did you like?

Dr. Siegel spoke clearly and at a comfortable pace. He has a friendly, conversational tone that set me at ease.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from The Science of Mindfulness?

The most useful insight for me is that while meditating longer is nice, as long as the practice is regular, the meditator gains from the experience. So, 10 minutes a day is better than 30 minutes once a week.

fascinating, loved every second!

a very detailed look into the science of this ancient practice. really enjoyed this book!

A most helpful look into the science of mindfulnes

The two mindfulness courses offered by the Great Courses work very well together. Some overlap but I found both courses to be very helpful and informative.

helped me with stress and anxiety

This course helped me understand how meditation could help my stress and anxiety. I would recommend it to anyone who suffers from life stressors.

Excellent course!

I loved this book. Great for people looking for a scientific approach of meditation and buddhism (secular). The practice section was also very helpful for me!

Love it!

I have listened to it more than once. There is so much good information, I pick up on more every time I listen.