The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday Practices for Everyday Problems »

Ronald D. Siegel, PsyD, is Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, where he has taught for over 25 years. He is a long-time student of mindfulness meditation and serves on the Board of Directors and faculty of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. He teaches internationally about mindfulness and psychotherapy and mind-body treatment, has worked for many years in community mental health with inner-city children and families, and maintains a private clinical practice in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Dr. Siegel is coauthor of the self-treatment guide Back Sense, which integrates Western and Eastern approaches for treating chronic back pain, and coeditor of an acclaimed book for professionals, Mindfulness and Psychotherapy. Dr. Siegel lives in Lincoln with his wife and daughters. He regularly uses the practices in this book to work with his own busy, unruly mind.

Mindfulness offers a path to well-being and tools for coping with life's inevitable hurdles. And though mindfulness may sound exotic, you can cultivate it--and reap its proven benefits--without special training or lots of spare time. Trusted therapist and mindfulness expert Dr. Ronald Siegel shows exactly how in this inviting guide. You'll get effective strategies to use while driving to work, walking the dog, or washing the dishes, plus tips on creating a formal practice routine in as little as 20 minutes a day. Flexible, step-by-step action plans will help you become more focused and efficient in daily life; cope with difficult feelings, such as anger and sadness; deepen your connection to your spouse or partner; feel more rested and less stressed; curb unhealthy habits; find relief from anxiety and depression; and resolve stress-related pain, insomnia, and other physical problems. Free audio downloads of the meditation exercises are available at the author's website: www.mindfulness-solution.com. Start living a more balanced life--today.

Preface vii

Part I Why Mindfulness Matters

Chapter 1 Life is difficult, for everyone 3

Chapter 2 Mindfulness: A solution 26

Chapter 3 Learning to practice mindfulness 52

Chapter 4 Building a mindful life 81

Part II Everyday Practices for Unruly Minds, Bodies, and Relationships

Chapter 5 Befriending fear: Working with worry and anxiety 105

Chapter 6 Entering the dark places; Seeing sadness and depression in a new light 140

Chapter 7 Beyond managing symptoms: Transforming pain and stress-related medical problems 176

Chapter 8 Living the full catastrophe: Mindfulness for romance, parenting, and other intimate relationships 212

Chapter 9 Breaking bad habits: Learning to make good choices 252

Chapter 10 Growing up isn't easy: Changing your relationship with aging, illness, and death 283

Chapter 11 What's next?: The promise of mindfulness 315

When You Need More Help: How to Find a Therapist 325

Resources 328

Notes 340

Index 348

About the Author 356