From my Bookshelf - On Mindfulness & Related Topics
Footage from Channel News Asia during the October 2022’s Documentary “To Achieve Happiness” where I was interviewed to share my experience with burnout and how my mindfulness practice supported me subsequently.
If you would like to dive deeper into Mindfulness, Stress Management and related topics, here is a list of books which have inspired me and taught me a lot on the matter.
On Mindfulness:
Wherever you Go, There you Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn (Founder of the MBSR Program): a very accessible book on Mindfulness, and a step-by-step guide to live into the present moment. It introduces the reader to the meditations which are being practiced as part of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program.
Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn: a very comprehensive book on the 8-week MBSR program, which is part of the mandatory reading list for aspiring MBSR teachers.
Je Médite, Jour après Jour (French edition only) by Christophe André, Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist: a practical, concise and poetic guide to start practicing one day at a time, which was my very first encounter with the practice of Mindfulness. Note: versions of the book exist with or without audio tracks (recorded meditations).
On Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC): MSC practices can feel very alien at first, especially for those of us having a critical inner voice, but can be very transformative, given time, and are certainly worth incorporating into our lives.
The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions by Christopher Germer (PhD, Clinical psychologist and Co-Developer of the Mindful Self-Compassion program): a practical guide and introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion practices, which describes the power of becoming our own ally.
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind To Yourself by Kristin Neff (Professor of Educational Psychology & Co-Developer of the Mindful-Self Compassion Program with Chris Germer).
Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach (PhD, Clinical psychologist and founder of the Insight Meditation Community at Washington).
On Psychology, Neuroscience & Other Topics:
Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky (Professor of Biology & Neurology): an extensive yet reachable scientific book detailing how stress impacts each and every aspect of our physiology. In addition to being very thorough and honest in its publication, the author is also witty and offer delightful details to the avid reader who enjoys digressions on foot notes.
Non-Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg (Psychologist & Mediator): an eyeopening publication on how the way we express ourselves is often ineffective in having our needs met, and causes harm to ourselves and others. It is also a practical guide to shift the way we communicate and incorporate more empathy.
Mindwandering: How Your Constant Mental Drift Can Improve Your Mood and Boost Your Creativity by Moshe Bar (Neuroscientist, Director of the Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain): an interesting perspective on better understanding the different modes of the mind and how mind wandering can also be beneficial.