Our hearts are aching — physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
In Just One Heart, Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist and mindfulness teacher, reveals an integrated approach to wholehearted living and shares the "seven timeless traits of the heart" for holistic health and vitality.
Bridging the gap between Western science and Eastern wisdom, this book empowers readers with simple tools and daily practices to manage stress, cultivate lasting joy, and connect with what truly matters.
This book is filled with lessons learned from his own struggles through anxiety and burnout, inspiring patient stories, and conversations with more than fifty experts in mind-body health.
It is a must-read for healthcare professionals and their patients, compassionate leaders, and anyone seeking to awaken the mind-heart connection.
Discover the power of living and leading with just one heart, and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
Dr. Jonathan Fisher is a cardiologist who focuses on healing the heart in the broadest sense, encompassing both the physical and emotional aspects of cardiac care. Educated at Harvard and Mt. Sinai, he is a mindfulness meditation teacher and organizational well-being leader. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, "I took care of 20,000 other hearts before taking care of my own."
His experience with anxiety and burnout has transformed his approach to health. Dr. Fisher has designed programs for an organization with 38,000 team members, reducing stress and enhancing well-being. He has delivered keynotes, workshops, and retreats for organizations globally across various industries. His efforts in addressing burnout in healthcare have garnered international attention, including co-founding the Ending Clinician Burnout Global Community and organizing the world’s first global summit dedicated to ending clinician burnout, with over a thousand participants from 43 countries.
Named on Charlotte Magazine's “Best Doctors” list, he is a regular contributor to Mindful.org. He resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife, three children, and two doodles. His mission is to help others "train the mind and heal the heart.”
His best-selling first book, ”Just One Heart: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness,” is about harnessing the power of the mind-heart connection.
"Just One Heart" is a transforming book written by Dr. Jonathan Fisher bridging Western medicine to Eastern mindfulness. The book talks about the complete approach more inclined to the heart health, that is, how we pay more attention to the emotional and spiritual wellbeing along with the physical health. Dr. Fisher shares his own journey and professional insights while equipping the readers with useful tools and everyday practices for managing stress, cultivating joy, and connecting to what really matters.
Dr. Fisher writes in a clear, engaging, and accessible fashion. It connects with the compassionate and empathetic angle he brings to make easy the understanding of complicated concepts. His book is well structured as each chapter builds upon the previous chapters for a comprehensive and cohesive guide.
"Just One Heart" is in itself an extremely inspiring and empowering guide to holistic heart health. From his storytelling that springs from the heart, to insights that flow from the well of experience, Dr. Jonathan Fisher offers a work that will serve as treasure for those who have been seeking to improve the quality of life in terms of emotions and the body. The book fills a lasting impression that causes its readers to want to know more about how minds and hearts connect because it teaches readers to live more healthily and happily.
I will highly recommend this book to people who want to learn more about holistic healing and mindfulness. This book really guides you on how to balance your health and emotional well-being. So grab your copy today and you will definitely enjoy reading it as much as I did.
A very good read, indeed. A subtitle for this book could be “the sublimation of bad experiences in support of the heart”. In a specialty like cardiology one often wrongly, perhaps, that cardiologists are all about PQRST, ejection fraction, need for bypass, pacemakers…. Jonathan Fisher has us quite agreeably surprised by the humanity developed through sharing others’ suffering as well as one’s own. I believe it was Schumann, the composer, who once said that one who hasn’t cannot write good music. Jonathan Fisher did share with us how after experiencing the whole gamut of emotions (especially the negative ones) following the passing of his sister Andrea, he heeded her advice over the years to be kind to himself. Thanks Dr. Fisher for taking us on the path of being kind to ourselves with just one heart. Et, bouclons la boucle coeur-cerveau-coeur…….
This a wonderful book. Very accessible and hopeful. It helps us to remember we are human beings. That we need to look at ourselves holistically. That the mind connects to the heart. Emotions and feelings affect our heart and organs. The mind needs to be protected and is connected to everything. The way we choose to live can ultimately save our health. Trust in the old wisdoms. Trust in the spiritual rituals, they purify the mind and emotions. They connect to the Heart. Barry McGee
Dr. Jonathan Fisher’s book is relatable to the lay person, yet an interesting read for the clinician! I love the way he writes about ALL aspects of the heart. We tend to take our organs for granted, until/unless we have trouble with them! I found the passage where he talks about the heart being the center of emotions to be particularly interesting. One would think thoughts and feelings and emotions all originate in the brain, though when I say that I feel something in my (whole) heart, it IS like I feel it in my heart; well done!
We take our heart for granted... and we shouldn't. From the first pages of this book, we dive into a deep connection with our inner self. The heart is the central focus, but the insights go far beyond the physical bodily experience. The book is written in plain language and is educational, fostering compassion for our heart and for all the efforts it makes to keep us alive and well.
‘Just one heart’ is an amazing book. Very inspiring and thought provoking. Dr Jonathan explores the intricate link between mind and body, in a simple and practical way that anyone can easily understand and implement. His approach to holistic health with simple real life narratives emphasizes the importance of emotional and mental well being for heart health. A must read for everyone.
From the beginning this book grabbed my attention. Dr Fisher honestly describes his earlier depression and career fatigue. He carefully and in easy to understand language offers a path to wellness and happiness.
This is a great book. Dr Fisher is sincere in sharing his personal struggles and how he overcame them. He is a board certified cardiologist and has carefully researched his topic. He shares multiple timely studies, and he is a skilled writer. He offers easy to follow strategies that have helped him. I highly recommend reading Just One Heart.
Dr. Jonathan Fisher’s “Just One Heart” is a compelling exploration of the human heart, not just as a vital organ, but as the epicenter of emotional and spiritual life. As a renowned cardiologist and a dedicated mindfulness teacher, Dr. Fisher skillfully bridges the gap between science and the human experience, making this book a treasure trove for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of how to live a more integrated and meaningful life.
The book outlines Seven Timeless Traits of the Heart, which serve as a framework to navigate through the complexities of life while finding purpose and joy. Each trait is discussed with a clarity that is both educational and deeply personal, often illuminated by anecdotes from Dr. Fisher’s own life and the lives of his patients. These stories add a rich, emotional layer to the book, making the scientific information not only more digestible but also relatable.
What sets this book apart is its timely acknowledgment of the aching of our collective hearts in today’s challenging world. Dr. Fisher extends a call to action that is both inspiring and urgent, urging readers to discover the transformative power of living and leading with a unified heart. This book does not merely aim to inform but to transform, guiding readers through practices that manage stress, cultivate joy, and foster essential connections with what truly matters.
For those overwhelmed by the daily grind or the seemingly endless negative news cycle, Just One Heart offers a refreshing perspective grounded in both expertise and empathy. Dr. Fisher’s dual role as a healer of both the physical heart and the spiritual malaise of modern life provides a unique and authoritative voice that is much needed in today's discourse on wellness.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a path to resilience and a deeper connection with themselves and others. Whether you’re well-versed in mindfulness practices or new to the concept, you will find Just One Heart a guiding light in these turbulent times.
Summary of "Just One Heart: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness" by Jonathan Fisher
"Just One Heart" by Dr. Jonathan Fisher is a compelling guide that blends the science of cardiology with the art of living a fulfilling life. Fisher, a seasoned cardiologist, shares his extensive medical knowledge while weaving in personal anecdotes and practical advice for achieving holistic health. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and mental well-being, presenting a comprehensive approach to heart health that goes beyond the conventional medical perspective.
Fisher delves into the latest research on cardiovascular health, offering insights into the role of diet, exercise, and stress management. He also addresses the importance of mindfulness, emotional resilience, and positive relationships in maintaining a healthy heart. Through relatable stories and actionable steps, Fisher empowers readers to take control of their health, fostering a deeper understanding of the heart’s intricate link to overall happiness and fulfillment.
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"Just One Heart" is a transformative read that transcends the typical health book. Dr. Jonathan Fisher's expertise as a cardiologist is evident, but it’s his compassionate approach and relatable storytelling that make this book stand out. Fisher’s unique ability to blend scientific facts with emotional intelligence and practical advice makes this book a must-read for anyone looking to improve their heart health and overall well-being.
Fisher’s emphasis on the holistic nature of heart health is both refreshing and inspiring. He doesn't just focus on the physical aspects of cardiovascular care but delves deeply into the emotional and psychological factors that impact our hearts. His insights on mindfulness and emotional resilience are particularly valuable, offering readers tools to manage stress and cultivate a positive mindset.
The book is filled with engaging anecdotes and real-life examples that make complex medical concepts accessible and relatable. Fisher’s writing is both informative and motivational, encouraging readers to take proactive steps towards a healthier, happier life. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a patient, or someone interested in leading a more balanced life, "Just One Heart" provides valuable lessons and practical strategies that can make a significant difference in your health journey.
In summary, "Just One Heart" is more than just a guide to heart health; it’s a roadmap to living a fulfilled and happy life. Dr. Jonathan Fisher’s wisdom and warmth shine through every page, making this book an essential addition to anyone’s reading list. Highly recommended for its insightful, holistic approach to well-being.
When I was reading Dr. Jonathan Fisher’s “Just One Heart”, I felt that the author’s message was very true in my case. This book is more than just a practical handbook for physicians; it is a thoughtful examination of the many connections that exist in the heart, mind and spirit of human beings.
I was impressed by the combination of the medical side and mindfulness that Jonathan Fisher does. He offers many success stories about patients who have suffered from cancers in their hearts. And, based on the conversations with doctors in the realm of mind body connection, there are many other valuable lessons. I liked the way in which he explains some of the more tricky aspects of medicine in his plain language.
I found this book to contain a very complete and integrated view of heart diseases that contains a great deal of compassion towards the suffers. The author strongly believes that social, spiritual as well as emotional health needs to be put in equal status to physical health. He explains in great details and provides examples of the tools including heart meditation, mindful journaling, and active participation in communities that further reinforce the practice.
Each time I flipped the page, it appeared as if a feeling of hope and the resulting empowerment was welling up dentro de mi. What is indisputable from Dr. Fisher’s message is that we can indeed change our circumstances and call into action the awareness of our body-mind-soul interrelatedness. This book is not just about prevention of heart diseases, rather it is about leading an undoubtedly genuine, loving and purposeful life.
It is my pleasure to recommend this “Just One Heart” book to anyone in quest for a more holistic approach to health and healing. You are a patient with heart diseases, a practitioner of medicine or simply a life seeker with a quest, this book is for you.
After closing the book, I was very much thankful to the author for his wise and compassionate thoughts. These are the words which have been in my mind all along to the effect that I should follow my heart and take care of myself. “Just One Heart” is for those who are determined to discover themselves and live with heart.
Reading the words, stories and explorations of Dr. Fisher has been a life-altering experience these past few weeks. My husband was undergoing cardiac surgery and we both delved into this book deeply. My husband wanted to read it to cultivate practices of emotional and mental wellbeing that could be a tangible companion with his post-op recovery. I read it more from a plaace of my own curiosity about the mind-body-spirit connections and how "Just One Heart" links the three facets of being human, n so many ways.
The book is extraordinary as both an informational source and also as a practical guide to living our best lives. Since 2020, when Dr. Vivek Murthy first wrote his book, we learned that loneliness is an epidemic in society. Now, with Dr. Fisher's book, we learn first about Heart Breakers (stress, anxiety, loneliness, hostility, grief and anger) and then how we can counter those with Heart Wakers (practicing gratitude, optimism. generosity, kindness, laughter, purpose, love, joy and compassion). In addition, his traits of wisdom, curiosity, courage, steadiness, lightness of heart (joy in the present moments of life) and warmth all align so deeply with core values of many religious and spiritual philosophies.
This book has something for everyone - whether you're looking for a cardiologist's academic connection between physical and emotional wellbeing, or a practical guide to living a more balanced life; whether you're trying to help someone who is going through either physical or emotional challenges, or if you need some guidance for your own personal growth, transformation and physical wellbeing. We both learned so much from Dr. Fisher's beautiful book and we will put his words to practice, etched in our heart (o.k. - pun intended, but also true!).
It was an honor to have the physical copy of the book in the Heart Hospital room for our one-week stay last week, sharing Dr. Fisher's wisdom, insights and ideas with the medical team and families of other patients during our stay.
This book could be a transformative read for anyone looking to understand the profound connection between emotional well-being and heart health. As you delve into this book, you'll find it not just a collection of medical advice, but a personal guide that resonates with Dr. Fisher’s own experiences with loneliness, anxiety, and depression during his medical training. His candid sharing might echo your own struggles or those of someone close to you, making the insights particularly relatable.
Fisher introduces concepts such as "heart breakers" and "heart wakers," where he explores how everyday stressors and emotional states like loneliness can directly impact your heart health, much like physical factors. This perspective invites you to look at your own life, assess elements like stress and emotional fulfillment, and consider changes that could lead not just to a healthier heart, but a happier existence.
The book emphasizes a holistic view of health that includes physical, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. This approach encourages you to think of heart care as interconnected with how you manage relationships, cope with stress, and nurture joy and compassion in your life. Whether you're looking to make significant lifestyle changes or simply gain a deeper understanding of how your heart and mind are linked, Fisher's guide provides both the scientific context and practical advice to start this journey.
By the end of "Just One Heart," you might find yourself equipped not only with medical knowledge but also with mindfulness practices that can help you lead a more balanced, heart-conscious life. It’s a call to action to take care of your heart by taking care of your whole self. I highly recommend it and know that I will reread it many times!
Dr. Fisher's book is nothing short of a game changer for anyone dealing with heart disease or supporting someone who is. From the moment I started reading, I felt seen, understood, and empowered in a way I never have before.
While I deeply value my interventional cardiologist, I’ve always felt there was a gap in the holistic care and guidance necessary to truly thrive in the face of this disease. Modern medicine often focuses on the immediate, clinical aspects of heart health, but thriving requires so much more than that.
Stress, nutrition, emotional and mental well-being—these are critical components of recovery, yet they’re often overlooked due to the constraints of time, training, and an overburdened healthcare system.
Dr. Fisher bridges this gap beautifully. His book takes a deep dive into these often-neglected areas, offering practical, compassionate, and actionable insights that are both science-backed and deeply personal. It’s clear that his goal is not just to educate but to truly transform how we approach wellness after a diagnosis of heart disease.
Every page resonated deeply with me. I found myself nodding along, inspired by the possibilities and encouraged to make meaningful changes in my own life. Dr. Fisher’s work has given me not just hope, but also a roadmap for creating a comprehensive path to wellness.
This book is a beacon of hope and a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone navigating life with heart disease.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough—it has the power to change lives.
In Just One Heart, Dr. Jonathan Fisher offers a deeply compassionate and insightful exploration of heart health that transcends the physical to embrace the emotional and spiritual dimensions of our well-being. His approach is not just a call to look after our hearts in a conventional medical sense, but a reminder of the heart’s profound connection to the mind and spirit.
What truly resonated with me was the way the author weaves together Eastern spirituality and Western science, creating a bridge that feels both timely and necessary. I appreciated the simplicity with which Dr. Fisher presents complex ideas. He manages to make concepts like heart meditation and mindfulness feel accessible, rather than overwhelming. The inclusion of practical tools, such as mindful journaling and community involvement, felt like an invitation to incorporate these principles into my own life, not as a burden, but as a form of gentle self-care.
Dr. Fisher’s empathy shines through, especially in the stories he shares of people battling heart disease. The book provides a unique and compelling perspective that feels hopeful and empowering, including daily practices that help protect the heart.
This is a book that doesn’t just inform but invites us to reflect on how we nurture our heart, not just physically, but in every aspect of our life. It left me thinking about the deeper connections we often overlook, and the subtle ways in which we can bring balance to our minds, bodies, and spirits.
In an attempt to find some meaningful reading, I picked up Just One Heart by Dr. Jonathan Fisher and realized it would make a huge difference to me. The title intrigued me, and the red and white cover reflected the heartfelt message. This book is more than just a doctor's manual; it's a heartfelt exploration of the connection between the mind, spirit, and soul. Dr. Fisher expertly combines modern science with ancient wisdom to offer a holistic view of heart health that emphasizes emotional and spiritual wellness as well as physical care.
The narration is concise, clear, and engaging, supported by quotes, bullet points, and compelling anecdotes. It dives deep into the interplay between emotional resilience and cardiovascular health, challenging the notion that heart issues are purely physical. Based on reliable research and real stories, the book provides practical tools, such as heart meditation, journalization and community participation in order to strengthen general well-being.
Dr. Fisher’s approach makes complex ideas relatable and actionable, empowering readers to connect with their inner selves. For anyone seeking to balance health and happiness, Just One Heart is a compassionate and inspiring guide. It’s a must-read that bridges the gap between science and spirit, leaving you with tools to lead a healthier, more connected life.
In "Just One Heart," Dr. Jonathan Fisher presents a compelling and unique approach to heart health that transcends traditional medical boundaries. Addressing the multifaceted issues we face today, Dr. Fisher posits that our hearts are not merely organs of blood circulation but intricate symbols of our life experiences, emotions, and connections to the world🌏 around us.
The book is structured into three main parts: "The State of Our Hearts," "The Seven Timeless Traits of the Heart," and an insightful appendix. The first section delves into the multifaceted nature of heart health, exploring how our emotional states and spiritual lives influence our physical well-being.
In the second part, Dr. Fisher introduces seven essential traits: Steadiness, Wisdom, Openness, Wholeness, Courage, Lightness, and Warmth. Each chapter offers practical advice on nurturing these traits, equipping readers with the tools necessary for cultivating a more fulfilling and resilient heart.
Throughout the book, Dr. Fisher combines scientific insight with personal stories, creating a compassionate narrative that resonates with those affected by heart disease and beyond. "Just One Heart" is not just a guide for healthcare professionals and patients; it is essential reading for anyone seeking harmony, peace of mind, and lasting happiness🤗💖
There hasn't been many non fiction books that have held my attention the way this one did. Just One Heart by Jonathan Fisher is a beeping reminder that, there is but one heart and it's health is important than anything else.
At first I thought it was going to be some sort of a plain old guide to heart health but Fisher has an entirely new concept to introduce to you. Just One Heart speaks a lot about cardiac health, but not just from the point of view of a physician but instead, it also deals with spiritual and emotional health of the heart. It's mind-blowing, the simplicity with which this guide speaks to you.
This book, from what I understand while I read, brings together the author's personal experience in cardiology, extensively documented history of the heart and it's health as well as science. It's an uplifting book, in a way that it helps detoxify your mind and strengthen your heart, most importantly it helped me personally to start somewhere. As someone looking into being more healthier in 2025, this book was a lifesaver.
Recommended to anyone who wants to start living healthy when it comes to cardiac health and anyone who loves reading about health.
As a medical student just dipping my toe into the ocean of healthcare, this book was both deeply relatable and profoundly thought-provoking. Dr. Fisher interweaves his personal journey as a cardiologist, a son, a brother- with insights on compassion and empathy, physical and metaphysical traits of the heart. The anecdotes and actionable tools he shares reminded me why I chose this path in the first place: to genuinely connect with others and make a difference. This felt particularly timely as I prepare to step into residency. I was privileged enough to have the opportunity to meet Dr. Fisher, who is not only a brilliant author but also a genuinely kind and authentic person whose passion for helping others is truly palpable. He is an engaged listener and compassionate teacher, and you can seriously feel his heart (no pun intended) behind this work and its impact on the wellbeing of others. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone in medicine or anyone striving to bring more mindfulness and compassion into their life. I’m incredibly grateful for the wisdom Dr. Fisher shared, and I know it will guide me for years to come.
Just One Heart takes the reader on an integrative journey of the heart and being human.
It explores different layers of heart health through the lens of mindbodyspirit, seamlessly blending personal experience, professional experience (including case studies), science & contemplative traditions. The case studies are great examples of seeing & understanding the whole person and providing whole person compassionate care, this needs to be the norm in all healthcare settings. Each chapter contains practices that can support wellness & living with awareness in a compassionate, open & whole hearted way.
Although the focus of the book is around the many facets that are entwined to create heart health and whole person health it goes deeper than this and it links into the connectedness of everything.
It is clear that this book is written from a compassionate and heartfelt place and it contains much wisdom. It’s a book to dip back into and to engage frequently with the practices offered in it. It’s an important read for everyone.
This is a transformative book which bridges the gap between Western science and Eastern wisdom. The Author,Dr. Fisher, a cardiologist and mindfulness teacher, shares an integrated approach to wholehearted living, focusing on the mind-heart connection. The book initially introduces the concept of the "seven timeless traits of the heart" for holistic health and vitality. The Author, combines his medical expertise with mindfulness practices to offer readers simple tools and daily practices to manage stress, cultivate joy, and connect with what matters to them truly. For someone who wants to live a meaningful life, this book will be a treasure trove. Central themes include the importance of positive emotions, mindfulness, and self-care. Dr. Fisher emphasizes the impact of emotions on heart health and overall well-being, encouraging readers to cultivate gratitude, optimism, kindness, and other heart-waking emotions. For people who feel overwhelmed with their day-to-day routine, this book gives a refreshing perspective of empathy and expertise.
I’ve found "Just One Heart" to be oa profound and insightful look into the human heart - both metaphorical and physical. Dr. Fisher deftly braids together fascinating medical knowledge about our most vital organ with poignant personal narratives that illuminate the deep emotional connections we form through our hearts. This book is a beautiful reminder that we are more than just biological machines. With wisdom and compassion, my friend Dr. Fisher shows how our experiences of love, loss, resilience, and healing are all fundamentally rooted in the miraculous workings of the heart. For anyone looking to better understand the intricacies of the human condition, "Just One Heart" is an illuminating and deeply moving read.
"Just One Heart" is a revelatory and inspiring book, full of advice on how we can all improve our overall wellness—mind and body. Calling on his personal experiences as a cardiologist and extensive research, Dr. Fisher explores how simple adjustments in our mindsets and behaviors can have profound impacts on our happiness and personal fulfillment. It’s obvious that Dr. Fisher truly cares about his patients (and his readers!) and wants to see all of us live healthy, meaningful lives. Dr. Fisher’s holistic approach to wellness really should be the model for all health care professionals.
Dr. Fisher has taken his experience, research, relationships, knowledge, and deep inner-awareness to offer all perspectives on the most important truth: we are all connected - inside and outside. One of the biggest challenges for us in a busy world is to slow down, listen to our bodies, and tap into our own love in order to share it with others. This book will either save your life or greatly enhance it. It is quickly becoming my favorite resource for those I serve (and love) personally and professionally.
Just One Heart is like getting a lesson in biology wrapped in a conversation about what matters most in life.
Dr fisher masterfully balanced his real-life experience as a cardiologist and a compassionate human being, with evidence-based science, making this book a true stand-out.
I’m currently re-reading the chapter on how to steady my heart amidst chaos, and I’m so glad I have the digital version for endless highlighting and the hard copy to share with friends.
Breaking silo-thinking towards a greater integrated wholeness of human-beingness. Jonathan unlocks the interconnectedness of our whole-hearted journey embracing wellbeing, health and wellness. He inspires hope for better NEXT as we play to our strengths of thinking, being, feeling and doing better. He unpacks the timeless wisdom of the heart with pragmatic insights for action.
This book warmed my heart and gave me permission to heal and feel real joy. Dr. Fisher courageously shares his journey. He shares the science of the heart and how to keep our hearts healthy on all levels so we can love ourselves and others to the fullest.
Just One Heart is a powerful book that explores heart health and its connection to the mind and soul. The author being a cardiologist, bridges science and spirituality, offering a holistic approach to well-being.
The book is divided into three parts: First one highlights heartbreakers and heart-wakers, explaining what harms and heals the heart. Second, my favorite, focuses on the timeless traits of the heart, including spirituality, relaxation techniques, wisdom, and self-compassion. Third provides further resources and a summary of key lessons.
Drawing from personal and professional experiences, the author shares practical strategies to manage stress, cultivate joy, and improve overall health. He emphasizes the connection between emotions, kindness to oneself, and heart health, illustrating how spirituality can nurture both the mind and the heart.
Beautifully structured and deeply insightful, Just One Heart is more than a guide to physical health—it’s a transformative journey toward emotional and spiritual well-being. It inspires readers to reflect, grow, and adopt a more refined approach to life.