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A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled
**The number one bestseller, with over 150,000 copies sold, which kick-started a mindfulness revolution**'Ruby Wax has written a guide to mindfulness that's as hilarious as it is useful' Arianna Huffington'We are all frazzled, all of us...'Five hundred years ago no one died of we invented this concept and now we let it rule us. In A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled, Ruby Wax shows us how to de-frazzle for good by making simple changes that give us time to breathe, reflect and live in the moment. It's an easy-to-understand introduction to mindfulness, weaved together with Ruby's trademark wit and humour.Let Ruby be your guide to a healthier, happier you. You've nothing to lose but your stress...'Whip-smart on the subject... she teaches the art of doing nothing in a way that doesn't send you to sleep' The Times
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2016
690 people are currently reading
3741 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Wax
34 books306 followersRuby Wax arrived in Britain in 1977 to pursue an acting career. She says "I really could never find my niche. I was a terrible actress, I couldn't sing, I couldn't do characters, I couldn't do an English accent and I lived in England, so I was narrowing it down".
She met French and Saunders at a party and worked alongside them a number of times, on television in Happy Families, at charity events such as Hysteria and notably the sitcom Girls on Top. Ruby played Shelley Dupont, a stereotypically loud American dying for a career in show-business. Not a huge hit, Girls on Top nevertheless gave the trio the chance to find their feet in comedy.
Ruby eventually got a chat show after drunkenly interviewing Michael Grade (who was head of Channel 4 at the time) in a tent at the Edinburgh festival. She subsequently made a range of programmes, many revolving around her as an interviewer. Her popularity in terms of comedy came from her interviewing technique: she was always forthright, brash and loud, conforming to the British stereotype of an American. Her physical appearance matched this image, with red hair and blood-red lipstick.
In 2002 Ruby Wax wrote her memoir, How Do You Want Me?, which became a bestseller.
Her 2010 stand-up show Losing It deals with her experience of bipolar disorder. She founded Black Dog Tribe in 2011 in response to the audience reaction from her theatre show. In September 2013, she graduated from Kellogg College at Oxford University with a master's degree in mindfulness based cognitive therapy. She had previously earned a postgraduate certificate in psychotherapy and counselling from Regents College in London.
These days she promotes understanding of the brain and campaigns for greater mental health awareness and destigmatisation.
- summarised from Dawn French Online, Wikipedia and her website
She met French and Saunders at a party and worked alongside them a number of times, on television in Happy Families, at charity events such as Hysteria and notably the sitcom Girls on Top. Ruby played Shelley Dupont, a stereotypically loud American dying for a career in show-business. Not a huge hit, Girls on Top nevertheless gave the trio the chance to find their feet in comedy.
Ruby eventually got a chat show after drunkenly interviewing Michael Grade (who was head of Channel 4 at the time) in a tent at the Edinburgh festival. She subsequently made a range of programmes, many revolving around her as an interviewer. Her popularity in terms of comedy came from her interviewing technique: she was always forthright, brash and loud, conforming to the British stereotype of an American. Her physical appearance matched this image, with red hair and blood-red lipstick.
In 2002 Ruby Wax wrote her memoir, How Do You Want Me?, which became a bestseller.
Her 2010 stand-up show Losing It deals with her experience of bipolar disorder. She founded Black Dog Tribe in 2011 in response to the audience reaction from her theatre show. In September 2013, she graduated from Kellogg College at Oxford University with a master's degree in mindfulness based cognitive therapy. She had previously earned a postgraduate certificate in psychotherapy and counselling from Regents College in London.
These days she promotes understanding of the brain and campaigns for greater mental health awareness and destigmatisation.
- summarised from Dawn French Online, Wikipedia and her website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
September 12, 2016
I'm not quite sure where to start with this review. I made a start on Mark Williams' Mindfulness: A practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world quite some time ago but got a bit bogged down, so when my doctor diagnosed me as a tiny compacted ball of stress and said I should look into mindfulness, I sagged at the thought of trying again with the Williams, in spite of its good reviews, then found this at a bookshop and thought I'd give it a go. And it's really very good. It's extremely readable, and Wax includes plenty of easily-digestible but apparently thorough information about how the brain works and what mindfulness can do about it.
I really liked the sections about her own experiences. These often tread the line between funny and harrowing and I feel are mostly useful in describing a certain mental state that mindfulness can help with. I did get the feeling as I read through the book though, that perhaps my problems weren't entirely relevant. Following up though, I've gone back to the Williams (which I'm finding much easier this time, now I've got some context for it) and the situations he describes are much more in line with my own experience. Possibly this is because I don't have depression, and neither did I go through a more-than-averagely-traumatic childhood.
The book includes what I felt to be excellent sections on mindfulness for children and teenagers. I've seen that other readers who don't have children have skipped these parts, but actually I found them very interesting because while the exercises there don't have any practical application to my life, they describe how the brain develops through the various phases of childhood. So they're interesting, and I suspect relevant to anyone who has any sort of contact with babies, children or teenagers, even if they're not your own.
Wax has developed her own 6-week mindfulness course, which is shorter than most approaches (8 weeks seems to be the standard). I've read through it and am aiming to have a go at it, but can't really report on whether it's a good'un. It's been given the tick of approval by Mark Williams, however, who apart from being one of the originators of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) was Wax's tutor for her Masters degree in MBCT at Oxford. The course seems to be a little less formal and more in keeping with normal lives than others I've looked at. It gives a strong impression that you can do it without needing to significantly change your current activities, which is appealing and certainly should make it an option worthy of consideration for those who are concerned that they might not commit to a more formal course. That said, the nature of mindfulness does require commitment, so you still need to do the practice to get the results!
I enjoyed Ruby Wax's writing style, although I take issue with the Arianna Huffington quote on the back cover describing it as 'hilarious' because it isn't. Definitely amusing. At times outright funny. But most of the book I'd describe as serious with a large splash of humour. Occasionally I felt the humour felt a little forced and distracted from the serious message a little but for the most part I felt it was well balanced and that the information was front and centre. I don't actually think I've seen any of Ruby Wax's work as a comedian, although I knew her name and face, so I don't know how her writing style compares to her comedy work.
In short, I think this is a good, readable introduction to mindfulness, if you bear in mind that Wax's own issues are on the extreme side and the practice is supposed to also be useful for less dramatic situations. It's probably also a good choice if you want to understand something of what it's like to experience depression or if you're struggling to deal with a child or teenager's difficult behaviour.
I really liked the sections about her own experiences. These often tread the line between funny and harrowing and I feel are mostly useful in describing a certain mental state that mindfulness can help with. I did get the feeling as I read through the book though, that perhaps my problems weren't entirely relevant. Following up though, I've gone back to the Williams (which I'm finding much easier this time, now I've got some context for it) and the situations he describes are much more in line with my own experience. Possibly this is because I don't have depression, and neither did I go through a more-than-averagely-traumatic childhood.
The book includes what I felt to be excellent sections on mindfulness for children and teenagers. I've seen that other readers who don't have children have skipped these parts, but actually I found them very interesting because while the exercises there don't have any practical application to my life, they describe how the brain develops through the various phases of childhood. So they're interesting, and I suspect relevant to anyone who has any sort of contact with babies, children or teenagers, even if they're not your own.
Wax has developed her own 6-week mindfulness course, which is shorter than most approaches (8 weeks seems to be the standard). I've read through it and am aiming to have a go at it, but can't really report on whether it's a good'un. It's been given the tick of approval by Mark Williams, however, who apart from being one of the originators of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) was Wax's tutor for her Masters degree in MBCT at Oxford. The course seems to be a little less formal and more in keeping with normal lives than others I've looked at. It gives a strong impression that you can do it without needing to significantly change your current activities, which is appealing and certainly should make it an option worthy of consideration for those who are concerned that they might not commit to a more formal course. That said, the nature of mindfulness does require commitment, so you still need to do the practice to get the results!
I enjoyed Ruby Wax's writing style, although I take issue with the Arianna Huffington quote on the back cover describing it as 'hilarious' because it isn't. Definitely amusing. At times outright funny. But most of the book I'd describe as serious with a large splash of humour. Occasionally I felt the humour felt a little forced and distracted from the serious message a little but for the most part I felt it was well balanced and that the information was front and centre. I don't actually think I've seen any of Ruby Wax's work as a comedian, although I knew her name and face, so I don't know how her writing style compares to her comedy work.
In short, I think this is a good, readable introduction to mindfulness, if you bear in mind that Wax's own issues are on the extreme side and the practice is supposed to also be useful for less dramatic situations. It's probably also a good choice if you want to understand something of what it's like to experience depression or if you're struggling to deal with a child or teenager's difficult behaviour.
December 1, 2017
I was very impressed with this book. I found it a witty, relatable and, constructive response to the author's own mental illness, and thought it deliver sound advice on how the reader could attempt to nurture their own.
July 8, 2017
It's all a bunch of tree-hugging hippy crap!'
- The philosopher/poet Eric Cartman
But is it, Cartman? Is it really?
Now, I'm not normally one for all this New Age fiddle-faddle. Homeopathy is clearly bollocks, ditto for Reiki, and you can shove your crystals where the sun don't shine. Mindfulness, though...
...Well, as sceptical as I am (and, believe me, I am)from reading this book it seems to me that 'mindfulness' is just another way of saying 'be present in the moment, actually experience your life rather than sleepwalking through it on autopilot'. I can't actually see a downside to that.
I know I'm definitely guilty of switching on the old autopilot and going through half my day only partially aware. It's partly a defence mechanism brought on by so much of my day (the work part, mostly) being so soul-destroyingly banal and repetitive. I think it's also a big swig of apathy, though, and that's something I think I need to be aware of and actively combat.
Why only three stars, then, I hear nobody cry? Well, it's mainly because I find Ruby Wax's trademark abrasive style of humour at odds with the subject matter. Also that a good 25% of the book deals with the use of mindfulness in raising children which is more than a little outside my area of interest, unfortunately. As I've often had to tell people, though, three stars is still a good read on my scale, so this isn't meant to be a scathing review by any means.
Screw you guys; I'm going home!'
- Eric Cartman, soul of a warrior
- The philosopher/poet Eric Cartman
But is it, Cartman? Is it really?
Now, I'm not normally one for all this New Age fiddle-faddle. Homeopathy is clearly bollocks, ditto for Reiki, and you can shove your crystals where the sun don't shine. Mindfulness, though...
...Well, as sceptical as I am (and, believe me, I am)from reading this book it seems to me that 'mindfulness' is just another way of saying 'be present in the moment, actually experience your life rather than sleepwalking through it on autopilot'. I can't actually see a downside to that.
I know I'm definitely guilty of switching on the old autopilot and going through half my day only partially aware. It's partly a defence mechanism brought on by so much of my day (the work part, mostly) being so soul-destroyingly banal and repetitive. I think it's also a big swig of apathy, though, and that's something I think I need to be aware of and actively combat.
Why only three stars, then, I hear nobody cry? Well, it's mainly because I find Ruby Wax's trademark abrasive style of humour at odds with the subject matter. Also that a good 25% of the book deals with the use of mindfulness in raising children which is more than a little outside my area of interest, unfortunately. As I've often had to tell people, though, three stars is still a good read on my scale, so this isn't meant to be a scathing review by any means.
Screw you guys; I'm going home!'
- Eric Cartman, soul of a warrior
March 7, 2019
I am contemplating doing the 6 weeks mindfulness course which is part of this book if anyone would like to join me? Always works better if you have an accountability partner (or two).
July 25, 2016
I very much liked Ruby Wax's first book "Sane New World: Taming The Mind" which was a very interesting read insightful and funny but this tried to be all things to all women/men as a guide to mindfulness and so included chapters for teenagers and children etc, but for me it felt very much like a retread of her first book with some additional information specific to mindfulness and specific about her own experiences with mental illness which although interesting was not why I bought the book.
Also for me being a beginner to mindfulness I think I need someone talking me through the exercises in audio format for the mindfulness exercises to work as there is no way I could retain all the instructions in my head. I think the book's Chapter 6 on mindfulness gives you an understanding of the mindfulness exercises you can do but I need someone to hold my hand more. So I will be exploring further options such as Mark Williams whom Ruby recommends. Disappointed.
Also for me being a beginner to mindfulness I think I need someone talking me through the exercises in audio format for the mindfulness exercises to work as there is no way I could retain all the instructions in my head. I think the book's Chapter 6 on mindfulness gives you an understanding of the mindfulness exercises you can do but I need someone to hold my hand more. So I will be exploring further options such as Mark Williams whom Ruby recommends. Disappointed.
December 22, 2016
A book that brings rewards as you listen. There's a 6 week course in mindfulness in the middle, bookended by the author's experiences before and after her own Masters (don't you know!) at Oxford which brought her a realisation to the benefits. Wax was everywhere on telly when I was a teenager and I personally wasn't into her manic approach to comedy. That said she reads her book brilliantly and there was so much to enjoy. The final chapters around her personal challenge of a week long meditation was fantastic, eating a digestive today was a different experience for me too! A super chapter for parents on introducing concepts of being mindful for children was particularly engaging and made a lot of sense, although not having children I am guessing my judgemental head sees the impractical as practical. A big recommendation for anyone looking for more opportunities for sanity.
February 24, 2019
A very interesting book but I think I made a mistake listening to the audio book rather than having a real copy. I loved hearing Ruby read but some parts of the more helpful parts were harder to follow when listening. I will look out for a paper copy.
June 10, 2018
I found it quite annoying to be honest. I mean, the tips were good and explanations were easy to understand. But the “humor” was not for my taste. Too speciesist and sexist etc.
August 13, 2019
Cera una volta
Dis-agile manualetto sulla Mindfulness (intro/vaghe spiegazioni/nozioni random riguardo a cervello e suo funzionamento/tipico corso in x settimane/esperienze personali), in questo caso scritto da una (ex, suppongo) comica e TEDtalker. Pros & cons:
- Pros: la Mindfulness pare interessante. Letti un paio di libri introduttivi, però, devo ammettere di aver problemi a vedere la separazione tra "notare" e "pensare", o meglio, a capire cosa si intenda per "osservare i propri pensieri" e cose del genere. Whatever. In più, alcune delle wikipediche informazioni sul cervello e sul suo funzionamento sono interessanti e/o curiose.
- Cons: scritto e tradotto con stile odioso. Probabilmente dipende dalla personalità dell'Autrice, e dalla sua vena comica lontana dai miei gusti - purtroppo il libro è stato scritto con l'idea, temo, di procurare al lettore anche del divertimento. Credo. Triste.
A mia difesa:
- non sopporto i (pessimi) libri abbandonati alla terza pagina. Sarà masochismo
- l'argomento mi intriga, e il sistema bibliotecario aveva da offrire questo e poco altro: ho avuto sfortuna
TEDtalker + Ruby... ricicliamo un diversamente intonato (ma quanto mi garba!) duetto AFP & Ruby Wedensday https://youtu.be/pATzNLu6MzM?t=9118
Dis-agile manualetto sulla Mindfulness (intro/vaghe spiegazioni/nozioni random riguardo a cervello e suo funzionamento/tipico corso in x settimane/esperienze personali), in questo caso scritto da una (ex, suppongo) comica e TEDtalker. Pros & cons:
- Pros: la Mindfulness pare interessante. Letti un paio di libri introduttivi, però, devo ammettere di aver problemi a vedere la separazione tra "notare" e "pensare", o meglio, a capire cosa si intenda per "osservare i propri pensieri" e cose del genere. Whatever. In più, alcune delle wikipediche informazioni sul cervello e sul suo funzionamento sono interessanti e/o curiose.
- Cons: scritto e tradotto con stile odioso. Probabilmente dipende dalla personalità dell'Autrice, e dalla sua vena comica lontana dai miei gusti - purtroppo il libro è stato scritto con l'idea, temo, di procurare al lettore anche del divertimento. Credo. Triste.
A mia difesa:
- non sopporto i (pessimi) libri abbandonati alla terza pagina. Sarà masochismo
- l'argomento mi intriga, e il sistema bibliotecario aveva da offrire questo e poco altro: ho avuto sfortuna
TEDtalker + Ruby... ricicliamo un diversamente intonato (ma quanto mi garba!) duetto AFP & Ruby Wedensday https://youtu.be/pATzNLu6MzM?t=9118
September 30, 2017
Review to follow. Wonderful book.
May 25, 2021
Experience frazzled up close by reading this book. Some mindfulness type, some unmindful blatant bigotry. I do want to go to Bruges and am thankful for a Belgian appreciation to be recalled.
May 21, 2023
I basically never use the highlight function of my kindle, but I highlighted multiple passages while reading this.
January 31, 2022
I listened to this book on audio, read by the author. I was already having trouble with the author’s rather chaotic style (going off at tangents, and using endless, complicated comparisons that just made things more confusing), when I was shocked by something they said at about the 20% mark. The author brings up fight, flight and freeze responses resulting from the sympathetic nervous system (most people add on the fourth ‘F’ response of fawn, but the author ignores that one).
She then says these responses are built into us to make us ‘man up’ when in danger (a toxic expression, if ever there was one) and goes on to describe fight as using your energy to ‘kick ass’, flight to ‘get the hell out of there’, and (this is what made me angry) said, ‘or if you’re a loser, freeze like a rabbit in the headlights’. I was so shocked, I played the section back about five times because I thought I must have misunderstood something. Does Wax really think if your involuntary response to being attacked is to freeze, you’re a loser?
Many sexual assault victims freeze, and really mentally struggle afterwards with how they responded. But their body did a quick calculation - fight and flight were not realistic options and freezing probably saved them from greater physical injury or even death. It’s a completely valid survival response. The fact the author doesn’t realise this, and would shame anyone who reacted this way, made me instantly stop reading. This book could do more harm than good. If you want to read about mindfulness, there are lots of other books out there on the subject. Avoid this one.
She then says these responses are built into us to make us ‘man up’ when in danger (a toxic expression, if ever there was one) and goes on to describe fight as using your energy to ‘kick ass’, flight to ‘get the hell out of there’, and (this is what made me angry) said, ‘or if you’re a loser, freeze like a rabbit in the headlights’. I was so shocked, I played the section back about five times because I thought I must have misunderstood something. Does Wax really think if your involuntary response to being attacked is to freeze, you’re a loser?
Many sexual assault victims freeze, and really mentally struggle afterwards with how they responded. But their body did a quick calculation - fight and flight were not realistic options and freezing probably saved them from greater physical injury or even death. It’s a completely valid survival response. The fact the author doesn’t realise this, and would shame anyone who reacted this way, made me instantly stop reading. This book could do more harm than good. If you want to read about mindfulness, there are lots of other books out there on the subject. Avoid this one.
May 8, 2022
✺✺✺
I have dealt with a frazzled, busy, always-on,
mind, for half my life. The adult-hood half. I rationalize it like this: of course, my attention is always everywhere because of my faith and my intune-ness to my feelings. I observe myself living my life, and I live it- both at the same time.
I first realized this was true when my driving instructor picked up on it. It’s sort of like having a guard up, being reserved but thoughts circling under the veil.
Ths author, Ruby Wax, was helpful for not letting the reader get sidetracked and lost in the science. She simplifies the brain and focuses on the benefits of mindfulness. Honestly, I’m sold!
I made it easy for myself by incorporating mindfulness into other daily activities. This could be 5 minutes of mindfulness while combing my hair, or during a face massage when I get a sinus headache. This strategy helps reduce fidgetiness or the preoccupation of not doing mindfulness right.
I saw this book at university. And it felt like I should finally get a handle on my far-away mind. This book was sitting on one of those temporarily constructed stands at the library. I probably ruined the spread, loaning it but I felt it could fulfil a deep need. With the right practice, I’m certain mindfulness will deliver.
Feel free to see me on Instagram @SaarahNK to see the parts which stood out for me.
I have dealt with a frazzled, busy, always-on,
mind, for half my life. The adult-hood half. I rationalize it like this: of course, my attention is always everywhere because of my faith and my intune-ness to my feelings. I observe myself living my life, and I live it- both at the same time.
I first realized this was true when my driving instructor picked up on it. It’s sort of like having a guard up, being reserved but thoughts circling under the veil.
Ths author, Ruby Wax, was helpful for not letting the reader get sidetracked and lost in the science. She simplifies the brain and focuses on the benefits of mindfulness. Honestly, I’m sold!
I made it easy for myself by incorporating mindfulness into other daily activities. This could be 5 minutes of mindfulness while combing my hair, or during a face massage when I get a sinus headache. This strategy helps reduce fidgetiness or the preoccupation of not doing mindfulness right.
I saw this book at university. And it felt like I should finally get a handle on my far-away mind. This book was sitting on one of those temporarily constructed stands at the library. I probably ruined the spread, loaning it but I felt it could fulfil a deep need. With the right practice, I’m certain mindfulness will deliver.
Feel free to see me on Instagram @SaarahNK to see the parts which stood out for me.
April 24, 2016
I've never really understood or found the appeal of mindfulness. I've listened to podcasts, read other books, talked to people who do it but never understood the benefit of it. I find that most people write about the issue but never come up with a solution. Something I'm always looking for (even though I know there's no real solution for a mental health illness). I didn't really have high hopes going into this book but I do like Ruby Wax and thought I'd give it a shot as I'm on the lookout for any help with depression and anxiety.
Not only is this book funny, but it's an informed opinion on the topic. Wax offers supporting reference for her advice through the extensive research she has done, her studies at university and her own personal experiences in dealing with depression and anxiety.
If you've found that you're stuck at a dead end when it comes to figuring yourself out and how to deal with mental health issues, I would recommend reading this book.
Not only is this book funny, but it's an informed opinion on the topic. Wax offers supporting reference for her advice through the extensive research she has done, her studies at university and her own personal experiences in dealing with depression and anxiety.
If you've found that you're stuck at a dead end when it comes to figuring yourself out and how to deal with mental health issues, I would recommend reading this book.
February 7, 2017
An insightful and wickedly funny look at mindfulness, but mostly the anecdotal look at the author's experiences with depresion.
This book, as well as being mostly a fun read (when it's not being raw and real about the authors more troubling experiences) is filled with interesting information about the brain and mind.
Sometimes I thought it almost breathed sadness then other times I laughed out loud. It was honest and true. Sarcastic but not spiteful. The only thing I would say is that it came off a bit tactless when it talked about certain other belived, but I don't think it's overly malicious and goes hand in hand with Ruby wax's brand of humour.
I admit that at this time I haven't gone through the mindfulness excersises in the book, or the section on parenting and teenagers, but I may go back and update the review when I do.
This book, as well as being mostly a fun read (when it's not being raw and real about the authors more troubling experiences) is filled with interesting information about the brain and mind.
Sometimes I thought it almost breathed sadness then other times I laughed out loud. It was honest and true. Sarcastic but not spiteful. The only thing I would say is that it came off a bit tactless when it talked about certain other belived, but I don't think it's overly malicious and goes hand in hand with Ruby wax's brand of humour.
I admit that at this time I haven't gone through the mindfulness excersises in the book, or the section on parenting and teenagers, but I may go back and update the review when I do.
October 30, 2022
*Audiobook Review*
Probably closer to 4.5 actually. I remember Ruby Wax from my childhood, but didn't have a clue about her academic achievements, or her struggles with mental health.
The book includes numerous anecdotes from her personal life and a large sprinkle of sarcasm and hyperbole, but it is grounded in the science of mindfulness.
Wax provides step-by-step guides to mindfulness practise that you can do daily - including practise for those if us with busy and active lives (or those who are not 100% taken by the idea of mindfulness). She also provides guidance on how to introduce this practise to your children and teenagers. There is also a realisic guide for parents (and how to snatch those moments of mindfulness wihin the self chaotic family life).
I loved this as an audiobook, because Wax is engaging and entertaining, and I liked the guided mindfulness that you get with a voice telling you the steps. However, I will probably be purchasing the book, so that I can revisit the practices with ease.
Probably closer to 4.5 actually. I remember Ruby Wax from my childhood, but didn't have a clue about her academic achievements, or her struggles with mental health.
The book includes numerous anecdotes from her personal life and a large sprinkle of sarcasm and hyperbole, but it is grounded in the science of mindfulness.
Wax provides step-by-step guides to mindfulness practise that you can do daily - including practise for those if us with busy and active lives (or those who are not 100% taken by the idea of mindfulness). She also provides guidance on how to introduce this practise to your children and teenagers. There is also a realisic guide for parents (and how to snatch those moments of mindfulness wihin the self chaotic family life).
I loved this as an audiobook, because Wax is engaging and entertaining, and I liked the guided mindfulness that you get with a voice telling you the steps. However, I will probably be purchasing the book, so that I can revisit the practices with ease.
April 17, 2017
Well Ruby Wax clearly knows her stuff - this book combines her acerbic wit with her studies about the mind. I've enjoyed her comedy but didn't really expect this book to work. Drawing on her own personal experiences, it is a combination of anecdotes, simple psychology and some practical exercises to help bring mindfulness to life.
I probably wouldn't have picked up this book if it hadn't been recommended to me -- and I have to say that some of the exercises just don't work for me. I would like to try and bring some of them into daily use - if I could just find the book when I need it!!
4* as it was good, much better than I'd anticipated.
I probably wouldn't have picked up this book if it hadn't been recommended to me -- and I have to say that some of the exercises just don't work for me. I would like to try and bring some of them into daily use - if I could just find the book when I need it!!
4* as it was good, much better than I'd anticipated.
October 4, 2017
A more structured follow up to Sane New World, with a little more 'science' behind it and a six week course of mindfulness exercises. As you would expect, it's well put together, funny and a occasionally little manic (just like Ruby). I found myself almost mouthing 'how does she know that I do this?!' in parts of it, which is actually a pretty cathartic affirmation that it's not just me that loses my absolute shit about things. Stupid trivial things...
I have yet to try the six week course, to see if there are real positive changes to be made, but aim to start and report back (to you dear brain) in six weeks time. Understanding the 'why' is a clear positive, but I would like to be able to effect some changes to improve the 'why not' ability...
I have yet to try the six week course, to see if there are real positive changes to be made, but aim to start and report back (to you dear brain) in six weeks time. Understanding the 'why' is a clear positive, but I would like to be able to effect some changes to improve the 'why not' ability...
February 28, 2021
I picked this book very very sceptically. I thought mindfulness was for people who drink their own urine and share Facebook quotes about dancing in the rain.
What I enjoyed about Ruby's introduction was her sheer honesty - depression is real, mindfulness will not solve all your problems. This book will not erase your mental illness but it might help you accept the fact you have one and try and help you concentrate on your senses rather than your emotions.
The "Depression interlude" was particularly brilliant. I found myself reading, re-reading, quoting, highlighting and speaking it out loud in my own depressive episode.
"This is not my imagination. I am not being self indulgent."
Currently working my way through the six week mindfulness guide and so far so good.
Thanks Ruby for your heartbreaking honesty, your cynicism backed up with evidence and your humour.
What I enjoyed about Ruby's introduction was her sheer honesty - depression is real, mindfulness will not solve all your problems. This book will not erase your mental illness but it might help you accept the fact you have one and try and help you concentrate on your senses rather than your emotions.
The "Depression interlude" was particularly brilliant. I found myself reading, re-reading, quoting, highlighting and speaking it out loud in my own depressive episode.
"This is not my imagination. I am not being self indulgent."
Currently working my way through the six week mindfulness guide and so far so good.
Thanks Ruby for your heartbreaking honesty, your cynicism backed up with evidence and your humour.
May 21, 2022
An entertaining and accessible read, with Rudy’s trademark humour and wit. Woven through with personal stories, this book had the right mix of science, discussion, and experience with a bonus 6 week mindfulness course thrown in. I listened via the Libby app and have since got a paperback to keep practising! If you want to be more mindful but don’t know where to start, this may be the book for you.
June 1, 2018
Teaming her wit and humour with personal anecdotes on her journey to mindfulness - Ruby Wax tells it like no other. Funny, moving and full of information for those of us who struggle with our frazzled minds in a modern world
August 6, 2022
Very entertaining and interesting. I really enjoyed the sections about children and teenager mindfulness. We were able to put some of exercises into practice straight away with great results. Ruby's Dalai Lama photos will stay with me.
March 12, 2024
I found this book really interesting, lots of tips and information on teaching you mindfulness which I am going to try and do. Also I love the way Ruby writes this as she is very honest with her struggles but still manages to put her humour in it.
April 1, 2018
Back in 6 weeks to let you know how the Mindfulness course in this book went!
June 11, 2020
A very interesting and often funny take on the inner workings of modern western society, its expectations and how to deal with its lunacy!
July 27, 2023
Some good stuff here from Professor Mark Williams. But I expected it to be funny. And I’m afraid that Ruby isn’t as funny as I’d hoped. And she ventured into some psychiatric diagnosis that could be very disempowering for people struggling with mental distress. I don’t think that discussion about psychopharmacological drugs belongs in a book about mindfulness.
March 1, 2024
Good read and educational, written with Ruby's usual humour intertwined
November 29, 2024
Chaotisch geschreven. Opzich wel interessant om over na te denken dat je aandacht meer gefocust is op hier en nu. Maar boodschap kon opzich ook in veel minder woorden verteld worden.
June 17, 2017
I found parts of this book really easy to read, but faltered at chapter 5 and the mindfulness exercises. I'm conscious that the problem I had with this section of the book was that I was reading for leisure rather than as a deliberate decision to practice the exercises. As such, they were dry and interrupted the flow of the book for me. I ended up skipping this chapter and this allowed me to finish the book. I may well re-visit this section and work through the exercises when I feel able to do so.
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