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From Mindfulness to Heartfulness: Transforming Self and Society with Compassion
Open Mind, Open Heart
Millions have found mindfulness to be a powerful practice for reducing stress, enhancing attention, and instilling tranquility. But it can offer so much more--it can transform you, make you more fully awake, alive, and aware of your connection to all beings. In Japanese, the character that best expresses mindfulness, 念, consists of two parts--the top part, 今, meaning "now," and the bottom part, 心, meaning "heart." Using stories from his own life as the son of an Irish father and a Japanese mother, a professor in Japan and America, a psychotherapist, a father, and a husband, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu describes eight "heartfulness" principles that help us realize that the deepest expression of an enlightened mind is found in our relation to others.
Millions have found mindfulness to be a powerful practice for reducing stress, enhancing attention, and instilling tranquility. But it can offer so much more--it can transform you, make you more fully awake, alive, and aware of your connection to all beings. In Japanese, the character that best expresses mindfulness, 念, consists of two parts--the top part, 今, meaning "now," and the bottom part, 心, meaning "heart." Using stories from his own life as the son of an Irish father and a Japanese mother, a professor in Japan and America, a psychotherapist, a father, and a husband, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu describes eight "heartfulness" principles that help us realize that the deepest expression of an enlightened mind is found in our relation to others.
256 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2018
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148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 22, 2018
Beautiful book, absolutely recommended -- even if this sort of thing is not usually your cup of tea, you might want to check this one out. And if you have the slightest interest in the topic, you won't want to miss this book! Now that I've read it once, I plan to go back and read it again and do the exercises at the end of the chapters.
Full disclosure: I may not be entirely unbiased. A friend suggested that this author contact me, because he wanted to translate a book he'd written and published in Japan into English. The book was called "The Stanford University Mindfulness Classroom" in Japanese. But in the course of our conversation, it became clear that the book was not really about higher education, so I suggested he talk to Neal Maillet at Berrett-Koehler, they connected, and now we have this wonderful book. I think this book ended up not being a translation from the Japanese so much as a new work inspired by the idea of translating the Japanese work. I take no credit for any of it, since I was not involved, but I am delighted that it turned out so well!
Full disclosure: I may not be entirely unbiased. A friend suggested that this author contact me, because he wanted to translate a book he'd written and published in Japan into English. The book was called "The Stanford University Mindfulness Classroom" in Japanese. But in the course of our conversation, it became clear that the book was not really about higher education, so I suggested he talk to Neal Maillet at Berrett-Koehler, they connected, and now we have this wonderful book. I think this book ended up not being a translation from the Japanese so much as a new work inspired by the idea of translating the Japanese work. I take no credit for any of it, since I was not involved, but I am delighted that it turned out so well!
September 22, 2019
An enjoyable if flawed read, for someone who is a fan of Mindfulness already. The crux of the idea is that Mindfulness, with its emphasis on an individual's experience of the world but no prescriptions on feelings or actions towards oneself or others, can be augmented with the additional values of compassion and responsibility to make 'Heartfulness'. As the book says:
This quote captures both the worst and the best qualities of the books, in that the overall message to be compassionate and caring towards oneself and others resonates, but at the same time 'heartfulness' is just not as coherent a concept as mindfulness. Whereas mindfulness is as its core a simple idea — to be mindful of the present moment — with a simple way of becoming better at following this idea (meditation), heartfulness feels like a more sprawling set of ideas that lacks a concise definition and is at its core the same as humanitarianism (which, somewhat annoyingly, is not acknowledged).
Still, humanitarianism is a great ideal to follow and so it's good to be reminded of the virtues of it, and so despite this lack of concise clarity I enjoyed reading through the various recommendations on how to practice and increase heartfulness. The eight practices recommended here — vulnerability, authenticity, connectedness, listening, acceptance, gratitude, service — often border on being obvious and universally accepted as is (authenticity is 'be yourself', acceptance is 'accept what you can't change', listening is 'be a good listener', gratitude is 'be grateful for what you have'), but are pleasant to read about anyway due to the mix of stories, quotes, scientific references, and personal reflections they are conveyed with. They do however also reflect the murky nature of heartfulness; how does acceptance of what one cannot change really relate to being compassionate and responsible?
So, on the whole recommend, if you are willing to put up with the somewhat disjointed nature of the thoughts expressed here.
Heartfulness describes a way of being in mindfulness, in compassion, and in responsibility. The word mindfulness, by itself, seems insufficient to explain how mindful consciousness extends into compassion and is expressed in active caring. Heartfulness portrays this expansive sense of living with openness and clarity, being true to ourselves, acting in sympathy with all beings, resonating with and being part of the world around us. The word compassion literally means “feeling with,” and is enabled by first being willing to feel what you feel, opening up a certain rawness and tenderness.
This quote captures both the worst and the best qualities of the books, in that the overall message to be compassionate and caring towards oneself and others resonates, but at the same time 'heartfulness' is just not as coherent a concept as mindfulness. Whereas mindfulness is as its core a simple idea — to be mindful of the present moment — with a simple way of becoming better at following this idea (meditation), heartfulness feels like a more sprawling set of ideas that lacks a concise definition and is at its core the same as humanitarianism (which, somewhat annoyingly, is not acknowledged).
Still, humanitarianism is a great ideal to follow and so it's good to be reminded of the virtues of it, and so despite this lack of concise clarity I enjoyed reading through the various recommendations on how to practice and increase heartfulness. The eight practices recommended here — vulnerability, authenticity, connectedness, listening, acceptance, gratitude, service — often border on being obvious and universally accepted as is (authenticity is 'be yourself', acceptance is 'accept what you can't change', listening is 'be a good listener', gratitude is 'be grateful for what you have'), but are pleasant to read about anyway due to the mix of stories, quotes, scientific references, and personal reflections they are conveyed with. They do however also reflect the murky nature of heartfulness; how does acceptance of what one cannot change really relate to being compassionate and responsible?
So, on the whole recommend, if you are willing to put up with the somewhat disjointed nature of the thoughts expressed here.
August 11, 2019
The most beautiful and insightful book I've ever read. Wholeheartedly recommended to all!
May 5, 2019
The author has good ideas about recognizing our humanity, and the humanity of others, as well as appreciating the miraculous nature of otherwise ordinary things.
Unfortunately he has trouble expressing himself and is at times nearly incoherent. This book is quite a lot of work to read.
Unfortunately he has trouble expressing himself and is at times nearly incoherent. This book is quite a lot of work to read.
July 18, 2020
words words words
empty empty empty
boring
empty empty empty
boring
February 12, 2025
The wonder of Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu sensei's “Heartfulness” lies in his sequencing of the values presented in this book. Heartfulness begins with a beginner’s mind—redefining the concept of mindfulness and exploring our identity—then invites us to embrace vulnerability: our own weaknesses and experiences as the basis for understanding others; as the open road to authenticity.
But how does one know one is authentic?
“We feel that we can discover authenticity in special moments when we sense our words and actions emerging mysteriously from deep inside us… You know when you touch it, and those around you also recognize it,” Shigematsu writes.
Vulnerability and authenticity lead to natural connectivity with others. However, to truly befriend someone who is different from us, Stephen employs Pat Parker’s framework:
“For the white person who wants to know how to be my friend, the first thing you do is to forget that I’m Black. Second you must never forget that I am Black.”
In the art of friendship, the first stage is to see the other person as a human being, stripping away any preconceived notions and judgements. This fosters a humane respect for that person. Once we perceive others on this deeper level, we can return to discerning the unique background differences that contribute to each person’s individuality, strength, and trauma—without compromising respect.
Connectivity is deepened through deep listening, which sometimes means offering our pure awareness to someone without needing anything in return. Much of Shigematsu's approach and anecdotes stem from his own personal experience in end-of-life care and in teaching cross-cultural competence at Stanford as an academic-practitioner.
In the final chapters, Shigematsu returns to three important principles: 1) accepting hardship and reality while still striving to change what can be improved, 2) practicing gratitude, and 3) committing to a life of service. All these contribute to a purposeful, joyful, and meaningful life. Throughout the eight chapters, he masterfully weaves personal stories to convey his teachings. He enriches them with quotes from various cultures and traditions, anecdotes, and word-character etymology from both Latin and Sino-Japanese roots. Most importantly, Shigematsu is fiercely vulnerable. This book provides a glimpse into the ever-working heart-mind of a skilled psychologist and a celebrated educator-practitioner of our time.
It is one thing to know values, and another to embody them. Even if one is already familiar with all the qualities mentioned in this book, one is reminded—if not transformed—by revisiting them through the lens and heartful stories of Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu.
But how does one know one is authentic?
“We feel that we can discover authenticity in special moments when we sense our words and actions emerging mysteriously from deep inside us… You know when you touch it, and those around you also recognize it,” Shigematsu writes.
Vulnerability and authenticity lead to natural connectivity with others. However, to truly befriend someone who is different from us, Stephen employs Pat Parker’s framework:
“For the white person who wants to know how to be my friend, the first thing you do is to forget that I’m Black. Second you must never forget that I am Black.”
In the art of friendship, the first stage is to see the other person as a human being, stripping away any preconceived notions and judgements. This fosters a humane respect for that person. Once we perceive others on this deeper level, we can return to discerning the unique background differences that contribute to each person’s individuality, strength, and trauma—without compromising respect.
Connectivity is deepened through deep listening, which sometimes means offering our pure awareness to someone without needing anything in return. Much of Shigematsu's approach and anecdotes stem from his own personal experience in end-of-life care and in teaching cross-cultural competence at Stanford as an academic-practitioner.
In the final chapters, Shigematsu returns to three important principles: 1) accepting hardship and reality while still striving to change what can be improved, 2) practicing gratitude, and 3) committing to a life of service. All these contribute to a purposeful, joyful, and meaningful life. Throughout the eight chapters, he masterfully weaves personal stories to convey his teachings. He enriches them with quotes from various cultures and traditions, anecdotes, and word-character etymology from both Latin and Sino-Japanese roots. Most importantly, Shigematsu is fiercely vulnerable. This book provides a glimpse into the ever-working heart-mind of a skilled psychologist and a celebrated educator-practitioner of our time.
It is one thing to know values, and another to embody them. Even if one is already familiar with all the qualities mentioned in this book, one is reminded—if not transformed—by revisiting them through the lens and heartful stories of Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu.
August 28, 2025
The idealism in this book reflects a more eastern alignment of thinking, perhaps because of the strong influence that is evident of the author’s grandmother during many of his formative times. This also includes the situations leading up to and at the time of her death.
There are many fascinating tidbits within kanji and how that is applied to living within the world, but it is up to the reader to ultimately take pieces of what resonates with them to see if it’s applicable in their lives. Those who are underprivileged and live more of their life through systematic oppression may see the teachings of this book as affordable for those who choose not to fight in their beliefs. It takes real consideration to incorporate these methods and even more effort to intentionally recognize that putting ourselves out there to the whole community may risk alienating another. Just food for thought.
I did enjoy aspects of the conversation of western autonomy and eastern cohesiveness as there is valuable insights to be had of how we can mix elements of the two to be aware that not everything is as practical as made out to be in this book, but nonetheless, the practice of mindfulness is not something that is finally achievable and no longer practiced once in the “final” stages.
To close off, I strongly resonate with the principle of momo no aware. Simply put, it’s the appreciation of truth and beauty of things and allowing sadness to encompass the passing or finality of that respective item or experience. Encountering that demonstrates resilience, but also opens up the decision to escape from the discomfort or allow it to envelope one to understand that there might have been something one has contributed to that passing.
There are many fascinating tidbits within kanji and how that is applied to living within the world, but it is up to the reader to ultimately take pieces of what resonates with them to see if it’s applicable in their lives. Those who are underprivileged and live more of their life through systematic oppression may see the teachings of this book as affordable for those who choose not to fight in their beliefs. It takes real consideration to incorporate these methods and even more effort to intentionally recognize that putting ourselves out there to the whole community may risk alienating another. Just food for thought.
I did enjoy aspects of the conversation of western autonomy and eastern cohesiveness as there is valuable insights to be had of how we can mix elements of the two to be aware that not everything is as practical as made out to be in this book, but nonetheless, the practice of mindfulness is not something that is finally achievable and no longer practiced once in the “final” stages.
To close off, I strongly resonate with the principle of momo no aware. Simply put, it’s the appreciation of truth and beauty of things and allowing sadness to encompass the passing or finality of that respective item or experience. Encountering that demonstrates resilience, but also opens up the decision to escape from the discomfort or allow it to envelope one to understand that there might have been something one has contributed to that passing.
August 14, 2018
Thanks to Elizabeth Codey and the Penguin Random House Publishers Services Giveaway, I enjoyed a most insightful and inspirational book from Berrett-Koehler Publishers, which is known for its exceptional publications that focus on bettering our lives.
FROM MINDFULNESS TO HEARTFULNESS-TRANSFORMING SELF AND SOCIETY WITH COMPASSION, by STEPHEN MURPHY-SHIGEMATSU, is a user-friendly tutorial of his East-West philosophy. The lengthy title may look daunting, but the process is not.
The author guides us in understanding ourselves and others as he draws upon his personal history, his education, and teaching stories that span continents and cultures. It opens a door to a more compassionate life for ourselves and empowers us with the capacity to share that compassion with others.
FROM MINDFULNESS TO HEARTFULNESS-TRANSFORMING SELF AND SOCIETY WITH COMPASSION, by STEPHEN MURPHY-SHIGEMATSU, is a user-friendly tutorial of his East-West philosophy. The lengthy title may look daunting, but the process is not.
The author guides us in understanding ourselves and others as he draws upon his personal history, his education, and teaching stories that span continents and cultures. It opens a door to a more compassionate life for ourselves and empowers us with the capacity to share that compassion with others.
September 6, 2018
Just saw this at the library and it called out to me. Excellent book, thought provoking and it makes sense but almost a book that one needs to own, didn't do the exercises and would like to. Thought of my sister Julie and may purchase for her and then make a copy of the exercises to do for myself when things aren't that crazy. Appreciated the author's genuine sharing of his experiences from family, to school and his precious grandmother. Grateful that this book found me.
July 4, 2025
More of a memoir than a guide for heartfulness. Rambling, repetitive prose. The author suggests he is going to structure the book around eight ways of cultivating heartfulness. He does list those eight ways, but the content of the chapters bears little connection to the titles. I read the entire book mostly because I was on traveling cross country and did not have anything else to read on the planes and in airports.
August 19, 2020
Gratitude empathy interconnectedness responsibility
Presence respect acceptance seeing
LISTENING!!!!!!!! Acceptance then change
Naikan- forgiveness
1 what have I received from others
2 what have I given to the other person
3 what troubles and difficulties have I caused others
Doesn’t feed bitterness and blame, responsibility > victimhood
Morita- radical acceptance
Presence respect acceptance seeing
LISTENING!!!!!!!! Acceptance then change
Naikan- forgiveness
1 what have I received from others
2 what have I given to the other person
3 what troubles and difficulties have I caused others
Doesn’t feed bitterness and blame, responsibility > victimhood
Morita- radical acceptance
March 20, 2019
While visiting Stanford, I picked this book up in the bookstore and saw that it was written by a current psychology professor. It peaked my interest and the book didn't disappoint. I would love to sit in on one of Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu's lectures and see his gentleness and heart in action.
June 25, 2019
Very helpful!! Glad to have read it. :)
February 3, 2022
Lo compré en una librería increíble del Japan Town de San Francisco. Me parece una lectura muy enriquecedora si te interesa la práctica del Mindfulness y quieres ahondar un poco más allá de los libros de siempre.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews