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Mindfulness dla kobiet. Zatrzymaj się i poczuj smak życia
Praktyczny i przyjazny przewodnik dla kobiet szukających skupienia i spokoju pośród życiowych burz.
Wiele kobiet próbuje pogodzić jednocześnie rodzinę, pracę i mnóstwo obowiązków. Efekt? Są Przytłoczone i wyczerpane. W swojej książce Caroline Welch zabiera czytelniczki w podróż po mindfulness i zachęca, by uczynić go swoją filozofią życia.
Z książki dowiesz się m.in.:
• czym jest mindfulness
• jak wykorzystać go w praktyce
• jak być świadomą tu i teraz
• jak nawiązać kontakt z tym, co w życiu ma największe znaczenie
• jak budować pokojowe, ciepłe i przyjazne relacje z samą sobą i ze światem.
Autorka przeprowadziła wiele wywiadów z kobietami w różnym wieku i wywodzącymi się z różnych kultur. Twierdzi, że każdy trzyma w rękach klucze do bardziej harmonijnego życia – to, co trzeba zrobić, to po prostu spojrzeć wewnątrz siebie.
Wiele kobiet próbuje pogodzić jednocześnie rodzinę, pracę i mnóstwo obowiązków. Efekt? Są Przytłoczone i wyczerpane. W swojej książce Caroline Welch zabiera czytelniczki w podróż po mindfulness i zachęca, by uczynić go swoją filozofią życia.
Z książki dowiesz się m.in.:
• czym jest mindfulness
• jak wykorzystać go w praktyce
• jak być świadomą tu i teraz
• jak nawiązać kontakt z tym, co w życiu ma największe znaczenie
• jak budować pokojowe, ciepłe i przyjazne relacje z samą sobą i ze światem.
Autorka przeprowadziła wiele wywiadów z kobietami w różnym wieku i wywodzącymi się z różnych kultur. Twierdzi, że każdy trzyma w rękach klucze do bardziej harmonijnego życia – to, co trzeba zrobić, to po prostu spojrzeć wewnątrz siebie.
312 pages, Paperback
First published March 17, 2020
130 people are currently reading
1239 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 20, 2020
Like many type A’s forced into the slow lane by the coronavirus, I’ve continued to find ways to cram my days with online and home projects. Stopping to think made me sink. My mindfulness was becoming “mine-fieldness.”
Reading Caroline Welch’s “The Gift of Presence: A Mindfulness Guide for Women” (Penguin Random House) during this quarantine has transformed my fear-fueled speed into a more contemplative and aware retreat from the monkey mind.
The author, CEO and co-founder of the Mindsight Institute in Santa Monica, has aggregated the most accessible wisdoms of thought leaders in brain health and meditation and targeted them to women who habitually want to be it all.
From her extensive research Welch provides scientific evidence that women maintain far higher stress levels than men and take more responsibility internally. Females juggle more purposes per pound of flesh than males and must discern who they are (mother, homemaker, wife, cook, office worker, daughter).
Welch advises that we are a “fruit salad” of separate purposes, rather than a pureed “juice.” Trying to be a blend of all roles at the same time is ill advised, she wirtes.
Taking time to become newly present between meaningful phases—whether in the shower, or allowing yourself to truly see a sunbeam, or hear raindrops — regains you the grace essential for balance, she instructs.
Since finishing her book, I’ve found myself breathing deeply when on hold in a state of gratitude, which is a gateway to the mindfulness I’ll need when some lovely tech support person gives me complex information. With these small steps I’m building the capacity for longer periods of meditation when my need grows even greater.
If you’ve never mastered a formal sitting meditation practice, yoga or tai chi, if you’ve given low priority to developing inner peace, Welch advises that you make every moment a portal for “presence,” for being in the moment. She suggests starting with three-breath “mini-meditations,” gazing at a nearby object. These buffers between overreacting and simply responding from calm “without interpretation,” can gradually extend mindfulness of the thing itself into every waking moment. With that calm, we can dismantle our mental constructs and our negativity bias from a peaceful remove.
Welch offers helpful acronyms like FOMO (fear of missing out), and MOON (missing out on now), to help discern what our mind is experiencing. She guides us to give ourselves credit for WWW (what went well) in gaining the ability to observe what we are doing with our minds on purpose. Just recalling what the letters stand for slows me to a healthier pace.
And when you have the presence of mind and time to sit, Welch recommends trying these three simple approaches: focused attention on an object; or open monitoring—a flexible awareness of phenomena around you, including your own thoughts; and lovingkindness meditation—extending compassion to others, which comes most naturally at this time of crisis. And she advises us to extend self-compassion most frequently to ourselves.
Although researched and published just before our stay-at-home orders commenced, “The Gift of Presence: A Mindfulness Guide for Women,” could not have been released at a better time. Our current circumstances make these lessons more valuable and will provide an essential resource for all the healthier eras to come.
Reading Caroline Welch’s “The Gift of Presence: A Mindfulness Guide for Women” (Penguin Random House) during this quarantine has transformed my fear-fueled speed into a more contemplative and aware retreat from the monkey mind.
The author, CEO and co-founder of the Mindsight Institute in Santa Monica, has aggregated the most accessible wisdoms of thought leaders in brain health and meditation and targeted them to women who habitually want to be it all.
From her extensive research Welch provides scientific evidence that women maintain far higher stress levels than men and take more responsibility internally. Females juggle more purposes per pound of flesh than males and must discern who they are (mother, homemaker, wife, cook, office worker, daughter).
Welch advises that we are a “fruit salad” of separate purposes, rather than a pureed “juice.” Trying to be a blend of all roles at the same time is ill advised, she wirtes.
Taking time to become newly present between meaningful phases—whether in the shower, or allowing yourself to truly see a sunbeam, or hear raindrops — regains you the grace essential for balance, she instructs.
Since finishing her book, I’ve found myself breathing deeply when on hold in a state of gratitude, which is a gateway to the mindfulness I’ll need when some lovely tech support person gives me complex information. With these small steps I’m building the capacity for longer periods of meditation when my need grows even greater.
If you’ve never mastered a formal sitting meditation practice, yoga or tai chi, if you’ve given low priority to developing inner peace, Welch advises that you make every moment a portal for “presence,” for being in the moment. She suggests starting with three-breath “mini-meditations,” gazing at a nearby object. These buffers between overreacting and simply responding from calm “without interpretation,” can gradually extend mindfulness of the thing itself into every waking moment. With that calm, we can dismantle our mental constructs and our negativity bias from a peaceful remove.
Welch offers helpful acronyms like FOMO (fear of missing out), and MOON (missing out on now), to help discern what our mind is experiencing. She guides us to give ourselves credit for WWW (what went well) in gaining the ability to observe what we are doing with our minds on purpose. Just recalling what the letters stand for slows me to a healthier pace.
And when you have the presence of mind and time to sit, Welch recommends trying these three simple approaches: focused attention on an object; or open monitoring—a flexible awareness of phenomena around you, including your own thoughts; and lovingkindness meditation—extending compassion to others, which comes most naturally at this time of crisis. And she advises us to extend self-compassion most frequently to ourselves.
Although researched and published just before our stay-at-home orders commenced, “The Gift of Presence: A Mindfulness Guide for Women,” could not have been released at a better time. Our current circumstances make these lessons more valuable and will provide an essential resource for all the healthier eras to come.
March 14, 2021
I listened to the audiobook and found the content, quotes (inspiring and funny), and frameworks easy to understand. A few summary tables seemed to get lost in the reading without a clear explanation of what was being summarizied. What would have enhanced the audiobook experience would be actual guided meditation sessions with sound.
February 25, 2023
Cu idei destul de simple, un punct de plecare bun pentru cei ce isi doresc sa fie putin mai atenți la propria persoană, să iasă din starea de pilot automat.
Read
August 19, 2021The Gift of Presence is a gift for us all — filled with practical insights and fascinating science about the power of mindfulness. By interviewing over one hundred women from diverse backgrounds, Caroline Welch has gathered real life examples of how being present enriches our lives, allows us to find purpose and meaning, to recharge and renew ourselves, and to pivot when we need to course-correct. Well-written and wise, it’s a must-read for women of all ages.
Arianna Huffington, Founder of Huffpost and Founder & CEO of Thrive Global
Caroline Welch’s wise and timely book is a clarion call to all women, in the many roles we play, to bring more presence into our lives each day — not just through meditation, but in a variety of wise ways that lead to a richer, less stressful, more balanced life. Sharing her own experience from both Eastern and Western cultures, she offers a wealth of insight and sage advice about pacing, multitasking, relationships, and other essentials; and, as a result, readers will find themselves thinking in new ways about their own homelife, worklife, and the fine art of simply being in the world.
Diane Ackerman, New York Times bestselling author of The Zookeeper’s Wife
I love this book! It’s important that we all embrace the moment, be present, and cherish our time in the here and now. Caroline Welch inspires us to make mindfulness a way of being. The practical steps in this powerful guide lay the groundwork for more calm and less chaos in our lives. What a wonderful way to enhance our health and build a stronger mind!
Goldie Hawn, producer, actor, founder of the Hawn Foundation/MindUP, and author of 10 Mindful Minutes
A powerful statement of how presence can change our lives. The Gift of Presence is a must if you are in a transformational period in your life. Caroline Welch has brilliantly laid out how to live intentionally rather than on autopilot.
Diego Perez aka Yung Pueblo, author of Inward
Caroline Welch has gifted us with The Gift of Presence — an inviting, accessible, and beautifully written resource for women. Genuine and down-to-earth, Caroline demystifies mindfulness and provides practical suggestions to make it real. A perfect gift for any woman wanting to be more present while juggling the ups and downs of everyday life!
Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN, president of Mind & Life Institute, and author of Leaves Falling Gently
Caroline Welch has created a wonderfully accessible discourse on a phenomenon that can benefit all of us. It is impossible to engage meaning — fully in the world or effectively with others without first being PRESENT. Receptive awareness is an easy concept but requires evidence-based mindfulness practices to fully actualise in our lives. This book will make a difference to its readers.
Dr Drew Pinsky, television host and New York Times bestselling co-author of The Mirror Effect
Welch’s wonderful book is a mindfulness guide for women of all ages. Her gentle, practical, and profound guidance reflects her great insight into the minds and hearts of women.
Mary Pipher, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Women Rowing North and Reviving Ophelia
Caroline Welch makes a very compelling case for the power of mindfulness to positively transform our lives as women. She deftly navigates the scientific and theoretical foundations of mindfulness while offering a beautiful invitation to become more mindful without ever veering into self-help jargon. The Gift of Presence may be written for women, but it is truly a universal guide for anyone interested in strengthening and deepening their relationships, becoming more effective in reaching their goals, and having more joyful and meaningful lives.
Dr Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, visiting professor, Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, professor of Medicine/Cardiology, UCLA, and New York Times bestselling co-author of Zoobiquity and Wildhood
This beautifully written book about presence invites women to connect with what is most meaningful in life. It offers practical tools for mindful living that anyone can adopt. It is infused with down-to-earth wisdom, relatable stories, and a look at the science behind it all. Highly recommended!
Diana Winston, director of Mindfulness Education at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center, and author of The Little Book of Being
What a welcome resource Caroline Welch’s mindfulness guide is for us — the rich array of stories, teachings, and examples lovingly gathered here touch all of our lives. Rigorous research is presented clearly in a strong yet gentle voice. The Gift of Presence is a unique contribution that will benefit countless women — and men, too.
Trudy Goodman, PhD, founding teacher at InsightLA
This is a wonderfully useful tool for helping women to find peace and calm in the midst of busy lives. Highly accessible yet filled with the latest cutting edge science, this book will teach you how to use presence as a pathway to happiness.
Kristin Neff, PhD, associate professor at University of Texas at Austin, and author of Self-Compassion: the proven power of being kind to yourself
Calling all women! At a time when we are juggling more than ever before, our stress levels are not just increasing, but have reached levels that are 40 percent greater than men’s. Taking care of ourselves has never been more important, and Caroline Welch provides a research-based, healthy path to living with presence and purpose that can make a lasting difference on our health and well-being starting now.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, first partner of California, filmmaker, advocate, and mother of four
We live in a world of culturally constructed messages — often disempowering for women — that shape our beliefs, behaviours, and sense of self. The Gift of Presence is the antidote. Caroline Welch masterfully blends science, stories, and practices, offering doable ways to be our most resilient selves and get through even the toughest of times.
Michelle Reugebrink, firefighter, Mindfulness and Resiliency Program manager, and Forest Therapy guide and coach
An evocative reminder that arriving at presence and purpose in your life is as close as your next breath … and that’s when things get interesting. Caroline Welch has provided us with a wonderful guide for finding and harnessing these life transforming qualities.
Zindel Segal, PhD, professor at University of Toronto, and author of The Mindful Way Through Depression
This is a lovely book, scholarly, inviting and wise. From her own fascinating journey, plus the stories of women she’s interviewed and taught, Caroline Welch brings us a fresh and user-friendly synthesis of the benefits of meditation and how to make them ours. She weaves a tapestry of memorable concepts, scientific insights, and practical tips on how to live a more mindful life. By enhancing our receptivity to moments of presence that grace our lives, we can make mindful awareness the foundation for an ever-richer life of connection, compassion, and joy.’
Diana Chapman Walsh, president emerita at Wellesley College, trustee emerita at Amherst College, board member of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Mind and Life Institute.
It’s so easy to forget what matters and race through our decades. Caroline Welch’s wise and clear book shows us how mindful awareness can give us back our life. This fresh and entirely accessible guide explores cultivating presence through formal practice and throughout the moments of your day. It will help you reconnect to your true purpose, call forth your inner resourcefulness, and awaken the fullness of your heart.
Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and Radical Compassion
This is an important, eye-opening book for anyone who wants to understand women who feel stressed out, who feel that they must still do more for less, that they and their work are devalued in a world where glass ceilings still abound. With clarity and the testimony of over 100 women she has worked with, author Caroline Welch offers pragmatic mindfulness exercises to discover one’s purpose in life, to summon the courage to change direction if necessary, to set priorities, and to let go of what simply can’t get done in order to cultivate inner peace and harmony.
Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness
In this inspiring guide, Caroline Welch synthesises cutting-edge science and contemplative wisdom from across cultures and walks of life, drawing from her own remarkable, yet relatable life and the experiences of dozens of women. Reading this book is an immersion in a relaxing yet rejuvenating retreat, providing a map for greater presence and deeper purpose in our lives. The Gift of Presence is one of the most precious and lasting gifts you can give to yourself.
Elissa Epel, PhD, professor at University of California San Francisco, and New York Times bestselling co-author of The Telomere Effect
If you have an ongoing mindfulness practice and especially if you — like me — do not, Caroline Welch’s The Gift of Presence is the book you didn’t know you needed. It gives you answers to questions you didn’t know you had. It’s like a cup of tea with a friend on a rainy afternoon — a very wise, gentle, informed friend. You simply walk away feeling better, glad to have it in your life and looking forward to opening it again and again.
Sally Field, actor and author of In Pieces
Caroline Welch offers us a timely prescription for vitality and resilience for women — and men — in an age of distraction, providing a scientifically sound and accessible path to clarity in our busy lives. A nutritious menu of mind-strengthening tools, this accessible guide harnesses the research findings of how being present with open awareness can transform your medical health and even slow the ageing process. Take these practical steps to live with presence and purpose in your life, creating the wellness you deserve.
Dr Mark Hyman, head of Strategy and Innovation at Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, and New York Times bestselling author of Food: what the heck should I eat? and Food: what the heck should I COOK?
There is a simple, heartfelt invitation here, calling to you through Caroline and so many women’s voices. In The Gift of Presence, you will find permission and support for what matters. You can be flexible, inspired, grateful, kind to yourself, present and wise.
Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart
I am always looking for that one book that can help a regular, busy person understand and develop a practice of presence, mindfulness, and heartful living. I found it in Caroline Welch’s The Gift of Presence. If you are the kind of woman (or man, for that matter) who isn’t prepared to enter a monastery or even go on a short retreat, this book will be a valued resource at work and home — a guide to forging a peaceful, warm, and kind relationship with yourself and your world.’
Elizabeth Lesser, co-founder of Omega Institute and New York Times bestselling author of Broken Open
Eye-opening.
The Advertiser
Welch takes us on a mindfulness journey to help us de-stress and cultivate inner peace ... She offers a wealth of insight and sage advice about pacing, multi-tasking, relationships, and other essentials; and, as a result, readers will find themselves thinking in new ways about their own home life, work life, and the fine art of simply being in the world.
Rama Gaind, psnews.com.au
A timely read ... an informative book with lots of insights and tools to help make the most of life.Sue Wallace, The Weekly Times
Written with warmth and grace, this deeply touching book is a beautiful exploration of mindfulness in everyday life. Grounded in research, it is full of useful suggestions for a wide range of situations. All along, you feel the author’s own presence with you, friendly and encouraging, honest and practical, heartfelt and clear.
Rick Hanson, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Resilient: how to grow an unshakable core of calm, strength, and happiness and Buddha's Brain: the practical neuroscience of happiness, love, and wisdom
The Gift of Presence shows us that we can be with the many feelings that our very full lives will generate, from frustration to fear, and through it all we grow our capacity for connection, fulfillment, and joy. What a true gift for every season of life.
Amishi Jha, neuroscientist and associate professor at University of Miami
In The Gift of Presence … Caroline Welch … sets out to distill reams of peer-reviewed science about mindfulness into plain, clear advice.
Publishers Weekly
The Gift of Presence offers a brilliant roadmap for living a life of greater clarity, wisdom and peace. It weaves together deep insight, rigorous science and practical tools for how mindfulness can help us reconnect with what we value most and live meaningful lives.
Shauna Shapiro, PhD, professor of psychology at Santa Clara University, and author of Good Morning, I Love You: mindfulness and self-compassion practices to rewire your brain
Arianna Huffington, Founder of Huffpost and Founder & CEO of Thrive Global
Caroline Welch’s wise and timely book is a clarion call to all women, in the many roles we play, to bring more presence into our lives each day — not just through meditation, but in a variety of wise ways that lead to a richer, less stressful, more balanced life. Sharing her own experience from both Eastern and Western cultures, she offers a wealth of insight and sage advice about pacing, multitasking, relationships, and other essentials; and, as a result, readers will find themselves thinking in new ways about their own homelife, worklife, and the fine art of simply being in the world.
Diane Ackerman, New York Times bestselling author of The Zookeeper’s Wife
I love this book! It’s important that we all embrace the moment, be present, and cherish our time in the here and now. Caroline Welch inspires us to make mindfulness a way of being. The practical steps in this powerful guide lay the groundwork for more calm and less chaos in our lives. What a wonderful way to enhance our health and build a stronger mind!
Goldie Hawn, producer, actor, founder of the Hawn Foundation/MindUP, and author of 10 Mindful Minutes
A powerful statement of how presence can change our lives. The Gift of Presence is a must if you are in a transformational period in your life. Caroline Welch has brilliantly laid out how to live intentionally rather than on autopilot.
Diego Perez aka Yung Pueblo, author of Inward
Caroline Welch has gifted us with The Gift of Presence — an inviting, accessible, and beautifully written resource for women. Genuine and down-to-earth, Caroline demystifies mindfulness and provides practical suggestions to make it real. A perfect gift for any woman wanting to be more present while juggling the ups and downs of everyday life!
Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN, president of Mind & Life Institute, and author of Leaves Falling Gently
Caroline Welch has created a wonderfully accessible discourse on a phenomenon that can benefit all of us. It is impossible to engage meaning — fully in the world or effectively with others without first being PRESENT. Receptive awareness is an easy concept but requires evidence-based mindfulness practices to fully actualise in our lives. This book will make a difference to its readers.
Dr Drew Pinsky, television host and New York Times bestselling co-author of The Mirror Effect
Welch’s wonderful book is a mindfulness guide for women of all ages. Her gentle, practical, and profound guidance reflects her great insight into the minds and hearts of women.
Mary Pipher, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Women Rowing North and Reviving Ophelia
Caroline Welch makes a very compelling case for the power of mindfulness to positively transform our lives as women. She deftly navigates the scientific and theoretical foundations of mindfulness while offering a beautiful invitation to become more mindful without ever veering into self-help jargon. The Gift of Presence may be written for women, but it is truly a universal guide for anyone interested in strengthening and deepening their relationships, becoming more effective in reaching their goals, and having more joyful and meaningful lives.
Dr Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, visiting professor, Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, professor of Medicine/Cardiology, UCLA, and New York Times bestselling co-author of Zoobiquity and Wildhood
This beautifully written book about presence invites women to connect with what is most meaningful in life. It offers practical tools for mindful living that anyone can adopt. It is infused with down-to-earth wisdom, relatable stories, and a look at the science behind it all. Highly recommended!
Diana Winston, director of Mindfulness Education at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center, and author of The Little Book of Being
What a welcome resource Caroline Welch’s mindfulness guide is for us — the rich array of stories, teachings, and examples lovingly gathered here touch all of our lives. Rigorous research is presented clearly in a strong yet gentle voice. The Gift of Presence is a unique contribution that will benefit countless women — and men, too.
Trudy Goodman, PhD, founding teacher at InsightLA
This is a wonderfully useful tool for helping women to find peace and calm in the midst of busy lives. Highly accessible yet filled with the latest cutting edge science, this book will teach you how to use presence as a pathway to happiness.
Kristin Neff, PhD, associate professor at University of Texas at Austin, and author of Self-Compassion: the proven power of being kind to yourself
Calling all women! At a time when we are juggling more than ever before, our stress levels are not just increasing, but have reached levels that are 40 percent greater than men’s. Taking care of ourselves has never been more important, and Caroline Welch provides a research-based, healthy path to living with presence and purpose that can make a lasting difference on our health and well-being starting now.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, first partner of California, filmmaker, advocate, and mother of four
We live in a world of culturally constructed messages — often disempowering for women — that shape our beliefs, behaviours, and sense of self. The Gift of Presence is the antidote. Caroline Welch masterfully blends science, stories, and practices, offering doable ways to be our most resilient selves and get through even the toughest of times.
Michelle Reugebrink, firefighter, Mindfulness and Resiliency Program manager, and Forest Therapy guide and coach
An evocative reminder that arriving at presence and purpose in your life is as close as your next breath … and that’s when things get interesting. Caroline Welch has provided us with a wonderful guide for finding and harnessing these life transforming qualities.
Zindel Segal, PhD, professor at University of Toronto, and author of The Mindful Way Through Depression
This is a lovely book, scholarly, inviting and wise. From her own fascinating journey, plus the stories of women she’s interviewed and taught, Caroline Welch brings us a fresh and user-friendly synthesis of the benefits of meditation and how to make them ours. She weaves a tapestry of memorable concepts, scientific insights, and practical tips on how to live a more mindful life. By enhancing our receptivity to moments of presence that grace our lives, we can make mindful awareness the foundation for an ever-richer life of connection, compassion, and joy.’
Diana Chapman Walsh, president emerita at Wellesley College, trustee emerita at Amherst College, board member of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Mind and Life Institute.
It’s so easy to forget what matters and race through our decades. Caroline Welch’s wise and clear book shows us how mindful awareness can give us back our life. This fresh and entirely accessible guide explores cultivating presence through formal practice and throughout the moments of your day. It will help you reconnect to your true purpose, call forth your inner resourcefulness, and awaken the fullness of your heart.
Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and Radical Compassion
This is an important, eye-opening book for anyone who wants to understand women who feel stressed out, who feel that they must still do more for less, that they and their work are devalued in a world where glass ceilings still abound. With clarity and the testimony of over 100 women she has worked with, author Caroline Welch offers pragmatic mindfulness exercises to discover one’s purpose in life, to summon the courage to change direction if necessary, to set priorities, and to let go of what simply can’t get done in order to cultivate inner peace and harmony.
Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness
In this inspiring guide, Caroline Welch synthesises cutting-edge science and contemplative wisdom from across cultures and walks of life, drawing from her own remarkable, yet relatable life and the experiences of dozens of women. Reading this book is an immersion in a relaxing yet rejuvenating retreat, providing a map for greater presence and deeper purpose in our lives. The Gift of Presence is one of the most precious and lasting gifts you can give to yourself.
Elissa Epel, PhD, professor at University of California San Francisco, and New York Times bestselling co-author of The Telomere Effect
If you have an ongoing mindfulness practice and especially if you — like me — do not, Caroline Welch’s The Gift of Presence is the book you didn’t know you needed. It gives you answers to questions you didn’t know you had. It’s like a cup of tea with a friend on a rainy afternoon — a very wise, gentle, informed friend. You simply walk away feeling better, glad to have it in your life and looking forward to opening it again and again.
Sally Field, actor and author of In Pieces
Caroline Welch offers us a timely prescription for vitality and resilience for women — and men — in an age of distraction, providing a scientifically sound and accessible path to clarity in our busy lives. A nutritious menu of mind-strengthening tools, this accessible guide harnesses the research findings of how being present with open awareness can transform your medical health and even slow the ageing process. Take these practical steps to live with presence and purpose in your life, creating the wellness you deserve.
Dr Mark Hyman, head of Strategy and Innovation at Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, and New York Times bestselling author of Food: what the heck should I eat? and Food: what the heck should I COOK?
There is a simple, heartfelt invitation here, calling to you through Caroline and so many women’s voices. In The Gift of Presence, you will find permission and support for what matters. You can be flexible, inspired, grateful, kind to yourself, present and wise.
Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart
I am always looking for that one book that can help a regular, busy person understand and develop a practice of presence, mindfulness, and heartful living. I found it in Caroline Welch’s The Gift of Presence. If you are the kind of woman (or man, for that matter) who isn’t prepared to enter a monastery or even go on a short retreat, this book will be a valued resource at work and home — a guide to forging a peaceful, warm, and kind relationship with yourself and your world.’
Elizabeth Lesser, co-founder of Omega Institute and New York Times bestselling author of Broken Open
Eye-opening.
The Advertiser
Welch takes us on a mindfulness journey to help us de-stress and cultivate inner peace ... She offers a wealth of insight and sage advice about pacing, multi-tasking, relationships, and other essentials; and, as a result, readers will find themselves thinking in new ways about their own home life, work life, and the fine art of simply being in the world.
Rama Gaind, psnews.com.au
A timely read ... an informative book with lots of insights and tools to help make the most of life.Sue Wallace, The Weekly Times
Written with warmth and grace, this deeply touching book is a beautiful exploration of mindfulness in everyday life. Grounded in research, it is full of useful suggestions for a wide range of situations. All along, you feel the author’s own presence with you, friendly and encouraging, honest and practical, heartfelt and clear.
Rick Hanson, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Resilient: how to grow an unshakable core of calm, strength, and happiness and Buddha's Brain: the practical neuroscience of happiness, love, and wisdom
The Gift of Presence shows us that we can be with the many feelings that our very full lives will generate, from frustration to fear, and through it all we grow our capacity for connection, fulfillment, and joy. What a true gift for every season of life.
Amishi Jha, neuroscientist and associate professor at University of Miami
In The Gift of Presence … Caroline Welch … sets out to distill reams of peer-reviewed science about mindfulness into plain, clear advice.
Publishers Weekly
The Gift of Presence offers a brilliant roadmap for living a life of greater clarity, wisdom and peace. It weaves together deep insight, rigorous science and practical tools for how mindfulness can help us reconnect with what we value most and live meaningful lives.
Shauna Shapiro, PhD, professor of psychology at Santa Clara University, and author of Good Morning, I Love You: mindfulness and self-compassion practices to rewire your brain
February 12, 2023
If you’re interested in someone summarizing (almost word for word) the best books on mindfulness from the last couple of decades sprinkled with the thoughts and research of her husband, then I suppose you could get something out of this book.
I don’t do reviews. But I was so angry reading this book. Full disclosure, I couldn’t finish it.
Trying and failing to see how it was presenting anything new to the conversation of meditation. Trying and failing to see how the recommendations were geared towards female identified individuals. Other than the examples having female identified characters, it’s a head scratcher.
There are times when the author identifies how female identified individuals tend to carry the mental load in hetero couples, but her advice of “just taking a breath” (I’m using a broad stroke here) is insulting to me. I’m fine if I’m the only one that thinks this, but I think we need a much deeper conversation on why “life is so busy” and “women are always carrying more of the housework and childcare while being treated as less than in their careers if they do”. Is no one out there beyond pissed at this? Tired of it??
I continue to try to have a beginners mind here, but this book made me feel sad. Women deserve better than being sold a story that we have these imbalances and all we need is to meditate. Not to say the advice of some of the exercises wasn’t helpful, but these are easily found anywhere and the damage this book does in marketing itself to only women widens this strange dichotomous capitalistic patriarchy that none of us are benefiting from.
I don’t do reviews. But I was so angry reading this book. Full disclosure, I couldn’t finish it.
Trying and failing to see how it was presenting anything new to the conversation of meditation. Trying and failing to see how the recommendations were geared towards female identified individuals. Other than the examples having female identified characters, it’s a head scratcher.
There are times when the author identifies how female identified individuals tend to carry the mental load in hetero couples, but her advice of “just taking a breath” (I’m using a broad stroke here) is insulting to me. I’m fine if I’m the only one that thinks this, but I think we need a much deeper conversation on why “life is so busy” and “women are always carrying more of the housework and childcare while being treated as less than in their careers if they do”. Is no one out there beyond pissed at this? Tired of it??
I continue to try to have a beginners mind here, but this book made me feel sad. Women deserve better than being sold a story that we have these imbalances and all we need is to meditate. Not to say the advice of some of the exercises wasn’t helpful, but these are easily found anywhere and the damage this book does in marketing itself to only women widens this strange dichotomous capitalistic patriarchy that none of us are benefiting from.
April 19, 2020
The Gift of Presence is exactly what it proposes to be: a handbook for women. With examples form the lives of women from all age groups and backgrounds, Welch walks us through a tour of four cornerstones of mindfulness—presence, purpose, pivoting and pacing. In the chapter on presence, Welch puts forth a compelling argument in favour of meditation practices (formal and informal), which I found impossible to resist. Purpose draws on the aristotelian concept of flourishing and invites us to better orient our actions in the many roles we play. Pivoting and pacing remind us to keep a flexible and long-term perspective on our lives.
Along the way, Welch debunks a plethora of myths that have hijacked women's time and energy: that we can do it all if only we work harder, that self-care is selfish, that we need to be perfectly competent at every task in order to apply for a job, that we'll have more time in the future, etc.
I feel I am only beginning to glimpse the benefits of ruminating the ideas of this book. I picked it up at a transformative time (I am a new mother on maternity leave), and not only did it prompt me to be more aware each day of what is happening in the moment, it's bringing me a sense of spaciousness with regards to my life which I didn't even know was attainable.
I truly believe every women can come back with a little sparkling gem from the Gift of Presence.
Along the way, Welch debunks a plethora of myths that have hijacked women's time and energy: that we can do it all if only we work harder, that self-care is selfish, that we need to be perfectly competent at every task in order to apply for a job, that we'll have more time in the future, etc.
I feel I am only beginning to glimpse the benefits of ruminating the ideas of this book. I picked it up at a transformative time (I am a new mother on maternity leave), and not only did it prompt me to be more aware each day of what is happening in the moment, it's bringing me a sense of spaciousness with regards to my life which I didn't even know was attainable.
I truly believe every women can come back with a little sparkling gem from the Gift of Presence.
August 21, 2022
“don’t judge a book by the cover”…why would I not? that’s literally why it’s there. this cover is not great, just so boring. if this wasn’t gifted to me, there’s no way I would’ve picked it up. but, I’m glad that it made its way to me. the first half of the book deeply resonated with me & has made a lasting impact. mindfulness is very important to me & literally keeps me from going insane, so I found this book to be very necessary & I won’t be surprised if I pick this up again in the future. the second half of the book was ok, but didn’t feel as impactful.
great read, but I will still be judging books by its cover.
great read, but I will still be judging books by its cover.
January 3, 2022
This book was okay. I didn’t love it or hate it. Just felt like kind of a lot going on at once and I found myself easily distracted which isn’t always the best. I did learn some good tips and ideas on focusing on the present moment and my purpose though! All in all, not a bad read and I did gain some knowledge which is good!
January 12, 2021
A good read, I’ll probably try to read this again in the future. It was really helpful on the meditation part as I recently started practicing mediation daily, but for the rest, it might be the wrong time, useful but not what I needed.
May 1, 2022
Great book for women to get back in control of their lives and not their daily lives control them. I learned quite a bit about myself and my capabilities and how to access those capabilities in a positive way.
September 4, 2025
This book is a good reminder of the benefits of mindfulness and meditation practices. I particularly enjoyed how the book was aimed for "women" as it allowed for an indepth exploration of many inherently female issues - e.g. juggling a career whilst raising a family and undertaking the majority of domestic roles. I also really enjoyed the inclusion of anecdotes from women all across the board and found it really gave some humanity to the book.
The first two sections of this book on Presence and Purpose were excellent. However, I did feel as the book went on it was probably more suited to women slightly older than me. As there was a whole section on being flexible and pivoting from life circumstances which don't bring you joy, which I didn't find hugely applicable to myself in this current stage!
Overall a great read on mindfulness & how to implement into your everyday lifestyle. Currently my mindfulness practice consists of (almost) daily 5-7 minute meditation practices on the Smiling Mind app (which is free!! and also narrated by the True Crime podcast guy - amazing!). I find that doing meditation first thing in the morning is a good way to get it in before the day gets too busy & is a great way to wake up. I also keep a note on my phone & jot down three things which I am grateful for each day and also find this is a very manageable way to practice Presence and mindfulness!
Some other mindfulness tips you guys shared
- journaling
- @painacademy if you have chronic pain
- Meditation using Headspace App
————————————————————————
When to Read: When you are wanting to learn more about the effects and benefits of mindfulness and how to implement it into your everyday lifestyle.
The first two sections of this book on Presence and Purpose were excellent. However, I did feel as the book went on it was probably more suited to women slightly older than me. As there was a whole section on being flexible and pivoting from life circumstances which don't bring you joy, which I didn't find hugely applicable to myself in this current stage!
Overall a great read on mindfulness & how to implement into your everyday lifestyle. Currently my mindfulness practice consists of (almost) daily 5-7 minute meditation practices on the Smiling Mind app (which is free!! and also narrated by the True Crime podcast guy - amazing!). I find that doing meditation first thing in the morning is a good way to get it in before the day gets too busy & is a great way to wake up. I also keep a note on my phone & jot down three things which I am grateful for each day and also find this is a very manageable way to practice Presence and mindfulness!
Some other mindfulness tips you guys shared
- journaling
- @painacademy if you have chronic pain
- Meditation using Headspace App
————————————————————————
When to Read: When you are wanting to learn more about the effects and benefits of mindfulness and how to implement it into your everyday lifestyle.
January 22, 2022
“Pivoting can be especially challenging when we realize that because of family and cultural expectations, we have made certain choices -perhaps years earlier- that we were never truly aligned with.”
I firmly believe that when we pick a book to read the book is choosing us we are not choosing the book.
I firmly believe that when we pick a book to read the book is choosing us we are not choosing the book.
January 8, 2023
I listened to this on audible. There was definitely a lot of positive things to take away from this book. I did enjoy the steps and the information that was provided. It was a good listen. And informative. I plan on using some of the techno that were given to assist in my day to day life.
December 1, 2020
I found this book way better than The power of now. I think it’s due to the format as it is a guide and therefore more pragmatic.
March 15, 2022
Parts of this book were extremely beneficial and parts I felt were a little unrealistic, overall it was a decent read for a self help book and id recommend it
Read
April 27, 2020The Gift of Presence is a gift for us all — filled with practical insights and fascinating science about the power of mindfulness. By interviewing over one hundred women from diverse backgrounds, Caroline Welch has gathered real life examples of how being present enriches our lives, allows us to find purpose and meaning, to recharge and renew ourselves, and to pivot when we need to course-correct. Well-written and wise, it’s a must-read for women of all ages.
Arianna Huffington, Founder of Huffpost and Founder & CEO of Thrive Global
Caroline Welch’s wise and timely book is a clarion call to all women, in the many roles we play, to bring more presence into our lives each day — not just through meditation, but in a variety of wise ways that lead to a richer, less stressful, more balanced life. Sharing her own experience from both Eastern and Western cultures, she offers a wealth of insight and sage advice about pacing, multitasking, relationships, and other essentials; and, as a result, readers will find themselves thinking in new ways about their own homelife, worklife, and the fine art of simply being in the world.
Diane Ackerman, New York Times bestselling author of The Zookeeper’s Wife
I love this book! It’s important that we all embrace the moment, be present, and cherish our time in the here and now. Caroline Welch inspires us to make mindfulness a way of being. The practical steps in this powerful guide lay the groundwork for more calm and less chaos in our lives. What a wonderful way to enhance our health and build a stronger mind!
Goldie Hawn, producer, actor, founder of the Hawn Foundation/MindUP, and author of 10 Mindful Minutes
A powerful statement of how presence can change our lives. The Gift of Presence is a must if you are in a transformational period in your life. Caroline Welch has brilliantly laid out how to live intentionally rather than on autopilot.
Diego Perez aka Yung Pueblo, author of Inward
Caroline Welch has gifted us with The Gift of Presence — an inviting, accessible, and beautifully written resource for women. Genuine and down-to-earth, Caroline demystifies mindfulness and provides practical suggestions to make it real. A perfect gift for any woman wanting to be more present while juggling the ups and downs of everyday life!
Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN, president of Mind & Life Institute, and author of Leaves Falling Gently
Caroline Welch has created a wonderfully accessible discourse on a phenomenon that can benefit all of us. It is impossible to engage meaning — fully in the world or effectively with others without first being PRESENT. Receptive awareness is an easy concept but requires evidence-based mindfulness practices to fully actualise in our lives. This book will make a difference to its readers.
Dr Drew Pinsky, television host and New York Times bestselling co-author of The Mirror Effect
Welch’s wonderful book is a mindfulness guide for women of all ages. Her gentle, practical, and profound guidance reflects her great insight into the minds and hearts of women.
Mary Pipher, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Women Rowing North and Reviving Ophelia
Caroline Welch makes a very compelling case for the power of mindfulness to positively transform our lives as women. She deftly navigates the scientific and theoretical foundations of mindfulness while offering a beautiful invitation to become more mindful without ever veering into self-help jargon. The Gift of Presence may be written for women, but it is truly a universal guide for anyone interested in strengthening and deepening their relationships, becoming more effective in reaching their goals, and having more joyful and meaningful lives.
Dr Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, visiting professor, Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, professor of Medicine/Cardiology, UCLA, and New York Times bestselling co-author of Zoobiquity and Wildhood
This beautifully written book about presence invites women to connect with what is most meaningful in life. It offers practical tools for mindful living that anyone can adopt. It is infused with down-to-earth wisdom, relatable stories, and a look at the science behind it all. Highly recommended!
Diana Winston, director of Mindfulness Education at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center, and author of The Little Book of Being
What a welcome resource Caroline Welch’s mindfulness guide is for us — the rich array of stories, teachings, and examples lovingly gathered here touch all of our lives. Rigorous research is presented clearly in a strong yet gentle voice. The Gift of Presence is a unique contribution that will benefit countless women — and men, too.
Trudy Goodman, PhD, founding teacher at InsightLA
This is a wonderfully useful tool for helping women to find peace and calm in the midst of busy lives. Highly accessible yet filled with the latest cutting edge science, this book will teach you how to use presence as a pathway to happiness.
Kristin Neff, PhD, associate professor at University of Texas at Austin, and author of Self-Compassion: the proven power of being kind to yourself
Calling all women! At a time when we are juggling more than ever before, our stress levels are not just increasing, but have reached levels that are 40 percent greater than men’s. Taking care of ourselves has never been more important, and Caroline Welch provides a research-based, healthy path to living with presence and purpose that can make a lasting difference on our health and well-being starting now.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, first partner of California, filmmaker, advocate, and mother of four
We live in a world of culturally constructed messages — often disempowering for women — that shape our beliefs, behaviours, and sense of self. The Gift of Presence is the antidote. Caroline Welch masterfully blends science, stories, and practices, offering doable ways to be our most resilient selves and get through even the toughest of times.
Michelle Reugebrink, firefighter, Mindfulness and Resiliency Program manager, and Forest Therapy guide and coach
An evocative reminder that arriving at presence and purpose in your life is as close as your next breath … and that’s when things get interesting. Caroline Welch has provided us with a wonderful guide for finding and harnessing these life transforming qualities.
Zindel Segal, PhD, professor at University of Toronto, and author of The Mindful Way Through Depression
This is a lovely book, scholarly, inviting and wise. From her own fascinating journey, plus the stories of women she’s interviewed and taught, Caroline Welch brings us a fresh and user-friendly synthesis of the benefits of meditation and how to make them ours. She weaves a tapestry of memorable concepts, scientific insights, and practical tips on how to live a more mindful life. By enhancing our receptivity to moments of presence that grace our lives, we can make mindful awareness the foundation for an ever-richer life of connection, compassion, and joy.’
Diana Chapman Walsh, president emerita at Wellesley College, trustee emerita at Amherst College, board member of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Mind and Life Institute.
It’s so easy to forget what matters and race through our decades. Caroline Welch’s wise and clear book shows us how mindful awareness can give us back our life. This fresh and entirely accessible guide explores cultivating presence through formal practice and throughout the moments of your day. It will help you reconnect to your true purpose, call forth your inner resourcefulness, and awaken the fullness of your heart.
Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and Radical Compassion
This is an important, eye-opening book for anyone who wants to understand women who feel stressed out, who feel that they must still do more for less, that they and their work are devalued in a world where glass ceilings still abound. With clarity and the testimony of over 100 women she has worked with, author Caroline Welch offers pragmatic mindfulness exercises to discover one’s purpose in life, to summon the courage to change direction if necessary, to set priorities, and to let go of what simply can’t get done in order to cultivate inner peace and harmony.
Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness
In this inspiring guide, Caroline Welch synthesises cutting-edge science and contemplative wisdom from across cultures and walks of life, drawing from her own remarkable, yet relatable life and the experiences of dozens of women. Reading this book is an immersion in a relaxing yet rejuvenating retreat, providing a map for greater presence and deeper purpose in our lives. The Gift of Presence is one of the most precious and lasting gifts you can give to yourself.
Elissa Epel, PhD, professor at University of California San Francisco, and New York Times bestselling co-author of The Telomere Effect
If you have an ongoing mindfulness practice and especially if you — like me — do not, Caroline Welch’s The Gift of Presence is the book you didn’t know you needed. It gives you answers to questions you didn’t know you had. It’s like a cup of tea with a friend on a rainy afternoon — a very wise, gentle, informed friend. You simply walk away feeling better, glad to have it in your life and looking forward to opening it again and again.
Sally Field, actor and author of In Pieces
Caroline Welch offers us a timely prescription for vitality and resilience for women — and men — in an age of distraction, providing a scientifically sound and accessible path to clarity in our busy lives. A nutritious menu of mind-strengthening tools, this accessible guide harnesses the research findings of how being present with open awareness can transform your medical health and even slow the ageing process. Take these practical steps to live with presence and purpose in your life, creating the wellness you deserve.
Dr Mark Hyman, head of Strategy and Innovation at Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, and New York Times bestselling author of Food: what the heck should I eat? and Food: what the heck should I COOK?
There is a simple, heartfelt invitation here, calling to you through Caroline and so many women’s voices. In The Gift of Presence, you will find permission and support for what matters. You can be flexible, inspired, grateful, kind to yourself, present and wise.
Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart
I am always looking for that one book that can help a regular, busy person understand and develop a practice of presence, mindfulness, and heartful living. I found it in Caroline Welch’s The Gift of Presence. If you are the kind of woman (or man, for that matter) who isn’t prepared to enter a monastery or even go on a short retreat, this book will be a valued resource at work and home — a guide to forging a peaceful, warm, and kind relationship with yourself and your world.’
Elizabeth Lesser, co-founder of Omega Institute and New York Times bestselling author of Broken Open
Eye-opening.
The Advertiser
Welch takes us on a mindfulness journey to help us de-stress and cultivate inner peace ... She offers a wealth of insight and sage advice about pacing, multi-tasking, relationships, and other essentials; and, as a result, readers will find themselves thinking in new ways about their own home life, work life, and the fine art of simply being in the world.
Rama Gaind, psnews.com.au
A timely read ... an informative book with lots of insights and tools to help make the most of life.Sue Wallace, The Weekly Times
Arianna Huffington, Founder of Huffpost and Founder & CEO of Thrive Global
Caroline Welch’s wise and timely book is a clarion call to all women, in the many roles we play, to bring more presence into our lives each day — not just through meditation, but in a variety of wise ways that lead to a richer, less stressful, more balanced life. Sharing her own experience from both Eastern and Western cultures, she offers a wealth of insight and sage advice about pacing, multitasking, relationships, and other essentials; and, as a result, readers will find themselves thinking in new ways about their own homelife, worklife, and the fine art of simply being in the world.
Diane Ackerman, New York Times bestselling author of The Zookeeper’s Wife
I love this book! It’s important that we all embrace the moment, be present, and cherish our time in the here and now. Caroline Welch inspires us to make mindfulness a way of being. The practical steps in this powerful guide lay the groundwork for more calm and less chaos in our lives. What a wonderful way to enhance our health and build a stronger mind!
Goldie Hawn, producer, actor, founder of the Hawn Foundation/MindUP, and author of 10 Mindful Minutes
A powerful statement of how presence can change our lives. The Gift of Presence is a must if you are in a transformational period in your life. Caroline Welch has brilliantly laid out how to live intentionally rather than on autopilot.
Diego Perez aka Yung Pueblo, author of Inward
Caroline Welch has gifted us with The Gift of Presence — an inviting, accessible, and beautifully written resource for women. Genuine and down-to-earth, Caroline demystifies mindfulness and provides practical suggestions to make it real. A perfect gift for any woman wanting to be more present while juggling the ups and downs of everyday life!
Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN, president of Mind & Life Institute, and author of Leaves Falling Gently
Caroline Welch has created a wonderfully accessible discourse on a phenomenon that can benefit all of us. It is impossible to engage meaning — fully in the world or effectively with others without first being PRESENT. Receptive awareness is an easy concept but requires evidence-based mindfulness practices to fully actualise in our lives. This book will make a difference to its readers.
Dr Drew Pinsky, television host and New York Times bestselling co-author of The Mirror Effect
Welch’s wonderful book is a mindfulness guide for women of all ages. Her gentle, practical, and profound guidance reflects her great insight into the minds and hearts of women.
Mary Pipher, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Women Rowing North and Reviving Ophelia
Caroline Welch makes a very compelling case for the power of mindfulness to positively transform our lives as women. She deftly navigates the scientific and theoretical foundations of mindfulness while offering a beautiful invitation to become more mindful without ever veering into self-help jargon. The Gift of Presence may be written for women, but it is truly a universal guide for anyone interested in strengthening and deepening their relationships, becoming more effective in reaching their goals, and having more joyful and meaningful lives.
Dr Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, visiting professor, Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, professor of Medicine/Cardiology, UCLA, and New York Times bestselling co-author of Zoobiquity and Wildhood
This beautifully written book about presence invites women to connect with what is most meaningful in life. It offers practical tools for mindful living that anyone can adopt. It is infused with down-to-earth wisdom, relatable stories, and a look at the science behind it all. Highly recommended!
Diana Winston, director of Mindfulness Education at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center, and author of The Little Book of Being
What a welcome resource Caroline Welch’s mindfulness guide is for us — the rich array of stories, teachings, and examples lovingly gathered here touch all of our lives. Rigorous research is presented clearly in a strong yet gentle voice. The Gift of Presence is a unique contribution that will benefit countless women — and men, too.
Trudy Goodman, PhD, founding teacher at InsightLA
This is a wonderfully useful tool for helping women to find peace and calm in the midst of busy lives. Highly accessible yet filled with the latest cutting edge science, this book will teach you how to use presence as a pathway to happiness.
Kristin Neff, PhD, associate professor at University of Texas at Austin, and author of Self-Compassion: the proven power of being kind to yourself
Calling all women! At a time when we are juggling more than ever before, our stress levels are not just increasing, but have reached levels that are 40 percent greater than men’s. Taking care of ourselves has never been more important, and Caroline Welch provides a research-based, healthy path to living with presence and purpose that can make a lasting difference on our health and well-being starting now.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, first partner of California, filmmaker, advocate, and mother of four
We live in a world of culturally constructed messages — often disempowering for women — that shape our beliefs, behaviours, and sense of self. The Gift of Presence is the antidote. Caroline Welch masterfully blends science, stories, and practices, offering doable ways to be our most resilient selves and get through even the toughest of times.
Michelle Reugebrink, firefighter, Mindfulness and Resiliency Program manager, and Forest Therapy guide and coach
An evocative reminder that arriving at presence and purpose in your life is as close as your next breath … and that’s when things get interesting. Caroline Welch has provided us with a wonderful guide for finding and harnessing these life transforming qualities.
Zindel Segal, PhD, professor at University of Toronto, and author of The Mindful Way Through Depression
This is a lovely book, scholarly, inviting and wise. From her own fascinating journey, plus the stories of women she’s interviewed and taught, Caroline Welch brings us a fresh and user-friendly synthesis of the benefits of meditation and how to make them ours. She weaves a tapestry of memorable concepts, scientific insights, and practical tips on how to live a more mindful life. By enhancing our receptivity to moments of presence that grace our lives, we can make mindful awareness the foundation for an ever-richer life of connection, compassion, and joy.’
Diana Chapman Walsh, president emerita at Wellesley College, trustee emerita at Amherst College, board member of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Mind and Life Institute.
It’s so easy to forget what matters and race through our decades. Caroline Welch’s wise and clear book shows us how mindful awareness can give us back our life. This fresh and entirely accessible guide explores cultivating presence through formal practice and throughout the moments of your day. It will help you reconnect to your true purpose, call forth your inner resourcefulness, and awaken the fullness of your heart.
Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and Radical Compassion
This is an important, eye-opening book for anyone who wants to understand women who feel stressed out, who feel that they must still do more for less, that they and their work are devalued in a world where glass ceilings still abound. With clarity and the testimony of over 100 women she has worked with, author Caroline Welch offers pragmatic mindfulness exercises to discover one’s purpose in life, to summon the courage to change direction if necessary, to set priorities, and to let go of what simply can’t get done in order to cultivate inner peace and harmony.
Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness
In this inspiring guide, Caroline Welch synthesises cutting-edge science and contemplative wisdom from across cultures and walks of life, drawing from her own remarkable, yet relatable life and the experiences of dozens of women. Reading this book is an immersion in a relaxing yet rejuvenating retreat, providing a map for greater presence and deeper purpose in our lives. The Gift of Presence is one of the most precious and lasting gifts you can give to yourself.
Elissa Epel, PhD, professor at University of California San Francisco, and New York Times bestselling co-author of The Telomere Effect
If you have an ongoing mindfulness practice and especially if you — like me — do not, Caroline Welch’s The Gift of Presence is the book you didn’t know you needed. It gives you answers to questions you didn’t know you had. It’s like a cup of tea with a friend on a rainy afternoon — a very wise, gentle, informed friend. You simply walk away feeling better, glad to have it in your life and looking forward to opening it again and again.
Sally Field, actor and author of In Pieces
Caroline Welch offers us a timely prescription for vitality and resilience for women — and men — in an age of distraction, providing a scientifically sound and accessible path to clarity in our busy lives. A nutritious menu of mind-strengthening tools, this accessible guide harnesses the research findings of how being present with open awareness can transform your medical health and even slow the ageing process. Take these practical steps to live with presence and purpose in your life, creating the wellness you deserve.
Dr Mark Hyman, head of Strategy and Innovation at Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, and New York Times bestselling author of Food: what the heck should I eat? and Food: what the heck should I COOK?
There is a simple, heartfelt invitation here, calling to you through Caroline and so many women’s voices. In The Gift of Presence, you will find permission and support for what matters. You can be flexible, inspired, grateful, kind to yourself, present and wise.
Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart
I am always looking for that one book that can help a regular, busy person understand and develop a practice of presence, mindfulness, and heartful living. I found it in Caroline Welch’s The Gift of Presence. If you are the kind of woman (or man, for that matter) who isn’t prepared to enter a monastery or even go on a short retreat, this book will be a valued resource at work and home — a guide to forging a peaceful, warm, and kind relationship with yourself and your world.’
Elizabeth Lesser, co-founder of Omega Institute and New York Times bestselling author of Broken Open
Eye-opening.
The Advertiser
Welch takes us on a mindfulness journey to help us de-stress and cultivate inner peace ... She offers a wealth of insight and sage advice about pacing, multi-tasking, relationships, and other essentials; and, as a result, readers will find themselves thinking in new ways about their own home life, work life, and the fine art of simply being in the world.
Rama Gaind, psnews.com.au
A timely read ... an informative book with lots of insights and tools to help make the most of life.Sue Wallace, The Weekly Times
January 12, 2023
Recomand cu drag această carte, e de un real ajutor atunci când simți că mintea îți este împrăștiată iar viața o adevărată avalanșă de evenimente a căror prezență îți fac zilele să te spulbere din oaza de liniște. E cartea din care mereu ai ceva de învățat, de reamintit și de luat ca atare. Și nu doar… „e trezirea la viață”, doar prin exprimarea cuvintelor formulate dar și prin țintirea anumitor puncte primordiale din existența noastră: prezența, scopul, pivotarea, prioritizarea… toate în ansamblu formează pilonii unui mecanism corect al vieții. O carte ce trebuie citită și recitită, pentru a se sedimenta conținutul și a ne lumina calea. Azi mai mult ca niciodată!
link blog: https://vorbepentrusufletblog.wordpre...
link blog: https://vorbepentrusufletblog.wordpre...
August 28, 2020
I loved reading this book!
It was easy to read, informative and has a whole lot of practices and tips to stay present. I liked the examples she was talking about from different women and their stories.
The only reason why I didn’t give 5 stars is because at some points I felt it was quite scientific and too much information on certain topics.
However this book will definitely be on my rereading list! Such a great book!
It was easy to read, informative and has a whole lot of practices and tips to stay present. I liked the examples she was talking about from different women and their stories.
The only reason why I didn’t give 5 stars is because at some points I felt it was quite scientific and too much information on certain topics.
However this book will definitely be on my rereading list! Such a great book!
December 13, 2022
This was a great book for mindfulness, and had a variety of great lessons for being a woman in the crazy world. I appreciated all of the real life women examples and them sharing their stories. Especially because they were short and direct. There are so many tips and recommendations in this book that may or may not apply to what you need. I read it very slowly over a year, integrated in with my meditation practices and it was a great reminder and very nice practice.
July 26, 2022
Execution was phenomenal . I loved everything about this book . it’s split into four parts presence, purpose , pivoting , & pacing . each part explains who , what , why & how . it’s facts backed up with research & includes pieces of other authors writings but it also includes personal anecdotes . it answers why you should practice mindfulness & how . i definitely recommend , very relatable .
April 13, 2023
Absolutely loved listening to this audiobook and will probably buy a hard copy to have it with me for easier access to the exercises etc
It’s an insightful book for all, even though there is a focus on the women’s experience I wouldn’t have labeled it just “for women” . Really simply formulated but so efficient
It’s an insightful book for all, even though there is a focus on the women’s experience I wouldn’t have labeled it just “for women” . Really simply formulated but so efficient
April 19, 2023
Great and easy read. Carolina shared clearly defined descriptions of the power of Presence, Pacing, Pivoting, and Purpose. I enjoyed reading and especially loved the lovely illustrations throughout the book.
August 15, 2023
Versiunea tradusa in romana (editura Pagina de Psihologie) contine atat de multe greseli de gramatica si de scriere (cuvinte sau litere lipsa), incat acestea mi-au distras atentia de la continutul cartii. Pacat...aveam pe lista aceasta carte de ceva timp si abia asteptam sa o citesc.
March 4, 2021
Excellent!
March 15, 2022
found this book at five below and wasn’t expecting too much but this book was really good def worth a read
June 1, 2022
Overall gave some good tips
December 24, 2022
A insightful novel for women that can resonate with finding mindfulness practice in our daily.
May 4, 2023
DNFd since it was getting repetitive. Nothing groundbreaking about it, I would not recommend it to someone who has read books like this before.
March 27, 2024
I had low expectations of this, but the intersectional feminist approach to mindfulness was SO well respected and explored by Welch. Presence, purpose, pivot.
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