The Mindful Manifesto: How Doing Less and Noticing More Can Treat Illness, Relieve Stress and Help Us Cope with the 21st Century. Jonty Heave

by Jonty Heaversedge, Ed Halliwell

We live in a speedy, pressurised world, and with little pause to really experience and enjoy our lives. Instead it's time for us to stop, pay attention to our minds, notice what we are doing, and appreciate what we have. For thousands of years Eastern traditions have taught meditation to help people lead healthier, happier lives. Now, scientific research is confirming that 'mindfulness' can help us all improve our mental and physical well-being. Written by a GP and a health writer, "The Mindful Manifesto" is the first book to integrate the latest scientific and medical research on mindfulness with meditation's historical context. We see how it treat mental health problems such as depression and anxiety help us cope with the busyness of everyday life improve our physical health and manage chronic illness help us let go of unwanted behaviours improve how we function in our relationships and jobs. And why stop there? With examples of how the mindfulness movement is already well underway, we see that encouraging governments and other powerful institutions to take a mindful approach could make a massive difference to the health and happiness of the whole world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Psychology

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I have often thought that meditation is not for me, because my mind teems with thoughts. I have tried to empty my mind, and have failed after the tiniest part of a second. But what I was trying to do was impossible and this book clearly explained another route. So, now I know that the mind makes thoughts - that is just what it does. Some are pleasant, some are unpleasant, but all are passing unless we give them our attention.

I feel quite liberated by that way of presenting things, and have been meditating on my breath, and also trying to be more present as I do my chores and work - and I can see the difference as I feel less stressed and more light hearted.

The book was also very, very interesting as it explained the medical trials that have been held into many various health issues that mindfullness has been proved to help with. Mindfullness seems to change the way that the brain works - which is fascinating. Mindfullness is supposed to improve the immune sysytem, memory and happiness levels, with no down side.

I'm sold.

[Emma Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an ever faster-moving world, moving beyond the demands imposed by increasing workloads, omnipresent technology and time-starved relationships and taking time to just ‘be’ can seem impossible, but the antidote to these problems – and more – is in The Mindful Manifesto. In this new and updated edition, the authors distil the essence of mindfulness meditation with compassion and skill, demonstrating its roots in ancient teachings and reinforcing this with reputable scientific research. Buddhist philosophy is explored without proselytising and is reframed in a psychological context: questioning, rather than passive acceptance is always invited.

Engagement with mindfulness is encouraged through practical exercises, and their benefits explored through case studies and the personal experiences of the authors themselves as we learn to contemplate a more present, compassionate way of living. Understanding the difference between thoughts and facts facilitates a reconnecting of mind and body and acceptance of our selves, giving us the tools to feel more in control of our lives and learn to manage chronic conditions like depression, anxiety, addiction and pain with greater insight. Modern holistic treatments endorse caring for the mind in conjunction with the body and the book emphasises the value of mindfulness in treating physical conditions – as always backed up by research data.

The big question, though, is does it work? Having read and worked through the first edition of The Mindful Manifesto, I realised I was feeling calmer and more awake to my daily life. Practising mindfulness seems to relieve the pressures of modern life – juggling emails and Facebook and text messages becomes less important, and rejecting the dastardly twin cults of perfection and speed an easier task. And despite the book’s eagerness to present mindfulness as ‘mental technology’, unencumbered by new age or hippy associations, I’ve been surprised to discover that mindfulness, whilst presented as a practical, functional activity, has quietly nurtured in me a lighter, more spiritual way of being.

[Rob Adey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful information about what seems like a useful thing to do. But quite blandly written, and the scientific basis is a little undermined by footnotes that turn out to refer to, say, a Guardian article about Susan Greenfield's assertions.

[bibliodufi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book for years. I've been 'trying' to meditate on and off for years too; for a long time before I even knew I had been living with moderate to severe anxiety for most of my life.
Now I know why I couldn't take it all in when it first came into my life; like a hard drive in bad need on a defrag, my poor old brain had so many thoughts on overdrive that there was little or no space to be able to consider any other way to of being.
But the years of trying meditation have started to pay off and after two years of daily practice with guided meditation, as well as a course of CBT, I picked this book up again feeling ready to take the next step by bringing my practice into the rest of my life.
This book is gold. It is easy to understand, has lots of suggestions for starting to practice meditation and then suggests ways you can bring your mindfulness practice into the rest of your day. Written by a GP and a mindfulness writer, both of whom have first hand experience of mindfulness, the effects are backed up by science, study references and a healthy bibliography.
For some people, this book may fit for you right from the beginning of your journey but if you feel the book is too much to take on right now, focus on the first exercise, they recommend for a week, and see if you feel any shifts. When you are ready for it, The Mindfulness Manifesto will make an accessible and informative companion to your new way of being.

[Trina Gust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favourite quotes from the book; mindfulness is a synchronization of being and doing, a means of coming into flow with life, which emerges from paying heartfelt attention to each aspect of our lives. 🥰
As long as we’re alive, we can always come back to our breath and start again.

[Bernard O'Leary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of an extended sales brochure, which is a shame because I'd be interested in something more in-depth by these authors

[Marva Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It's now one of my bibles.
I'm almost finished this book for the 2nd time. I was at first skeptical but am now a complete fan. The writing is based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, who, according to many sources (lots of great vids on Youtube), is the key person behind the movement that has brought mindfulness meditation practice into the medical mainstream. I like the authors' direct, clear unassuming storytelling, and the empowering manner of presentation of the ideas and practice. The authors also have an audio version available. I am now meditating daily as a result of reading this book. Worthwhile reading

[Kathelijne]

best mindfulness book I read up to now

[Stef Garvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. It was an easy read and helped me to improve my mindfulness practice.

[Mike]

Book abandoned, ironically due to a lack of time.