Taoism for Beginners is a practical guide to applying the key notions, concepts and beliefs underlying Taoism's various branches and schools. Authors C. Alexander and Annellen Simpkins tap into their years of training and study in meditation, martial arts and Eastern philosophy to provide readers with a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual tenets and attainments that mark the holistic pathway to a life more in balance. This book offers readers: A clear explanation of what Taoism is and how to apply its most salient tenets and teachings to your daily life Simple exercises to enable you to lead a calmer and more mindful, connected life--taking in a range of practices that include meditation, breathing, chi kung and tai chi chuan An exploration of the origins and background of Taoism, including the various sects and schools of thought An informative discussion of key Taoist concepts, including wu-wei (nonaction), yin and yang, and the powerful way of De (the cradle of power, virtue and life) This new edition has been updated by the author to include the connections between Taoism and mindfulness and meditation, as well as ritualized practices to heighten mind-body connection in order to control chi (energy). Taoist principles and concepts have guided people on the path to harmony, wholeness, balance and greater well-being for millennia. This beginning resource makes an ancient religion, its practices and history accessible for a twenty-first century reader.
For those searching for mindful moments or for a more engaged way of navigating life in the twenty-first century, Buddhism for Beginners opens the door to understanding Buddhism's key concepts and practices. The authors tap into their years of training and study in meditation, martial arts and Eastern philosophy to bring readers a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual tenets and attainments that mark the pathway to enlightenment. In this new hardcover edition, the authors explain in clear and simple terms: The history of Buddhism The key themes and belief systems (the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Mahayana, nirvana and more) Ways of integrating Buddhist principles and philosophy into the everyday The organizing notions and overarching thesis of Buddhism: to live fully aware in the moment, to see things as they truly are, and to recognize yourself as part of the whole Buddhism's relevance today Buddhism for Beginners then completes this introduction to meditation and mindful moments by offering simple exercises, practices and prompts reflective and supportive of the Buddhist teachings and tenets laid out in the volume, including filling- and clearing-the-mind meditations, performing acts of compassion and inner-peace and conflict-resolution exercises. An essential purchase for people looking to integrate Buddhist principles into their lives or for those seeking a more meaningful, mindful or meditative path.
This book fills the need for an introductory text that opens the field up to the beginner and takes them to higher-level thinking about neuroscience. Neuroscience has captured the interest of students, professionals, and the general public. In fact it is so new, that there are very few books that gather it together in one text. Neuroscience is an amalgamation of many fields: psychology, cognitive science, chemistry, biology, engineering, philosophy, mathematics, and statistics. People who are new to the discipline have to be able to find their way through all of these fields together. In addition, they need to understand the highly technical lexicon, modeling methods, and theoretical assumptions used to describe brain structure, function, and the interaction between them. This book helps readers navigate the conventions used to describe the brain that developed through the years. The authors crystallize the complex modeling methods and technologies so that readers understand what they are saying and how to use them. They address the important underlying principles and important issues of neuroscience, with the debates and discussions that are ongoing as the field evolves. They also include many salient fine-grained details so that the book is not just an overview, but also a useful guide for many levels of readers.
Dao is an ancient Eastern method, a way or path for exploring and learning. From the Eastern perspective everything has its Dao, or "way," even the brain. By weaving together this and other Eastern traditions (including yoga, Buddhism, and Zen) and Western science, new understandings previously not considered emerge. This book is an insightful introduction to these traditions that sheds new light on the relationship between the mind and the brain."--Back cover.
If you have bipolar disorder, you struggle with psychological balance, swinging between highly depressed and highly manic states. For you, finding the middle path can be a challenge, which is why the Tao understanding of energy can be so helpful. “Tao,” is a Chinese word meaning “the way” and a metaphysical concept for understanding the universe as a circular flow of energy. The Tao understanding of bipolar disorder is that symptoms are the result of a disrupted or imbalanced energy flow that can be brought back to harmony with dedication and practice. In The Tao of Bipolar, you will reconnect with your essential, stable, balanced nature, which, according to the Tao, is the inherent state of all matter. In the book, you will learn to manage your energy with meditation and other techniques so that you can always return to their stable center. While you may lose touch with the center during bipolar episodes, this book encourages you to use mindfulness and meditation to consciously shift your energy back to this center before a bipolar episode gets too extreme. When it comes to bipolar disorder, managing emotions, preventing manic episodes, and dealing effectively with periods of depression is key to your mental health and well-being. This book will give you the tools you need to get your bipolar disorder under control, and get back to living life. Once you learn to manage your moods, you can function normally and experience far less suffering from the disorder, even when you do have bipolar episodes.
Core Principles of Meditation for Therapy: Improving the Outcome of Psychotherapeutic Treatment provides the multi-modal strategies and tools therapists need to guide their clients' adaptations of meditation into their lives. Complete with text, audio, and video content, this package introduces a variety of meditation routines and explains how, when, and why each technique should be used to reach specific goals. The availability of audio and video, as well as print, allows the therapist to customize each presentation to the client and the presenting problem. Meditation simultaneously engenders both relaxation and alertness, and regular practice can change brain function to permanently improve internal sensing. The three major meditation methods—focus (Yoga meditations and postures), open-focus (Mindfulness), and no-focus (clearing the mind Zen and Taoist flow)—are best suited to different kinds of problems. Core Principles of Meditation for Therapy explains them all, and details the most practical applications of each. This guide matches the meditation type to a therapeutic goal. Consistent with the positive psychology movement, meditative practice puts people on a positive path and offers distinctive techniques to actualize change. This package's multi-sensory approach makes it adaptable to the needs of therapists and clients, supports their initiation, practice, and mastery of meditation for improved mental health. For clinicians seeking to integrate meditation and therapy, Core Principles of Meditation for Therapy is a complete guide to both theory and practice.
With this yoga guide, you can delve into a sport as good for your mind as it is for your body--and become a part of the vast (and continually growing) yoga community in the US and beyond. Dating back to the 11th century Vedic Indian tradition, the practice of yoga didn't gain prominence in the Western world until the 20th century. Fast forward to the present day, and yoga communities are huge--and still showing steady growth. Yoga is as good for the mind as it is for the body, and its benefits include flexibility, weight loss, stress reduction, pain relief, and spiritual growth. This yoga book for beginners covers the origins of yoga including its philosophy, history, and the various styles of yoga schools as they apply to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Simpkins, neuroscience professionals with over 40 years teaching experience, address the curiosities and concerns of the beginning student, such as: Where do I begin? How do I find a teacher? How do I prepare for my first class? What do the unfamiliar terms mean? And much, much more Yoga Basics focuses on the yoga essentials of breathing, balance, and the yoga poses themselves. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also discussed to complement your yoga exercises or yoga workouts. This accessible and comprehensive introduction is everything you need to learn yoga with confidence and success.
The world and all that is in it expresses reality. Every therapy session, each moment in your life, is a koan to be solved, an opportunity to learn about your deeper being. How you respond is your choice. You always have the option to respond with your most enlightened nature." —from Zen Meditation in Psychotherapy A thoughtful and pragmatic guide for integrating Zen meditation into traditional psychotherapy Grounded in both neuroscientific and clinical evidence that supports the use of Zen meditation to improve clients' mental health, this inspiring "how-to" guide encourages creative use of its techniques to suit your personal therapeutic style as well as your clients' needs. Zen Meditation in Psychotherapy provides you with methods that can be seamlessly integrated into ongoing treatments for a broad range of psychological problems, as well as with ways to enhance your own life, both professionally and personally. It covers: General protocol for integrating meditation into treatments at every phase Applying meditation for problems such as depression, anger, addiction, and weight management Meditative ways to reduce anxiety, stress, and burnout Meditative training to enhance therapeutic sensitivities Filled with vivid case examples and writings from traditional texts, modern interpretations, meditation research, and illustrative legends, Zen Meditation in Psychotherapy encourages a therapeutic process in which clients move their attention from outside concerns to inner mindfulness. With a range of techniques that embrace the diversity and uniqueness of clients, this book offers methods and tools for seeing feelings and problems directly and objectively, which can lead to a profound shift in perspective.
From the authors of the popular "Simple Taoism" and "Simple Zen" comes a concise, meaningful introduction to the age-old yet timely practice of Confucianism. Includes art and photos illustrating Confucian influence on fine arts as well as martial arts.
The authors pick their way through the meditation traditions of Yoga, Buddhism, Zen, Taoism and Confucianism. They provide readers with the tools for meditation, then conclude with simple instructions on how to meditate for optimal results.
This simple, step-by-step guide to the art of meditation offers ways of using this timeless practice to relax, to focus and to clarify thoughts. It explores the roots of meditation in the Eastern tradition and explains how to apply its principles to everyday life.
This book fills the need for an introductory text that opens the field up to the beginner and takes them to higher-level thinking about neuroscience. Neuroscience has captured the interest of students, professionals, and the general public. In fact it is so new, that there are very few books that gather it together in one text. Neuroscience is an amalgamation of many fields: psychology, cognitive science, chemistry, biology, engineering, philosophy, mathematics, and statistics. People who are new to the discipline have to be able to find their way through all of these fields together. In addition, they need to understand the highly technical lexicon, modeling methods, and theoretical assumptions used to describe brain structure, function, and the interaction between them. This book helps readers navigate the conventions used to describe the brain that developed through the years. The authors crystallize the complex modeling methods and technologies so that readers understand what they are saying and how to use them. They address the important underlying principles and important issues of neuroscience, with the debates and discussions that are ongoing as the field evolves. They also include many salient fine-grained details so that the book is not just an overview, but also a useful guide for many levels of readers.
Bringing together philosophy and science with hands-on exercises, journaling, and charts, this practical workbook by psychologists and best-selling authors C. Alexander Simpkins, Ph.D., and Annellen M. Simpkins, Ph.D., is organized to include: The tools to get you started: preliminaries, quick tips, neuroscience and efficacy research Clear instructions to guide you in the practices of yoga and mindfulness Application of the practice to anxiety, stress, depression, trauma and substance abuse An appendix created especially for the clinician answers questions about how and when to introduce the techniques, ways to adapt to your office, and special ways to address children and seniors “The Simpkins have unified three areas that have rarely, if ever, been pulled together: yoga (not just the body moves, but the deeper psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects as well), mindfulness practices and therapeutic methods…filled with exercises, tips and inspiring stories.” - Bill O’Hanlon, featured Oprah guest and author of Out of the Blue: Six Non-Medication Ways to Relieve Depression
Bringing together philosophy and neuroscience with hands-on exercises, journaling, and charts, this practical workbook by psychologists and best-selling authors C. Alexander Simpkins, Ph.D., and Annellen M. Simpkins, Ph.D., is organized to include: • The tools to get you started: preliminaries, quick tips, neuroscience and efficacy research • Clear instructions to guide you in the practices of yoga and mindfulness • Application of the practice to anxiety, stress, depression, trauma and substance abuse • An appendix created especially for the clinician answers questions about how and when to introduce the techniques, ways to adapt to your practice, and special ways to address children and seniors.
The world and all that is in it expresses reality. Every therapy session, each moment in your life, is a koan to be solved, an opportunity to learn about your deeper being. How you respond is your choice. You always have the option to respond with your most enlightened nature." —from Zen Meditation in Psychotherapy A thoughtful and pragmatic guide for integrating Zen meditation into traditional psychotherapy Grounded in both neuroscientific and clinical evidence that supports the use of Zen meditation to improve clients' mental health, this inspiring "how-to" guide encourages creative use of its techniques to suit your personal therapeutic style as well as your clients' needs. Zen Meditation in Psychotherapy provides you with methods that can be seamlessly integrated into ongoing treatments for a broad range of psychological problems, as well as with ways to enhance your own life, both professionally and personally. It covers: General protocol for integrating meditation into treatments at every phase Applying meditation for problems such as depression, anger, addiction, and weight management Meditative ways to reduce anxiety, stress, and burnout Meditative training to enhance therapeutic sensitivities Filled with vivid case examples and writings from traditional texts, modern interpretations, meditation research, and illustrative legends, Zen Meditation in Psychotherapy encourages a therapeutic process in which clients move their attention from outside concerns to inner mindfulness. With a range of techniques that embrace the diversity and uniqueness of clients, this book offers methods and tools for seeing feelings and problems directly and objectively, which can lead to a profound shift in perspective.
Simple Zen is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Zen's history, themes, and uses in our modern Western world. Beginning with a history of Zen from the time of its origin to the present, the book goes on to outline the themes and practices associated with Zen, such as koans, meditation, enlightenment, and ethics. The final section of the book, entitled "Living Zen," addresses the ways in which Zen can help us to realize a deeper, fuller life though such artistic activities as poetry, brush painting, the martial arts, tea ceremony, and flower arrangement.
Dao is an ancient Eastern method, a way or path for exploring and learning. From the Eastern perspective everything has its Dao, or "way," even the brain. By weaving together this and other Eastern traditions (including yoga, Buddhism, and Zen) and Western science, new understandings previously not considered emerge. This book is an insightful introduction to these traditions that sheds new light on the relationship between the mind and the brain."--Back cover.
Core Principles of Meditation for Therapy: Improving the Outcome of Psychotherapeutic Treatment provides the multi-modal strategies and tools therapists need to guide their clients' adaptations of meditation into their lives. Complete with text, audio, and video content, this package introduces a variety of meditation routines and explains how, when, and why each technique should be used to reach specific goals. The availability of audio and video, as well as print, allows the therapist to customize each presentation to the client and the presenting problem. Meditation simultaneously engenders both relaxation and alertness, and regular practice can change brain function to permanently improve internal sensing. The three major meditation methods—focus (Yoga meditations and postures), open-focus (Mindfulness), and no-focus (clearing the mind Zen and Taoist flow)—are best suited to different kinds of problems. Core Principles of Meditation for Therapy explains them all, and details the most practical applications of each. This guide matches the meditation type to a therapeutic goal. Consistent with the positive psychology movement, meditative practice puts people on a positive path and offers distinctive techniques to actualize change. This package's multi-sensory approach makes it adaptable to the needs of therapists and clients, supports their initiation, practice, and mastery of meditation for improved mental health. For clinicians seeking to integrate meditation and therapy, Core Principles of Meditation for Therapy is a complete guide to both theory and practice.
Praise for Meditation and Yoga in Psychotherapy "From the wisdom of ancient cultures to modern neuroscience, the authors skillfully create a bridge of understanding between the practice of meditation, yoga, and psychotherapy. The Simpkins are at their best in describing how everyone can learn to integrate their own brain, body, and mind to facilitate a creative synchrony of healing and well-being." —Kathryn Rossi, PhD Coeditor, Collected Works of Milton H. Erickson: The Nature of Therapeutic Hypnosis "This reader-friendly text is directed toward therapists and healthcare workers who are considering incorporating yoga and meditation into their work. These technologies are time-honored and appear to have beneficial effects on contemporary clients and patients. Meditation and Yoga in Psychotherapy serves as an informative introduction to these¿practices, and explains how a therapist might integrate such practices into their work. The chapters on neuroscience research and healthy aging are unique in books of this nature, and the discussion of alleviating depression alone is worth the price of the book." —Stanley Krippner, PhDProfessor of Psychology, Saybrook UniversityCoauthor, Haunted by Combat: Understanding PTSD in War Veterans A thoughtful and pragmatic guide for integrating meditation and yoga techniques into traditional psychotherapy Meditation and Yoga in Psychotherapy is an inspiring "how-to" guide grounded in the neuroscientific and clinical evidence that supports the use of meditation and other yoga practices to improve clients' mental health. Drawing from the authors' decades of practice, teaching, and writing, this inspiring book is focused on applying meditation, yoga, and Zen to therapy, with discussion of: The latest neuroscience findings, showing how the brain and larger nervous system are altered by yoga methods Philosophical and psychological principles upon which yoga is based The how, when, and why for use of specific techniques with common psychological problems Fundamental stretching exercises and meditation techniques Filled with vivid case examples and writings from renowned yoga masters, Meditation and Yoga in Psychotherapy encourages a therapeutic process in which clients move their attention from outside concerns to inner mindfulness. With a range of techniques that embrace the diversity and uniqueness of clients, this book offers methods to creatively individualize techniques for a wide variety of presenting problems.
Simple Taoism is designed to help the reader understand what Taoism is about and to help apply its best aspects to everyday living. Divided into three parts, the book outlines: A clear explanation of Taoism and how to apply its best aspects to your daily life. Simple instructions for exercises to lead a fuller life--meditation, breathing, chi kung, and tai chi chuan. An informative discussion of key Taoist concepts, including wu-wei (nonaction), yin and yang, and Te (power virtue, life).
The authors pick their way through the meditation traditions of Yoga, Buddhism, Zen, Taoism and Confucianism. They provide readers with the tools for meditation, then conclude with simple instructions on how to meditate for optimal results.
For those searching for mindful moments or for a more engaged way of navigating life in the twenty-first century, Buddhism for Beginners opens the door to understanding Buddhism's key concepts and practices. The authors tap into their years of training and study in meditation, martial arts and Eastern philosophy to bring readers a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual tenets and attainments that mark the pathway to enlightenment. In this new hardcover edition, the authors explain in clear and simple terms: The history of Buddhism The key themes and belief systems (the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Mahayana, nirvana and more) Ways of integrating Buddhist principles and philosophy into the everyday The organizing notions and overarching thesis of Buddhism: to live fully aware in the moment, to see things as they truly are, and to recognize yourself as part of the whole Buddhism's relevance today Buddhism for Beginners then completes this introduction to meditation and mindful moments by offering simple exercises, practices and prompts reflective and supportive of the Buddhist teachings and tenets laid out in the volume, including filling- and clearing-the-mind meditations, performing acts of compassion and inner-peace and conflict-resolution exercises. An essential purchase for people looking to integrate Buddhist principles into their lives or for those seeking a more meaningful, mindful or meditative path.
Exploring a new religion is no easy task. That's why the Simple series is so popular-these delightful books take readers by the hand and lead them into the basics of an Eastern faith without intimidation or confusion. Simple Buddhism invites readers to discover this appealing religion and its peaceful doctrines, as well as: The history of Buddhism The themes of Buddhism (The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, Nirvana, and Nirvana, and more) How to apply Buddhism in your everyday life The ultimate thesis of Buddhism: to live in the moment, see things as they truly are, and recognize yourself as part of the whole.
Filled with simple exercises and thought-provoking lessons, this Buddhist instructional book will help you get started on the Buddhist path of moderation, mindfulness, and enlightened living. More than any other introduction to Buddhism, Buddhism in Ten provides readers with the understanding and tools they need to live a deeper and fuller life along Buddhist principles. Ten lessons, each inspired by an aspect of Buddhism, show how to incorporate this Eastern philosophy into your daily life. Each lesson is enhanced with several exercises--some physical, some mental, and some spiritual. Simple lessons show you how to: Develop a sense of clarity through Right Meditation Understand and accept your own experiences through the Four Noble Truths Enrich everyday life with Right Mindfulness Remove obstacles to a spiritually enlightened life--and reveal your own Buddha nature The Buddhist tradition can help you develop a life of wisdom, awareness, and compassion. With its thorough, accessible exploration of Buddhist philosophy and practice, this book can guide you to a more rewarding, more joyful life.
With this yoga guide, you can delve into a sport as good for your mind as it is for your body--and become a part of the vast (and continually growing) yoga community in the US and beyond. Dating back to the 11th century Vedic Indian tradition, the practice of yoga didn't gain prominence in the Western world until the 20th century. Fast forward to the present day, and yoga communities are huge--and still showing steady growth. Yoga is as good for the mind as it is for the body, and its benefits include flexibility, weight loss, stress reduction, pain relief, and spiritual growth. This yoga book for beginners covers the origins of yoga including its philosophy, history, and the various styles of yoga schools as they apply to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Simpkins, neuroscience professionals with over 40 years teaching experience, address the curiosities and concerns of the beginning student, such as: Where do I begin? How do I find a teacher? How do I prepare for my first class? What do the unfamiliar terms mean? And much, much more Yoga Basics focuses on the yoga essentials of breathing, balance, and the yoga poses themselves. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also discussed to complement your yoga exercises or yoga workouts. This accessible and comprehensive introduction is everything you need to learn yoga with confidence and success.
Filled with simple exercises and thought-provoking lessons, this Buddhist instructional book will help you get started on the Buddhist path of moderation, mindfulness, and enlightened living. More than any other introduction to Buddhism, Buddhism in Ten provides readers with the understanding and tools they need to live a deeper and fuller life along Buddhist principles. Ten lessons, each inspired by an aspect of Buddhism, show how to incorporate this Eastern philosophy into your daily life. Each lesson is enhanced with several exercises—some physical, some mental, and some spiritual. Simple lessons show you how to: Develop a sense of clarity through Right Meditation Understand and accept your own experiences through the Four Noble Truths Enrich everyday life with Right Mindfulness Remove obstacles to a spiritually enlightened life—and reveal your own Buddha nature The Buddhist tradition can help you develop a life of wisdom, awareness, and compassion. With its thorough, accessible exploration of Buddhist philosophy and practice, this book can guide you to a more rewarding, more joyful life.
With this yoga guide, you can delve into a sport as good for your mind as it is for your body—and become a part of the vast (and continually growing) yoga community in the US and beyond. Dating back to the 11th century Vedic Indian tradition, the practice of yoga didn't gain prominence in the Western world until the 20th century. Fast forward to the present day, and yoga communities are huge—and still showing steady growth. Yoga is as good for the mind as it is for the body, and its benefits include flexibility, weight loss, stress reduction, pain relief, and spiritual growth. This yoga book for beginners covers the origins of yoga including its philosophy, history, and the various styles of yoga schools as they apply to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Simpkins, neuroscience professionals with over 40 years teaching experience, address the curiosities and concerns of the beginning student, such as: Where do I begin? How do I find a teacher? How do I prepare for my first class? What do the unfamiliar terms mean? And much, much more Yoga Basics focuses on the yoga essentials of breathing, balance, and the yoga poses themselves. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also discussed to complement your yoga exercises or yoga workouts. This accessible and comprehensive introduction is everything you need to learn yoga with confidence and success.
Simple Taoism is designed to help the reader understand what Taoism is about and to help apply its best aspects to everyday living. Divided into three parts, the book outlines: A clear explanation of Taoism and how to apply its best aspects to your daily life. Simple instructions for exercises to lead a fuller life—meditation, breathing, chi kung, and tai chi chuan. An informative discussion of key Taoist concepts, including wu-wei (nonaction), yin and yang, and Te (power virtue, life).
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