Calming Your Anxious Mind: How Mindfulness and Compassion Can Free You from Anxiety, Fear, and Panic

by Jeffrey Brantley, Jon Kabat-Zinn (Foreword by)

Overview

The Mindfulness Solution to Anxiety

Drawing on techniques and perspectives from two seemingly different traditions, this second edition of the self-help classic Calming Your Anxious Mind offers you a powerful and profound approach to overcoming anxiety, fear, and panic. From the evidence-based tradition of Western medicine, learn the role your thoughts and emotions play in anxiety. And, from the tradition of meditation and the inquiry into meaning and purpose, discover your own potential for presence and stillness, kindness and compassion-and the tremendous power these states give you to heal and transform your life.

Use this encouraging, step-by-step program to:

•Learn about the mechanism of anxiety and the body's fear system
•Develop a healing mindfulness practice-one breath at a time
•Start on the path to presence, stillness, compassion, and loving kindness
•Practice acceptance during mindfulness meditation
•Feel safe while opening up to fearful and anxious feelings

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781608821242
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	06/01/2007
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	248
Sales rank:	613,740
File size:	391 KB

About the Author

Jeffrey Brantley, MD, is professor emeritus in the department of psychiatry and human behavior at Duke University Medical Center. He is founder and former director of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program at Duke Integrative Medicine. He has represented the Duke MBSR program in numerous radio, television, and print interviews. He is author of Calming Your Anxious Mind, and coauthor of the Five Good Minutes series.
 
Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, is internationally known for his work as a scientist, writer, and meditation teacher engaged in bringing mindfulness into the mainstream of medicine and society. He is professor of medicine emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and author of numerous books, including Full Catastrophe Living, Arriving at Your Own Door, and Coming to Our Senses.

Table of Contents

Foreword     vii
Acknowledgments     xi
Introduction to the revised edition     1
Getting oriented
A mindful approach to fear & anxiety     13
Paying attention on purpose     25
The body & its fear system     33
Anxiety & the power of the mind     43
Mindfulness & meditation     55
Your attitude is important     69
Building your practice foundation     87
Practicing mindfulness
Mindfulness in everyday life     101
Establishing mindfulness, breath by breath     113
Mindfulness of the body     127
Bringing full attention to life     137
Befriending your anxious mind     153
Making room for the upset     163
Applying mindfulness to fear, anxiety & panic
Common concerns about these meditation practices     173
Feeling safe, resting in silence     189
Applying mindfulness to fear & anxiety     199
Taking a larger view     213
Resources     219
References     223

Editorial Reviews

Mindfulness is perhaps most simply described as a technique in which a person is attentive in a nonjudgmental way to his or her thoughts and actions in the present moment. This approach, practiced in Buddhism and other religions, has been shown recently to be effective in treating psychological problems including anxiety, fear, and panic. Dr. Jeffrey Brantley's Calming Your Anxious Mind introduces mindfulness to readers suffering from these maladies and other stress-related problems.

This book is a welcome addition to the anxiety disorders field. Comprehensive as well as clearly written, it provides a wealth of information on the use of meditation and mindfulness practice in recover from anxiety difficulties.
—Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D., author of The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook and Coping with Anxiety

"Dr. Brantley’s book is clear and warm. It takes the mystery out of meditation and explains how things that at first sight appear ‘ordinary’ are in fact very important. His extensive clinical experience and his empathy constantly shine through the book."
—Jonathan Davidson, MD, director of the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Program at Duke University

"I think the book is fantastic and believe it will fill an important niche in the treatment of anxiety disorders. The information on the physiology of anxiety and the stress response helps to demystify the symptoms for readers, making their problem seem more manageable. Beautifully guided meditations anticipate and address the questions that anxious new meditators will have. The instruction to stay present with the anxiety is powerful and healing. I know I will be recommending it to my patients and colleagues."
—Holly B. Rogers, MD, staff psychiatrist with Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services

"As a psychotherapist and teacher of stress reduction, I find this book helpful to clients and clinicians, as well as to meditators wishing to deepen their own practice. Brantley gives practical and compassionate guidance to anyone seeking skillful ways to work with anxiety and panic."
—Allie Rudolph, LCSW, founder and codirector of the University of Virginia Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program

From the Publisher