Science of Meditation: How to Change Your Brain, Mind and Body

Drawing on cutting-edge research, friends and Harvard collaborators Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson expertly reveal what we can learn from a one-of-a-kind data pool that includes world-class meditators. They share for the first time remarkable findings that show how meditation – without drugs or high expense – can cultivate qualities such as selflessness, equanimity, love and compassion, and redesign our neural circuitry. Demonstrating two master thinkers at work, The Science of Meditation explains precisely how mind training benefits us. More than daily doses or sheer hours, we need smart practice, including crucial ingredients such as targeted feedback from a master teacher and a more spacious worldview. These two bestselling authors sweep away the misconceptions around these practices and show how smart practice can change our personal traits and even our genome for the better. Gripping in its storytelling and based on a lifetime of thought and action, this is one of those rare books that has the power to change us at the deepest level.

Review: Sure to provoke oodles of debate about declining attention spans in the young * Bookseller on ‘Focus’ * Goleman uses the emerging science of neuro-sociology to show how priming our brains for meaningful connectivity with others can make the world a better place . . . Fascinating * Sunday Telegraph on ‘Social Intelligence’ * Don’t miss this smart and lively book by the world’s foremost expert on emotion and the brain — Daniel Gilbert, PhD on ‘The Emotional Life of Your Brain’ Impressive in its scope and depth, staggering in its implications — Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD on ‘Emotional Intelligence’ A remarkable collaboration between two brilliant and courageous pioneers, The Science of Meditation shares the scientific basis and practical realities of the remarkable impact meditation has on altering the mind. As I have personally experienced, regular meditation practice brings compassion, calm, and clarity for all of us, from beginners to experienced practitioners — Bill George, Senior Fellow, Harvard Business School; former Chair & CEO, Medtronic; and author of ‘Discover Your True North’ In this engaging and well-researched book, Goleman and Davidson help us sort out the many claims now being made about the benefits of meditation. Drawing on their own long personal meditative experience and the ever increasing number of scientific studies, The Science of Meditation breaks new ground in illuminating the power of meditation to transform our lives — Joseph Goldstein, author of ‘Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening’ Here is a message that is both powerful and joyful. Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson reveal groundbreaking science showing how mindfulness and compassion practices can help each of us individually and thus the entire planet. One of the most exciting books I have read! — Chade-Meng Tan, author of the ‘New York Times’ bestsellers, ‘Joy on Demand’ and ‘Search Inside Yourself’ This exquisite duet between a down-to-earth science writer and path-breaking neuroscientist is a tour-de-force, revealing how training the mind can transform the brain and our sense of self, inspiring us to create a greater sense of well-being, meaning, and connection in our world. Bravo! — Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., author of the `New York Times’ best sellers, `Mind’ and `Brainstorm’ The definitive book on the science of meditation. Rigorously researched and deeply illuminating, The Science of Meditation is a must-read for anyone interested in the hidden potential of the human mind — Daniel Gilbert, PhD, author of the New York Times bestseller ‘Stumbling on Happiness’ A happy synthesis of the authors’ remarkable careers, which grew from the intuition they shared as students that there was something deep and transformative about meditation, The Science of Meditation tells the story of what has been discovered since and why it matters critically at this moment on the planet — Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of ‘Full Catastrophe Living’ and ‘Mindfulness for Beginners’ This is a book that really can change your life. Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson not only show the power of meditation, but also the smartest way to practice for the maximum possible benefit. The Science of Meditation is your roadmap to a more mindful, compassionate, fulfilling life – who doesn’t want that? — Arianna Huffington, author of the `New York Times’ best seller `The Sleep Revolution’

Format: Paperback
Imprint: Penguin Life