Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6388 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-31
• Format: Audiobook
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Audio CD

Synopsis
Through many research studies and his pioneering work at the University of Massachusetts where he is founder of its world renowned Stress Reduction Clinic, Kabat-Zinn has served as a recognized bridge between science and meditation. With "Mindfulness for Beginners", he offers the definitive course designed specifically to introduce new students to the proven benefits of mindfulness practice, including: stress reduction, alleviation of depression, chronic pain relief and more. On CD 1, Kabat-Zinn presents "Mindfulness 101" - an accessible, comprehensive tutorial that addresses the basics of mindfulness meditation and explores the spacious, luminous and mysterious qualities of awareness itself. CD 2 guides listeners through a series of five meditations meant to be used at home, at work or while traveling. It includes Eating Meditation, Mindfulness of Breathing, and Mindfulness of the Body. Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way - on purpose, in the present moment and without judgment. This special kind of attention nurtures greater awareness, and is a simple yet powerful route for getting ourselves back in touch with our own wisdom and vitality.

Now, Jon Kabat-Zinn brings the practice of meditation to the widest possible audience with "Mindfulness for Beginners".

Customer Reviews

Fully functional though slightly lacking
This was my first taste of Jon Kabat-Zinn, though I've studied mindfulness before. As a general introduction to the subject it is fine. Jon is a gentle and engaging speaker, and on the first CD gives you a thoughtful, basic understanding of mindfulness. There are several meditations (as mentioned) on the second CD, which are also basic, but clear and helpful.

I liked his presentation and have ordered his 'Full Catastrophe Living' as a result of listening to these CDs. I would, however, reccomend this set as an aid, rather than as a proper introduction. It is a very nice addition, if you are interested in stress reduction and/or mindfulness, and can help both to clarify understanding of the system and fine tune your meditation technique. If you are looking for a thorough introduction to the subject though, I would reccomend the book 'Mindfulness in Plain English' by Bhante G. For around the same price, you get a much more thorough understanding.

I'm not so sure!
I wanted to provide a review as a counter-balance to the other, more positive reviews.
I am currently reading 'Full Catastrophe Living' and purchased the CD to help me practice meditation. To be honest, I wish I'd stuck to just the book! Jon seems like a lovely, compassionate man but I find him incredibly annoying!
I tried the 'eating meditation' first and could not stop myself from giggling everytime he said the word 'raisin'! I love the New York accent but, unfortunately, I do not find it relaxing. His constant repetition, particularly of the words 'moment...by moment...by moment...by moment...by moment' (you get the picture!) is irritating beyond belief. A lot of the time I just wsished he'd shut up and leave me to it! I suspect Jon likes the sound of his own voice - certainly his book is full of similar repetition and could be half as thick, and thus less scary, if he just cut to the chase a little more often.
I am determined to stick with the book and to follow his advice - however, I suspect the CD will end up in a charity shop!

Clear, funny and thought provoking
If you prefer to 'listen and learn' than read, this is a great introduction to mindfulness. Jon Kabet-Zinns style is down to earth, thought provoking with a dry humor that will has you laughing out loud (be warned if you are listening to the CD in public!). Even the choice of a raisin for one of the short meditations will promote some giggles, but then there's nothing like a raisin for raise'n your awareness!

Inevitably, this short CD does not go into a lot of depth about mindfulness. If your curiosity if raised by the raisin, I would recommend one of Jon Kabet-Zinns thinner books for a good overview of the mindful approach to meditation. Wherever You Go, There You are