The Mindfulness Breakthrough

May 15, 2012

These two books on meditation take totally different approaches to the same basic subject. Clinical meditation consultant Puddicombe, a former Buddhist monk, primarily uses his own experience to help readers clear their minds by employing mindfulness principles. He offers a variety of ten-minute exercises to direct the practitioner's awareness to breathing and focusing--skills that can improve self-control, performance under stress, and alertness. Meditation teacher and occupational therapist Silverton employs the principles of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and offers a textbook-style approach to the subject. She covers the same territory as Puddicombe but adds helpful diagrams and photographs. She also spends more time discussing the ramifications of mindfulness training in terms of relationships with others and oneself. In addition to the usual problems of stress and anxiety, she covers the benefits of mindfulness practice in rearing children, dealing with illness, and caring for others. VERDICT Silverton's is the clear favorite in terms of breadth and presentation.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.