Stress is endemic in our culture. We live in a restless world, and there often seems little time to really appreciate our lives. Rather than constantly trying to keep up, perhaps it's time for us to slow down, pay attention, and notice what we need for our well-being. For thousands of years, Eastern traditions have taught meditation to help people lead healthier, happier lives. Now, scientific research is confirming that mindfulness can help us cultivate our mental and physical well-being. Written by Dr. Jonty Heaversedge and Ed Halliwell, this revised and updated edition of The Mindful Manifesto integrates the very latest scientific and medical research on mindfulness with meditation's historical context. We will see how mindfulness can help us:
• work with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety
• cope with the busyness of everyday life
• bring our bodies into balance and manage chronic illness
• let go of addictions and relate more skillfully at home and at work
And why stop there? With examples of how the mindfulness movement is already well underway, we will see how encouraging governments and other powerful institutions to take a mindful approach could make a real difference to health and happiness in our society.
Dr Jonty Heaversedge, presenter of BBC1's prime-time TV show Street Doctor, works as a GP in an inner-city practice in south London. He holds a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Mental Health Studies, both from the University of London.
Ed Halliwell is a writer and consultant, specialising in mindfulness and wellbeing. He is the author of the Mental Health Foundation's Mindfulness Report, a regular contributor to the Guardian and an authorised meditation instructor.