Mindfulness for the High Performance World: A Practical, Skill-Based Approach to Developing and Sustaining Mindfulness, Equanimity and Balance

Mindfulness for the High Performance World provides a unique approach to mindfulness training, built upon the principles of Buddhist philosophy written in line with the Dalai Lama’s description of meditation and mindfulness as “Science of the Mind”. This unique volume explores mindfulness as a learnable skill in context with the underpinnings of the teachings of Eastern psychology.

The authors, Norm, a physician, cancer researcher and triathlete and Karolynn, a psychotherapist, mindfulness meditation teacher and marathoner, live and work in a high-stress, high-expectation world. Their approach is rooted in an understanding that thoughts produce biochemical and physiological changes and provides a strategic framework to instruct an individual on how to categorize types of thoughts. After harnessing this ability, one is positioned to become both more aware of his or her thoughts as well as the specific patterns of sensations they produce, or Sentinel Sites℠. The awareness of what the mind is doing and the ability to interrupt a thought pattern and/or control the response almost instantly leads one to having a healthier life, improved relationships with others and better adaptability to one’s environment. Emphasizing the importance of physical activity and nutrition, the authors present a systematic approach for people who want to learn and incorporate mindfulness and transform how they live without having to divert their lives and careers.

Offering itself as an accessible and skill-based introduction to the principles, practices, and benefits of mindfulness, Mindfulness for the High Performance World is a useful resource for students, athletes and professionals living and working in high-performance, high-stress environments and also for mindfulness practitioners seeking to deepen their skill level.

C. Norman Coleman, MD received his B.A. degree in mathematics summa cum laude from the University of Vermont and his M.D. from Yale University School of Medicine. He has worked in academia in the University of California, San Francisco, Stanford University, Harvard University and in the federal government at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology. His academic appoints include Assistant and Associate Professor (tenure) at Stanford University School of Medicine, Professor and Chairman of Radiation Oncology at Harvard Medical School, Associate Director and Senior Investigator at the National Cancer Institute and Senior Medical Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in the Department of Health and Human Services. His professional work includes laboratory and clinical cancer research, clinical careand program development including community service, national emergency response planning for nuclear disasters and international programs. He has over 300 scientific publications has written a book Understanding Cancer (Johns Hopkins University Press) for patients and families. He has taken meditation courses at the Vipassana Meditation Center in Massachusetts as taught by S. N. Goenka. He is an avid triathlete including Ironman triathlons and competing in the world championship races. He has received the Service to America Homeland Security Medal from the Partnership for Public Service, numerous fellowships in professional societies and recently a Doctor of Science degree honaris causia from his alma mater, the University of Vermont for career contributions to cancer research and care and public service. He is the recipient of the Ellen L Stovall Award for Innovation in Patient-Centered Cancer Care by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.  He is currently senior scientific advisor and a founder of the International Cancer Expert Corps, the mission of which is to provide cancer care to underserved globally.

Karolynn Forsburg Coleman received her B.A. degree in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and her MSW degree from Smith College, School of Social Work. She has practiced in a number of settings including university hospitals, family counseling centers, schools: middle, upper and college level. She is now in private practice in Bethesda, MD where she works with individuals, couples and families. She consults and has given workshops at community facilities. She has a breadth of experience in many psychological theories and techniques drawn from both Western psychology and Eastern psychology. Her emphasis is on results with practical solutions.  She has had formal mindfulness training including a Year of Mindful Living and completed a two year intensive meditation teacher program from the Meditation Teacher Training Institute.  She guides meditation at the Insight Meditation Center of Washington’s Center for Mindful Living.  Additionally, she is an avid runner (numerous marathons and triathlons) and hiker and enjoys time in natural surroundings. She values the connectivity and balance that are obtained through being in nature and through physical activity. 

Both have traveled extensively including the Himalayan regions/countries in Nepal, Ladakh, Bhutan, Sikkim and Tibet and enjoy teaching, mentoring, learning from others and from trying to fully live life in the moment.