The Compassionate Mind

"This is an important work. Written in such a non academic style it can be easily approached by anyone. Yet the references are very full and can be followed up for greater in depth research on Compassion. The practical exercises are straight forward and build a personal resource. The only issue that one can take up, is the use of words like "designed" when refering to the brain's development. Adapted, evolved, emerged or developed would seem more appropriate. However Professor Gilbert is canny in many ways. He may be wooing the Creationists among us, or just making it such a comfortable read. Certainly he is approaching mankind's next step in development, both from the individual level of mindfulness, to an understanding of a phenomena that will stop the human race from destroying itself. Politicians would do well to read this work. When is it being translated into Arabic and Chinese?"
~ Written on 2010-02-04

"Nicely written and easy to understand - don't be put off by the length. part of a new-wave of books around the area of enlightenement, acceptance, mindfulness, compasion that goes beyond the mytical and grounds itself upon solid scientific frame - evolutionary biology of the brain and behaviour in this case. and then going on to provide practical how-to exercises to help us actualise according the theory already laid out. very practical but also with the justification that a large number of western minds will demand before they act - very canny!
my other favourties in this newer wave are the solid The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness (includes Guided Meditation Practices CD) and the iconoclastic How to Live in the Here and Now: A Guide to Accelerated Enlightenment, Unlocking the Power of Mindful Awarenessone more book i like that also Waking from Sleep: Why Awakening Experiences Occur and How to Make Them Permanent"
~ Written on 2010-01-13

"Helped me to get the most out of my own therapy. Interesting approach and one I found useful."
~ Written on 2009-12-22

"This book has the potential to enhance peoples' lives. The first part gives an account of how our brains evolved and the legacy this leaves us with in terms of how we perceive and react to situations and people. Clarification of how 'old brain' and 'new brain' reactions can affect us gives a starting point for making better sense of our own and other people's reactions and ways of living. That in itself is valuable and fascinating. In part two the discussions and exercises give practical ways in which we can use the ideas from part one. The importance of self-compassion is well covered, making it beneficial for those who give themselves a hard time and want a route to greater self-confidence and self-esteem. Ways of responding compassionately to others aid development of helpful ways of thinking, feeling and acting, bringing greater resourcefulness and well-being. This is exciting, making it a valuable and loving gift to give oneself and those about whom we care."
~ Written on 2009-07-11

"
This is a good book but beware it is very long and parts of it are quite hard to digest for an amateur. Aimed more at professionals in this field.
But very researched and laid out, thought provoking content and style."
~ Written on 2009-06-08