The World's Best Book Summaries
What is mindfulness, according to Jon Kabat-Zinn? What does the practice of mindfulness require you to do? Mindfulness is the subject of Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book Wherever You Go, There You Are. In the book, he claims that practicing mindfulness will improve your life and help you stay in the moment. Keep reading to learn more about why Jon Kabat-Zinn thinks mindfulness is important.
How does the language people use reflect and impact the way they see themselves? Is there an inherent flaw in Western science? According to Alan Watts, the ego is the culprit behind the ills of Western society. In The Book, he argues that Western society perpetuates “the ego illusion” through the language people use, the expectations they place on each other, and even the way they approach science. Continue reading to understand Watts’s argument regarding ego in the West.
Are we individual beings, or is that a false sense of identity? Is everything relative? What’s wrong with reductive science? Many Westerners internalize the idea that each of us is an individual—separate from others and our surroundings. However, in The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are, British philosopher Alan Watts argues that the concept of humans as separate beings is an illusion: the ego trick. Read more for an overview of this thought-provoking book.
What are some ways to practice mindfulness? Can anyone practice mindfulness? According to Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book Wherever You Go, There You Are, mindfulness is something anyone can do at any time. To make it easier for you, he highlights a few strategies that he believes will help you stay in the present every day. Let’s look at the few ways Kabat-Zinn suggests practicing mindfulness in your everyday life.
What’s scientific reductionism? Does it mess with our true sense of self? Philosopher Alan Watts defines the ego illusion as the false sense of being an individual who exists as an entity separate from other people and the environment. He points the finger at Western science as one of the ways we perpetuate the ego illusion. Read more to learn the argument that Watts makes in The Book.
What are mindfulness values? How do patience and perseverance make mindfulness easier to practice? Returning to mindfulness every day can be challenging for some people, but there are values that can make the process simpler. The values outlined by Jon Kabat-Zinn in his book Wherever You Go, There You Are can be summarized as simplicity, patience, vulnerability, and perseverance. Keep reading to learn about the importance of these mindfulness values for your self-improvement journey.
What is Jon Kabat Zinn’s mindfulness meditation practice? What postures should you use to meditate properly? Formal meditation requires you to focus on your breathing, posture, and visualizations. If it sounds hard, don’t fret. Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn has plenty of advice for making your meditation smooth sailing. Continue reading to learn how to escape the world and focus on mindfulness meditation.
What are the four parts of the mind in yoga philosophy? How does the human mind become imbalanced? In yogic philosophy, there are four aspects of the mind: intellect, memory, identity, and awareness. According to yogi Sadhguru, most problems humans experience are the result of a disbalance between these four aspects whereby memory, identity, and intellect override awareness. Keep reading to learn about the concept of the yogic mind, according to Sadhguru.
What are the benefits of practicing everyday mindfulness? Why should you savor every tiny moment of your life? Life’s too short to not notice the small details. In Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn, everyday mindfulness will help you stay fully present without missing the best moments in life. Find out how you can practice everyday mindfulness to make the most out of life.
How do your thoughts influence your life experiences? How can you harness the power of thought to manifest your desires? Your thoughts become your reality because what you think comes true in a very real sense. This is because your thoughts influence your actions and decisions, which in turn inform your life outcomes. Here’s how your thoughts become your reality and how you can channel your thinking processes to manifest the life you want.