[eBook Code] Core Principles of Meditation for Therapy (eBook Code, 1st)

Introduction xi

Part I: Theoretical Foundations 1

1  Return to Emptiness 3

Core Principle 1: Learn from What Is and What Is Not.

2  The Changing Self 15

Core Principle 2: Attune to the Natural Flow of Change.

Part II: Neuroscience 27

3  The Inner Thread: Effects of All Forms of Meditation 29

Core Principle 3: Meditation Has a Dual Effect: Calm Alertness

4 Variations: Different Forms of Meditation 39

Core Principle 4: There Are Different Forms of Meditation. Pick the Suitable One for Your Client.

Part III: Tools of Meditation 49

5  Attention 51

Core Principle 5: Train Attention to Enhance Meditation and Improve Therapy Outcomes.

6  Sensory Awareness 63

Core Principle 6: Attune Your Senses to Enhance Self-Awareness.

7  Body Movement and the Mind–Body Link 77

Core Principle 7: The Mind and Body Are Linked. Meditative Movement of the Body Can Elicit a Meditative State of Mind.

Part IV: Meditation Instructions 109

8  Focus Meditations 111

Core Principle 8: Narrow Your Focus to Cultivate Stability, Regulation, Tranquility, and Self-Control.

9  Open-Focus Meditation: Mindfulness 119

Core Principle 9: Be Mindful in the Present Moment to Attune to Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors.

10  No-Focus Meditation: Emptiness and Letting Be 133

Core Principle 10: Clear Your Mind. Invite the Natural Free Flow of Potential to Emerge.

Part V: Applications 143

11  Cultivating Happiness through Compassion and Gratitude 145

Core Principle 11: Nurture Happiness by Practicing Compassion and Gratitude.

12  Integrating Meditation into Therapy 159

Core Principle 12: Integrate Meditation into Most Forms of Therapy as an Adjunct or Stand-alone Method.

13  Meditations for Stress 167

Core Principle 13: Meditation Alters the Physical, Emotional, and Cognitive Components of Stress. Practice It to Calm, Manage, and Relieve Stress.

14  Meditative Regulation of Emotions 173

Core Principle 14: The Paradox of Meditative Regulation Is That You Gain Control by Letting Go.

15  Meditations for Depression 181

Core Principle 15: Meditation Can Help to Activate a Depressed Nervous System, Transforming Negative Rumination into Broader Awareness and Deeper Compassion.

16   Meditations for Bipolar Disorder 191

Core Principle 16: Use Meditation along with Medication to Rebalance the Nervous System, Strengthen Emotional Regulation, and Improve Relationships in Clients with Bipolar Disorder.

17  Meditations for Anxiety 201

Core Principle 17: Counter the Negative Anticipation toward the Future Found in Anxiety Disorders. Center the Client in the Present Moment.

18  Meditations for Trauma 211

Core Principle 18: Train the Mind and Brain after Trauma to Elicit Calm, Build Resilience, and Rediscover Well-being.

19  Meditations for Substance Abuse 221

Core Principle 19: Rewire the Reward Pathway of the Brain to Go beyond Pleasure and Pain and Find Meaning in Life without Drugs.

20  Conclusions 229

Core Principle 20: Sculpt Your Own Life through Regular Meditation as You Discover that Enlightened Well-being Is Here and Now.

References 231

About the Authors 241

Author Index 243

Subject Index 247