Mindful Exercises for Waking to the Wonders of Ordinary Life
September 15, 2015
The practice of mindfulness as a conveyor of well-being and mental health has been gaining in popularity, and this pair of books offer two distinct applications.
In Joy in Every Moment, educator Gover maintains that through performing exercises designed to promote conscious breathing and positive thoughts throughout the day people become happier and healthier. She aims to help readers discover joy at home, work, alone, or in celebration with others with suggestions that range from counting blessings and gardening to journaling and unplugging devices.
In One Second Ahead, Hougaard, founder and managing director of the corporate Potential Project, along with project partners Jacqueline Carter and Gillian Coutts, focuses on improving concentration in the midst of workplace interruptions, which involves training one's brain to choose distractions purposefully. The authors outline strategies for replacing negative mind-sets that prevent us from reaching our full potential. Guidelines for mindful meetings, including the advice to be completely present for as long as the meeting lasts, are especially beneficial. VERDICT Joy in Every Moment is suggested for those who want to expand on their established mindfulness practice. One Second Ahead will be useful to those who often become distracted and wish to be more effective at work and in general.
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