Jon Kabat-Zinn

Wherever You Go, There You Are

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In his book, Wherever You Go, There You are, Jon Kabat-Zinn teaches the reader how to meditate, starting from the very basics. To begin with, he explains what meditation is: to reconnect with oneself and find an inner balance through a practice of self-awareness. He also explains several different ways to approach the practice of meditation, along with various techniques, such as visualising a mountain or a lake, and the best poses in which to meditate, as well as the mindset we need to help us in our daily lives (that of patience, generosity and non-judgement). Finally, Kabat-Zin explains the essence of meditation, which is acceptance of the present moment as it is. He tells us that an awareness of balance, karma and connection are very important to help improve our lives and our relationships.

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Analysis and key concepts

01.

To rediscover our inner balance, all we need to do is “rediscover” meditation

02.

Meditation is simple, but not easy: its strength lies in regular practice

03.

How to meditate correctly: focus on the breath and on “external” thoughts

04.

Anyone who meditates can learn “not to react”

05.

To meditate better, practice patience, non-judgement and letting things run their course

06.

The attitude to help achieve balance: trust, generosity, vulnerability and simplicity

07.

Concentration, vision and the journey are essential to meditation

08.

Ideal meditation: sitting, for about 45 minutes, concentrating on our mudra and on our mood

09.

Suggestions for meditation: imagine a mountain or a lake

10.

Effective meditation can also be done while walking or laying down

11.

Meditating in front of a fire or in the morning: the best conditions to get in touch with who you really are

12.

The foundations of meditation are connection, karma and practicing nonviolence

13.

Quotes

14.

Take-home message

01. To rediscover our inner balance, all we need to do is “rediscover” meditation

People often tend to lose contact with their own essence and the natural gifts available to them: to become fully aware of any given situation, you need to take a break to focus on the present and fully feel its power.

Too often we tend to believe that what we think about the world around us is the absolute truth, and consequently we rarely feel in harmony with ourselves or with others. But to wake up to this blinkered view, all we need to do is realise we have it, and become more mindful through meditation: meditating means to be present with oneself and to embark on a journey within. Hence the title of this book: “Wherever You Go, There You Are”: since this is the path that our lives follow.

02. Meditation is simple, but not easy: its strength lies in regular practice

03. How to meditate correctly: focus on the breath and on “external” thoughts

04. Anyone who meditates can learn “not to react”

05. To meditate better, practice patience, non-judgement and letting things run their course

06. The attitude to help achieve balance: trust, generosity, vulnerability and simplicity

07. Concentration, vision and the journey are essential to meditation

08. Ideal meditation: sitting, for about 45 minutes, concentrating on our mudra and on our mood

09. Suggestions for meditation: imagine a mountain or a lake

10. Effective meditation can also be done while walking or laying down

11. Meditating in front of a fire or in the morning: the best conditions to get in touch with who you really are

12. The foundations of meditation are connection, karma and practicing nonviolence

13. Quotes

14. Take-home message

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Many useful tips to:

Start meditating, without any particular skill or previous experience.
Understand how to practice self-awareness and which method to use.
Improve your inner balance and your relationships with others.

The author

Jon Kabat-Zin is an American professor emeritus of medicine and a writer. He also founded The Stress Reduction Clinic, and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He discovered the world of meditation while studying at MIT, and since then he has applied his own method to his research and teachings, which is centred around the positive impact that this discipline can have on improving personal relationships and relieving stress, anxiety and suffering. The first book he published in 1990, entitled Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness was also widely acclaimed.

Edition

Publishing house:

Hachette Books

Year:

2005

Pages:

304

ISBN:

978-1401307783