Paths are Made By Walking: Practical Steps for Attaining Serenity [Hardcover]

Th?r?se Jacobs-Stewart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 4, 2003

Who wouldn't opt for positive action over rash reaction in frustrating situations?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Jacobs-Stewart, a psychologist and organizational consultant, provides a self-help program designed to combat the stress of modern life. Drawing on the latest brain research, she explains how a neural cluster (the amygdala) reacts to a threatening situation by triggering a fight-or-flight response. This neural response cannot, however, distinguish between real physical danger and an emotional threat based on unrelated experiences that leads to counterproductive reactions. For example, if your trust in someone close to you was once betrayed, you may regard the world with a suspicious attitude that will hamper not only your personal relationships but the ability to progress in a chosen career. According to the author, this and other negative thought patterns can be overcome by a series of mental exercises that she provides, involving acceptance, reflection and deepening awareness of emotional reactions. Largely based on the Buddhist practices of meditation and mindfulness, the progressive mental exercises are carefully and clearly described. The suggestions provided by Jacobs-Stewart, a psychologist and spiritual teacher, depend on setting aside a significant amount of quiet time for body/mind work and spiritual reflection. This program will appeal to those who want to understand and change their emotional reactions and to improve their relationships with others.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Thèrëse Jacobs-Stewart lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband. She is a member of the Clouds in Water Zen Center and has long served on its board of directors.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (June 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446530670
• ISBN-13: 978-0446530675
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 0.9 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #239,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Thérèse Jacobs-Stewart was born in 1953 at Saint Mary's Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the second-born of four children to Joseph and Helen Stewart. Professionally, Thérèse has her M.A. Degree from Saint Mary's University and has been practicing as a licensed psychologist, retreat and workshop leader, and international consultant for more than 25 years. She is a recognized subject matter expert in emotional intelligence, and published her first book, Paths Are Made By Walking: Practical Steps to Attaining Serenity, in 2003. In addition to her work in psychotherapy, Thérèse founded MindRoads Meditation Center in 2004. A community-based center, MindRoads offers a practical, accessible approach to mindfulness training and meditation practice.

Thérèse's newest book, Mindfulness and the 12 Steps, Living Recovery in the Present Moment, offers recovering people a new resource and fresh perspective for developing their own spiritual path. While visiting each of the Twelve Steps, readers explore how mindfulness can inform the daily practice of living in the here and now. Included are lessons from ancient and modern Buddhist teachers, and a guided approach to putting mindfulness practices into action. Mindfulness and the 12 Steps comes alive with personal anecdotes from the author's own life and from her own recovery group, and resonates with a tone of positive, loving kindness.

Thérèse lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband of 30 years, Jim, and their cat Johnny.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a simple way to come alive!, July 23, 2003

By 

Tracey Walen (Forest Lake, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paths are Made By Walking: Practical Steps for Attaining Serenity (Hardcover)

I really liked this book and it's already made a big difference in my life. Right away I was hooked by the real life examples the author uses - "that's just like me!", I thought. Unlike many "help" books, this one gave me an immediate, easy place to start AND I immediately noticed a difference. I started with the body scan in chapter 3 and the daily feelings examen in chapter 4 and was amazed at how much these simple practices increased my awareness of what was going on. The amazing result was comfort. Then I noticed I felt more calm, confident and powerful where I often have felt anxious, wimpy and angry. Talk about a way to reduce stress! These simple first steps that even a way too busy person like me can fit into my day seem to start an upward spiral that little by little quickly leads to more energy and joy. The explanation of the science behind emotions is easy to understand and I found it totally fascinating. The information about ancient wisdom practices fed my spirit and I felt a little more connected to the universe. I've taken lots of management courses and read a lot of great sounding self-improvement programs, but this deceptively quiet, simple book really worked for me. I definitely recommend walking this path.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and easy way to change your life!, August 10, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Paths are Made By Walking: Practical Steps for Attaining Serenity (Hardcover)

My husband and I recently read this book together after seeing Therese at a book fair and being very impressed with her presence. The book is full of wisdom,understanding and practical applications to life. The exercises have already started to change my life. I have increased awareness of myself and my responses to people, situations, and events. The exercises are easy to learn and simple to make a part of daily life, without taking up a lot of time. Therese's explanations of the brain's workings greatly help one understand the way the brain works. Her explanations also have given me words to express myself in difficult times. I highly recommend this book for those seeking to better their lives.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My #1 Business Tool, June 17, 2003

By 

Deena Ebbert (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paths are Made By Walking: Practical Steps for Attaining Serenity (Hardcover)

I had the opportunity to read this book while en route to what I expected to be a very difficult business meeting. As the plane ate up the miles between my home office and my destination, I ate up the pages of this book. In it, I discovered within myself the path to produce a superior result in my conversations with my client, and create an atmosphere where everyone in attendance felt like a winner. I realized that my trepidation about the meeting was, in truth, a boundless energy source, available to access for the benefit of all involved in the discussion. I offer my thanks to the author, for providing me the most plausible and beneficial business tool I have encountered in over 15 years of specialization in turbulent launch merger Corporate-America, and a resource that I use every day, both professionally and personally. I plan on buying a stack, and giving copies to business colleagues, friends, and family.