The Mindfulness Code: Keys for Overcoming Stress, Anxiety, Fear, and Unhappiness [Paperback]

Donald Altman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2010

The price we pay for today’s fast-paced, always-connected life is often stress, anxiety, and depression. While drawing on ancient wisdom, Donald Altman embraces twenty-first-century brain science to create practical, everyday strategies for experiencing a less-encumbered, less-entangled state of being. These techniques reactivate natural abilities you already possess.

The four keys for unlocking mindfulness are the body, the mind, the spirit, and relationships. Altman presents practices for turning each key toward contentment, confidence, and joy, including shifting our mental and emotional perceptions, inhabiting the body and its “sense-abilities,” exploring spiritual connection, and tapping into the healing powers of community and relationship. Inviting and accessible to those new to mindfulness but comprehensive enough for more experienced practitioners, these powerful tools will help you transform your life from the inside out.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In Art of the Inner Meal and Meal by Meal, Altman, who is also a therapist, explored healthy, conscientious food relationships. Though diet only plays a supporting role in this joyful look at residing in the present moment, reading Altman remains a profoundly nourishing experience. This is one of stacks of books to feature mindfulness exercises (observing breathing and emotions, sensing the body, loving-kindness prayers), but the added discussion of neuroscience studies that support the practice and the author's conversational, intimate tone make it one of the most worthwhile. Altman's four keys to mindfulness—mind, body, spirit, and relationships—are each given 11 concise, straightforward chapters. Autobiography, lecture, stories form counseling sessions, and exercises for tuning into the now with greater clarity are the teaching tools for each key. Targeting stress and anxiety, Atman's prose and message is a peace-promoting prescription for anyone frazzled by life's breakneck speed. Mindfulness veterans and newcomers alike will find a trustworthy guide to a discipline gaining greater popularity and scientific validation. Altman addresses the mind while writing from the heart. (June)
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Review

“The Mindfulness Code can greatly enhance the ability of anyone to live with a greater sense of direction and self-control.”
— Jeffrey M. Schwartz, MD, coauthor of The Mind & The Brain

“This well-written book addresses the root problems in anybody’s life, and Altman’s suggestions will certainly prove beneficial to readers who follow them.”
— Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, author of Mindfulness in Plain English and Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness

"A peace-promoting prescription for anyone frazzled by life’s breakneck speed."
— Publishers Weekly

“An antidote to the stress and hurriedness of modern life. Donald Altman reminds us that kindness, acceptance, and listening — just listening — are as admirable and transformative as any work or monetary achievement.”
— Robert Biswas-Diener, coauthor of Happiness

“An engrossing blend of wisdom, humor, insights, and stories along with illustrative research and many helpful mindfulness exercises…The Mindfulness Code will hand you the keys for unlocking a life of greater ease and happiness.”
— Roshi Jan Chozen Bays, MD, author of Mindful Eating

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (June 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577318935
• ISBN-13: 978-1577318934
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #227,544 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Donald is a psychotherapist and former Buddhist monk. Born in Chicago, he now resides in Portland, Oregon, where he teaches at Portland State University as an adjunct faculty member of the Interpersonal Neurobiology Program, and is an adjunct professor at Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. Donald also serves on the board of directors of "THE CENTER FOR MINDFUL EATING."

In his own words: "Mindfulness is my passion. I ordained in a Burmese Buddhist monastery with a wonderful mindfulness teacher-- the venerable U. Silananda (author of The Four Foundations of Mindfulness). Later, while leading workshops on spiritual eating, I found many people coming to ask me about eating disorders that they were struggling with... and so I returned to school and am now a licensed psychotherapist. I believe it only takes a few grains of mindfulness each day to deepen enjoyment in daily life, and I have seen how it has changed lives in a positive way... one moment at a time!"

In addition to bringing practical mindfulness skills and strategies to anyone wanting a less chaotic life, Donald also travels around the country teaching therapists and professionals how to use clinical mindfulness interventions for anxiety, depression, and stress.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Worthwhile Read June 10, 2010

By Marilyn Dalrymple VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

The Mindfulness Code: Keys for Overcoming Stress, Fear, Anxiety, Fear and Unhappiness by Donald Altman is a gentle, but serious reminder that most of us need to take care of ourselves and be concerned and caring toward others. That sounds simple, doesn't it? But how many of us do can say we do these things on a regular basis?

Chapters that fill the pages include, but are not limited to, "Accept This Moment," "Use Sacred Word to Turn Away from Despair," "Slow Down and Enjoy the View," "Find Balance and Detoxify Stress," "Connect to Nature's Source," and "Embrace Silence and Deep Listening." Each chapter title is a lesson in itself.

Altman gives examples with each lesson. He mentions studies, that support his suggestions, poetry that help express his feelings and short, simple assignments (Altman doesn't use this terminology) to help us make an effort to change our thinking and an abundance of and references that support his work are listed.

Chapter 28, "Live Today on Purpose," for example, begins with a quotation, "The old storytellers knew . . . that each of our myths, our sacred secret stories, is the outpouring of deep longing for meaning, which by some still unknown form of alchemy confers purpose to our lives," (Phil Cousineau)

He then tells us a personal experience he had, and the lesson he was taught from his experience. Altman then goes into his lesson for us and these lessons are always upbeat, purposeful and motivating. He finishes with a simple assignment. In the case of this chapter he tells us to write down one small and realistic purpose we want to achieve before leaving our homes int the morning. He reminds us, ". . . A purpose doesn't have to change the entire world in a day to make a difference."

I truly enjoyed this book and I know I will return to read parts of it as I feel I needs the encouragement, in the future. It is well written, holds the attention of the reader, makes sense and following Altman's suggestions is easy and encourages mindfulness (which is what seems to be missing in so many of us). I am taking Altman's book to heart and I am making an effort to follow his path.

The book holds the peaceful gentle qualities it does, perhaps because Altman is a psychotherapist and was a Buddhist monk and adjunct professor at Lewis and Clark College Graduate School and Portland State University. He has sewn the three areas of study, seamlessly.

This book is the perfect summer read.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading for Life July 14, 2010

By Maitri

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am so glad I found this book. It has helped me cope with everyday anxiety and stress. If I can't sleep at night I practice the "doable" practices that author Don Altman offers. This book is a blessing and I am so grateful to have it. What a relief.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple Activities for Profound Results September 1, 2010

By John Morley

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Just the process of reading this book made me more relaxed and better prepared for life. Rather than promoting a radical change in your life and outlook, it provides a spectrum of easily done activities that could add up to a profound change; leaving it up to readers how far they care to take the advice within this book.

It is also an interesting read: Each short chapter presents an idea, demonstrates it with the story of a specific individual, then gives easy-to-follow directions on a simple activity that can quickly yield a benefit.

While providing insight to the wisdom of the major religions, it does not ask for conversion. While incorporating environmental concern, it doesn't scold or demand drastic life style changes. While recognizing the importance of good health, it is not a pitch for restrictive diets or demanding workouts. It is practical, actionable guidance that can make a big difference through modest changes in insight and activities.