Customer Reviews

Wise Mind, Open Mind: Finding Purpose and Meaning in Times of Crisis, Loss, and Change

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In times of loss or crisis, people tend to shut down and deny that their lives have been forever altered. With gentleness and patience, Dr. Ronald Alexander, trained in modern integrative mind-body methods of somatic psychology, mindfulness, and relational therapies, guides readers through a three-step process that begins with melting even the fiercest resistance to unwanted change. This process is derived from his experiences working with people in the arts who are continually having to reinvent themselves.20Yet it can be used by anyone: Dr. Alexander provides plenty of evidence that contractors, teachers, accountants, single mothers, and people from all walks of life can access their core creativity and passion, and turn calamity into opportunity. He presents insights into the nature of happiness itself, drawing upon Buddhist philosophy, creative thinking and positive psychology, to help readers to learn the art of tolerating the experience of suffering so that the clouds can part and joy arise again, leading to deeper fulfillment.

The most important item in the Wise Mind, Open Mind toolbox is mindfulness meditation, an ancient Buddhist technique for learning to be fully present even in the most trying situations. Dr. Alexander clearly explains how a beginner can begin immediately developing a mindfulness practice that will build his mindstrength so that he can more easily accept change and uncertainty ("Letting Go"), reconnect with creativity ("Tuning In"), and craft a new life and self-definition ("Moving Forward"). Psychology professionals will find Wise Mind, Open Mind extremely useful for their patients who are frozen in fear to begin the difficult but ultimately rewarding process of transformation. Backed by recent research into the efficacy of mindfulness meditation, Wise Mind, Open Mind is a PATH FORGING book marrying the creative process of transformation, creativity thinking with Buddhist psychology.

JUDITH ORLOFF MD,
AUTHOR OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER, EMOTIONAL FREEDOM.
Dr. Orloff synthesizes the pearls of traditional medicine with cutting edge knowledge of intuition, energy. and spirituality.

Like most books on this type of topic, Open Mind, Open Heart advocates meditation as a means to a better life. Unlike most books, Open Mind, Open Heart actually gives you the how of meditation, complete with specific exercises, and why it works. It really can help you through the unexpected changes life throws at you, but I recommend you read it when things seem to be running smoothly. Why wait until your emotions are whirling around like the contents of a Cuisinart? Read it now, absorb the wisdom, and know that the next time you need a little help moving forward after a setback, you'll handle the situation with more ease and grace than ever before. I read it in a time of relative calm in my life and found that it opened a door to creativity for me. After reading only the explanation of what the book could do for me, before I even got to the exercises and such, there were visions of new and different jewelry designs dancing in my head. Mind you, I'm not a jewelry designer. I noodled around with making jewelry as a hobby a few years back but hadn't thought about it since. So now I'm inspired to take it up again and try new things. I'll keep this book handy for the next time my life seems to crumble like bleu cheese, knowing that the creative channels in my brain will open wide and lead me to new and creative coping mechanisms and solutions.

I just finished reading Ron's book Wise Mind Open Mind. Great step by step manual on how to integrate mindfullness, meditation, and some of the insights of Buddhism into our daily lives. I found that this booked offered a useful path to practice ways to strengthen one's life while opening to others and the world about. I think everyone will have a favorite section. Mine was chapter's 5, which talked about how to use the Buddhist teaching on the 5 hinderances and chapter 7, which discussed ways to the same thing as it applies to the four nobel truths. That was just me...I think everyone who reads this book will find their own favorite recipes.

"Wise Mind, Open Mind" is an excellent mindfulness-based psychological "first aid kit" for the times of uncertainty. Dr. Alexander offers an original application of Buddhist self-help psychology which is uniquely positioned for the times of change. Dr. Alexander offers a wealth of new ideas. For example, an easy-to-overlook hidden gem of the book is the discussion of the Illusory Perfection as a ruminatory hindrance that may hold you back from moving on and letting go during in the wake of an opportunity loss.

Pavel Somov,Ph.D., author of "Eating the Moment" (2008) and "Present Perfect" (2010)

This is a rare book because the author has chosen to navigate the worlds of spirituality and psychology. He wisely avoids endorsing a specific religion. This book is for everyone: the Southern Baptist, the Chinese Taoist, the Jew and the Jesuit. When you read the book you will note the absence of three letter words like God and sin, though joy has a prominent position. Instead you will find love, peace and creative expansion. This book is the essential compass for the serious seeker. Read it slowly, savor the wisdom and apply the lessons. Follow the roadmap to the sacred silence within and you'll be rewarded with the abundance which is your divine truth and your birthright. Wise Mind, Open Mind is a clear, comprehensive, and practical guide for integrating mindfulness into your daily life. This book has come at the right time as we all bend our knees and ride the wave of uncertainity and loss. I will recommend this book to my friends and patients.

I just finished Dr. Alexander's brilliant new book and I find myself thinking about the "Wanting Mind," the Wheel of Life, and staying in the present. It inspired me to start meditating after years of thinking I couldn't do it. I recommend this elegantly written and insightful book to anyone who wants to feel better, wiser, and more content.

Wise Mind, Open Mind is the life work of a highly experienced and contemplative psychologist, creativity consultant, and spiritual teacher who has spent a lifetime openly exploring, directly experiencing, and healing human suffering. This book is filled with sharp intelligence and generosity of heart offering practical guidance for one to develop a more authentic, enriched and vibrant life. In my 25 years of practice as a psychotherapist I have found only a few authors who, in a clear and sophisticated manner, can articulate and integrate the holistic human potential of mind/body/spirit. Dr. Alexander fully embraces the depth of human suffering with grace and clarity leading one step by step to create and connect to one's potential for healing, growth, and transformation. In this book you are in the wisest and best of hands.

I'm a meditation-phobe because I can't sit still but after reading this book I'm convinced that even I can meditate. I already believe in mindfulness--I think it's the path to self-awareness and living in the now rather than in the past--and if meditation is the way to get there then goshdarnit I'm gonna do it. Or at least try it. I especially like the idea of vitality meditation because I can walk outside while I do it. Thanks Dr. Alexander for such a clear, unintimidating, guide to mindfulness meditation. I'm the author of He's History, You're Not: Surviving Divorce After 40

I just finished reading Ronald Alexander's very fine book. We are living in a period of extreme uncertainty in which the demands of our time seem to have exceeded the capabilities of the social, political, economic and institutional structures designed to meet them. In this type of bewildering environment everyone needs a new compass or at least a way to recalibrate the one they have. Wise Mind Open Mind provides just that sort of compass. Dr. Alexander lays the foundation for meditation, something available to everyone, as a first step to gaining a footing in this new territory. At the same time he provides an extremely useful context on how the Buddhist philosophy can give people thinking and behavioral codes to add strength, meaning and direction to life. highly recommended.

Sandy Sims
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I've read many hundreds of spiritual texts and self-help books over the years. To me, this small book is a kind and honest offering from a wise teacher - a map for our continuing journey - helpful to anyone no matter where you find yourself in your walking. I highly recommend it as a companion.