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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Mindfulness summary
Mark Williams
Danny Penman
An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World
21 mins
Brief summary
Mindfulness by Mark Williams and Danny Penman is a guide that teaches readers how to live more mindfully and be present in the moment. It offers simple practices and meditations to reduce stress and boost well-being.
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Mindfulness
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Key idea 1 of 7
Mindfulness isn’t what most people think it is.
Mindfulness has been making plenty of headlines lately. But despite all the magazine splashes, there are still a lot of misunderstandings and mistaken assumptions about what it is and what it’s good for.
And that’s a shame because these myths often end up putting people off.
Let’s break down some of the most common misconceptions – beginning with the idea that it’s a religion.
It’s not, though it is a popular practice within many religions. Mindfulness is a mental training technique that’s compatible with all sorts of beliefs and ideas.
But you have to sit cross-legged on the floor to practice mindfulness, right? Wrong! You can if you like, but most people practice it wherever they feel most comfortable.
What about time? Doesn’t mindfulness take up too much of it, and won’t it make you lazy?
In a word, no! You can be mindful anywhere from a minute to an entire day – it’s completely up to you. As for distracting you from your goals, it’s been shown that mindfulness actually helps to focus your mind.
Okay, so now that we’ve busted a couple of myths, let’s look at what mindfulness actually is.
Essentially, it’s all about compassionate awareness. You observe your thoughts and the feelings they evoke like you would clouds in the sky, without criticising or taking action.
Take an example from everyday life. As you walk home from work, you begin thinking about how your colleague was rude to you earlier in the day.
You could send an angry email complaining about their behavior when you get home. But what would happen if you just watched your negative thought take shape before flying away – wouldn’t it be better to simply let it pass?
Mindfulness is about the ability to let negativity pass over you like a raincloud. It grounds you in the present and keeps you attentive to what’s happening right then and there.
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What is Mindfulness about?
Mindfulness (2011) guides readers through eight weeks of meditation specially designed to bring greater peace of mind. The result of a collaboration between a biochemist and a clinical psychologist, this is a scientifically-grounded course that paves the way to greater mental well-being while busting plenty of myths along the way.
Mindfulness Review
Mindfulness (2011) by Mark Williams and Danny Penman is a guide to finding peace and happiness in the present moment. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides practical techniques and exercises to cultivate mindfulness, allowing readers to reduce stress and enhance well-being.
- By combining scientific research and personal anecdotes, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of mindfulness and its benefits.
- The authors' warm and compassionate approach makes the book engaging and relatable, ensuring that readers stay engaged and motivated throughout.
Best quote from Mindfulness
We try so hard to be happy that we end up missing the most important parts of our lives and destroying the very peace that we were seeking.
—Mark Williams and Danny Penman
Who should read Mindfulness?
- Anyone looking for an oasis of calm in today’s hectic world
- Rational thinkers who have been put off by the spiritual associations of mindfulness
- Readers interested in the life of the mind
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Mindfulness FAQs
What is the main message of Mindfulness?
The main message of Mindfulness is to find peace and happiness in the present moment through mindfulness meditation.
How long does it take to read Mindfulness?
The reading time for Mindfulness varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Mindfulness a good book? Is it worth reading?
Mindfulness is a valuable read for anyone seeking a calmer mind and greater self-awareness. It provides practical tools for managing stress and enhancing well-being.
Who is the author of Mindfulness?
The authors of Mindfulness are Mark Williams and Danny Penman.
What to read after Mindfulness?
If you're wondering what to read next after Mindfulness, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
- Mindfulness by Joseph Goldstein
- A Monk's Guide to Happiness by Gelong Thubten
- Everyday Vitality by Samantha Boardman
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn
- Powered by Me by Neha Sangwan
- The Art of Living by Thich Nhat Hanh
- I Respectfully Disagree by Justin Jones-Fosu
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson