66 pages • 2 hours read
Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness
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Book Brief
720
Book • Nonfiction
1990s
1990
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn elaborates on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, a series of meditative practices designed to help individuals cope with stress, chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and illnesses by fostering awareness and appreciation of the present moment. It offers practical exercises such as “Breathing Meditation,” “Sitting Meditation,” “The Body Scan,” and “Walking Meditation” to practice mindfulness and enhance overall well-being.
Informative
Contemplative
Inspirational
Serene
Reviews & Readership
18,552 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Full Catastrophe Living is widely praised for its comprehensive guide on mindfulness and stress reduction, drawing from the author's experience in clinical settings. Critics commend its practical exercises and accessible writing. However, some find the book's length and detail overwhelming. Overall, it’s a valuable resource for those committed to mindfulness.
Who Should Read Full Catastrophe Living?
A reader who would appreciate Jon Kabat-Zinn's Full Catastrophe Living is likely someone interested in mindfulness, stress reduction, and holistic health. Fans of works like Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle would find similar insights valuable here.
18,552 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dr. Dean Ornish
Dr. Dean Ornish
An American doctor known for his research on the role of meditation and lifestyle changes in disease recovery. His methods, which highlight meditation and healthy living, are frequently referenced to demonstrate health improvements.
Dr. Martin Seligman
Dr. Martin Seligman
An American psychologist whose studies in positive psychology explore the physical and mental health impacts of optimistic versus pessimistic worldviews. His work is cited as evidence that thinking patterns affect health outcomes.
Phil
Phil
A patient at Kabat-Zinn's Stress Reduction Clinic, described as a French Canadian truck driver with chronic low-back pain. His experience illustrates the benefits of meditation through his transformative journey in the MBSR program.
Mary
Mary
A patient at Kabat-Zinn's clinic who, through meditation, uncovers repressed trauma from her past, leading to emotional and physical healing. Her story is supported by detailed charts and diagrams showing the effectiveness of mindfulness practices.
720
Book • Nonfiction
1990s
1990
Adult
18+ years
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