Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life Paperback – 5 Dec. 2023

This man's work seems to me to be one of those growth points in human culture that don't crop up too often. He's making enormously beneficial mind-training techniques available to ordinary western(ised) people, without the cultural and religious associations of their origins, which can be very challenging for most of us. I mean, you don't have to be a Zen master to benefit from this!What I like about his approach is that it is so simple and down-to-earth. It's not "alternative," it's here-and-now, everyday, (yet demanding.)Seems to me if more westerners used his insights and techniques, not only would they feel better about themselves and their lives (I do, already)but the planet might be a safer place to live. Maybe that's pitching it a bit high - but give it a shot and see if you agree.The book is beautifully lucid. I think most of us need some other additional regular guidance and structure to make mindfulness part of our everyday - well, I do, anyway - but more courses are springing up, and no doubt the CDs help.But it's not a magic bullet - it takes time and application, and in a funny way, it's quite hard work. And I think it's worth getting into it even if you are not depressed or in pain, ahead of the times when you have to face suffering, yours or someone else's - because it adds so much to ordinary life.It has taught me to question and adapt or change some of my characteristic responses - or at least to start doing so - and that's not always comfortable. But it really is worth it.If you're a sceptical rationalist like me, be reassured - this man isn't a freaky guru, he's a trained scientist, a genuine teacher. This isn't a cult. It won't claim to change your life in a flash. But if you give it a chance - it really will help, with a lot of - "stuff." And it can actually be very enjoyable.

I circled around this book for a long time, putting it on the back burner as just another mindfulness read, but boy was I wrong. It's wonderfully down to Earth, offering advice on how to deal with everyday matters. The chapters are very short and sometimes only one page, which is many ways is very beneficial as it means you can dip in and out and process what is on the pages. The man is a remarkable writer in that he makes this subject matter very simple, concise and more importantly relatable. If you want a read not so involved with the ethereal matters in this field then this is the book for you. I've already bought Full Catastrophe Living off the impression this book imprinted on me. A Kabat-Zinn classic.

A useful and interesting read if you want to learn more about mindfulness. Gives you lots to reflect on and makes sense.

I enjoy his style of writing - explaining mindfulness concepts in very simple language with helpful exercises in mindfulness at the end of each chapter.I read this after "The Wise Heart" by Jack Kornfeld who uses Buddhist psychology principles to guide readers in using mindfulness to address their own emotional issues as well as in every day life.I felt the books complemented each other well and form a good foundation for any one interested in mindfulness.In this book the author focuses on meditation and mindfulness techniques in a very practical way - for use in daily life and avoids any "religious" or "spiritual" aspects. This makes it more accessible to a wider audience.

I read this book constantly, & keep it by my bedside. It is a great reference book to all whom are following a mindful path.This is more of an affirmation book for me, thoughtful and interesting. The more I read this book, the more I learn from it and the more useful it is to me in my meditation and mindfulness practice.I do wonder if you were not already accepting of mindful meditation if you find some of the text a little inaccessible or miss the point, hence for me more of an affirmation of accepted practices than a transformational book. But then that is for others to rate based on their individual experience.

A great book for beginners. I prioritised reading part 2 and 3 of the book because it was more practical. I breezed through part 1 because it felt repetitive. I just attended a 10 day silent meditation, Vipassana course which was excellent as I learnt how to meditate. Reading is fantastic but it is the practise that counts. Sign yourself up for a meditation course because I think it is in the doing that one understands meditation.I liked how Jon explained concepts of mindfulness. Like him, although the meditation course had some Buddhist elements, I felt that what was more important is the ability to pause thoughts. I gained clarity and a stronger self-awareness. I can see myself meditation and just being daily.

I love this book very much. It has been remarkable for me.I heard a meditation from it and it was my favourite, so i bought the book.It is the truth. It helps you get in touch with yourself.However, like so many others of this genre, the author keeps bringing his ‘wife’ and ‘children’ and ‘family life’ into the text, which is totally inappropriate in a self-help book; many many people dont have a wife/ husband/ children/ family life, and dont want to have those old-fashioned, limiting ways of living shoved in their faces when they’re trying to learn about mindfulness. It is annoying and distracting, and hence it dropped stars.Be objective if you’re going to write a book - i didnt want an autobiography. It’s egotistical and at times the author’s ego is definately there.The meditations however, are so wonderful. The book’s worth it for them definately.

A great way to start your day ❤️🙏