Alchemists sought to transform lead into gold. In the same way, says Tara Bennett-Goleman, we all have the natural ability to turn our moments of c...
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reviews
Oct 07, 2009
David
rated it: 
Very interesting, and even useful in identifying distressing schemas and attempting to nip them in the bud as they try to take over. But no use at all when you suddenly wake up at two or three in the morning completely defenceless, as occurred last night. I recognise something - just something - of myself here:
"Very generous, you give affection without counting and desperately seek it in others, dependent on something you’ll never receive. Here, the more you sow the less you rea More...
"Very generous, you give affection without counting and desperately seek it in others, dependent on something you’ll never receive. Here, the more you sow the less you rea More...
Jan 02, 2012
Stephany
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This was a very interesting book. Combining elements of psychology and Buddhist mindfulness practices, the author outlines ten basic emotional patterns, or "schemas," and how the influence of these patterns color our interactions with others and also ourselves. The author also discusses ways in which, using mindfulness, we can work to undo the negative schemas that undermine our relationships.
What is perhaps most profound about this book is that anyone who reads it will find More...
What is perhaps most profound about this book is that anyone who reads it will find More...
Sep 03, 2010
Kris
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Tara Bennett-Goleman writes with a loving-kindness and deep empathy that meditation practitioners will find not just endearing, but quite helpful. She's infused much love in this book - a real Bodhisattva!
I bought this book at Kripalu while on a retreat there also featuring her husband, Daniel Goleman. They introduced me to mindfulness practices with the raisin exercise and walking meditation. That was in 2007. I see this stuff so differently now, and they made a true positive di More...
I bought this book at Kripalu while on a retreat there also featuring her husband, Daniel Goleman. They introduced me to mindfulness practices with the raisin exercise and walking meditation. That was in 2007. I see this stuff so differently now, and they made a true positive di More...
Jul 12, 2010
Dymphna
rated it:
Emotional Alchemy--how the mind can heal the heartby Tara Bennett-Goleman was an interesting accompaniment to Bread & Water, Wine & Oil by Archimandrite Webber.
Ms. Bennett-Goleman writes her self-help book from a psychological/Buddhist perspective and it was interesting for me to pick up some familiar eastern flavor while reading both books at once. Both talked about being present in the "now" as being of vital importance. According to eastern Christianity, God identifyi More...
Ms. Bennett-Goleman writes her self-help book from a psychological/Buddhist perspective and it was interesting for me to pick up some familiar eastern flavor while reading both books at once. Both talked about being present in the "now" as being of vital importance. According to eastern Christianity, God identifyi More...
Jul 16, 2011
Kristen
rated it:
If you have Buddhist leanings, as I do, this is a good book. A friend sent it to me and I'm glad she did. A mix of modern psychology and Buddhist philosophy, the ideas are fairly simple- but the practice is HARD. If only we can turn off the automatic pilot and really PAY ATTENTION to our lives. There are some nice little meditations at the ends of chapters. Might not be for everybody....but I found it quite useful.
May 28, 2010
Greg
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I decided to read this book after reading a review that made me think that it was mostly science with some Buddhist concepts mixed in. After reading the first three chapters, I realized that was not the case. I kept reading and it went on and on, page after page of mindless, er, I mean mindful Buddhist drivel.
If you buy into Buddhism, you might like this book. If you prefer science, don't bother. If you are looking for the missing link between science and Buddhism, don't bother, this More...
If you buy into Buddhism, you might like this book. If you prefer science, don't bother. If you are looking for the missing link between science and Buddhism, don't bother, this More...
Apr 28, 2009
Luc
rated it:
Initially I was concerned that this book might be more gentle reassurance than useful ideas, but I'm glad to say I was flat wrong. A serene and clear introduction to schema therapy, which can offer a lot of insight into our emotional habits, and mindfulness as applied to improving our daily lives.
Jul 28, 2011
Katie
rated it:
This book really helped me face some of my inner demons. Although hard
to read because it makes you take a deep, intimate look inside yourself,
I highly recommend this a therapeutic self-improvement tool!
to read because it makes you take a deep, intimate look inside yourself,
I highly recommend this a therapeutic self-improvement tool!
Mar 20, 2011
Debra
rated it:
very helpful for those trying to break old patterns.
uplifting, affirming and supportive.
very comprehensible and satisfying read.
lots of good practices to help the process along.
uplifting, affirming and supportive.
very comprehensible and satisfying read.
lots of good practices to help the process along.
Jan 25, 2009
Jamie
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down. I thought it was quite useful and made lots of sense. It was very inspirational.
Aug 27, 2010
Becky
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Interesting read, but highly repetitive. Found my self skipping around towards the end. Thich Nhat Hanh continues to be my guiding light for mindfulness.
Sep 05, 2011
Donna
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Tara Bennett-Goleman writes about using the Buddhist practice of mindfulness to help bring awareness and clarity to emotional feelings/reactions. Her definition of the psychological "schemas" is enlightening, and applying mindfulness to emotions instead of just reacting while on auto-pilot makes a lot of sense. But after that, she became extremely repetitive, and I ended up skimming the entire middle section, in order to get to the last part on spiritual alchemy which was a lot more i
More...
Sep 08, 2007
Tracy
rated it:
This is a great book for anyone who is interested in increasing their self-awareness, mindfulness, meditation practice and emotional intelligence. The book focuses on how to use mindfulness to become more aware of personal thinking and behavior patterns that don't serve us well. It is inspirational but involves more high theory than practical application, although there is some of that too. It may inspire you to investigate a local mindfulness course in your area for a deeper exploration.
Oct 27, 2009
Hollis
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This was a re-read for me, but this is an excellent book about dealing with our emotional 'hot buttons', written from the perspective of Buddhist philosophy and using Mindfulness to know ourselves better
Feb 03, 2010
Laurie
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Fantastic book with practical exercises about how to transform your emotions through alchemy.
Jul 18, 2008
Monjamckay
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I'm not really into "self help" books but picked this one up because it uses Buddhist techniques to help conquer negative emotion... I personally get more out of Buddhist texts and did not get into the psychology work. But for someone else it may be the exact opposite experience.
Apr 05, 2008
Scott
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A book about meditation and patterns - "schemas" - from past traumas. Really interesting read looking at how different people react negatively to different stimulus. I found it helpful.
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Apr 23, 2009
I was unsure about this book because the description makes it sound so incredibly lame. However, the book itself has been fabulous so far... much better than I expected.
Jul 03, 2008
Cindy
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I've read this book several times......I think that speaks for itself. Each time I read it, I learn more about how the more I change, the more the world changes around me.
Feb 07, 2008
Ella
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This books talks about schemas and how the ones we have dictates how we'll react to the world and in our relationships. Also very good if you have inner work to do.
Mar 14, 2008
Lauren
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I used this book to write both a graduate school and undergrad paper (both different papers!). So many good points to be made - and insights to learn.
Nov 17, 2010
Suzanne
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This book was given to me with the highest recommendation by my wonderful son Christopher.
Nov 28, 2010
Sofi
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Good content, but something seems terribly wrong with the typography. Hard reading.
Dec 17, 2009
Yuki
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A NY Times bestseller. a psychotherapist examines how to live our daily lives in peace.
Dec 17, 2009
Jill
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This is a great self-help book for people who lean in the direction of Buddhist thought.
Mar 09, 2008
Noreen
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A helpful book in showing a way to deal with negative emotional habits.
