From a pioneer in the field of mental health comes a groundbreaking book on the healing power of "mindsight," the potent skill that is the basis fo...
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Aug 01, 2011
Annie
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Mightsight is an interesting book about the neuroplasticity of the brain. To quote, "Mindsight is a kind of focused attention that allows us to see the internal workings of our own minds."Neuroplasticity is the ability for the brain to grow new pathways between neurons that fire in your mind, which create new pathways. These new pathways mean you can change. You can strengthen the areas that you are weak in and learn how to make better, healthier choices as a person. He talks about f
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Jul 29, 2011
Siegel provides an excellent clinical guide for any aspiring therapist. Using case examples he weaves the latest in neuroscience into an easy to read manual, which is well organized and inspiring. Siegel makes complex systems theory remarkably easy to understand and he makes neuroanatomy come alive with his lucid writing style and simple metaphors. Siegel's case examples are charming and he includes anecdotes from his own life with good effect. Siegel's "domains of integration" are log
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Mar 26, 2011
Steven
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This book blends the science of neuroplasticity with mindfulness meditation -- two subjects close to my heart, brain, and mind. I'm usually most attuned to the discussions of neuroplasticity but I found myself tuning out during the sections of the book that were on this topic exclusively. This may be a function of the several other books I've read on this subject ("The Brain That Changes Itself" by Norman Doidge; "Brain Rules," by John Medina; "Spark" by John Rate
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Jan 21, 2011
John
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This book was really interesting to me in light of my current interest in substance dualism; the idea that we have a soul that is immaterial and yet can influence the brain, while being influence by the physical itself. Siegel is quite obviously a scientific naturalist, yet he is unlike many others in that he is willing to live with the mystery that the mind is non-physical, and this was fascinating to me. Mind, in his mind of course is just the magical result of evolution, and as of yet it can'
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Dec 10, 2009
Magi
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An accessable but rigorously researched take on neuroplasticity, with useful approaches to how mindfulness can assist in overcoming a range of what are usually considered mental illnesses only treatable with medication. A unique and clear approach to the question of what is mind and what is brain, incorporating relationships into the concept of what it is to be human, and the importance of attachment in infancy, and how issues with attachment can be addressed in adulthood.
A positive More...
A positive More...
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Jan 24, 2012
Stephanie
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The problem with books of this nature are unfortunately named.
This is true of this book, Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation, sounds as self help-y and new age-y as a book title can get. It does have some of those elements, but it's more of a science/psychology book. I read a lot of these books because I find the brain and psychology endlessly fascinating. I try to figure out what makes some people are douche-nozzles and some not. If listening to peoples probl More...
This is true of this book, Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation, sounds as self help-y and new age-y as a book title can get. It does have some of those elements, but it's more of a science/psychology book. I read a lot of these books because I find the brain and psychology endlessly fascinating. I try to figure out what makes some people are douche-nozzles and some not. If listening to peoples probl More...
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Aug 28, 2010
Hans
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Yet another book that supports the importance of meditation, or as I like to call it now, Self-directed-intentional-authorship. Good read, I especially enjoyed hearing all the success stories of people who managed to overcome life-long mental illnesses by using the power of their focused attention.
Too much of our lives appears to be fear-based-living which with its gradual grinding and gnawing saps the positive energy of our lives. It isn't surprising that this is the case, it is More...
Too much of our lives appears to be fear-based-living which with its gradual grinding and gnawing saps the positive energy of our lives. It isn't surprising that this is the case, it is More...
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Jun 25, 2010
Hoss
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I really enjoyed this book. It basically makes the case that a lot of problems people go to counseling for can be addressed by a form of mindfulness meditation. It describes how the brain drives behavior, and then presents a series of case studies detailing ways a brain can drive negative or destructive behavior. And then illustrates how each patient was able to use practised focused attention to train the brain out of bad habits, rewiring it to work better.
I share some of the p More...
I share some of the p More...
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Feb 07, 2012
Ivette
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While reading the first chapter of this book, I didn't think I would like it. The word "mindsight" is repeated so much, it felt like a less than subtle sell on his method of psychotherapy, like a bad marketing technique. Once I got past that and I read the case studies, I was amazed by his insight and the effectiveness of his treatments (assuming everything he wrote is true). He basically prescribed some form of meditation to all his patients. What was fascinating was his approach
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May 29, 2011
Amy Beth
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The idea at the center of this book is neuroplasticity, the idea that the brain can change and evolve into new patterns of thinking (literally reprogram which neurons fire together) to enable growth and change. I was fascinated by the sections on the brain; his model of the brain in the hand is simple and so easy to understand. The case studies were also exciting as I watched people find that they could develop new ways of thinking. He draws heavily on mindfulness and describes good mental healt
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May 10, 2011
nemo
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Neuroscience/neuroplasticity meets psychology.
This is my first book on this topic. I enjoyed reading this book although at first I didn’t think that I will. This is not a “how to” or ”a self help” book.
“Mind is a process that regulates the flow of energy and information” and “Mind Sight is a process that enables us to monitor (sensing the flow within ourselves) and modify the flow of energy and information within the triangle of well-being.“
Every chapter in t More...
This is my first book on this topic. I enjoyed reading this book although at first I didn’t think that I will. This is not a “how to” or ”a self help” book.
“Mind is a process that regulates the flow of energy and information” and “Mind Sight is a process that enables us to monitor (sensing the flow within ourselves) and modify the flow of energy and information within the triangle of well-being.“
Every chapter in t More...
Dec 26, 2011
Louise
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Wow!! I heard Dan on a NICABM telecall and decided to read his book! One of the best decisions of my life! This approach will help with anxiety, depression, compulsions, difficult thoughts, critical thoughts, monkey or busy mind!! It is an amazing book that explains the neural circuits in the brain, gives examples of his patients, his own life and shows us how to be aware of how our mind is working, sometimes not too well and then shows exercises to help the brain settle down from overacti
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Jun 04, 2011
Elizabeth
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From the library... a lot of pressure on this book. Rob read it first. Read the foreword & introduction, and Part 1; read the first 2+ chapters in Part 2. Those chapters contain case studies of a few of his clients whose issues illustrate the kinds of things that can be done with his therapeutic approach, combining knowledge of neuroanatomy with changes in daily living. This book is my new FAVORITE book.
Book going back to library 11/20/2010, 3/24/11, 6/4/11.
Foreword by D More...
Book going back to library 11/20/2010, 3/24/11, 6/4/11.
Foreword by D More...
Apr 20, 2011
Chris
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Whereas Jack Kornfield and Eckhart Tolle take the spiritual vantage for writing on self-awareness, meditation, and "watching the thinker," Siegel takes the Western/science route of neurobiology and psychological case studies to the same effect, all without ever taking the same wonder and fascination out of the ordeal.
I gave this two stars for the literal "It was ok" since I often found my attention span wandering. It could have been the content, could have been the More...
I gave this two stars for the literal "It was ok" since I often found my attention span wandering. It could have been the content, could have been the More...
Dec 15, 2009
Kamani
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I enjoyed this book. It was very readable with that clear, precise writing that some scientific minds seem to be skilled at. It was interesting to hear Siegel's research about how attachments and learnt behaviours from our childhood, continue to impact on us, unwittingly, in the adult world. The 1960s "Strange Situation" study, which Seigel spoke about was particularly interesting and has similarly intrigued anyone I've described it to.
I'd like to return to this book in a
I'd like to return to this book in a
Jul 14, 2011
Carole
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Great for learning how the mind works in "remembering" things from my past that I am repeating, yet I don't actually have a memory for them. My therapist recommended this so I could understand why I feel the way I do when someone I love does something or says something - it could be that my mind has stored old ways that I should feel when certain situations are repeated in my life. Like with certain family members or childhood friends, or parents - the "old recordings" come u
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Jan 07, 2012
Lukman
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Mindsight affirms the clinical medical benefits of meditation. It also offers a scientific view of meditation and affirmation of Buddhist's ancient wisdom of mind and happiness. This book helps me to understand not only my mind but also the way I relate to others. You may be wondering why as a man you are interested in a woman resembles your mother or why you lost your apetite for the woman you've fight very hard when she start to like you. Dr. Siegel explained that these problems are caused by
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Dec 10, 2011
Amy
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If this book had been available for me to read 20 years ago, my life would have been a whole lot easier. The author is an acclaimed neuropsychologist who describes the role of attachment on the brain's development and our adult emotional patterns, and goes on to explain how we can grow beyond those limitations. Everyone should read this.
Jul 30, 2010
Gerontologist
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Excellent input for adults wanting to transform how they think and react. Good connection points between the biology of the brain and nervous system and the cognition interpretation we assign in the mind.
Designed for the everyday reader, the book is factual and research based. Should appeal to a wide readership. Highly recommended.
Designed for the everyday reader, the book is factual and research based. Should appeal to a wide readership. Highly recommended.
Nov 09, 2011
Alice
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One of the most amazing books about psychology I have ever read. He has groundbreaking and revolutionary research on the mind and how the mind can be used to reshape the brain and rewire the synapsis to break those habits that keep you stuck in a rut. Really a great read for anyone interested in their brains and how they work!
Jun 24, 2011
Anne T
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The first half of the book blended the science of neuroplasticity with the psychology of living in the moment in order to optimize our human function. It was great. The second half of the book more or less consisted of case studies which I found less than interesting. Overall, I'd recommend it.
Apr 19, 2011
Matthew
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I guess it depends on what your looking for in a book but with my love of psychology it works wonderfully for me. I am about half way through the audio book of it that I got from audible.com. I'm not going to say that every one will be able to get in to this book but I will say that its not as dry as you would think. I read things like this in an effort to better understand people.
Oct 10, 2010
Kristenboyle
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Insightful! I loved this psychiatrist's approach that meditation, actively working the two hemispheres of the brain, can actually change the structure, thus allowing the person to overcome their challenges.
May 17, 2010
Barb
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Daniel Siegel is a psychiatrist who combines neurobiology with the idea of mindsight, a combination of emotional and social intelligence. His explanations and stories were fascinating-- worth a second read to better understand the concepts.
Mar 18, 2011
Noelle
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I went to a mindfulness conference in the Spring of 2010 and Dr. Daniel Siegel was the keynote speaker. I bought this book at the conference, worth every penny.
Apr 07, 2011
Ethernight
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Fascinating book linking neurology to psychology. It explains how to use the understanding and awareness of how your mind works to face real world challenges. I couldn't help but thinking of it as learning to hack your mental circuits.
It had some cheesy bits--"the triangle of well being" comes to mind. But the "ah-ha" moments outnumbered and outweighed the couple of cringe-worthy phrases. I actually found myself saying "wow" out loud more than once
It had some cheesy bits--"the triangle of well being" comes to mind. But the "ah-ha" moments outnumbered and outweighed the couple of cringe-worthy phrases. I actually found myself saying "wow" out loud more than once
Aug 03, 2010
Nicky
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Ha! What I learned..? Wonderful, insightful, readable book. Gave me a new perspective on the importance of neurobiology in interpersonal relationships.
Oct 26, 2010
Don
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I thought that this author thought a whole lot more about his ideas than I did. I would put this book in the "pop psychology" category!
Aug 03, 2011
Kent
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This book is incredibly mind-blowing and recommended to everyone. I wrote a long review that goodreads lost so fuck it.
May 22, 2011
Kara
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This was good, but left me wondering which casestudy I fell into. And interesting approach to self-resilience though.
