Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation

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Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation

by Daniel J. Siegel

4.10 · rating details · 320 ratings · 60 reviews

? Is there a memory that torments you, or an irrational fear you can?t shake Do you sometimes become unreasonably angry or upset and find it hard to calm down Do you ever wonder why you can?t stop behaving the way you do, no matter how hard you try Are you and your child (or parent, partner, or boss) locked in a seemingly inevitable pattern of conflict?What if you could es...more

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Published January 28th 2010 by Brilliance Audio (first published October 27th 2009)

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Aug 01, 2011

Annie rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

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...moreMightsight 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 finding a deep core within where you can observe your thoughts and feelings and not be tossed around by them or caught up in them. I really loved this book, it made me miss my psychology classes oh so much. Yes, it's true, this book may be a little dense for people not fascinated by the brain/behavior link. It requires concentration, focus and attention to get through and isn't a breezy read. However, Dr. Siegel does write in a way that is understandable and easier to follow than other brain-based books I read. He sprinkles his chapters liberally with analogies, some pictures, acronyms and vignettes to help the reader understand the abstract concepts. Part One focuses mainly on the brain and neurology 101. Part Two is actual experiences with his therapy clients, the problems they came in with and how applying his theory involving "Mindsight" these patients were able to change their minds and way of thinking and were much happier as a result. He talks about mood swings, OCD, couples therapy, overcoming your past, overcoming trauma and even developing the lesser used half of your brain to enjoy all aspects of life more fully. It's definitely inspiring to hear the problems and then after consistent sessions see how his clients are helped, although I do wish there had been a bit more specific techniques on how to strengthen your mind. He recommends writing, meditating, exercise and a regular sleep schedule, which I try to do now anyway. Since more specific steps were lacking, it kind of made me feel like I wanted to sign up for some therapy with this guy to help me become more responsive to life, not reactive. I hope to adhere more thoroughly to all the ideas in this book because the results he describes are so awesome and empowering. I definitely could read it again and continue to try everyday to apply these principles into my life.

My favorite quotes-many sections in the book!(less)

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Jul 29, 2011

Michael added it · review of another edition

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...more

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Mar 26, 2011

Steven Waters rated it

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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...more

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Jan 21, 2011

John Martindale rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, brain-science, i-want-to-re-read

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'...moreThis 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't really be understood or explained scientifically, but its reality is obvious; this consciousness, this ability to think about thinking, to have beliefs, freewill and volition is commonsense. The main idea of the book is we need mind sight, the ability to be an observer of the happenings within our brain. The low road as he calls it, is influence by desires, personality, trauma, memories and evolutionary factors of fight, flight and freeze among many other things will cause us to do extremely inappropriate and irrational things if we let it have its way. But since we are not only our brain, we can in essence take a step back and observe that what is happening inside of us is just mere happenings in parts of our brain, that most often are influenced by our childhood and genes. The emotions and irrational fear or self-destructive tendencies are not our identity, these things can be changed. And through mindfulness we can rewire our brain. He never calls the mind our soul, which is important since I am sure he wants to remain a respected academic, yet the theist could easy reference this book in making a cause for a soul that fills the body, and that the only reasonable explanation for this non-physical mind is A MIND, the Spirit who fills the universe. For how can non-thinking materiel create a non-phyiscal mind through the process of evolution?

After Siegel writes about the mind, the rest of the book is filled with examples of psychoanalysis with his patients. With each person he discovers the childhood events that has resulted in their current issues and helps the patient by getting them to understand that what they are feeling is located in the brain and that the brain can be rewired through mindful effort. Recognizing whats happening inside and the why its happening, takes a lot of the wind out of the sails. I like that he never wanted the patients to blame other or see themselves as victims, but wants to help them to rise above it through mindsight. But yeah, I am making a mess of this review, I think I ought to stop.(less)

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Dec 10, 2009

Magi rated it

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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

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Jan 24, 2012

Stephanie rated it

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Shelves: psycology, brain

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...moreThe 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 problems on a daily basis had appealed to me, I may have gone into the field.

You know what they say about people who find the subject of crazy fascinating.........?

Check.

What I keep coming across in different books lately is this word mindfulness. It's meditation basically, and learning to pay attention to your mind and the thoughts that trudge though it. Notice them, and put them aside and in there place instead of letting them make you crazy. The meditation doesn't have to be complicated.....no beaches, forest,.....birds are necessary. Just pay attention to your breath, count each breath (and in and out cycle) up to the count of ten. If you have a thought creep in at any point, put it aside and start over at the count of one. Keep going until you can get to the count of 10 (and beyond) without a thought. Not as easy as it might sound.

I have done this a few times....practiced, and an odd thing happened. I started noticing my thoughts, and the things I was about to say to people slightly removed from them. I would notice that what I was about to say was a bit mean, and could stop myself before I let it fly. Before, I might have let it fly.

Also what I liked about this book and this author is that when he would treat a patient, he would not reach for the prescription pad first off. He would do therapy and mindfulness training. I have a problem with how readily doctors reach for the drugs first these days.

There is much more to this book than I can cover here, so if you are interested give it a read.
(less)

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Aug 28, 2010

Hans rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: inspirational, neuroscience, psychology, spiritual-development

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

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Jun 25, 2010

Hoss rated it

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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

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Feb 07, 2012

Ivette rated it

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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...more

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May 27, 2011

Amy Beth rated it

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Shelves: books-i-read-to-think, non-fiction, psychology

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...more

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May 10, 2011

nemo rated it

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Shelves: english-non-fiction

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

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Dec 26, 2011

Louise rated it

· review of another edition

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...more

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Jun 04, 2011

Elizabeth rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: all helping professionals

Shelves: get-again, too-expensive-to-buy-yet

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

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Apr 20, 2011

Chris rated it

· review of another edition

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 ...moreWhereas 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 typeface of the book, or it could have been the fact that I have little to no formal biological or psychological education.

The first part of Siegel's book is illustrating the brain, how it works, how the human brain arised in layers that have lead to emotions, feelings, and the singular ability to not just think, but recognize that we ARE thinking, and to be able to think ABOUT that thinking (metacognition, or "mindsight"). This complexity gives rise to stresses and problems that might not normally exist in lesser mammals, but to which we find ourselves in the midst of. But that same vein, this mindsight allows us to see the emotions, feelings, and thoughts, to be able to tackle them and evolve. The overview that Siegel gives on the brain, connections, how things work, why they work as they do, comes up in the second part.

The second section of the book is mainly case studies from Siegel's career: people he had as patients and their stories illustrating the concepts he discussed. Siegel often comes back to use ideas from his original overview of the brain and how it functions to illustrate what the people are going through: the synapses are firing too much, aren't connected, the person cut off their left/right brain long ago, etc, etc.

I would recommend this for the left-brained person who is interested in how the whole-brain works, and also people who have instruction in psychology (while one does not need a psych degree to get the material, it probably makes it all more familiar and easy to read along with). Siegel makes some pointed and very interesting insights. If you're looking for a "why" and "give me examples," this is your book. If you're looking for mushy how-to on self-awareness and introspection, I'd go with Kornfield or Tolle.(less)

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Dec 15, 2009

Kamani rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: People who are working in mental health.

Recommended to Kamani by: Magi

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 ...more

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May 11, 2011

Carole MacLean rated it

· review of another edition

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...more

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Jan 07, 2012

Lukman Haris rated it

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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 ...more

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Dec 10, 2011

Amy rated it

· review of another edition

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.

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Jul 30, 2010

Gerontologist rated it

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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.

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Nov 09, 2011

Alice rated it

· review of another edition

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!

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Jun 24, 2011

Anne T rated it

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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.

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Apr 19, 2011

Matthew rated it

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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.

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Oct 10, 2010

Kristenboyle rated it

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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.

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May 17, 2010

Barb rated it

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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.

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Mar 18, 2011

Noelle rated it

· review of another edition

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.

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Apr 07, 2011

Ethernight rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: about-the-mind, as-audio, as-kindle, genre-nonfiction, my-library-audio, my-library-on-hand

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...more

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Aug 03, 2010

Nicky rated it

· review of another edition

Ha! What I learned..? Wonderful, insightful, readable book. Gave me a new perspective on the importance of neurobiology in interpersonal relationships.

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Oct 26, 2010

Don rated it

· review of another edition

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!

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Aug 03, 2011

Kent rated it

· review of another edition

This book is incredibly mind-blowing and recommended to everyone. I wrote a long review that goodreads lost so fuck it.

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May 22, 2011

Kara rated it

· review of another edition

This was good, but left me wondering which casestudy I fell into. And interesting approach to self-resilience though.

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