The Mindful Manifesto: How doing less and noticing more can help us thrive in a stressed-out world

We live in a speedy, pressurised world, and with little pause to really experience and enjoy our lives. Instead it's time for us to stop, pay attention to our minds, notice what we are doing, and appreciate what we have. For thousands of years Eastern traditions have taught meditation to help people lead healthier, happier lives. Now, scientific research is confirming that 'mindfulness' can help us all improve our mental and physical well-being. Written by a GP and a health writer, The Mindful Manifesto is the first book to integrate the latest scientific and medical research on mindfulness with meditation's historical context. We see how it can: treat mental health problems such as depression and anxiety help us cope with the busyness of everyday life improve our physical health and manage chronic illness help us let go of unwanted behaviours improve how we function in our relationships and jobs. And why stop there? With examples of how the mindfulness movement is already well underway, we see that encouraging governments and other powerful institutions to take a mindful approach could make a massive difference to the health and happiness of the whole world.

About the Author :
Dr Jonty Heaversedge, presenter of BBC1's prime time TV show Street Doctor, works as a GP in an inner-city practice in south London. He holds a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Mental Health Studies. Ed Halliwell is a writer, specialising in health and well-being. Ed is an associate of the Mental Health Foundation and is a regular contributor to the Guardian. He is a meditation instructor in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition.

Review :
The Mindful Manifesto helps us to "be" more and to "do" less. It's old wisdom backed by modern science, beautifully described. -- Professor Lord Layard This book is really important. Mindfulness is the way forward for dealing with depression and anxiety, and for general well-being. -- Ruby Wax Absolutely my favourite book of 2010, in which GP Dr Jonty Heaversedge and writer/meditation teacher Ed Halliwell explain how to access peace of mind by using simple techniques connecting mind, brain and body. And how not to beat yourself up for having negative, damaging thoughts (we all do). Lovely and essential reading. -- Sarah Stacey You Magazine, Mail On Sunday 20110102 Stress, pain even depression can be managed with a simple technique. The Times 20100914 A lucid and highly practical guide to how the Buddhist techniques of mindfulness can be of enormous benefit to our health, relationships and peace of mind. -- Mick Brown Wise, sensible and helpful for all forms of emotional disorders from depression to anxiety and addiction. This book on mindfulness is a great step to finding peace of mind. -- Sally Brampton, Author Of Shoot The Damn Dog It is wonderful that Jonty Heaversedge and Ed Halliwell have written this book to give freely of their own experience, and to share the tremendous possibilities that come with training the mind and body to do less and to notice more. Their manifesto, like all manifestos, is both a statement of the potential that lies in all of us and a call to action to realise that potential. In the case of mindfulness, this call to action is to live life, moment by moment, as if it really mattered. -- Mark Williams, Author Of The Mindful Way Through Depression A guide to surviving in a stressed-out world. Evening Standard 20100901 Train your brain to slow down and focus on the task in hand. Stylist Magazine 20100908 Gibberish-free instructions. The Guardian 20101204