Heartwork: The Path of Self-Compassion-9 Practices for Opening the Heart

Description

Nine simple mindfulness practices anyone can use to generate compassion--toward oneself, others, and the world--and to live from that place of intelligent kindness in the face of life's difficulties. This is the best kind of popular psychology--accessible, practical, useful--with the depth of the author's practice as a clinical psychologist and meditation instructor coming through at all times. The author interweaves her own as well as psychotherapy clients' stories together as a means for the reader to engage their own life in relation to the "9 Practices of Compassion," which is the cornerstone of the book. The 9 Practices uniquely integrate mindfulness, intention, self-compassion, compassion for others, and compassion for all beings as "natural" stages of development. The presentation of clinical stories, from a mother struggling with a drug-addicted daughter to a man dealing with an angry temper, are relatable and not only demonstrate the application of the principles but also speak to the human struggle to be compassionate.

RADHULE WEININGER, MD, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who first trained as a medical doctor in Germany before migrating to the US more than thirty years ago. She has a clinical practice in Santa Barbara and runs a yearly program at the La Casa de Marie Retreat Centre. She encountered Buddhism in Sri Lanka as a young medical student. Jack Kornfield and Allan Wallace are her mentors. She teaches meditation retreats both in the US and internationally.

"There is no healing without heartwork, intimately tending to the wounds we've been avoiding for so long. In this powerful and beautiful book, Radhule Weininger will help you find the courage, pathways, and clarity needed to embrace this life with love." -Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge "In her practice as a psychotherapist and mindfulness meditation teacher, Radhule Weininger guides her patients along the path of personal transformation through the practice of compassion and self-compassion. From the experience of that work comes Heartwork, a book that weaves together Weininger's work and personal journey, wisdom teachings and hands-on exercises. Conveyed through prose that is accessible to readers from a range of spiritual traditions and backgrounds, Weininger presents her insights on the methods she has found useful for identifying the roots of the issues we are all grappling with, as a first step toward addressing them through practice and perseverance. Shining through every chapter is the author's desire to help reduce the suffering that is the common thread connecting humanity." -Victor Chan, coauthor of Wisdom of Forgiveness and Wisdom of Compassion with His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama "Radhule Weininger offers a tremendous gift in her book, Heartwork, which weaves together the beauty of art, the wisdom of reflection, and the effectiveness of years of practical clinical application. The wealth of ideas and practices presented in this illuminating work will be of benefit and will help transform our individual and collective lives." -Shauna Shapiro, PhD, professor at Santa Clara University and author of The Art and Science of Mindfulness and Mindful Discipline "In its clear, inviting, and practical way, this book can change your life. Drawing on her years of combining mindfulness with the expansive power of compassion, Radhule Weininger brings us practices that serve to free us from fear, despair, self-hate, and other oppressive mind-states. Her three-part book begins with the rare, poignant journey that led her to these discoveries, and then, after their various forms are carefully set forth, concludes with nine real-life stories of how different people have put them to use. Heartwork helps me to be more present in each moment, more mindful of each encounter. I am especially grateful for the importance given to intention and motive in shaping what we accomplish and whom we become." -Joanna Macy, author of Coming Back to Life "This book is brimming with compassion! It's filled with countless practical exercises, heartfelt stories, and wise guidance for living with an open heart. Radhule beautifully guides us on a journey home to ourselves." -Diana Winston, Director of Mindfulness Education at UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center and coauthor of Fully Present: The Science, Art, and Practice of Mindfulness. "This is a lovely book that presents the topics of compassion for self and others from a Buddhist perspective. With many meditations and journal exercises, this book will help you open your heart."-Kristin Neff, Ph.D., author of Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself