CFM Book Club

Welcome to the Center for Mindfulness Book Club! Join us for a series of engaging and insightful online events showcasing authors from the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness and our esteemed peers in the field. Our Book Club sessions are completely FREE and take place every fourth Friday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. PT on Zoom. Delve into discussions about recent books on mindfulness, compassion, and related topics with our knowledgeable authors and experts. Stay tuned for our upcoming Book Club schedule, and if you have a book you've written or co-authored that aligns with mindfulness and compassion themes, we invite you to submit it for consideration by contacting mindfulness@health.ucsd.edu. Get ready to explore new perspectives and deepen your understanding of mindfulness literature with us!

Upcoming Book Club Presentations

beth kurlandYou Don't Have to Change to Change Everything:  Six Ways to Shift Your Vantage Point, Stop Striving for Happy, and Find True Well-Being

By: Beth Kurland

Publish Date: March 2024

Heath Communications Inc. available via Amazon

With kind eyes and a warm heart, Beth skillfully helps readers navigate the challenging landscape of negative emotional patterns. Having walked this walk and experienced its life-changing benefits, she speaks with clear and passionate conviction. Weaving neuroscience, psychology, and mindfulness seamlessly together, she leaves for us an elegant and detailed trail of breadcrumbs filled with practical handholds and rich personal epiphanies. Her voice is gentle and clear, her invitations useful, her encouragement straightforward and inspiring. —Susan Morgan, MSN, RN, CS, and Bill Morgan, PsyD, author of The Meditator's Dilemma

“In an age when striving for an elusive, perfect kind of happiness infiltrates every domain of life, You Don't Have to Change to Change Everything offers us an antidote. Part clinical wisdom, part memoir, and part poetic vignette, Beth Kurland presents six vantage points for living a meaningful life. Drawing on contemporary psychology, neuroscience, and Eastern wisdom traditions, this book offers rich recipes for practical mindfulness and self-care.” —Tara Cousineau, PhD, author of The Kindness Cure

August 23, 2024, 12 - 1 p.m. PDT via Zoom, register here.

 

wolfOutsmart Your Pain: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion to Help You Leave Chronic Pain Behind

By: Christiane Wolf

Publish Date: May 2021

The Experiment Publishing available via website

“Mindfulness and compassion practices should be in everybody’s toolbox for a happier and healthier life. But people dealing with chronic health challenges have it especially hard. Dr. Wolf’s accessible, down-to-earth—and beautifully designed—book is essential reading for providers who treat chronic illnesses and for those suffering from them.”—Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO, Thrive Global

“This is a fantastic book, bringing together the kindness and depth of a meditation teacher with the science and tools of an experienced physician. Every page is insightful, helpful, and heartfelt. Highly recommended!”—Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Resilient and Buddha's Brain

September 9, 2024, 12 - 1 p.m. viz Zoom, register here.

 

majiedJoyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living

By: Kamilah Majied

Publish Date: April 2024

Sounds True Publishing available via Amazon

“Powerful teachings in a powerful voice on every page. This book arrives just in time to reboot and expand our collective understanding of what an inclusively human, multicultural, multiracial dharma, in all its universals and in all its beautifully differentiated ancestral and cultural particulars, might look like. I will be living inside this book for a long, long time.” ―Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Full Catastrophe Living

“In a world so marked by social hierarchies, oppression, and violence, Joyfully Just stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action. Dr. Majied’s approach to social justice is a refreshing and powerful reminder that when we start within, we can create a more equitable and compassionate world for ourselves and others. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a path to personal and collective liberation.” ―Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and Trusting the Gold

October 25, 2024, 12 - 1 p.m. via Zoom, register here. 

 

dan siegelPersonality and Wholeness in Therapy - Integrating 9 Patterns of Developmental Pathways in Clinical Practice 

By: Daniel J. Siegel 

Publish Date: November 2024

W.W. Norton and Company via Amazon

“This weave of neurobiology, contemporary psychology, and deep wisdom offers the most fascinating and helpful framework for understanding personality that I’ve encountered! Professionals and lay people alike will find a fresh perspective on how humans develop, and the compassion that allows us to relate to ourselves and others in a truly healing way."
― Tara Brach, author of Radical Compassion

"Daniel Siegel and the PDP Group have done something extraordinary. For many years, people in the Enneagram field have sought to find a neurological basis for the Enneagram types as we have come to understand them, and those within the healing professions have looked for ways to meaningfully integrate the Enneagram’s powerful insights into their work. This wonderful book accomplishes both goals. It opens a new conversation about the nature of personality and looks at how we can best work with it as professionals. The authors do a marvelous job of bringing many powerful new perspectives to the field of Enneagram studies while maintaining a respect for the integrity of its core teachings. This is no small feat. I suspect this book is destined to be a classic in the field of personality studies, and highly recommend it for serious Enneagram students and professionals in psychology alike." ― Russ Hudson, coauthor of The Wisdom of the Enneagram

November 24, 2024, 12 - 1 p.m. via Zoom, register here.

 

Past Book Club Presentations

findingselfcompassionFinding Self-Compassion: A Mindfulness Workbook for Getting to Know and Love Yourself

By: Sydney Spears

Publish Date: December 2022

Spruce Books available via Penguin Random House

“This book is beautiful and fun to read, but most important, if you do the practices and exercises within it, you’ll learn skills that will transform your life.”—Kristin Neff, PhD, Associate Professor, Educational Psychology, University of Texas at Austin and author of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook

“In this journal, you’ll learn science-based techniques from an ace teacher and therapist who will help you reduce stress, boost resiliency, and avoid our societal siren calls of distraction, disconnection, and dissatisfaction.”
—Dan Harris, Co-founder and author of Ten Percent Happier

 

intraconnectedIntraConnected: MWe (Me + We) as the Integration of Self, Identity, and Belonging

By: Daniel J. Siegel

Publish Date: November 2022

W.W. Norton and Company available via Amazon 

Exploring the nature of how our experience of what we call “self” emerges across the lifespan. Both a personal and general meditation on identity and belonging, Daniel J. Siegel’s book combines personal reflections with scientific discussions of how the mind, brain, and our relationships shape who we are. Weaving the internal and external, the subjective and objective, IntraConnected reveals how our culture may give us a message of separation as a solo, isolated self, but a wider perspective unveils that who we are may be something more—broader than the brain, bigger even than the body—and fundamental to social systems and the natural world.

“In his latest book, Dan Siegel explores a pathway toward a more sustainable way of being humans facing the multiple pandemics of our times together. Synthesizing insights from a range of disciplines and ways of knowing, he argues for expanding, evolving the notion of the self, from an isolated and separate ‘me’ to a relational, awe-embracing integrated sense—called, in his intriguing coinage, ‘MWe.’ I know of no more encouraging prescription for what ails us at this time.” Rhonda V. Magee, M A, JD, author of The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness

 

makinggreatrelationshipsMaking Great Relationships: Simple Practices for Solving Conflicts, Building Connection, and Fostering Love

By: Rick Hanson 

Publish Date: January 2023

Harmony Books available via Amazon

Relationships are usually the most important part of a person’s life. But they’re often stressful and frustrating, or simply awkward, distant, and lonely. We feel the weight of things unsaid, needs unmet, conflicts unresolved. It’s easy to feel stuck. But actually, new research shows that you create your relationships every day with the things you do and say, which gives you the ability to start improving them now. You have the power to make all your relationships better just by making simple changes that start inside yourself.

“50 simple, powerful ways to improve your relationships at home and at work” (Lori Gottlieb, author of Maybe You Should Talk To Someone), based on the latest findings in neuroscience, mindfulness, and positive psychology—by the New York Times bestselling author of Neurodharma and Resilient

 

thelittlebrainThe Little Brain 

By: Jyoti Mishra

Publish Date: May 2022 

Fulton Books available via Amazon

A little brain has big dreams, but how will he get them all? A brain scientist helps out with some special tips.

“The Little Brain can spark interesting conversations between parents and children about the joys and the challenges of learning and how to follow the path of joyful curiosity and persistence throughout life.” 

 

a-case-for-compassionA Case for Compassion - What Happens When We Prioritize People and the Planet

By: Sara Schairer

Publish Date: January 2023

Amazon or Bookshop.org

"This clear-eyed vision for a more compassionate world will inspire you to take action in your own community." — Kelly McGonigal, PhD, author of The Willpower Instinct

“Compassion It'—two simple words that are changing the world. Sara Schairer examines how compassion saved her life, and by her actions and the many examples in her book, shares with us how the power of compassion can change yours." — James R. Doty, MD, author of Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart

 

SNAPSNAP! From Chaos to Calm

By: Julie Potiker

Publish Date: December 2022

Archway Publishing

“The SNAP method is brilliant. In one simple practice, Julie Potiker integrates brain science, mindfulness, compassion, and other effective tools for lifting your mood, easing anxiety, calming stress, and opening your heart. Full of practical wisdom, she leads readers through funny stories, tender care, and many different applications of the SNAP method. Throughout, she is a super-smart, encouraging, and hopeful friend. A wonderful book!” — Rick Hanson, PhD, Author, Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness

“Life is rarely as easy as a snap, but Julie Potiker finds a relatable way of helping you contend with the most challenging experiences of life by using her clever and easy SNAP method. Tapping into our natural capacity for healing and ease, and building on solid science, Julie leads the reader … into a place of greater wellbeing and joy. Super accessible and incredibly practical, this book will become your best friend in times of need.” — Steven Hickman, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founding Director, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness

 

teaching-sc-to-teensTeaching Self-Compassion to Teens

By: Lorraine Hobbs and Niina Tamura

Publish Date: April 2022

Guilford Press

“Lorraine Hobbs and Niina Tamura have offered us the science and art of how to support adolescents in growing a more integrated brain and compassionate mind in this crucial period of development.…What better gift to give the next generation in a world waiting for them to fully arrive with the skills, kindness, and grit our modern times will require? Thank you for taking the time to take in the wisdom of this book and make its gifts available to all the youth who will benefit from your guidance.” — from the Afterword by Daniel J. Siegel, MD, Executive Director, Mindsight Institute; Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles

“If you are a clinician or educator who thinks self-compassion for teens sounds like a good idea—but you don’t know how to teach it—this is the book for you. Through clear instructions informed by decades of experience, Hobbs and Tamura present practical exercises that help teens unlock their mindfulness and compassion and use these qualities to benefit themselves and those around them.” — Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of The Mindful Child

 

sc workbook for kidsThe Self-Compassion Workbook for Kids: Fun Mindfulness Activities to Build Emotional Strength and Make Kindness Your Superpower

By: Lorraine Hobbs and Amy C. Balentine 

Publish Date: March 2023

New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

“Self-compassion is a powerful resource for coping with whatever life sends our way. When adults learn it, they often say, ‘Why didn’t I learn this sooner?’ Well, now we can start to learn at the earliest possible age. This superb workbook captures the depth and scope of self-compassion in simple, totally delightful practices and activities. Highly recommended for parents, teachers, therapists, and anyone who loves kids.” — Christopher Germer, PhD, lecturer on psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, co-developer of the Mindful Self-Compassion program, and author of The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion

“If you are a parent, grandparent, or work with children, I strongly recommend you pick up this book and keep it handy. Full of practical exercises you can use today, it is a beautiful and accessible handbook for helping kids develop the lifelong healthy habit of self-compassion, which we now know is a key building block of psychological resilience and well-being. As a bonus, when you practice with kids, you are sure to benefit as well.” —Cassandra Vieten, PhD, executive director of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation; acting director of the Center for Mindfulness at the University of California, San Diego; and author of Mindful Motherhood

 

compassion for couplesCompassion for Couples: Building the Skills of Loving Connection

By: Michelle Becker

Publish Date: February 2023

Guildford Press

“This beautiful book will help couples move their relationships from a place of pain and blame to love and acceptance. Drawing on empirically supported self-compassion practices, the author provides concrete tools to help people open their hearts to themselves so they can open fully to their partners.”— Kristin Neff, PhD, coauthor of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook

“From her vast experience as a therapist and teacher, Michelle Becker has written a masterpiece for any couple, whether you are seeking greater intimacy or help with serious conflicts. Her advice is grounded in science, with lots of examples and many simple, powerful exercises. Beautiful, timely, and important.” — Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Resilient

 

SC for DummiesSelf-Compassion for Dummies

By: Steve Hickman

Publish Date: July 2021

dummies - A Wiley Brand

Self-Compassion For Dummies will help you discover self-critical thoughts and self-defeating behaviors that are holding you back from fulfilling your potential and explore how you can learn to work around these things to find your way to more joy and satisfaction. Full of practical examples, guided meditations and helpful, lighthearted suggestions, this book is for anyone who would like to learn to treat themselves as kindly as they treat their dear friends.

 

Stress PrescriptionThe Stress Prescription - Seven Days to More Joy & Ease

By: Elissa Epel

Publish Date: December 2022

Penguin Random House

“The perfect prescription for this moment in time and outside of time.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction) and author of The Healing Power of Mindfulness and Mindfulness for All

"This book offers a powerful path out of stress and overload. Written by a renowned and compassionate scientist, the reader is offered both the science and methods for transforming stress as we face a world of uncertainty and increasing vulnerability.” — Roshi Joan Halifax, global humanitarian, founding abbot of Upaya Institute, author of Standing on the Edge

 

inner-work-of-racial-justiceThe Inner Work of Racial Justice - Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities through Mindfulness

By: Rhonda V. Magee

Publish Date: September 2019

Penguin Random House

“This book opens doors for all of us to better understand the conditioning that keeps us feeling so separate and apart. Rhonda Magee is a significant new voice I’ve wanted to hear for a long time—a voice both unabashedly powerful and deeply loving in looking at race and racism. Most important, Rhonda’s voice is a practical one, illuminating a path each of us can follow to a life filled with far greater awareness, connection, and peace.” — Sharon Salzberg, New York Times-bestselling author of Real Happiness

“How can we begin to explore, understand, and finally, undo the painful injustice of racism that is so deeply embedded in us? Illuminated by her work in meditation and mindfulness practice, Rhonda Magee has spent her life considering this question. Her knowledge, wisdom, sensitivity, and compassion shine through every page of The Inner Work of Racial Justice. This book should be read slowly and carefully by everyone. Do its exercises, ponder its nuances. Take it to heart—you can’t afford not to.” —Norman Fischer, founder and spiritual director of the Everyday Zen Foundation

worry-less-live-moreWorry Less, Live More: The Mindful Way through Anxiety Workbook

By: Susan M. Orsillo and Lizabeth Roemer

Publish Date: June 2016

Guilford Press

“This book will help you move seamlessly along a path of personal transformation. The beauty of the authors' approach is that it combines mindful awareness with taking action to pursue what you value. For anyone seeking relief from worry, this is among the best guides I have seen.” —Zindel V. Segal, PhD, coauthor of The Mindful Way through Depression

“This wonderfully no-nonsense book provides multiple ways to help free yourself from chronic worry and anxiety. Thoroughly grounded in science, yet engaging and easy to understand, this is an important roadmap for leading a happier and more fulfilling life.” —Kristin Neff, PhD, author of Self-Compassion