Description

Thomas G. Plante – Contemplative Practices in Action – Spirituality Meditation and HealthThis groundbreaking primer illuminates contemplative methods that can improve mental and physical health.In a world of continuing stress and nonstop sensory input, the one thing that seems increasingly elusive is peace of mind. Pharmaceuticals and other potentially harmful measures provide relief for some people.Contemplative practices, from meditation to Zen, are growing in popularity as methods to inspire physical and mental health. Contemplative Practices in Action: Spirituality, Meditation, and Health offers readers an introduction to these practices and the ways they can be used in the service of well being, wisdom, healing, and stress reduction.Bringing together various traditions from the East and West, this thought-provoking work summarizes the history of each practice, highlights classic and emerging research proving its power, and details how each practice is performed. Expert authors offer step-by-step approaches to practice methods including the 8-Point Program of Passage Meditation, Centering Prayer, mindful stress management, mantram meditation, energizing meditation, yoga, and Zen. Beneficial practices from Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, and Islamic religions are also featured. Vignettes illustrate each of the practices, while the contributors explain how and why they are effective in facing challenges as varied as the loss of a partner or child, job loss, chronic pain or disease, or psychological disorders.Features• Foreword by renowned author and scholar Huston Smith, subject of the five-part PBS special, The Wisdom of Faith with Huston Smith• Contributions from 13 expert authors• Case studies showing how contemplative practices are being used to cope with modern stress and disorders among groups as diverse as caregivers, pregnant women, people living with HIV, and veterans dealing with PTSDHighlights• Presents information about contemplative practices from various spiritual and religious traditions from a multidisciplinary perspective• Describes contemplative methods that are practiced across cultures, religions, and socioeconomic groups• Shows how contemplative practices can be used for stress management and with specific stress inducers• Offers information that is practical, as well as scholarly