1st Edition
Introducing Mindfulness-Based Wellbeing Enhancement Cultural Adaptation and an 8-week Path to Wellbeing and Happiness
Mindfulness-Based Wellbeing Enhancement (MBWE) integrates Mindfulness and Wellbeing to realize human flourishing and the attainment of happiness. This 9-session program, conducted over 8 weeks, enhances wellbeing, happiness and quality of life through self-understanding and self-awareness.
The first part of the book is devoted to presenting mindfulness, wellbeing, the happiness paradigm and the curriculum of the Mindfulness-Based Wellbeing Enhancement (MBWE) program. It presents the foundations of mindfulness-based programs, and how mindfulness intersects with wellbeing. The authors argue, with the support of evidence, that mindfulness is well placed to promote human flourishing rather than limiting its relevance to stress reduction and preventing depression relapse. Several chapters are devoted to presenting the MBWE program comprehensively with weekly agendas, homework, handouts, facilitation guides and practice scripts.
The second part of the book presents the evidence base of mindfulness, cultural adaptations for different populations, the therapeutic effectiveness of group learning inherent in Mindfulness-Based Programs and the often-untold history of mindfulness. The authors present the often-neglected Asian roots of Mindfulness and justify how secular Mindfulness, as taught by Jon Kabat-Zinn, is influenced by multiple wisdom traditions as opposed to it being a solely Buddhist practice.
This book serves as a hands-on resource for trained mindfulness teachers, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counsellors, social workers, practitioners, educators, coaches, and consultants. It is also suitable for anyone who is interested in the appreciation of mindfulness and human flourishing.
Part 1 1. Foundations of Mindfulness 2. Mindfulness and Wellbeing 3. The Mindfulness-Based Wellbeing Enhancement (MBWE) Curriculum 4. Facilitating the MBWE Program 5. Inquiry and the Generation of Insights Part 2 6. Enhancing Group Learning Process in MBPs 7. Cultural Adaptation 8. Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Programs 9. The Untold History of Mindfulness
Biography
Kathirasan K. (PhD) is the Founder and Managing Director of the Centre for Mindfulness (Singapore). He is the author of several books and a renowned scholar-practitioner of Indic contemplative traditions. He is also a leadership and culture consultant; and an executive coach. Mindfulness-Based Wellbeing Enhancement (MBWE) was born out of his personal experience with mindfulness and his interest in wellbeing and human flourishing.
Sunita Rai (PsyD) is the Founder and Managing Director of the Holistic Psychotherapy Centre. She is a psychologist, psychotherapist, author, consultant, lecturer and clinical supervisor. She has created a unique model of wellbeing called the Integrated Wellbeing Model (IWM) and another brainchild of hers is the Mindfulness-Oriented Counselling and Psychotherapy (MOCP).
'For good or ill, mindfulness has grabbed the popular imagination as therapy or self-help. This book is a timely and much needed contribution to the field, which examines assumptions that have shaped our contemporary conceptions of mindfulness, and so in a similar way will change the way we see ourselves.'
Mark Leonard, Director, Mindfulness Connected, pioneer in 'social mindfulness', writer and author, Social Mindfulness: A guide to meditations from Mindfulness-Based Organisational Education
'Mindfulness is used in many clinical environments to help people who are mentally unwell get back to normal functioning. This book delivers the next level; mindfulness groups that enhance wellbeing and increase the capacity for joy. The experienced authors generously provide a treasure-trove of practical materials. The appendices alone contain a schedule for an 8 week program, plus the scripts for all the exercises, metaphors and stories. The preceding chapters provide background, instructions and stylistic tips. Well worth buying.'
Dr Christine Dunkley, Consultant trainer, British Isles DBT Training Team
This fascinating book introduces an innovative Mindfulness-Based Wellbeing Enhancement program. With deep knowledge of Advaita Vedanta, modern Psychology, and lived experience in a multicultural setting, the authors are uniquely placed in providing insightful guidance for cultural adaptations of mindfulness based programs. Another salient aspect of this work is a scholarly analysis of the history of mindfulness, giving lesser known facts and timelines. This book would be relevant for both students and practitioners, engaged with the field of mindfulness and mental health.
Dr. Jyotsna Agrawal, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India
