The Science of Meditation

A fascinating and practical guide from two New York Times bestselling authors, backed by state-of-the-art scientific research Drawing on cutting-edge research, friends and Harvard collaborators Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson expertly reveal what we can learn from a one-of-a-kind data pool that includes world-class meditators. They share for the first time remarkable findings that show how meditation – without drugs or high expense – can cultivate qualities such as selflessness, equanimity, love and compassion, and redesign our neural circuitry. Demonstrating two master thinkers at work, The Science of Meditation explains precisely how mind training benefits us. More than daily doses or sheer hours, we need smart practice, including crucial ingredients such as targeted feedback from a master teacher and a more spacious worldview. These two bestselling authors sweep away the misconceptions around these practices and show how smart practice can change our personal traits and even our genome for the better. Gripping in its storytelling and based on a lifetime of thought and action, this is one of those rare books that has the power to change us at the deepest level. ‘This is a book that really can change your life.’ – Arianna Huffington, author of the ‘New York Times’ best seller ‘The Sleep Revolution’ ‘A happy synthesis of the authors’ remarkable careers’ – Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of ‘Full Catastrophe Living’ and ‘Mindfulness for Beginners’ The definitive book on the science of meditation. Rigorously researched and deeply illuminating’ – Daniel Gilbert, PhD, author of the New York Times bestseller ‘Stumbling on Happiness’ ‘This exquisite duet between a down-to-earth science writer and path-breaking neuroscientist is a tour-de-force, revealing how training the mind can transform the brain and our sense of self, inspiring us to create a greater sense of well-being, meaning, and connection in our world. Bravo!’ – Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., author of the ‘New York Times’ best sellers, ‘Mind’ and ‘Brainstorm’