Mindfulness in Times of Crisis

PRESS CONTACT
Lorna Garano
510-922-9765
lornagarano@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MINDFULNESS IN TIMES OF CRISIS

IN “WISE MIND, OPEN MIND,” RONALD ALEXANDER, PH.D., EXPLAINS HOW MINDFULNESS, MEDITATION, AND BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY CAN TRANSFORM CRISIS.

Oakland, CA, October 21, 2009–We are living in a time of crisis and many of us feel powerless over the anxiety, confusion, and despair that this can trigger. Yet, according to Ronald Alexander, Ph.D., not only are we not powerless over the impact of crisis, we can transform its effects so that we arise from it stronger and more aware. He offers a complete program for doing this in his new book, WISE MIND, OPEN MIND: FINDING PURPOSE & MEANING IN TIMES OF CRISIS, LOSS & CHANGE (New Harbinger Publications, September 2009, paperback). In this groundbreaking book Alexander, a pioneer in Buddhist psychology, shares his innovative program for using mindfulness meditation, creative thinking, and cutting-edge positive psychology tools to transform times of crisis into opportunities for greater personal awareness, clarity, and creativity.

Alexander is available for interview. Here’s just some of what he can discuss:

*  CREATIVE TRANSFORMATION: A THREE-STEP ART. Alexander offers an original three-step plan for achieving creative transformation in the midst or wake of a crisis. It includes, Letting Go, Tuning In, and Moving Forward. In the first step you learn to let go of resistance to change, in the second you learn to tune in to your soul’s deep wisdom; and in third you learn how to move forward based on your newly acquired insight. Alexander offers step-by-step mindfulness meditations for moving through each of these stages.

*   A PRIMER ON BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY. Buddhist psychology is an exciting new area that blends the best of East and West. By adapting Buddhist practices of mindfulness and meditation to positive psychology and the therapeutic process it offers powerful tools for transforming difficult emotions and becoming more aware of oneself and the world. Alexander explains how and why these techniques are so useful in overcoming crisis.

*   YOUR WISDOM COUNCIL. Alexander recognized that even with powerful mindfulness tools at your disposal, getting through a crisis still requires a support system comprised of caring and wise individuals. It’s why he offers step-by-step help for building a “wisdom council of support” and explains the roles that each member should play. They include: peer, educator, coach, and dharma teacher.

*   CULTIVATING A WISE MIND & MINDSTRENGTH IN DIFFICULT TIMES. In Buddhism wise mind is a state of consciousness that allows you to observe your thoughts without becoming emotionally invested in them.  Alexander explains: “In wise mind you stop running with your thoughts wherever they take you and find yourself sitting with a sense of serenity and clarity, observing what your mind churns up and easily discerning its qualities, setting aside what’s unwholesome and taking delight in what’s wholesome.” Wise mind results from building mindstrength, the ability to use mindfulness to master thoughts, beliefs, and emotions and tap into the core creativity that empowers you to take positive and wise action. In WISE MIND, OPEN MIND, Alexander shows you how to cultivate mindstrength and achieve wise mind.

*   FOUR MYTHS ABOUT MINDFULNESS. Myths about mindfulness abound. Alexander debunks four of the most common ones: Practicing mindfulness meditation will conflict with my religious beliefs; I’m too restless and busy to learn to be quiet and practice any form of meditation; If I practice mindfulness it will put out the fire of my ambition and creativity; and If I practice mindfulness, what I’ll discover will be so upsetting that I’ll be paralyzed with fear.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ronald A. Alexander, Ph.D.,is a licensed psychotherapist practicing mindfulness-based mind-body psychotherapy. He is director of Open Mind® Training Institute in Santa Monica, CA, and a pioneer in the fields of integrated medicine, somatic psychology, and transformational leadership coaching. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. He is also an adjunct graduate faculty member at Pepperdine University, Pacifica Graduate Institute, and University of California, Los Angeles Extension.

CHANGE YOUR MIND, CHANGE YOUR BRAIN

PRESS CONTACT
LORNA GARANO
510-922-9765
lornagarano@gmail.com

CHANGE YOUR MIND, CHANGE YOUR BRAIN

In BUDDHA’S BRAIN: THE PRACTICAL NEUROSCIENCE OF HAPPINESS, LOVE & WISDOM, neuropsychologist Rick Hanson explains how to use scientific breakthroughs, combined with techniques from ancient contemplative practices to change your brain for greater contentment, lovingkindness, and inner peace.

Oakland, CA, October 21, 2009–Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and other great teachers were born with brains built essentially like anyone else’s. Then they used their minds to change their brains in ways that changed history. With the new breakthroughs in neuroscience, combined with the insights from thousands of years of contemplative practice, you, too, can shape your own brain for greater happiness, love, and wisdom. In his new book, BUDDHA’S BRAIN (New Harbinger Publications, paperback, November 2009) Rick Hanson, Ph.D., offers a series of series of simple, practical ways to rewire your brain. Using only the power of thought you can strengthen your brain’s innate circuitry for greater well-being and better performance. Hanson also provides a guided tour of the exciting recent research that reveals how the brain can change and adapt, and he gives down-to-earth explanations for how we can use lessons from the world’s ancient contemplative traditions as tools for personal healing and growth in the 21st century.

Hanson is available for interview. Here are just a few segment/story ideas.

STRESS-PROOF YOUR BRAIN
HOW TO DEVELOP GREATER RESILIENCE AND INNER STRENGTH FOR THE ROLLER
COASTER OF LIFE
Hanson will:
·   Offer a lay-person’s primer on the neuroscience of stress, and explain how today’s turbulent times are lighting up our stress circuits like a Christmas tree

·   Provide simple, step-by-step exercises for making the brain and body less susceptible to stress and for  on-the-spot stress relief

·   Explain how cultivating love and compassion for self and others can help to calm stress and anxiety

·   Offer brain-savvy methods for feeling less irritable, sad, and defensive

*****

DID EVOLUTION WIRE OUR BRAINS FOR UNHAPPINESS?
YES, BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE UNHAPPY, SAYS THE AUTHOR OF BUDDHA’S BRAIN
Hanson will:
·   Explain why our brains evolved to be “like Velcro for negative experiences but Teflon for positive ones”

·   Discuss how we are wired to overreact to emotionally threatening situations

·   Show how to reverse the brain’s evolutionary bias toward unhappiness and negativity

·   Reveal how paying attention to and “taking in” the small but positive experiences of daily life rewires the  brain for happiness

·   Describe how our “home base”-the deep nature of our nervous system-is characterized by the “five C’s,” consciousness, calm, contentment, caring, and creativity, and how to stop being driven from home by stress and “Threat Level Orange.”

*****

LOVE, SEX, AND INTIMACY ON THE BRAIN
HOW TO REWIRE YOUR BRAIN FOR BETTER RELATIONSHIPS
Hanson will:
·   Reveal how scientific findings show that love and relationships have been the primary driver of human brain development

·   Offer step-by-step methods for practicing compassionate conflict resolution and forgiveness

·   Explain how to develop the three main neural circuits that affect our capacity for empathy

·   Provide a primer on the neurochemistry of sex and love

·   Discuss the two wolves of the heart-the wolf of love and the wolf of hate-and explain how to feed the former and starve the latter

*****

THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON MINDFULNESS
MODERN SCIENCE SHOWS HOW MINDFULNESS CAN HELP US BE HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER
Hanson will:
·   Discuss the exciting science that shows how the brain can change and how this can give us greater control over our own happiness and well being

·   Offer mindfulness meditations and other simple techniques for rewiring the brain for greater serenity and happiness

·   Explain how to adapt ancient meditation techniques for better performance at home and work and in relationships

·   Reveal the health benefits of mindfulness

·   Offer a lay person’s primer on neuropsychology and explain how to tailor a mindfulness program to your particular temperament

·   Explain why Buddhist practices like mindfulness and meditation are becoming part of mainstream Western psychology

ABOUT RICK HANSON, PH.D.
Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Rick Hanson, Ph.D., is a neuropsychologist and meditation teacher. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, he cofounded the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom and edits the Wise Brain Bulletin. He and his wife have two children.

RAVES FOR BUDDHA’S BRAIN
“…This gently encouraging ‘practical guide to your brain’ offers helpful information supported by research as well as steps to change instinctive patterns…”
-Publishers Weekly

“An excellent choice for readers wishing to take control of their lives and spiritual well-being.”
-Library Journal

“Buddha’s Brain brilliantly reveals the teachings of the Buddha in the light of modern neuroscience. This is a practical guide to changing your reality. This is your brain on Dharma!”
-Wes ‘Scoop’ Nisker, author of Essential Crazy Wisdom and editor of Inquiring Mind

“Buddha’s Brain is compelling, easy to read, and quite educational. The book skillfully answers the central question of each of our lives-how to be happy-by presenting the core precepts of Buddhism integrated with a primer on how our brains function. This book will be helpful to anyone wanting to understand time-tested ways of skillful living backed up by up-to-date science.”
-Frederic Luskin, Ph.D., author of Forgive for Good and director of Stanford Forgiveness Projects

Transformative Yoga: Five Keys to Unlocking Inner Bliss

PRESS CONTACT
Lorna Garano
510-922-9765
lornagarano@gmail.com

TRANSFORMATIVE YOGA
How to find bliss using the ancient yogic theory of the five koshas

While yoga has become a mainstay of Western fitness and spiritual programs, few practitioners know about the yogic theory of the five koshas. That’s about to change. In TRANSFORMATIVE YOGA: FIVE KEYS TO UNLOCKING INNER BLISS  (with a foreword by Alanis Morissette, New Harbinger Publications, October 2009, paperback) Wade Morissette offers a complete series of postures, meditations, and breathing exercises based on the five koshas theory, which, when practiced regularly,  provide a route to deep awareness, clarity, and bliss.
Morissette also shares his compelling personal story of how he came to yoga. As the twin brother of superstar Alanis Morissette, Wade struggled to find his own identity and life path. Yoga and his eventual understanding of the five koshas showed him the way.
Morissette is available for interview. Here’s just some of what he offers:

• THE 5 KOSHAS: KEYS TO UNLOCKING BLISS. “Despite several yoga-inspired trips to India and enlightenment lessons from various yoga masters, I first stumbled upon the kosha theory in a more everyday way: at the local library,” says Morissette. While browsing the Upanishads-a large, ancient Indian text-he found a description of the kosha theory. Kosha means sheath in English. According to the kosha theory, every person possesses five koshas or layers of energy. As you purify each layer, beginning with the physical and working inward you to move deeper into the essence of the soul and come closer to achieving inner peace, joy, and bliss. You also bridge the gap between physical and spiritual yoga to achieve a new level of mastery. It also unifies the physical and spiritual dimensions of yoga.

• BEING ALANIS MORRISETTE’S TWIN: WADE’S STORY. Morissette first came to yoga when he was a university student struggling to find his identity in the shadow of his famous twin sister. He’ll share how yoga illuminated his life path and became his passion.

• A DEMONSTRATION OF THE POSES. Morissette will provide an engaging and fun demonstration of the postures and exercises that he shares in Transformative Yoga.

ABOUT WADE IMRE MORISSETTE
Wade Imre Morissette has studied yoga for more than seventeen years with many of the world’s most influential yoga teachers, including Baba Hari Das, Sri K Pattabhi Jois, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, T.K.V. Desikachar, and the Krishnamacharya Lineage. He leads workshops, yoga teacher training, retreats, and mantra music evenings internationally. Morissette is director of teacher training and program operations at YYoga in Vancouver, BC, Canada, where he lives with his wife and two children. He also practices vipassana meditation and is a recording artist with Nettwerk Music Group. Morissette is the twin brother of popular musician Alanis Morissette.

“Wade takes us on a transformational journey into the self, from the external physical to the subtle energetic, emotional,
mental and blissful bodies that make up who we are.”
-Sharon Gannon, Jivamukti Yoga