I think this book is easy to understand. Even if you are not a practitioner or fan of Buddhism, Meditation, psychology, Western therapy, I think this book bridges a lot of gaps for a beginner like me. Just as meditation can be learned, and deepened with practice, I think this book has ideas that are helpful for many, even for various low or high levels of experience. Learning from a higher level just might be possible with this book.
The idea for the title of the book is I think reinforced right away by the author writing about such discoveries as his learning through trial and error, how to plant seeds/ideas with patients, and that he does not need to force something on a someone when it isn't perhaps the right time to do so. I'm sure the author reinforced this notion many times over throughout the book.
For me, the notion of Buddhism and meditation has always been favorable in my mind. I am somewhat familiar with the concepts (even learning as I read), and my deceased high school chum made it a point to have her husband mention her practice in the eulogy. Very unusual. This says a whole lot because I respect her.
I like simple truths better than long-winded analyses, and I do not seek them enough. For example, for awhile I followed words the Dalai Lama has said. This book offers some of this sort of simplicity, with the different chosen practices converging together in every chapter. Often, when I am reading about some esoteric ideas an author will appear to simply repeat the same stuff over and over, nothing much really happening. Like fluff. Or the point is never backed up by actual demonstration. This book often spoke to me on a level where I can see the change in someone, and I believed it was for real. Also, even though I didn't always understand the references to Buddha, and others, I am impressed how this was also woven into the chapters.
Intro - Preparing to talk of the Eightfold Path, which includes the following:
The Right View
The Right Motivation
The Right Speech
The Right Action
The Right Livelihood
The Right Effort
The Right Mindfulness
The Right Concentration.
Epilogue - Very nice personal note from the author's heart.
"Right" is explained differently than what I expected. Maybe there is a word or two, but I can't think of any; there were so many different ways this author, Mark Epstein M.D., has found to explain the Eightfold path, and it's parts.
I have been under a lot of stress because of the holidays, and when the author talks about Meditation I didn't feel too bad that I couldn't do it. He explains that he doesn't want patients to have yet another thing they will feel bad about. So in his practice of Psychiatry he broaches carefully the introduction of any idea, including Buddhism, or meditation.
Personally, I need to exercise before I can actually meditate, and I have never had an enlightened moment caused by actually trying to sit and just do it. I will have these moments though in ways that surprise me. Usually, this involves some form of inspiration that comes to me, and I somehow know it just might be good enough to go with. If it isn't the right time I learn and move on. I am always moving, and it is quite impossible for me to intentionally quiet my mind. Still I got a lot about this book because of the wisdom, East meeting west, Buddhism meeting Western therapy!
I always appreciate good books, and this can be read in order or not; sand yet the author intentionally put this book together this way for a reason as he points out toward the end of the book about Right Concentration.
I appreciated the personal stories, and the many examples of others he has interacted with (teachers, practitioners, doctors, colleagues, peers, those he admires. It all ties in with what the author wants to say.
The author was very young to have embarked on his journey to become the professional he is today.
There was one example of a media guy who had anxiety attacks, and he caught on really fast to these ideas. I only wish it could happen like that for me. But most of the examples were very descriptive, and well-represented indeed.
I love it. Enjoy.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.
Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.
View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.
Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.
Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Get the free Kindle app: 
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2020
Top reviews from other countries
clwong1264@shaw.ca
Road to Contentment is Achievable!
Reviewed in Canada on April 16, 2018
grandma J
Insightful and speaks to your life
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 7, 2019
Violet1
I like it - easy to read and insightful
Reviewed in Australia on April 6, 2018