C. Alexander Simpkins – författare

For those searching for mindful moments or for a more engaged way of navigating life in the twenty-first century, Buddhism for Beginners opens the door to understanding Buddhism's key concepts and practices. The authors tap into their years of training and study in meditation, martial arts and Eastern philosophy to bring readers a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual tenets and attainments that mark the pathway to enlightenment.In this new hardcover edition, the authors explain in clear and simple terms:The history of BuddhismThe key themes and belief systems (the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Mahayana, nirvana and more)Ways of integrating Buddhist principles and philosophy into the everydayThe organizing notions and overarching thesis of Buddhism: to live fully aware in the moment, to see things as they truly are, and to recognize yourself as part of the wholeBuddhism's relevance todayBuddhism for Beginners then completes this introduction to meditation and mindful moments by offering simple exercises, practices and prompts reflective and supportive of the Buddhist teachings and tenets laid out in the volume, including filling- and clearing-the-mind meditations, performing acts of compassion and inner-peace and conflict-resolution exercises.An essential purchase for people looking to integrate Buddhist principles into their lives or for those seeking a more meaningful, mindful or meditative path.

Meditation is widely accepted today as having many health benefits. An evergrowing body of research reveals that meditation can be a valuable therapeutic tool for particular problems such as stress, depression, and addictions. Neuroscience research has given further evidence by uncovering some of the neural correlates. With promising findings, psychotherapists can confidently incorporate meditation methods into their practice.This book is written for health care professionals to provide new methods that can be added into their patients’ treatment regime. Therapists will find meditation personally helpful to sharpen clinical acumen and for personal growth. The book also directly addresses the needs of clients, to help them learn these practices and make them their own. Drawing on a range of meditation tools and techniques—and not favoring any one particular approach—this book explains the principles of meditation to therapists, and demonstrates how to utilize these principles in psychotherapeutic work with clients.

Drawing from over 30 years of teaching, researching, and practicing hypnosis, the authors share systematic instructions, techniques, and exercises for finding your way into a hypnotic trance—or deepen your trance if you’ve already found it. With exercises specifically tailored to address a wide range of concerns, including stress, depression, substance abuse, anxiety, weight management, fears, and sports performance, this book is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in hypnosis. The authors synthesize and integrate the major theories of hypnosis and provide an overview of the fundamental tools used in self-hypnosis, especially attention, unconscious processing, and suggestion.For clinicians, they provide evidence and practical considerations that therapists need to incorporate hypnosis into their practice. All readers will benefit from the tips, techniques, and exercises throughout which demonstrate how hypnotic interventions can be tailored to each person. Readers will be inspired to practice at home using hypnotic suggestions that target their specific concerns. Deftly balancing theory and practice, Neuro-Hypnosis provides the tools you need to open yourself to self-hypnosis, experience the vast potential of your mind, and activate your brain for growth, development, and lasting change.

Praise for Meditation and Yoga in Psychotherapy "From the wisdom of ancient cultures to modern neuroscience, the authors skillfully create a bridge of understanding between the practice of meditation, yoga, and psychotherapy. The Simpkins are at their best in describing how everyone can learn to integrate their own brain, body, and mind to facilitate a creative synchrony of healing and well-being."—Kathryn Rossi, PhD Coeditor, Collected Works of Milton H. Erickson: The Nature of Therapeutic Hypnosis"This reader-friendly text is directed toward therapists and healthcare workers who are considering incorporating yoga and meditation into their work. These technologies are time-honored and appear to have beneficial effects on contemporary clients and patients. Meditation and Yoga in Psychotherapy serves as an informative introduction to these¿practices, and explains how a therapist might integrate such practices into their work. The chapters on neuroscience research and healthy aging are unique in books of this nature, and the discussion of alleviating depression alone is worth the price of the book."—Stanley Krippner, PhDProfessor of Psychology, Saybrook UniversityCoauthor, Haunted by Combat: Understanding PTSD in War VeteransA thoughtful and pragmatic guide for integrating meditation and yoga techniques into traditional psychotherapyMeditation and Yoga in Psychotherapy is an inspiring "how-to" guide grounded in the neuroscientific and clinical evidence that supports the use of meditation and other yoga practices to improve clients' mental health.Drawing from the authors' decades of practice, teaching, and writing, this inspiring book is focused on applying meditation, yoga, and Zen to therapy, with discussion of: The latest neuroscience findings, showing how the brain and larger nervous system are altered by yoga methods Philosophical and psychological principles upon which yoga is based The how, when, and why for use of specific techniques with common psychological problems Fundamental stretching exercises and meditation techniques Filled with vivid case examples and writings from renowned yoga masters, Meditation and Yoga in Psychotherapy encourages a therapeutic process in which clients move their attention from outside concerns to inner mindfulness. With a range of techniques that embrace the diversity and uniqueness of clients, this book offers methods to creatively individualize techniques for a wide variety of presenting problems.

"The world and all that is in it expresses reality. Every therapy session, each moment in your life, is a koan to be solved, an opportunity to learn about your deeper being. How you respond is your choice. You always have the option to respond with your most enlightened nature."—from Zen Meditation in Psychotherapy A thoughtful and pragmatic guide for integrating Zen meditation into traditional psychotherapyGrounded in both neuroscientific and clinical evidence that supports the use of Zen meditation to improve clients' mental health, this inspiring "how-to" guide encourages creative use of its techniques to suit your personal therapeutic style as well as your clients' needs.Zen Meditation in Psychotherapy provides you with methods that can be seamlessly integrated into ongoing treatments for a broad range of psychological problems, as well as with ways to enhance your own life, both professionally and personally.It covers: General protocol for integrating meditation into treatments at every phase Applying meditation for problems such as depression, anger, addiction, and weight management Meditative ways to reduce anxiety, stress, and burnout Meditative training to enhance therapeutic sensitivities Filled with vivid case examples and writings from traditional texts, modern interpretations, meditation research, and illustrative legends, Zen Meditation in Psychotherapy encourages a therapeutic process in which clients move their attention from outside concerns to inner mindfulness. With a range of techniques that embrace the diversity and uniqueness of clients, this book offers methods and tools for seeing feelings and problems directly and objectively, which can lead to a profound shift in perspective.

Simple Taoism is designed to help the reader understand what Taoism is about and to help apply its best aspects to everyday living. Divided into three parts, the book outlines: A clear explanation of Taoism and how to apply its best aspects to your daily life.Simple instructions for exercises to lead a fuller life—meditation, breathing, chi kung, and tai chi chuan.An informative discussion of key Taoist concepts, including wu-wei (nonaction), yin and yang, and Te (power virtue, life).

Filled with simple exercises and thought-provoking lessons, this Buddhist instructional book will help you get started on the Buddhist path of moderation, mindfulness, and enlightened living.More than any other introduction to Buddhism, Buddhism in Ten provides readers with the understanding and tools they need to live a deeper and fuller life along Buddhist principles. Ten lessons, each inspired by an aspect of Buddhism, show how to incorporate this Eastern philosophy into your daily life. Each lesson is enhanced with several exercises—some physical, some mental, and some spiritual. Simple lessons show you how to:Develop a sense of clarity through Right MeditationUnderstand and accept your own experiences through the Four Noble TruthsEnrich everyday life with Right MindfulnessRemove obstacles to a spiritually enlightened life—and reveal your own Buddha natureThe Buddhist tradition can help you develop a life of wisdom, awareness, and compassion. With its thorough, accessible exploration of Buddhist philosophy and practice, this book can guide you to a more rewarding, more joyful life.

Taoism for Beginners is a practical guide to applying the key notions, concepts and beliefs underlying Taoism's various branches and schools.Authors C. Alexander and Annellen Simpkins tap into their years of training and study in meditation, martial arts and Eastern philosophy to provide readers with a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual tenets and attainments that mark the holistic pathway to a life more in balance.This book offers readers:A clear explanation of what Taoism is and how to apply its most salient tenets and teachings to your daily lifeSimple exercises to enable you to lead a calmer and more mindful, connected life—taking in a range of practices that include meditation, breathing, chi kung and tai chi chuanAn exploration of the origins and background of Taoism, including the various sects and schools of thoughtAn informative discussion of key Taoist concepts, including wu-wei (nonaction), yin and yang, and the powerful way of De (the cradle of power, virtue and life)This new edition has been updated by the author to include the connections between Taoism and mindfulness and meditation, as well as ritualized practices to heighten mind-body connection in order to control chi (energy). Taoist principles and concepts have guided people on the path to harmony, wholeness, balance and greater well-being for millennia. This beginning resource makes an ancient religion, its practices and history accessible for a twenty-first century reader.

With this yoga guide, you can delve into a sport as good for your mind as it is for your body—and become a part of the vast (and continually growing) yoga community in the US and beyond.Dating back to the 11th century Vedic Indian tradition, the practice of yoga didn't gain prominence in the Western world until the 20th century. Fast forward to the present day, and yoga communities are huge—and still showing steady growth. Yoga is as good for the mind as it is for the body, and its benefits include flexibility, weight loss, stress reduction, pain relief, and spiritual growth. This yoga book for beginners covers the origins of yoga including its philosophy, history, and the various styles of yoga schools as they apply to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Simpkins, neuroscience professionals with over 40 years teaching experience, address the curiosities and concerns of the beginning student, such as:Where do I begin?How do I find a teacher?How do I prepare for my first class?What do the unfamiliar terms mean?And much, much moreYoga Basics focuses on the yoga essentials of breathing, balance, and the yoga poses themselves. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also discussed to complement your yoga exercises or yoga workouts. This accessible and comprehensive introduction is everything you need to learn yoga with confidence and success.

Core Principles of Meditation for Therapy: Improving the Outcome of Psychotherapeutic Treatment provides the multi-modal strategies and tools therapists need to guide their clients' adaptations of meditation into their lives. Complete with text, audio, and video content, this package introduces a variety of meditation routines and explains how, when, and why each technique should be used to reach specific goals. The availability of audio and video, as well as print, allows the therapist to customize each presentation to the client and the presenting problem.Meditation simultaneously engenders both relaxation and alertness, and regular practice can change brain function to permanently improve internal sensing.  The three major meditation methods—focus (Yoga meditations and postures), open-focus (Mindfulness), and no-focus (clearing the mind Zen and Taoist flow)—are best suited to different kinds of problems. Core Principles of Meditation for Therapy explains them all, and details the most practical applications of each. This guide matches the meditation type to a therapeutic goal.Consistent with the positive psychology movement, meditative practice puts people on a positive path and offers distinctive techniques to actualize change. This package's multi-sensory approach makes it adaptable to the needs of therapists and clients, supports their initiation, practice, and mastery of meditation for improved mental health. For clinicians seeking to integrate meditation and therapy, Core Principles of Meditation for Therapy is a complete guide to both theory and practice.