{"product_id":"being-present-cultivate-a-peaceful-mind-through-spiritual-practice-9781844097463","title":"Being Present: Cultivate a Peaceful Mind through","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFree yourself from unhelpful thoughts and emotions and learn to live peacefully in the present\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e • Provides practical exercises, meditations, and reflections centered on mindfulness, breath, and immersion in nature to simplify your life and anchor you in the present\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e • Learn to use your body as a tool for raising consciousness, work with occurrences like tiredness, illness, and pain as spiritual teachers, as well as identify and release addictions, including harmful thought patterns\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e • Can be integrated with any religion or spiritual teaching with examples pertaining to everyday experiences in the Western world\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Offering a synthesis of spiritual teachings viewed through the lens of modern personal experiences, Darren Cockburn provides practical insight into how to cultivate a peaceful mind, live skillfully, and nurture a spiritual connection through the power of the present moment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The author shares practical exercises, meditations, and reflections, revealing how to free yourself from becoming lost in unhelpful thoughts and emotions, while bringing acceptance to what life presents you with. He explains how to generate true mindfulness through connection to your breath as well as immersion in nature. He details how to use your body as a tool for raising your level of consciousness as well as how to weave exercise, diet, breathing techniques, and sexuality into your spiritual practice. He explores how to work with occurrences like tiredness, illness, and pain as spiritual teachers for enriching your presence of mind and being.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Darren and I sat in meditation for a week, and I could clearly sense his ability to sink into stillness and be Present. . . . He has a beautiful way of writing and presenting spiritual teachings. . . . The feeling of Presence that Darren’s book evokes gradually becomes an inner experience that you can keep tapping into, an experience that can go beyond reading his book.” * ESTHER EKHART, yoga and meditation teacher and founder of the online yoga studio EkhartYoga.com *\u003cbr\u003e“\u003ci\u003eBeing Present\u003c\/i\u003e provides insight into the nature of addiction, how it manifests and how it can be released. This clear and concise book is a useful tool for anyone who wants to understand addiction and recovery. In my work and in my personal recovery from addiction I can affirm that every addict needs to look beyond the substance or behaviours and into himself or herself as a person for the underlying cause. This always involves knowledge of thought patterns and emotions, and for many no sustained recovery would be possible without a spiritual program. Ego is at the root of addiction, and learning new ways of letting go of unhelpful behaviours is a powerful growth in true self-awareness. The knowledge that I don’t have to be trapped in my ego but can connect to a higher power comes as a tremendous relief and release for many addicts. To then develop a relationship with this higher self, experience the pleasure of connection and guidance, and enjoy the pathways of this journey brings deep healing for those used to unskilful means for dealing with pain. This book from an experienced spiritual practitioner guides us carefully through to understanding what it means to be present and includes advice on how to seek help and support for those experiencing significant addictions. Presence is a powerful antidote to being lost in thought and craving, and I am happy to recommend this book as a welcome addition to our understanding of recovery.” * DENNIS WAREING, substance misuse worker *\u003cbr\u003e“Reading Darren’s book \u003ci\u003eBeing Present\u003c\/i\u003e feels like a meditation. In clear, simple language Darren describes the process of letting go of identification with our thoughts and feelings and invites us to a place of peace with what is. I have spent enough time with Darren to realize that this book is a transmission of his own deep practice of Presence. His teachings spring from his lived experience, and the authenticity of his words radiate from the page. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt this time humanity is in dire need of spiritual awakening, and this book is an invaluable guide to anyone interested in learning how to awaken in a way that is gentle and loving.” * JENNIE HASTINGS (SRI DEVI), yoga teacher and programmer at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, Bahamas *\u003cbr\u003e“I met Darren in India at a yoga center several years ago, and I was struck by his Presence and kindness toward others. We later came to know each other, and I learned there were profound wisdom and spiritual teachings behind his outlook on life. Reading \u003ci\u003eBeing Present\u003c\/i\u003e helps in keeping these teachings alive in daily life. For me practicing awareness through meditation and contemplating how to simplify my life makes me more peaceful and grounded in my often stressful working days. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs a medical doctor I strongly believe in having a holistic view of well-being, with physical and mental health being equally important. This book provides concrete guidance through different aspects of how you can improve your life when it comes to, for example, dealing with work-life balance, finding stillness, and overall cultivating Presence.” * JOHANNA ANDERSSON, medical doctor *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e1 Introduction \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eCharacteristics of Presence \u003cbr\u003eEgo \u003cbr\u003ePresence \u0026amp; Mindfulness \u003cbr\u003eHow to Cultivate Presence \u003cbr\u003eThe Origins of Presence \u003cbr\u003ePresence \u0026amp; Religion \u003cbr\u003eHow Our Thoughts Change\u003cbr\u003eThe Prompts to Write This Book \u003cbr\u003eUsing This Book \u003cbr\u003ePoints for Reflection\u003cbr\u003eOptional Learning Activities \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e2 Body\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eLooking After Our Bodies \u003cbr\u003eWorking with Tiredness \u0026amp; Illness \u003cbr\u003eManaging Pain through Presence \u003cbr\u003eExercise \u0026amp; Movement\u003cbr\u003eThe Breath Sexuality \u003cbr\u003ePoints for Reflection \u003cbr\u003eOptional Learning Activities\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e3 People\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eLand of Presence \u003cbr\u003eLove \u0026amp; Control \u003cbr\u003eKnowing Our Triggers \u003cbr\u003eCreating Space \u0026amp; Letting Go ‘Difficult’ People \u0026amp; Situations \u003cbr\u003ePresence through Communication \u003cbr\u003eTrue Listening \u003cbr\u003eSolitude \u0026amp; Loneliness Friendship 61 Changes to Personal Relationships Understanding Our Impact on People \u003cbr\u003ePoints for Reflection\u003cbr\u003eOptional Learning Activities\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e4 Meditation\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eTime, Duration \u0026amp; Frequency \u003cbr\u003eMeditation Posture Location, Entrance \u0026amp; Exit \u003cbr\u003eMeditation Technique \u003cbr\u003ePresence Meditation \u003cbr\u003ePresence Meditation -- Stage One -- Thought \u003cbr\u003ePresence Meditation -- Stage Two -- Breath \u003cbr\u003ePresence Meditation -- Stage Three -- Exclusively Present \u003cbr\u003eMeditation Challenges \u003cbr\u003eReflection \u0026amp; Planning \u003cbr\u003eTeachers, Groups \u0026amp; Religious Movements \u003cbr\u003eMini Meditations \u003cbr\u003eMotivation \u003cbr\u003ePresence Meditation - Quick Reference Guide \u003cbr\u003ePoints for Reflection \u003cbr\u003eOptional Learning Activities Meditation\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e5 Internal Hindrances \u0026amp; The Ego\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eSensory Desire \u003cbr\u003eIll Will \u003cbr\u003eSloth \u0026amp; Torpor\u003cbr\u003eRestlessness \u0026amp; Worry Doubt \u003cbr\u003eHindrances Summary \u003cbr\u003eApplication outside of Meditation \u003cbr\u003eThe Ego\u003cbr\u003eResponding to Difficult Feelings \u003cbr\u003eWorldly Conditions\u003cbr\u003eTriggering the Hindrances in Others\u003cbr\u003eHindrances during Sleep \u003cbr\u003ePoints for Reflection \u003cbr\u003eOptional Learning Activities\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e6 Simplicity\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eBalancing Simplicity with Wisdom \u0026amp; Compassion \u003cbr\u003eSimple \u0026amp; Repetitive Activities \u003cbr\u003eSimplicity \u0026amp; Assets \u003cbr\u003eThe Simplicity Paradox\u003cbr\u003eTechnology \u0026amp; Messaging \u003cbr\u003eWaiting\u003cbr\u003eAssets, De-cluttering \u0026amp; Physical Spaciousness \u003cbr\u003eStreamlining \u003cbr\u003eSimplicity of the Present Moment\u003cbr\u003ePoints for Reflection \u003cbr\u003eOptional Learning Activities\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e7 Addictions\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eHow Addictions Are Created \u003cbr\u003eGaining Freedom from Addictions \u003cbr\u003eThe World’s Biggest Addiction \u003cbr\u003eRelating to Addictions \u003cbr\u003eAddictions Attracting Addictions \u003cbr\u003ePoints for Reflection \u003cbr\u003eOptional Learning\u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eActivities\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e8 Stillness, Spaciousness \u0026amp; Nature\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eStillness of the Body \u003cbr\u003eSpace between Objects \u003cbr\u003eSilence\u003cbr\u003eSpace between Hindrances \u003cbr\u003eSleep\u003cbr\u003eNature\u003cbr\u003ePoints for Reflection \u003cbr\u003eOptional Learning Activities\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e9 Acceptance\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eHow to Accept \u003cbr\u003eWorking with Resistance\u003cbr\u003eRelative \u0026amp; Absolute Acceptance\u003cbr\u003eOptions for Cultivating Acceptance \u003cbr\u003eAcceptance of Our Relative Self \u003cbr\u003eThe Four A’s Cycle \u003cbr\u003ePoints for Reflection\u003cbr\u003eOptional Learning Activities\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e10 Work \u0026amp; Service\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eConflicting \u0026amp; Complementary Views \u003cbr\u003eThe Three Modalities of Awakened Doing \u003cbr\u003eConcentration \u003cbr\u003eIdentifications at Work \u003cbr\u003eReviewing Work \u0026amp; Service \u003cbr\u003ePoints for Reflection \u003cbr\u003eOptional Learning Activities \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e11 Teachers, Religion \u0026amp; Study\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eSpiritual Teachers \u0026amp; Religious Movements\u003cbr\u003eSpiritual Retreats \u003cbr\u003eStudying Spiritual Teachings \u003cbr\u003eTime \u0026amp; Motivation to Study \u003cbr\u003ePoints for Reflection \u003cbr\u003eOptional Learning Activities\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e12 Structuring Our Practice\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eCreating a Presence Inventory \u003cbr\u003eStriking the Right Balance\u003cbr\u003eJournalling \u0026amp; Writing \u003cbr\u003ePractising with Others \u003cbr\u003eProgress \u0026amp; Measurement \u003cbr\u003eCreating Time for Structured Practice \u003cbr\u003eAnchoring Our Practice \u003cbr\u003ePoints for Reflection \u003cbr\u003eOptional Learning Activities\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAfterword\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAcknowledgements \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNotes \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBibliography\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e","brand":"Inner Traditions Bear and Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49413471568215,"sku":"9781844097463","price":12.34,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1739\/5799\/files\/9781844097463.jpg?v=1730520274","url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/being-present-cultivate-a-peaceful-mind-through-spiritual-practice-9781844097463","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}