Description
Book Synopsis'Resistance is one of the main causes of emotion. The moment we believe something isn't the way it should be or someone doesn't meet our expectations we struggle to accept the situation because it is out of our control. We get stressed when we can't control a person or a situation. We get frustrated because we "judge" the situation as "bad, unwanted or wrong". To combat this, we need to learn not to "feed" negative thoughts. We can do this by accepting rather than fighting a thought or emotion - accept it and then move forward. Being more aware of your thoughts on a conscious level will give you more control of your emotions by consciously changing them and not letting them spiral out of control.' Beyond the Mind explores meditation and mindfulness as therapy for tragedy and recurring negative thought. The book takes you through the stages of mindfulness therapy and explains the practical uses for everyday life and the theory of meditation as well as the stages of how to achieve it and practice it regularly. There is also discussion of the law of attraction and how using this can ultimately create positive thoughts and a more positive wellbeing. While the focus is quite general, there is also specific mention to the effects caused by the isolation of lockdown and how to use meditation and mindfulness to develop more positive thoughts.
Trade Review"One of the most significant and relatable aspects of Jema Fowler's Beyond the Mind is her assessment of how COVID-19 both ignited the need for change within many of us and lead to feelings of anxiety. Going hand in hand with this idea, Fowler also highlights the impact that social media can have on our mindset, writing that: 'social media has a positive side and can be beneficial and indeed it has been a lifeline to many during the Coronavirus crisis.' Through her discussion, Fowler educates the reader on how our emotions and mental state can be affected by outward influences like the Coronavirus and social media, and informs us that we must try to limit their impact, 'we do not have to be slaves to social media and all of us need to be mindful of what we allow to influence us and the input that we allow.' Through her easy to follow format and digestible writing style, Fowler offers a piece of clarity and sense in a time that is so uncertain." - Sophie Smith
