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From: Ellen-Marie Silverman
Date: 02 Oct 2011
Time: 11:23:16 -0500
Remote Name: 205.188.117.79
[[Dr Silverman, As someone who is new to the practice of mindfulness which resources would you suggest? Thanks, Parker]] Thank you, Peter, for your expression of interest in this paper. >>> I wrote it for those who, like you, may be new to the practice or considering the possibility of doing so, so I included many references, based on experience, that I found helpful. They can be found throughout the paper and listed in bibliographic form in the "References" section at the end. I included references to the theory and practice of mindfulness and a brief introduction to contemporary research findings on the effects of the practice on brain structure and function. Some references, such as Susan Piver's slim book, "Quiet Mind," and Sharon Salzberg's brilliant new book, "Real Happiness," include audio CD's providing some background but focus on practice itself. I also include Jack Kornfield's video published in 1996 quite helpful as an introduction to insight meditation (shamatha-vipassana), and included it, which, although no longer easily available new, can be found used or in audio CD form. >>> Although I have not personally taken instruction or retreats there, I think IMS (Insight Meditation Society) and Spirit Rock Medication Center, both of which have websites, might be places to go for personal and/or group instruction. The former was founded by Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein, and Sharon Salzberg, all prominent and respected teachers of insight meditation in the West. Sylvia Boorstein, author and prominent teacher of insight meditation, teaches at Spirit Rock. >>> The UCLA Semel Institute Mindfulness Awareness Research Center offers some online instruction in mindfulness methods developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and Dan Siegel. I have not sampled their offerings. >>> I find Shambhala Sun and Tricycle magazines as well as the Buddhadharma magazine helpful in fostering a sense of community and as aids to instruction and motivation. >>> I hope this response has provided you with some useful direction. Ellen-Marie Silverman