1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: Altered Traits provides an in-depth exploration of the science behind the power of meditation and mindfulness to transform our lives, both mentally and physically.
“The power of attention and intention cannot be overstated: it has the potential to transform your life.”
Quick Info
Category: Mindfulness
Publish Date: 2018-09-04
# Pages: 336
ISBN: 0399184392
Where to Get It:
Buy on Amazon
Listen on Audible
Read more on Blinkist
Table of Contents
Overview
Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body is an eye-opening look at the science of meditation and how it can change the way we think and behave.
Written by renowned psychologist, Daniel Goleman, the book explores the transformative power of meditation and how it can improve our mental and physical health.
Goleman draws on the latest research from neuroscience, psychology, and medicine to explain how meditation changes the neural pathways of our brains and why it can be so beneficial for improving our overall well-being.
He also provides practical advice for developing a successful meditation practice, such as how to create the best environment for meditation, which type of meditation is best for you, and which benefits you can expect from it.
Altered Traits is an informative and engaging read that will open your eyes to the power of meditation and leave you with a newfound appreciation for its potential.
4 Key Lessons from Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman
1. Cultivating Emotional Stability
This lesson teaches us that emotional stability is a valuable trait that we can strive for through emotional regulation and self-awareness.
Through understanding our own emotions and how to manage them, we can become more emotionally balanced, better manage stress, and reduce our risk of emotional and mental health issues.
We can learn how to recognize our triggers and how to manage them by using relaxation techniques and cognitive strategies such as reframing and acceptance.
2. Enhancing Attention and Focus
The authors of Altered Traits provide readers with strategies to help them improve their ability to focus and concentrate.
We learn that we can improve our attention span by engaging in physical activity and meditation, reducing distractions, and taking deliberate breaks throughout the day.
We can also use specific strategies such as focusing on one task at a time, breaking down tasks into smaller components, and utilizing technology to help us stay on task.
3. Cultivating Resilience
This lesson focuses on the importance of resilience and how to develop it.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and setbacks and stay motivated, even when faced with challenges.
We learn that resilience can be cultivated through developing self-compassion, being mindful of our thoughts, seeking support from our community, and engaging in meaningful activities.
4. Developing Self-Awareness
This lesson teaches us the importance of self-awareness, which is the ability to understand our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how they are influenced by our environment and experiences.
We learn that self-awareness can be cultivated through journaling, mindfulness, and by engaging in meaningful conversations with others.
In doing so, we can gain a better understanding of our strengths and weaknesses and use them to our advantage in order to reach our goals.
Who Should Read It
This book would be of interest to anyone looking to improve their mental and cognitive well-being, such as students, professionals, and educators.
It could also be helpful to those interested in learning more about the science behind meditation and mindfulness, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical professionals.
In addition, those who are interested in the topics of neuroscience, spirituality, and the power of the mind would find this book to be enlightening and beneficial.
Where to Get It
If you love the smell and the feel of a physical book, you can just click on the button below:
If you like to listen to audiobooks while doing the daily chores or when commuting to work, you can Try Audible Premium Plus and Listen to this Book for Free.
If you’re not sure yet, I recommend you to read a more in depth summary on Blinkist. You’ll also get a 7 day free trial and more than 5.000 other books to browse through.
About Daniel Goleman
Daniel Goleman is an author and science journalist best known for his 1995 book Emotional Intelligence.
He has since written several other books on the subject of emotional intelligence, leadership, and the science of meditation.
His book Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body was published in 2017 and is based on the latest scientific research into the effects of meditation on mental health.
Goleman is also the co-founder of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, an international organization focused on promoting the development of social and emotional skills in children and adults.
or Try Audible Premium Plus and Listen to this Book for Free
Other Mindfulness Books you may Like:
- Best Mindfulness Books
- Aware by Daniel J. Siegel
- Cure by Jo Marchant
- Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke
- Five Minute Meditation by Lisa Shea
Over to You
If you already read Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman, please take a moment to rate it and maybe write your feedback in the comments. You’ll help other readers make the best choice.
Thanks a lot,
Simon
Welcome to DailyBitsOfWisdom.com, my passion project inspired by my own battle with depression. Here, I share resources on journaling, positive affirmations, self-help insights, and book summaries, creating a nurturing space where we can connect, learn, and grow together on our journey to self-discovery and personal growth.