The Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance Workbook

Author:

Margaret Cullen, MA, MFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teacher. She was one of the first ten instructors to be Certified by the Center for Mindfulness. Margaret Cullen has been pioneering mindfulness-based programs in health care, education, business and academic settings for over 20 years. She has also trained with Zindel Segal in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Gonzalo Brito Pons, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who has worked with diverse populations in Chile, Peru, and Spain, integrating Western psychological approaches with traditional medicine and contemplative practices. Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, is internationally known for his work as a scientist, writer, and meditation teacher engaged in bringing mindfulness into the mainstream of medicine and society.

Reviews:

“In an increasingly topsy-turvy world, finding emotional balance is more important than ever—and Margaret Cullen and Gonzalo Brito Pons show you how, walking with you step-by-step, drawing on brain science, ancient wisdom, and the power of mindfulness. Comforting and powerful, down-to-earth and profound, this book is a clear path from stress, frustration, and irritation to calm strength, happiness, and inner peace.” — Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Buddha’s Brain

“Bravo to The Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance Workbook! This is a very wise and compassionate book that shows how you can transform difficult emotions by acknowledging and embracing them as a path to greater freedom and peace.” — Bob Stahl, PhD, coauthor of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook, Living with Your Heart Wide Open, Calming the Rush of Panic, A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook for Anxiety, and MBSR Every Day

“The Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance Workbook combines the wisdom of reflection, the beauty of compassion, and the rigor of science. It guides its readers into the capacity of mindfulness to reduce emotional reactivity and cultivate kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. The wealth of ideas and practices in this illuminating work will be of benefit and has the potential to transform our individual and collective lives.” — Shauna Shapiro, PhD, professor at Santa Clara University and author of The Art and Science of Mindfulness and Mindful Discipline

“It is the nature of the human condition to suffer. For many their suffering is worsened by negative emotional states. Using not only their extensive experience as mindfulness teachers but also the knowledge gained by working with leading emotion researchers, the authors give a step-by-step road map to improve one’s resilience and create emotional balance that is accessible to all. For anyone living in today’s rushed and stressful world, this book is a must-read.” — James R. Doty, MD, professor of neurosurgery and founder and director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University School of Medicine

“This wise and practical book is filled with wonderful practices that can regulate your emotions and change your life.” — Jack Kornfield, PhD, author of The Wise Heart

“Like other animals, humans evolved with a range of complex emotions that can be sources of joy but also pain and suffering. Unlike other animals though, humans have a capacity for being aware of, observing, and mindfully choosing how to work with these passions of the mind. In this beautifully accessible and carefully crafted book two leading mindfulness teachers have come together to guide us through the sometimes stormy terrain of our emotions. This step-by-step eight-week course is rich in insights and skillfully organized practices for working with and cultivating our minds. Based on the most up-to-date research, this book is a gift for all those seeking emotional balance in the hustle-bustle of modern-day life.” — Paul Gilbert, PhD, FBPsS, OBE, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Mental Health Research Unit, Kingsway Hospital

“Seamlessly integrating the twin curricula of mindfulness meditation and emotion science, this pragmatic and wise workbook provides readers with clear-sighted guidance for self-care when distressing effects loom.” — Zindel V. Segal, PhD, distinguished professor of psychology in mood disorders, University of Toronto Scarborough

“This is an extraordinary book that brings together science, Dharma, and psychology in an accessible, actionable, practical, and inspiring way. Not only is this book a must-read but also a ‘must-use’ in a time on our planet where there is so much stress and suffering. Margaret and Gonzalo have done a great service in crafting approaches to emotional balance based on the work of Drs. Paul Ekman and Alan Wallace, as well as their years of practice and study.” — Roshi Joan Halifax, Abbot, Upaya Zen Center

“At last! A truly useful application of mindfulness to managing the emotional storms of everyday life. This eight-step program helps readers steadily change their relationship to their emotions, becoming less reactive and more flexible. The authors unpack the deep wisdom of Buddhist practices into an eminently usable progression of experiential exercises, meditations, observations, and links to audio recordings and other resources. This one book can make one’s entire life enterprise more workable. Deep bows.” — Linda Graham, MFT, experienced psychotherapist and author of Bouncing Back: Rewiring Your Brain for Maximum Resilience and Well-Being

“Practical, hands-on, and clear, The Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance Workbook lays out a full set of tools for cultivating well-being. Everyone from newcomers to meditation to experienced clinicians and teachers may find something of value here.” — Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness

“Nothing is so taken for granted and yet deserves so much more attention and investigation as our emotions. This very helpful workbook — put together by people who clearly have deeply studied emotion (their own and others’) — offers insight and practicality in equal measure. It presents working with emotions not as an arduous struggle but rather as a rich and rewarding journey. Bon voyage!” — Barry Boyce, editor-in-chief of Mindful

“This remarkable book beautifully integrates key insights of mindfulness and compassion practice toward cultivating greater emotional balance. Guiding us step-by-step, the workbook shows us how to create a more balanced, compassionate, and joyful life. A real gift to the world.” — Thupten Jinpa, author of A Fearless Heart: How the Courage to Be Compassionate Can Transform Our Lives

“The emotional balance Cullen and Brito Pons write about is not some unattainable calm, but rather the courage of an open heart — one that responds to life with a full range of feelings. Their workbook provides practical and heartful advice for choosing—and changing—your relationship to fear, anger, and resentment, and for cultivating the ability to experience joy, gratitude, and love.” — Kelly McGonigal, PhD, author of The Neuroscience of Change

“This book is excellent — it’s wise and highly practical for emotional clarity and balance. Cullen and Brito Pons have put together a step-by-step prescription for living with greater ease, grace, and happiness.” — Elisha Goldstein, PhD, cofounder of The Center for Mindful Living in Los Angeles, CA, and author of Uncovering Happiness: Overcoming Depression with Mindfulness and Self-Compassion