This book is a mash-up of specific and directed meditative exercises and the neuroscience of why,biologically, each exercise bolsters psychological health. The goal is to increase resilience–to change the brain to respond to the inevitable twists and turns of life. Author Graham describes what she calls the 5C’s of coping, and describes how different exercises will increase oxytocin and fully

Rick Hanson, PhD is a psychologist, author, and expert on positive neuroplasticity, who developed thisbook from his popular online course called The Foundations of Well-Being. In Resilient, he discusses 12different ‘tools’ which help activate inner strength and resilience of character. Each tool is a separatechapter, so I skipped around to chapters I particularly liked such as “Courage” and “Aspiration”. Thebook

While Stephen Porges is considered the father of Polyvagal Theory (PVT), author and clinician Deb Danais considered the leader in putting PVT concepts into practice. She believes that we all benefit when wehave a basic understanding of the way the nervous system works. In Anchored, Deb guides the reader to“befriend” your nervous system and use your “vagal brake” through exercises

Patrick Kennedy, who already authored a book about his own and his family’s challenges with mental health and substance use (Common Struggle), has crafted another touching book, written in the style of his uncle John F’s book Profiles in Courage. In this Profiles, there are 12 untold stories of individuals who struggled with their mental health and addiction. Included in these stories are

Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction: Recovery, Love and Loss, by David MageeDavid Magee is an incredible storyteller, who shares the story of his personal journey in this page-turnerof a book. Written in tribute to his son William, who died of an overdose, David recounts how addictionimpacted him and his relationships all throughout his life. With respect to his

The August 29, 2024 New Canaan Vigil was a success because of storytelling, specifically through ourline-up of speakers who shared their recovery journeys in a very open and authentic way. They allreceived standing ovations because of what we called “The Power of Story”, or in Ty Bennett’s book ThePower of Storytelling. Neuroscientists have proven long ago that people who hear

Whether it’s meditation or a walk in nature, reading a sacred text or saying a prayer, there are manyways to tap into a heightened level of awareness of the world around us, according to psychologist,author and researcher Lisa Miller, PhD. This awareness, or spirituality, offers hope to those like herself,who struggled with depression. The belief in the concept we are

Shauna Shapiro, the author, does a great job of highlighting the importance of self-compassion, which others like Dr. Kristen Neff have advocated for. Like Neff, she has plenty of studies to back her points. This is a self-help book that can be valuable for those who are considering mindfulness and meditation for the first time. There are practical exercises at

A few years ago, I read a fascinating book on the surfing life, Barbarian Days by William Finnegan. WithSurf Therapy, just published by Cash Lambert, I’ve learned about surfing as a emerging, science-basedfield to address mental health and addiction challenges. What a concept: asking humans to worktogether in the outdoors to find their “zone” and structurally change the brain for

Another great book on meditation that is especially helpful for those, like me, who struggle with their inner critic. Meditation teacher and author Mark Coleman provides many antidotes for negative thinking and self-talk to help us learn to be more compassionate towards ourselves. Chapters are short withpractical exercises included, mostly meditation based. Mark also describes the scientific foundation, orneuroplasticity, behind