The Mindfulness Solution to Pain- Book review

mindfulness book image snagThis book is new to my bookshelf and I am enjoying reading it. It came at a time when my body is pretty cranky and I needed a kind reminder why mindfulness and meditation can be so helpful. I love that the authors encourage daily meditation, even if you start with only 5 minutes. Both authors have their own history with CP, as well as hundreds of hours teaching their 12-week program– Mindfulness-Based Chronic Pain Management (MBCPM)– to groups of patients, . There are many stories in the book showing what helped their participants. The authors speak from experience and in a tone of voice that is affirming and supportive.

The book is small enough to not overwhelm, rests easy in my hands, and fits perfectly onto my bedside table. I also loved a chapter showing the art of participants. The authors don’t shy away from difficult topics, add brief notes on pertinent research, and the science behind chronic pain, but mostly they encourage personal exploration. This book takes up and deepens topics that are addressed more briefly in some of the more comprehensive pain management books– see Books, and is actually a good place to start.

The book…”helps you harness your mind’s power to quiet your pain and put you in control. Mindfulness practice, which includes stationary meditations, movement meditations, mindful art and other strategies, will help you understand how emotions & thoughts affect physical symptoms, reverse the debilitating effects of some chronic pain conditions, prevent pain from becoming chronic or long-term, and lift the anxiety & depression that may accompany chronic pain.” ( quote from the publisher).

This book does not offer a week by week program, but presents the topics offered in the live program. You can follow their excellent blog. There are also meditation CD’s available, starting with a 5 minute meditation.

The live program at the NeuroNova Centre has worked with more than 6,000 people and is available at various hospitals/health facilities in Ontario. There appears to be one affiliate in Las Vegas, and in Australia.