From Mindfulness to Heartfulness: Transforming Self and Society with Compassion
255 pages
8 hours
Description
“A rare gem . . . filled with valuable and authentic teachings about practical and spiritual paths toward balance and understanding.” —Richard Katz, PhD, author of Indigenous Healing Psychology
Millions have found mindfulness to be a powerful practice for reducing stress, enhancing attention, and instilling tranquility. But it can offer so much more—it can transform you, make you more fully awake, alive, and aware of your connection to all beings. In Japanese, the character that best expresses mindfulness, 念, consists of two parts—the top part, 今, meaning “now,” and the bottom part, 心, meaning “heart.” Using stories from his own life as the son of an Irish father and a Japanese mother, a professor in Japan and America, a psychotherapist, a father, and a husband, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu describes eight “heartfulness” principles that help us realize that the deepest expression of an enlightened mind is found in our relation to others.
“He shows us through stories and practices how to expand our contemplative lives from being self-focused to being inclusive, connected, compassionate, and responsible . . . Each story is a jewel, opening the heart. He connects heartfulness to social justice, leadership, and education and offers simple, direct instructions for seven heartful practices.” —Mirabai Bush, author of Walking Each Other Home (with Ram Dass)
“Resonant with Stephen’s kindness, heartfulness, and wisdom and filled with excellent exercises and practical guides, this lovely volume will be a friend and guide to all those intent on creating and sustaining thriving lives, workplaces, relationships, and communities.” —Dan Barbezat, Professor of Economics, Amherst College
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From Mindfulness to Heartfulness: Transforming Self and Society with Compassion Paperback – February 9, 2018
by Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 37 ratings
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Open Mind, Open Heart
Millions have found mindfulness to be a powerful practice for reducing stress, enhancing attention, and instilling tranquility. But it can offer so much more—it can transform you, make you more fully awake, alive, and aware of your connection to all beings. In Japanese, the character that best expresses mindfulness, 念, consists of two parts—the top part, 今, meaning “now,” and the bottom part, 心, meaning “heart.” Using stories from his own life as the son of an Irish father and a Japanese mother, a professor in Japan and America, a psychotherapist, a father, and a husband, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu describes eight “heartfulness” principles that help us realize that the deepest expression of an enlightened mind is found in our relation to others.
Read less
Report incorrect product information.
Print length
256 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Publication date
February 9, 2018
From the Publisher
About Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu
Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu is a psychologist with a doctorate from Harvard University, and training in clinical and community psychology, yoga, meditation, and Chinese medicine. He was professor of education and at the University of Tokyo and director of the international counseling center. At Stanford University he cofounded the LifeWorks program in contemplative and integrative education.
Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu has been a teacher and counselor for children and adults in schools and universities in Japan and the United States, from day care to medical school. His work balances traditional wisdom and modern science in designing mindful, gentle, and compassionate educational practices and spaces. He uses storytelling, both written and oral, to enhance whole-person learning and mindful citizenship. Author of books, articles, and essays in English and Japanese, Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu writes about multicultural perspectives on mindfulness, identity, and citizenship.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“From Mindfulness to Heartfulness is a rare gem—beautifully written, deeply engaging, and filled with valuable and authentic teachings about practical and spiritual paths toward balance and understanding. As Murphy-Shigematsu embraces his vulnerability, he opens up to and reflects upon his life stories, and that can inspire us to do the same—encouraging us toward knowledge and understanding. Just what is needed to bring the increasingly popular mindfulness approach back to its reality core—the blending of heartfulness with mindfulness.”
—Richard Katz, PhD, Professor Emeritus, First Nations University of Canada, and author of Indigenous Healing Psychology
“Through tender teaching stories and an insightful narrative, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu shows us the ways we can weave together mindfulness and compassion into what he terms heartfulness. As master educator, he leads us through the stages of heartfulness from vulnerability and connectedness to acceptance and gratitude. This is an important book. I heartfully recommend it to all who want to join their own personal journey of self-discovery to selfless service and the care for others.”
—Arthur Zajonc, Professor of Physics Emeritus, Amherst College, and former President, Mind and Life Institute
“This book has the potential for radical change in the way we live together, and I loved reading it! Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu takes us beyond mindfulness as it is often currently taught—as an instrument for cognitive changes like focus, attention, or stress relief—to the truths of the gentle, appreciative, nurturing heart. He shows us through stories and practices how to expand our contemplative lives from being self-focused to being inclusive, connected, compassionate, and responsible. Immense heartfulness shines through every story he tells, drawing on experiences from teaching children and college students to being with his dying grandmother to his own biracial childhood. Each story is a jewel, opening the heart. He connects heartfulness to social justice, leadership, and education and offers simple, direct instructions for seven heartful practices.”
—Mirabai Bush, Senior Fellow, The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, and author of Compassion in Action (with Ram Dass) and Contemplative Practices in Higher Education (with Daniel Barbezat)
“This powerful book is full of love and intimate wisdom. Full of rich stories and deep guidance, it is also a map of the human heart and the best in all of us.”
—Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD, Abbot, Upaya Institute and Zen Center
“Resonant with Stephen’s kindness, heartfulness, and wisdom and filled with excellent exercises and practical guides, this lovely volume will be a friend and guide to all those intent on creating and sustaining thriving lives, workplaces, relationships, and communities.”
—Dan Barbezat, Professor of Economics, Amherst College
“A profound and wise book written by a respected colleague and friend . . . this book humbly reminds us that mindfulness without the heart is lacking and shows the way to live our lives with awareness, compassion, and responsibility.”
—Frederic Luskin PhD, cofounder of LifeWorks, Stanford University, and author of Forgive for Good
“I couldn’t put this book down! Dr. Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu’s From Mindfulness to Heartfulness is a profound exploration in heartful connection with ourselves and others. Through moving storytelling, Murphy-Shigematsu offers several integral components to cultivating a heartful way of being. Drawing on examples from his college teaching, his many talks to corporations and public audiences, and vulnerable moments from his own life, Murphy-Shigematsu illustrates what this heartful journey might look like—he is in it with us. He models the vulnerability heartfulness calls for, exploring the fraught experience of living a biracial identity in the racial contexts of both the United States and Japan. The insights that result offer a model of compassionate transformation that are applicable in a variety of contexts, including social justice, education, health care, corporations, and community work.
“This book is accessible, mesmerizing, and practical, offering both deep insights to ponder for days and practical tips to enact right now. It promises to become a classic mindfulness resource.”
—Beth Berila, PhD, RYT 500, Director, Women’s Studies Program, St. Cloud State University
“Master listener Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu demonstrates his attunement to the needs of a multicultural and stress-filled world by distilling wisdom stories from a range of perspectives to illuminate the holistic dynamics of heartfulness. His intimate stories exemplify how to live with heartfulness. They inspire and empower us to heal through a mindful awareness that plumbs the personally and socially transformative power of heartfulness.”
—Paula Arai, PhD, Associate Professor, Harvard University, and author of Women Living Zen and Bringing Zen Home
“The focus is not on how you can reduce stress through mindfulness but on teachings that sensitively and carefully show us a valuable way that humans can live good lives.”
—Roshi Nanrei Yokota, Enkaku-ji Zen Temple Master
“A moving testament and sharing of the lessons learned from the author’s grandmother, the daughter of a samurai, who taught him the art of living with heartfulness. The book is the distillation of many years of searching for authenticity, making peace with his vulnerabilities, exploring his connectedness with others, and finding his unique purpose in life. I am deeply moved by his stories of integrating the American and Japanese values and his insights on achieving mindfulness. The exercises in the book are a helpful guide for us to find our own meaning in our lives.”
—Reiko Homma-True, Professor Emerita, Alliant International University
“Murphy-Shigematsu, through vivid and insightful storytelling, shows how our connections to our ethnic and cultural heritage can guide and enrich our search for both enlightenment and social justice. The beautiful stories here bring vivid color to the practice of mindfulness that may seem like a world of whiteness in which race and culture are dismissed as worldly distractions on the spiritual journey.”
—Satsuki Ina, PhD, filmmaker, psychotherapist, and community activist
“Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu’s book offers an insightful new perspective on practicing mindfulness to cultivate heartful interconnections instead of just using it for stress reduction. This book is a timely and a much-needed intervention/response to corporate mindfulness. Using cultural and personal stories, Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu offers a moving narrative account of cultivating compassionate wisdom by opening our heart to listen to stories in and around our lives. The book is moving, wonderful, and heartfelt and an excellent guide to fully engaging in life with our heart.”
—Ramaswami Mahalingam, Professor of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
“Wisdom of the heart. Murphy-Shigematsu’s gentle storytelling deftly illustrates a compassionate centering to the mindfulness movement sweeping across the country. In sharing the wisdom of his grandmother, he reminds us that outward-focused love and compassion are the complements to inward-focused peace and clarity. Significantly, this recentering is developed through stories that are cross-cultural and intercultural, illustrating how heartfulness provides compassionate pathways for navigating increasingly diverse societies. A valuable book.”
—Anthony Lising Antonio, Associate Professor of Education, Stanford University
“In a society where supposed ‘intelligence’ is measured by a person’s ability to analyze and compute, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu reminds us that the depth of our humanity is more than a number, an algorithm, or a test score. In a powerful story only he can tell, Stephen shows us a workable path that crosses cultures, boundaries, and identities that stitches a broken world back together.”
—Jeremy Hunter, PhD, Founding Director, Executive Mind Leadership Institute, Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management
“Mindfulness has become a contemporary cliché, all too often taken far from its roots to be practiced in ways that exemplify the very problems of solipsism and disregard it was meant to transform. Encouraging us instead toward heartfulness, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu returns us to the importance of presence, empathy, and compassion. With humor, humility, and vulnerability, he guides us back toward thinking of how we might live, work, and act together in diverse and inclusive communities.”
—Jeff Chang, author of We Gon’ Be Alright
“Murphy-Shigematsu is a master of storytelling. By artfully weaving together personal threads of his bicultural upbringing with accessible spiritual practices informed by Buddhism and modern psychotherapy, he becomes our friend and Sherpa, guiding us to reaching our highest human potential. Heartfulness is a life-changing philosophy of life, intended to heal not only individuals but communities at large. Reading this book will make you a better person.”
—Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, hospice worker and coauthor (with Anabel Stenzel) of The Power of Two
About the Author
Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu is a Stanford University psychologist with a doctorate from Harvard University and training in yoga, meditation, and Chinese medicine. His previous books include Multicultural Encounters and When Half Is Whole, as well as the Japanese bestseller The Stanford University Mindfulness Classroom.
Product details
Publisher : Berrett-Koehler Publishers (February 9, 2018)
Language : English
Paperback : 256 pages
4.5 out of 5 stars 37 ratings
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About the author
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Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu
Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu was born in Tokyo to a Japanese mother and Irish American father. He grew up in Massachusetts, went to Harvard, and became a professor at the University of Tokyo and Stanford. His writing illuminates "heartfulness" -- mindfulness, compassion, and responsibility -- as a way of leadership, healing, and community development. At Stanford University he is faculty in Leadership Innovations and Wellness Education in the School of Medicine, and also teaches in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity.
Customer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Top reviews from the United States
Penny Potter
5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptionally Readable Book That Gets to the Heart of EverythingReviewed in the United States on April 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
With the grace and ease of his Samurai lineage, Stephen artfully peels away the mystique and adornments of the modern-day mindfulness movement and exposes its true purpose – awareness of our interconnectedness and requisite heartful service. He intermingles stories from his own life as a Japanese Irish American, who is the great grandson of a Samurai. With his unique "insider-outsider" perspective, he leads the reader to a deeper understanding of mindfulness practices as a path to heartfulness and connection. His accessible prose allows each reader to derive meaningful learning. I suspect that each re-read of this book will render new meaning for readers.
HelpfulReport abuse
robert fuentes
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing heartful story tellingReviewed in the United States on July 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
I can't stop recommending this book enough. I read the whole book and did the exercises. This booked helped me process and integrated deeper understandings and meanings to my own emotional healing and intelligence. It helped me connect more to my heart and inutuive knowing which no words can Express. Thank you
HelpfulReport abuse
S.H.
5.0 out of 5 stars Expands the "heart" of mindfulnessReviewed in the United States on February 12, 2018
I love this book! Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu opens his heart to us using powerful and touching familial-cultural stories. He grounds heartfulness in compassion and responsibility with a chapter more deeply exploring each of eight principles. The special contribution of the book to me is that he explores the relational extensions of mindfulness through the inclusion of principles such as Connectedness (my favorite chapter!), Listening, Gratitude, and Service. The book provides greater insight into the "heart" of mindfulness. My heart was touched by this book and I appreciate that he never loses sight of the potential for a more "heartful" mindulfulness to play a role in healing suffering not only for individuals, but for society and the world.
3 people found this helpful
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Trudie Barreras
TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars An effective merging of diverse traditions and methodsReviewed in the United States on March 11, 2018
Vine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )
Although I usually try to review my "Vine" selections in the order in which I receive them, this title was particularly relevant to me at this point in time. For some years I've been a practitioner of the method of contemplation known as Centering Prayer, and have been especially interested in other traditions which have areas of overlap. I was extremely delighted with Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu's presentation in this helpful little volume which combines not only styles of meditation, but cultures as well. In addition, it provides a very effective merging of the scientific approach of psychology with the spiritual approach of both Eastern and Western traditions. Obviously, with his "mixed" Irish and Japanese background, Murphy-Shigematsu brings absolute authenticity to his presentation, which is "personal" without losing its general appeal and authority. Each chapter ends with a series of "self-exploratory" questions which make this book useful either for individual use, or as part of a group study. I recommend it highly.
3 people found this helpful
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VINE VOICE
4.0 out of 5 stars Valuable lessons, beautifully statedReviewed in the United States on May 15, 2018
Vine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )
This is a very lovely book about a subject that seems to be all around us lately. Author and psychologist Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu offers a slightly different and welcome perspective on mindfulness, entreating us that though mindful practices are so valuable, we can miss the point if we don't infuse them with heartfulness. In his words: "Heartfulness seeks to overcome limitations to the kind of mindfulness that is used for the pursuit of profit and pleasure and doesn't challenge materialistic beliefs, values, or practices. Mindfulness can enable other virtues, but if we remain on the purely cognitive level, or say narrowly focus on stress reduction. we are missing its true power...Heartfulnesss is opening and cultivating the heart through inner stillness and silence, becoming more human, more compassionate, and more responsible, both to one's own self and to all other beings."
This is certainly good advice, and Murphy-Shigematsu fills it out with stories and examples, centering around the qualities (one per chapter) like vulnerability, authenticity, connectedness, acceptance, gratitude. He also stresses the need for beginner's mind and the value of service. I so appreciate his chapter on listening: "Listening with the 'ear of the heart,' in the words of Saint Benedictine, is what enables others to speak. Suffering is often trapped in side without a voice. Behind their fearful silence, people want to find and speak their voices, and to have their voices heard...we do this with mindful awareness...by not rushing to fill their silences with fearful speech of our own..."
I was also touched by his chapter on acceptance, his references to Japanese culture, and the lessons her learned from his Japanese grandmother. There is much to value and think about in this book, and though certain subjects he explores may be overly familiar t(to the pont of seeming like platitudes) o those who read lots of books like this one, this book would be a lovely gift for someone just starting out in life, or just beginning to explore more mindful living. Much beauty and lots to ponder, and the author is obviously a sensitive and caring person. Highly recommended.
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R. True
5.0 out of 5 stars A moving testament and sharing of the lessons learned from ...Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2018
A moving testament and sharing of the lessons learned from the grandmother, the daughter of a samurai, who taught him the art of living with heartfulness. The book is the distillation of many years of search for authenticity, making peace with his vulnerabilities, his connectedness with others, and finding his unique purpose in life. I am deeply moved by his stories of integrating the American and Japanese values and his insights on achieving mindfulness. The exercises in the book are helpful guide for us to find our own meaning in our lives.
3 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
===
Millions have found mindfulness to be a powerful practice for reducing stress, enhancing attention, and instilling tranquility. But it can offer so much more—it can transform you, make you more fully awake, alive, and aware of your connection to all beings. In Japanese, the character that best expresses mindfulness, 念, consists of two parts—the top part, 今, meaning “now,” and the bottom part, 心, meaning “heart.” Using stories from his own life as the son of an Irish father and a Japanese mother, a professor in Japan and America, a psychotherapist, a father, and a husband, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu describes eight “heartfulness” principles that help us realize that the deepest expression of an enlightened mind is found in our relation to others.
“He shows us through stories and practices how to expand our contemplative lives from being self-focused to being inclusive, connected, compassionate, and responsible . . . Each story is a jewel, opening the heart. He connects heartfulness to social justice, leadership, and education and offers simple, direct instructions for seven heartful practices.” —Mirabai Bush, author of Walking Each Other Home (with Ram Dass)
“Resonant with Stephen’s kindness, heartfulness, and wisdom and filled with excellent exercises and practical guides, this lovely volume will be a friend and guide to all those intent on creating and sustaining thriving lives, workplaces, relationships, and communities.” —Dan Barbezat, Professor of Economics, Amherst College
Listen
See this imageFollow the Author
Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu
+ Follow
From Mindfulness to Heartfulness: Transforming Self and Society with Compassion Paperback – February 9, 2018
by Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 37 ratings
See all formats and editions
Kindle
from $11.99Read with Our Free App
Audiobook$0.00Free with your Audible trial
Paperback
$12.79
31 Used from $4.3016 New from $12.03
Audio CD
$31.49
1 Used from $29.439 New from $27.41
Open Mind, Open Heart
Millions have found mindfulness to be a powerful practice for reducing stress, enhancing attention, and instilling tranquility. But it can offer so much more—it can transform you, make you more fully awake, alive, and aware of your connection to all beings. In Japanese, the character that best expresses mindfulness, 念, consists of two parts—the top part, 今, meaning “now,” and the bottom part, 心, meaning “heart.” Using stories from his own life as the son of an Irish father and a Japanese mother, a professor in Japan and America, a psychotherapist, a father, and a husband, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu describes eight “heartfulness” principles that help us realize that the deepest expression of an enlightened mind is found in our relation to others.
Read less
Report incorrect product information.
Print length
256 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Publication date
February 9, 2018
From the Publisher
About Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu
Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu is a psychologist with a doctorate from Harvard University, and training in clinical and community psychology, yoga, meditation, and Chinese medicine. He was professor of education and at the University of Tokyo and director of the international counseling center. At Stanford University he cofounded the LifeWorks program in contemplative and integrative education.
Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu has been a teacher and counselor for children and adults in schools and universities in Japan and the United States, from day care to medical school. His work balances traditional wisdom and modern science in designing mindful, gentle, and compassionate educational practices and spaces. He uses storytelling, both written and oral, to enhance whole-person learning and mindful citizenship. Author of books, articles, and essays in English and Japanese, Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu writes about multicultural perspectives on mindfulness, identity, and citizenship.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“From Mindfulness to Heartfulness is a rare gem—beautifully written, deeply engaging, and filled with valuable and authentic teachings about practical and spiritual paths toward balance and understanding. As Murphy-Shigematsu embraces his vulnerability, he opens up to and reflects upon his life stories, and that can inspire us to do the same—encouraging us toward knowledge and understanding. Just what is needed to bring the increasingly popular mindfulness approach back to its reality core—the blending of heartfulness with mindfulness.”
—Richard Katz, PhD, Professor Emeritus, First Nations University of Canada, and author of Indigenous Healing Psychology
“Through tender teaching stories and an insightful narrative, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu shows us the ways we can weave together mindfulness and compassion into what he terms heartfulness. As master educator, he leads us through the stages of heartfulness from vulnerability and connectedness to acceptance and gratitude. This is an important book. I heartfully recommend it to all who want to join their own personal journey of self-discovery to selfless service and the care for others.”
—Arthur Zajonc, Professor of Physics Emeritus, Amherst College, and former President, Mind and Life Institute
“This book has the potential for radical change in the way we live together, and I loved reading it! Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu takes us beyond mindfulness as it is often currently taught—as an instrument for cognitive changes like focus, attention, or stress relief—to the truths of the gentle, appreciative, nurturing heart. He shows us through stories and practices how to expand our contemplative lives from being self-focused to being inclusive, connected, compassionate, and responsible. Immense heartfulness shines through every story he tells, drawing on experiences from teaching children and college students to being with his dying grandmother to his own biracial childhood. Each story is a jewel, opening the heart. He connects heartfulness to social justice, leadership, and education and offers simple, direct instructions for seven heartful practices.”
—Mirabai Bush, Senior Fellow, The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, and author of Compassion in Action (with Ram Dass) and Contemplative Practices in Higher Education (with Daniel Barbezat)
“This powerful book is full of love and intimate wisdom. Full of rich stories and deep guidance, it is also a map of the human heart and the best in all of us.”
—Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD, Abbot, Upaya Institute and Zen Center
“Resonant with Stephen’s kindness, heartfulness, and wisdom and filled with excellent exercises and practical guides, this lovely volume will be a friend and guide to all those intent on creating and sustaining thriving lives, workplaces, relationships, and communities.”
—Dan Barbezat, Professor of Economics, Amherst College
“A profound and wise book written by a respected colleague and friend . . . this book humbly reminds us that mindfulness without the heart is lacking and shows the way to live our lives with awareness, compassion, and responsibility.”
—Frederic Luskin PhD, cofounder of LifeWorks, Stanford University, and author of Forgive for Good
“I couldn’t put this book down! Dr. Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu’s From Mindfulness to Heartfulness is a profound exploration in heartful connection with ourselves and others. Through moving storytelling, Murphy-Shigematsu offers several integral components to cultivating a heartful way of being. Drawing on examples from his college teaching, his many talks to corporations and public audiences, and vulnerable moments from his own life, Murphy-Shigematsu illustrates what this heartful journey might look like—he is in it with us. He models the vulnerability heartfulness calls for, exploring the fraught experience of living a biracial identity in the racial contexts of both the United States and Japan. The insights that result offer a model of compassionate transformation that are applicable in a variety of contexts, including social justice, education, health care, corporations, and community work.
“This book is accessible, mesmerizing, and practical, offering both deep insights to ponder for days and practical tips to enact right now. It promises to become a classic mindfulness resource.”
—Beth Berila, PhD, RYT 500, Director, Women’s Studies Program, St. Cloud State University
“Master listener Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu demonstrates his attunement to the needs of a multicultural and stress-filled world by distilling wisdom stories from a range of perspectives to illuminate the holistic dynamics of heartfulness. His intimate stories exemplify how to live with heartfulness. They inspire and empower us to heal through a mindful awareness that plumbs the personally and socially transformative power of heartfulness.”
—Paula Arai, PhD, Associate Professor, Harvard University, and author of Women Living Zen and Bringing Zen Home
“The focus is not on how you can reduce stress through mindfulness but on teachings that sensitively and carefully show us a valuable way that humans can live good lives.”
—Roshi Nanrei Yokota, Enkaku-ji Zen Temple Master
“A moving testament and sharing of the lessons learned from the author’s grandmother, the daughter of a samurai, who taught him the art of living with heartfulness. The book is the distillation of many years of searching for authenticity, making peace with his vulnerabilities, exploring his connectedness with others, and finding his unique purpose in life. I am deeply moved by his stories of integrating the American and Japanese values and his insights on achieving mindfulness. The exercises in the book are a helpful guide for us to find our own meaning in our lives.”
—Reiko Homma-True, Professor Emerita, Alliant International University
“Murphy-Shigematsu, through vivid and insightful storytelling, shows how our connections to our ethnic and cultural heritage can guide and enrich our search for both enlightenment and social justice. The beautiful stories here bring vivid color to the practice of mindfulness that may seem like a world of whiteness in which race and culture are dismissed as worldly distractions on the spiritual journey.”
—Satsuki Ina, PhD, filmmaker, psychotherapist, and community activist
“Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu’s book offers an insightful new perspective on practicing mindfulness to cultivate heartful interconnections instead of just using it for stress reduction. This book is a timely and a much-needed intervention/response to corporate mindfulness. Using cultural and personal stories, Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu offers a moving narrative account of cultivating compassionate wisdom by opening our heart to listen to stories in and around our lives. The book is moving, wonderful, and heartfelt and an excellent guide to fully engaging in life with our heart.”
—Ramaswami Mahalingam, Professor of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
“Wisdom of the heart. Murphy-Shigematsu’s gentle storytelling deftly illustrates a compassionate centering to the mindfulness movement sweeping across the country. In sharing the wisdom of his grandmother, he reminds us that outward-focused love and compassion are the complements to inward-focused peace and clarity. Significantly, this recentering is developed through stories that are cross-cultural and intercultural, illustrating how heartfulness provides compassionate pathways for navigating increasingly diverse societies. A valuable book.”
—Anthony Lising Antonio, Associate Professor of Education, Stanford University
“In a society where supposed ‘intelligence’ is measured by a person’s ability to analyze and compute, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu reminds us that the depth of our humanity is more than a number, an algorithm, or a test score. In a powerful story only he can tell, Stephen shows us a workable path that crosses cultures, boundaries, and identities that stitches a broken world back together.”
—Jeremy Hunter, PhD, Founding Director, Executive Mind Leadership Institute, Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management
“Mindfulness has become a contemporary cliché, all too often taken far from its roots to be practiced in ways that exemplify the very problems of solipsism and disregard it was meant to transform. Encouraging us instead toward heartfulness, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu returns us to the importance of presence, empathy, and compassion. With humor, humility, and vulnerability, he guides us back toward thinking of how we might live, work, and act together in diverse and inclusive communities.”
—Jeff Chang, author of We Gon’ Be Alright
“Murphy-Shigematsu is a master of storytelling. By artfully weaving together personal threads of his bicultural upbringing with accessible spiritual practices informed by Buddhism and modern psychotherapy, he becomes our friend and Sherpa, guiding us to reaching our highest human potential. Heartfulness is a life-changing philosophy of life, intended to heal not only individuals but communities at large. Reading this book will make you a better person.”
—Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, hospice worker and coauthor (with Anabel Stenzel) of The Power of Two
About the Author
Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu is a Stanford University psychologist with a doctorate from Harvard University and training in yoga, meditation, and Chinese medicine. His previous books include Multicultural Encounters and When Half Is Whole, as well as the Japanese bestseller The Stanford University Mindfulness Classroom.
Product details
Publisher : Berrett-Koehler Publishers (February 9, 2018)
Language : English
Paperback : 256 pages
4.5 out of 5 stars 37 ratings
Videos
Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video!Upload video
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Follow
Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu
Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu was born in Tokyo to a Japanese mother and Irish American father. He grew up in Massachusetts, went to Harvard, and became a professor at the University of Tokyo and Stanford. His writing illuminates "heartfulness" -- mindfulness, compassion, and responsibility -- as a way of leadership, healing, and community development. At Stanford University he is faculty in Leadership Innovations and Wellness Education in the School of Medicine, and also teaches in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity.
Customer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Top reviews from the United States
Penny Potter
5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptionally Readable Book That Gets to the Heart of EverythingReviewed in the United States on April 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
With the grace and ease of his Samurai lineage, Stephen artfully peels away the mystique and adornments of the modern-day mindfulness movement and exposes its true purpose – awareness of our interconnectedness and requisite heartful service. He intermingles stories from his own life as a Japanese Irish American, who is the great grandson of a Samurai. With his unique "insider-outsider" perspective, he leads the reader to a deeper understanding of mindfulness practices as a path to heartfulness and connection. His accessible prose allows each reader to derive meaningful learning. I suspect that each re-read of this book will render new meaning for readers.
HelpfulReport abuse
robert fuentes
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing heartful story tellingReviewed in the United States on July 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
I can't stop recommending this book enough. I read the whole book and did the exercises. This booked helped me process and integrated deeper understandings and meanings to my own emotional healing and intelligence. It helped me connect more to my heart and inutuive knowing which no words can Express. Thank you
HelpfulReport abuse
S.H.
5.0 out of 5 stars Expands the "heart" of mindfulnessReviewed in the United States on February 12, 2018
I love this book! Dr. Murphy-Shigematsu opens his heart to us using powerful and touching familial-cultural stories. He grounds heartfulness in compassion and responsibility with a chapter more deeply exploring each of eight principles. The special contribution of the book to me is that he explores the relational extensions of mindfulness through the inclusion of principles such as Connectedness (my favorite chapter!), Listening, Gratitude, and Service. The book provides greater insight into the "heart" of mindfulness. My heart was touched by this book and I appreciate that he never loses sight of the potential for a more "heartful" mindulfulness to play a role in healing suffering not only for individuals, but for society and the world.
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Trudie Barreras
TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars An effective merging of diverse traditions and methodsReviewed in the United States on March 11, 2018
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Although I usually try to review my "Vine" selections in the order in which I receive them, this title was particularly relevant to me at this point in time. For some years I've been a practitioner of the method of contemplation known as Centering Prayer, and have been especially interested in other traditions which have areas of overlap. I was extremely delighted with Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu's presentation in this helpful little volume which combines not only styles of meditation, but cultures as well. In addition, it provides a very effective merging of the scientific approach of psychology with the spiritual approach of both Eastern and Western traditions. Obviously, with his "mixed" Irish and Japanese background, Murphy-Shigematsu brings absolute authenticity to his presentation, which is "personal" without losing its general appeal and authority. Each chapter ends with a series of "self-exploratory" questions which make this book useful either for individual use, or as part of a group study. I recommend it highly.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Valuable lessons, beautifully statedReviewed in the United States on May 15, 2018
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This is a very lovely book about a subject that seems to be all around us lately. Author and psychologist Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu offers a slightly different and welcome perspective on mindfulness, entreating us that though mindful practices are so valuable, we can miss the point if we don't infuse them with heartfulness. In his words: "Heartfulness seeks to overcome limitations to the kind of mindfulness that is used for the pursuit of profit and pleasure and doesn't challenge materialistic beliefs, values, or practices. Mindfulness can enable other virtues, but if we remain on the purely cognitive level, or say narrowly focus on stress reduction. we are missing its true power...Heartfulnesss is opening and cultivating the heart through inner stillness and silence, becoming more human, more compassionate, and more responsible, both to one's own self and to all other beings."
This is certainly good advice, and Murphy-Shigematsu fills it out with stories and examples, centering around the qualities (one per chapter) like vulnerability, authenticity, connectedness, acceptance, gratitude. He also stresses the need for beginner's mind and the value of service. I so appreciate his chapter on listening: "Listening with the 'ear of the heart,' in the words of Saint Benedictine, is what enables others to speak. Suffering is often trapped in side without a voice. Behind their fearful silence, people want to find and speak their voices, and to have their voices heard...we do this with mindful awareness...by not rushing to fill their silences with fearful speech of our own..."
I was also touched by his chapter on acceptance, his references to Japanese culture, and the lessons her learned from his Japanese grandmother. There is much to value and think about in this book, and though certain subjects he explores may be overly familiar t(to the pont of seeming like platitudes) o those who read lots of books like this one, this book would be a lovely gift for someone just starting out in life, or just beginning to explore more mindful living. Much beauty and lots to ponder, and the author is obviously a sensitive and caring person. Highly recommended.
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R. True
5.0 out of 5 stars A moving testament and sharing of the lessons learned from ...Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2018
A moving testament and sharing of the lessons learned from the grandmother, the daughter of a samurai, who taught him the art of living with heartfulness. The book is the distillation of many years of search for authenticity, making peace with his vulnerabilities, his connectedness with others, and finding his unique purpose in life. I am deeply moved by his stories of integrating the American and Japanese values and his insights on achieving mindfulness. The exercises in the book are helpful guide for us to find our own meaning in our lives.
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David rated it it was amazing
Beautiful book, absolutely recommended -- even if this sort of thing is not usually your cup of tea, you might want to check this one out. And if you have the slightest interest in the topic, you won't want to miss this book! Now that I've read it once, I plan to go back and read it again and do the exercises at the end of the chapters.
Full disclosure: I may not be entirely unbiased. A friend suggested that this author contact me, because he wanted to translate a book he'd written and published in Japan into English. The book was called "The Stanford University Mindfulness Classroom" in Japanese. But in the course of our conversation, it became clear that the book was not really about higher education, so I suggested he talk to Neal Maillet at Berrett-Koehler, they connected, and now we have this wonderful book. I think this book ended up not being a translation from the Japanese so much as a new work inspired by the idea of translating the Japanese work. I take no credit for any of it, since I was not involved, but I am delighted that it turned out so well! (less)
Full disclosure: I may not be entirely unbiased. A friend suggested that this author contact me, because he wanted to translate a book he'd written and published in Japan into English. The book was called "The Stanford University Mindfulness Classroom" in Japanese. But in the course of our conversation, it became clear that the book was not really about higher education, so I suggested he talk to Neal Maillet at Berrett-Koehler, they connected, and now we have this wonderful book. I think this book ended up not being a translation from the Japanese so much as a new work inspired by the idea of translating the Japanese work. I take no credit for any of it, since I was not involved, but I am delighted that it turned out so well! (less)
Sep 22, 2019Andrey Kurenkov rated it really liked it · review of another edition
An enjoyable if flawed read, for someone who is a fan of Mindfulness already. The crux of the idea is that Mindfulness, with its emphasis on an individual's experience of the world but no prescriptions on feelings or actions towards oneself or others, can be augmented with the additional values of compassion and responsibility to make 'Heartfulness'. As the book says:
This quote captures both the worst and the best qualities of the books, in that the overall message to be compassionate and caring towards oneself and others resonates, but at the same time 'heartfulness' is just not as coherent a concept as mindfulness. Whereas mindfulness is as its core a simple idea — to be mindful of the present moment — with a simple way of becoming better at following this idea (meditation), heartfulness feels like a more sprawling set of ideas that lacks a concise definition and is at its core the same as humanitarianism (which, somewhat annoyingly, is not acknowledged).
Still, humanitarianism is a great ideal to follow and so it's good to be reminded of the virtues of it, and so despite this lack of concise clarity I enjoyed reading through the various recommendations on how to practice and increase heartfulness. The eight practices recommended here — vulnerability, authenticity, connectedness, listening, acceptance, gratitude, service — often border on being obvious and universally accepted as is (authenticity is 'be yourself', acceptance is 'accept what you can't change', listening is 'be a good listener', gratitude is 'be grateful for what you have'), but are pleasant to read about anyway due to the mix of stories, quotes, scientific references, and personal reflections they are conveyed with. They do however also reflect the murky nature of heartfulness; how does acceptance of what one cannot change really relate to being compassionate and responsible?
So, on the whole recommend, if you are willing to put up with the somewhat disjointed nature of the thoughts expressed here. (less)
Heartfulness describes a way of being in mindfulness, in compassion, and in responsibility. The word mindfulness, by itself, seems insufficient to explain how mindful consciousness extends into compassion and is expressed in active caring. Heartfulness portrays this expansive sense of living with openness and clarity, being true to ourselves, acting in sympathy with all beings, resonating with and being part of the world around us. The word compassion literally means “feeling with,” and is enabled by first being willing to feel what you feel, opening up a certain rawness and tenderness.
This quote captures both the worst and the best qualities of the books, in that the overall message to be compassionate and caring towards oneself and others resonates, but at the same time 'heartfulness' is just not as coherent a concept as mindfulness. Whereas mindfulness is as its core a simple idea — to be mindful of the present moment — with a simple way of becoming better at following this idea (meditation), heartfulness feels like a more sprawling set of ideas that lacks a concise definition and is at its core the same as humanitarianism (which, somewhat annoyingly, is not acknowledged).
Still, humanitarianism is a great ideal to follow and so it's good to be reminded of the virtues of it, and so despite this lack of concise clarity I enjoyed reading through the various recommendations on how to practice and increase heartfulness. The eight practices recommended here — vulnerability, authenticity, connectedness, listening, acceptance, gratitude, service — often border on being obvious and universally accepted as is (authenticity is 'be yourself', acceptance is 'accept what you can't change', listening is 'be a good listener', gratitude is 'be grateful for what you have'), but are pleasant to read about anyway due to the mix of stories, quotes, scientific references, and personal reflections they are conveyed with. They do however also reflect the murky nature of heartfulness; how does acceptance of what one cannot change really relate to being compassionate and responsible?
So, on the whole recommend, if you are willing to put up with the somewhat disjointed nature of the thoughts expressed here. (less)
The most beautiful and insightful book I've ever read. Wholeheartedly recommended to all! (less)
May 05, 2019Hans rated it it was ok
The author has good ideas about recognizing our humanity, and the humanity of others, as well as appreciating the miraculous nature of otherwise ordinary things.
Unfortunately he has trouble expressing himself and is at times nearly incoherent. This book is quite a lot of work to read.
Unfortunately he has trouble expressing himself and is at times nearly incoherent. This book is quite a lot of work to read.
Jul 18, 2020Aiur rated it it was ok
words words words
empty empty empty
boring
empty empty empty
boring
Aug 13, 2018Patricia rated it it was amazing
Thanks to Elizabeth Codey and the Penguin Random House Publishers Services Giveaway, I enjoyed a most insightful and inspirational book from Berrett-Koehler Publishers, which is known for its exceptional publications that focus on bettering our lives.
FROM MINDFULNESS TO HEARTFULNESS-TRANSFORMING SELF AND SOCIETY WITH COMPASSION, by STEPHEN MURPHY-SHIGEMATSU, is a user-friendly tutorial of his East-West philosophy. The lengthy title may look daunting, but the process is not.
The author guides us in understanding ourselves and others as he draws upon his personal history, his education, and teaching stories that span continents and cultures. It opens a door to a more compassionate life for ourselves and empowers us with the capacity to share that compassion with others.
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FROM MINDFULNESS TO HEARTFULNESS-TRANSFORMING SELF AND SOCIETY WITH COMPASSION, by STEPHEN MURPHY-SHIGEMATSU, is a user-friendly tutorial of his East-West philosophy. The lengthy title may look daunting, but the process is not.
The author guides us in understanding ourselves and others as he draws upon his personal history, his education, and teaching stories that span continents and cultures. It opens a door to a more compassionate life for ourselves and empowers us with the capacity to share that compassion with others.
(less)
Sep 05, 2018Stephanie rated it it was amazing
Just saw this at the library and it called out to me. Excellent book, thought provoking and it makes sense but almost a book that one needs to own, didn't do the exercises and would like to. Thought of my sister Julie and may purchase for her and then make a copy of the exercises to do for myself when things aren't that crazy. Appreciated the author's genuine sharing of his experiences from family, to school and his precious grandmother. Grateful that this book found me. (less)
Dec 04, 2020Siobhan rated it it was ok
While there are practical tidbits sprinkled throughout the book and while I agree with mindfulness, heartfulness, being present, listening to others, being connected etc there was something about how the book was written that didn't warm me. It actually felt rather stoic, almost militant. And at times it felt like he was writing a book to find himself or make sense of his east and west roots. I think perhaps I should stick with Thich Nhat Han. (less)
Aug 19, 2020Emmish rated it it was amazing
Gratitude empathy interconnectedness responsibility
Presence respect acceptance seeing
LISTENING!!!!!!!! Acceptance then change
Naikan- forgiveness
1 what have I received from others
2 what have I given to the other person
3 what troubles and difficulties have I caused others
Doesn’t feed bitterness and blame, responsibility > victimhood
Morita- radical acceptance
Presence respect acceptance seeing
LISTENING!!!!!!!! Acceptance then change
Naikan- forgiveness
1 what have I received from others
2 what have I given to the other person
3 what troubles and difficulties have I caused others
Doesn’t feed bitterness and blame, responsibility > victimhood
Morita- radical acceptance
Mar 20, 2019Anna rated it really liked it
While visiting Stanford, I picked this book up in the bookstore and saw that it was written by a current psychology professor. It peaked my interest and the book didn't disappoint. I would love to sit in on one of Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu's lectures and see his gentleness and heart in action. (less)
Very helpful!! Glad to have read it. :)
