The compassionate connection The healing power of empathy and mindful listening

David Rakel

Book - 2018

Draws on a range of disciplines to outline the concept of bio-psycho-spiritual authentic awareness and how to strengthen empathy bonds with others to promote healing and overall wellness.

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Subjects
Published
New York : W.W. Norton & Company [2018]
Language
English
Main Author
David Rakel (author)
Other Authors
Susan K. Golant (author)
Edition
First edition
Physical Description
xiv, 280 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN
9780393247749
  • Introduction
  • Part 1. Our Healing Power
  • 1. Compassion Hastens Healing
  • 2. The Mind and the Body-Connected
  • 3. The Biology of Connection
  • 4. Make Health Primary
  • 5. Good Intentions Gone Bad
  • Part II. Make the Connection
  • 6. Identify and Free Yourself of Your Biases
  • 7. Be Present, on Purpose, without Judgment
  • 8. Physically Communicate Good Intentions
  • 9. Seek Another Person's Authentic Story
  • 10. Move from Burnout toward Beauty
  • Appendixes
  • Acknowledgments
  • Notes
  • Index
Review by Kirkus Book Review

A family and integrative medicine practitioner extols the universal healing power of kindness and mutual respect.Rakel (Chair, Family and Community Medicine/Univ. of New Mexico; Integrative Medicine, 2002) explores the hot-button topic of empathy in everyday life. Using clinical anecdotes and drawing on 30 years of published sociology, psychology, meditative, and neuroscientific studies to support his theories and recommendations, the author promotes the synergistic two-way street of helping others while receiving in return the soul-nourishing emotional and physical benefits. "The human brain is actually wired for cooperation and giving," he writes. "But we're not always good at it." Though many often bungle it, Rakel clearly believes everyone has the capacity to promote, cultivate, and boost health, healing, and "positive contagion" by making a lasting human and mind-body connection with others. This involves refocusing energy and attention more toward improving our listening skills and on being present in moments of personal interaction. The author acknowledges that technological advances in medicine and social networking have robbed our culture of many avenues and opportunities to establish these connections, but he notes that it's up to us to do the work of releasing everyday biases, creating trustworthy bonds with others, and propagating mindfulness. While a lucidly presented, proactive approach to the benefits of human interactions, Rakel's two-part guide has the potential to confuse his target audience with overly scientific jargon. Sections on mirror neurons, neuroplasticity, and epigenetics may be too complex for general readers eager for life guidance. Conversely, chapters on caregiver burnout, nonverbal communication, and personal authenticity will be easily understood and will ring true to many with an open mind and a willingness to try. In furthering the agenda of altruism and empathy, Rakel believes a more considerate world is indeed possible. Readers open to positive change will welcome this guidebook and apply the book's mindfulness meditations offered in an appendix.A relevant, necessary reminder about the power of kindness and good intentions. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.