Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body

By: Daniel Goleman, Richard Davidson

Narrated by: Daniel Goleman

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Two New York Times best-selling authors unveil new research showing what meditation can really do for the brain. In the last 20 years, meditation and mindfulness have gone from being kind of cool to becoming an omnipresent Band-Aid for fixing everything from your weight to your relationship to your achievement level. Unveiling here the kind of cutting-edge research that has made them giants in their fields, Daniel Goleman and Richard J Davidson show us the truth about what meditation can really do for us, as well as exactly how to get the most out of it. Sweeping away common misconceptions and neuromythology to open listeners' eyes to the ways data has been distorted to sell mind-training methods, the authors demonstrate that beyond the pleasant states mental exercises can produce, the real payoffs are the lasting personality traits that can result. But short daily doses will not get us to the highest level of lasting positive change - even if we continue for years - without specific additions. More than sheer hours, we need smart practice, including crucial ingredients such as targeted feedback from a master teacher and a more spacious, less attached view of the self, all of which are missing in widespread versions of mind training. The authors also reveal the latest data from Davidson's own lab that point to a new methodology for developing a broader array of mind-training methods with larger implications for how we can derive the greatest benefits from the practice. Exciting, compelling, and grounded in new research, this is one of those rare books that has the power to change us at the deepest level.

©2017 Penguin Group (USA) LLC (P)2017 More Than Sound, LLC

An excellent sequel..well worth the listen

I appreciate all of Daniel Goleman's work
and he tells a lot of background stories which enrich the material immensely
I highly recommend this one

great science

Good book, I like the stories at times I feel the science got a little boring but I hung in there. over all a good book.

Enjoyable listening

Very deep insights into mind body consciousness, and about how important is meditation in our daily lives.

Enlightening!

This book did a fantastic job of laying out the science behind and within the field. It was organized, cohesive, and approachable, even for a novice in both science and meditation. The narrator gave a great performance as well. No reason not to listen!

Great insight!

Loved the narration. It was boring for moments but overall this is a book that I will read again. And I know it will help change my life

An Excellent Discussion on Mindfulness Research

I enjoyed this book, Dan and Richie layout all of the mindfulness research and explain it simply. Some of it is a bit suprising because they give you the "The Good, the Bad,and the Ugly" of mindfulness and meditation research, if you will, by taking a critical look. They also lay out how future research can answer those hard questions and help improve lives by improving our meditation techniques. Highly recommended for anyone interested in meditation or simply improving their wellbeing.

life Altering if you understand the Journey

If your measuring life on a bell curve this book will grant you Super powers

Solid generalizations, lacking though

Some valuable generalizations, particularly as it relates to expert level meditators, the translation from practice to everyday life, effectiveness of different techniques and intensities.

Not many numbers though. And not super entertaining.

More Meditation Science Books Needed Like This

This book successfully steers clear of all the spiritual hoo hoo typically associated with meditation and yoga by backing their data with quality scientific evidence. This approach towards meditation is needed now more than ever as greed stricken corporate America has rebranded this ancient practice in a manner that causes the general population to associate all the wrong things with it and miss out on the benefits that not only help the individual but the whole of humanity, I would argue.

I love that one of the authors narrates as his enthusiasm, level headedness and sincerity can be heard all throughout the book. This is a must read/listen to book for anyone seeking to learn about meditation be that a beginner or seasoned practitioner alike. I just wish there were more books like this, especially with updated research findings such as how meditation impacts the immune system and how it can reduce symptoms of psoriasis and eczema. Perhaps in time Altered Traits will receive an update.

Fascinating

Some of the most interesting research and anecdotes in the field of neuroscience today. Great book for the science minded meditator.