Emotional Alchemy

How the Mind Can Heal the Heart

By: Tara Bennett-Goleman, Dalai Lama

Narrated by: Tara Bennett-Goleman

Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Alchemists sought to transform lead into gold. In the same way, says Tara Bennett-Goleman, we all have the natural ability to turn our moments of confusion and emotional pain into insightful clarity.

Emotional Alchemy maps the mind and shows how, according to recent advances in cognitive therapy, most of what troubles us falls into ten basic emotional patterns, including fear of abandonment, social exclusion (the feeling we don't belong), and vulnerability (the feeling that some catastrophe will occur). Through this program we can free ourselves and others, and the freedom to be more creative and alive.

This remarkable program also teaches the practice of mindfulness, an awareness that lets us see things as they truly are without distortion, or judgement, giving the most insightful explanation of how mindfulness can change not only our lives, but the very structure of our brains. Here is a beautifully rendered work full of Buddhist wisdom and stories of how people have used mindfulness to conquer their self-defeating habits. The result is a whole new way of approaching our relationships, work, and internal lives.

©2001 by Tara Bennett-Goleman (P)2001 by Audio Renaissance

Critic reviews

"[Tara Bennett-Goleman’s] distinct power flows from her sincerity. She is not given to neat formulations, yet her stories have the persuasiveness of experience, of transformation drop by drop... Many readers will trust the path that she forges here." – Publishers Weekly

"Bennett-Goleman's melding of insights from cognitive psychology with ancient Buddhist knowledge of human emotions is masterful." – Spirituality and Practice

Wonderful insightful information

The only thing I would say about this recording is that the musical accompaniment is awkward, of poor quality, has bad editing, goes on too long and is generally distracting to the profound words.

Worth it for the info on schemas

The info on schemas is very insightful.
The components on compassion and mindfulness are also helpful but I didn’t find the remaining content to be personally helpful.

Emotional Alchemy

I found this audio very helpful and easy to listen to. With a subject such as covered by the adio it is easier to listen to than read. I don't think I would of had the patience to read the book.

Life changing

I loved every part of this book from beginning to end… only thing was i thought they could of used a different narrator for the book . This book has opened my eyes to a whole new world that i am really in now

Captivating

Knowledge that we should all be aware of as we embark through the thick of life, being aware and showing mindfulness before acting on habitual emotional schemas we have deeply embedded with in us.

This is beautiful.

Great insight and tools.

Great read, very helpful. I will use the tools provided and share with my partner.

Must-read for anyone seeking personal and relational growth

As a practicing psychotherapist for over 15 years, this is the most succinct, accessible yet comprehensive account of how CBT and Schema therapy can assimilate with mindfulness and spirituality as an everyday practice. Highly recommend for providers and clients alike.

thoughtful experience

I enjoyed reading this book. It was recommended by my friends therapist. I like how the author explains that every human has some issues and we are capable of overcoming them. It wasn't a Doomsday Book that was only for people with severe issues. It was written as a very practical book in my opinion. It was eye-opening and I found the information so neat that I shared what I was learning with several friends while reading it. I listened to the book during commutes.

supported me and gave me objective recommendation

loved this short primer to using mindfulness in addressing emotional maladaptation. Leaves me wanting to learn more

Very dry

I had a hard time getting through this book. it was very monotone and dry. There was some good parts where I really learned, but boy do you have to work for it.