A new book title from Dr. Jerome Freedman, PhD, CMT
How to Use Mindfulness to Be Happy is a comprehensive guide that delves into the transformative power of mindfulness and its profound impact on happiness. The book is an expansion of a successful nine-week Zoom class conducted in 2022, designed as part of the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. Written by Dr. Jerome Freedman, an experienced and certified mindfulness meditation teacher, the book offers valuable insights into the practice of mindfulness, its benefits, and how it can be seamlessly integrated into daily life.
The book begins with an introduction that lays the foundation for mindfulness meditation and explores the science of happiness. It dismantles common misconceptions, such as the idea that material possessions, a high-paying job, wealth, or a perfect physique guarantee lasting happiness. Instead, readers are guided to uncover the true sources of happiness in their lives and discover practical “happiness hacks” to enhance their well-being.
The subsequent chapters delve into the Four Divine Abodes: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. These profound concepts are demystified, and readers are introduced to accessible practices that can cultivate these qualities, fostering greater happiness and emotional balance in their lives.
In the ninth chapter, the book explores the themes of generosity, gratitude, and forgiveness. It reveals how these three practices not only help individuals navigate challenging relationships more effectively but also elevate their overall levels of happiness beyond expectations. These practices are presented as essential tools for personal growth and contentment.
Each chapter culminates with a guided meditation script, providing readers with practical exercises to experience firsthand the teachings presented in the book. These guided meditations serve as invaluable tools for readers to integrate mindfulness into their lives and deepen their understanding of the concepts discussed.
How to Use Mindfulness to Be Happy is a holistic guide that empowers readers to embrace mindfulness as a pathway to genuine and lasting happiness. Drawing from a successful teaching experience and the wisdom of mindfulness experts, this book offers readers the tools and knowledge to lead more fulfilling, joyful lives by cultivating mindfulness and its associated qualities.
From the Foreword by Eve Decker
Happiness is a universal human longing. But how do we find it? In How to Use Mindfulness to be Happy, Jerome Freedman explores time honored practices that can truly support greater levels of happiness. Jerome shares ancient wisdom stories, personal anecdotes, and modern neuroscience to help the reader feel the true potential for happiness in these 2,500-year-old practices. What a gift!
I met Jerome in February 2021. He was in one of the groups I was mentoring for the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program, a two-year mindfulness teacher certification program led by wisdom teachers Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.
Jerome’s friendly and patient personality speaks to his years of practice, both formally and in daily life, with both mindfulness and the ‘heart practices’ he so skillfully teaches about – lovingkindness, compassion, appreciation, and equanimity. Jerome is a warm guide for his readers, offering many stories of his deliberate practices over many years on behalf of both for himself and his family, which have resulted in not only his own contentment, but the happiness and well-being of his three grown children and their families…
Endorsements
“Jerome Freedman is a respected presence in our Bay Area mindfulness community. His long standing, deep, and grounded practice are evident in his teaching and writing, and greatly valued within our teacher’s sangha. He is also a wise, kind, and thoughtful spiritual friend, and I’m excited that he will be sharing these qualities with others in his upcoming book.” — Andrea Starn, Psychotherapist and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher
In, How to Use Mindfulness to be Happy, Jerome Freedman takes this heart-felt wisdom teaching and skillfully guides his readers on an insightful, tender & personal journey towards greater mindfulness and happiness. One of profound friendliness, skillfulness & accessibility, Jerome weaves ancient teachings with practical neuroscience and outlines meditations that are understandable & immediately useable. I finished the book with a smile in my heart and confidence that anyone who reads it will be encouraged and inspired by Jerome’s deep commitment and understanding of these great teachings and practices. — Beth Brener, Psychotherapist and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher
“This book provides much-needed guidance for those seeking to start a meditation practice. I especially appreciated the personal anecdotes, which show how the practice aided Jerome’s journey through bladder cancer. His suggestions are practical and applicable for beginners, and his doses of humor make the book a fun read.” — Lois Solomon, Journalist
About the Author:
Dr. Jerome Freedman is a remarkable individual whose life journey spans a diverse tapestry of roles and contributions, each reflecting his unwavering dedication to well-being, mindfulness, and the betterment of our world.
As an accomplished author, Dr. Freedman shares his wisdom and insights through a series of transformative publications, including Cosmology and Buddhist Thought: A Conversation with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Mindfulness Breaks, Stop Cancer in its Tracks, and Healing with the Seven Principles of Mindfulness. These works serve as practical guides for those seeking mindfulness as a path to healing and personal growth.
Jerome’s impactful career extends beyond writing. He is a compassionate healthcare mentor, offering invaluable guidance to individuals navigating the complexities of health and healing. His certification as a mindfulness meditation teacher and trauma-sensitive practitioner underscores his commitment to promoting mental and emotional well-being.
A resilient bladder cancer survivor since 1997, Jerome’s personal journey has fueled his passion for supporting others facing health challenges. His experiences have imparted profound insights into the resilience of the human spirit.
Rooted in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, Jerome is an ordained member of the Order of Interbeing, exemplifying his dedication to mindfulness and compassionate living. His active involvement in various committees within this tradition underscores his commitment to fostering its teachings.
Currently, Jerome imparts his wisdom as a teacher of Mindfulness in Healing at the Pine Street Clinic in San Anselmo, California, where he has transitioned to virtual instruction through Zoom. He also shares daily reflections and guidance on his blog, Meditation Practices, offering a source of inspiration and mindfulness tools to a global audience.
Jerome’s compassion extends to his role as a contributing author of I Am With You: Love Letters to Cancer Patients, a heartfelt collection offering support and solace to those navigating the challenges of illness, co-authored with Nancy Novak, PhD, and Barbara K. Richardson.
Beyond his contributions to healthcare and mindfulness, Jerome has made a lasting impact in advocacy. His service on the Board of Directors of the Marin AIDS Project and the Advisory Council of the Institute for Health and Healing between 2007 and 2010 highlights his commitment to community well-being.
In recent years, Jerome has been a tireless advocate for medical research, serving as a patient advocate for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) and presenting at the 2022 Bladder Cancer Summit. His advocacy has even taken him to the halls of Congress, where he passionately advocates for research funding for the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.
Jerome is a dedicated environmental activist and a long-time contributor to the Earth Holder Sangha, the Plum Village climate response community. Through his advocacy for earth protection, he seeks to inspire positive change and stewardship of our planet.
With a Ph.D. in computer science, two master’s degrees in physics, and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Jerome bridges the worlds of science and spirituality. His thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson on cosmology and Buddhist thought in 2011 exemplifies his ability to explore the intersection of these disciplines.
Jerome is available for consultations, dharma talks, lectures, and days of mindfulness, and you can connect with him via email at jerome@mountainsangha.org.
In addition to his written works, Jerome offers a series of Mindfulness Break Recordings designed to promote well-being, including Anger Control, Achieve Goals, Sound Sleep, Stress Relief, Reduce Symptoms, and Weight Loss. These resources are available for order on mountainsangha.org/products, providing practical tools for personal transformation.
Jerome Freedman’s multifaceted contributions and unwavering commitment to holistic well-being continue to inspire and empower individuals on their own journeys of self-discovery and healing.
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