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 enlightened mind is found in our relation to others.

 

“A rare gem beautifully written, deeply engaging, and filled with valuable and authentic teachings about practical and spiritual paths toward balance and understanding.”

—Richard Katz, PhD, Professor Emeritus, 

First Nations University of Canada, 

and author of Indigenous Healing Psychology

 

“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, 

Abbott, Upaya Zen Center

 

“Through tender teaching stories and an insightful narrative, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu shows us the ways we can weave together mindfulness and compassion.”

—Arthur Zajonc, Professor of Physics Emeritus, 

Amherst College, and former President, 

Mind and Life Institute

​