I am convinced that mindfulness meditation and the reading and writing of poems are equally powerful technologies for redirecting, changing, and better understanding the qualities of our attention. At last, Heather Kempton brings us a scientific and aesthetic guide to why and how poetry can become a full partner in the pedagogy of mindfulness-based programs. Mindfulness teachers and researchers deserve this freedomevery moment is the right moment for a poem, and any poem of power is ready to open us up, like a blossom, or a door.
Donald McCown, PhD, Director, West Chester University, Center for Contemplative Studies
When a psychologist trained in hard-nosed cognitive science is also a poet and a practitioner of Zen meditation you can expect a spirited work on mindfulness of extraordinary originality and effervescence. And this is indeed one such book. It is full of practical suggestions, deftly intermingled with some fascinating spiritual history. But the genius comes from the exoskeleton of poetic expression. Kemptons nom de plume is Rowan Taw. The Taw is a river, which she loves, and the rowan tree, as every Celt knows, is magical, as is this book.
Ian M. Evans, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Massey University
Mindfulness Through Science and Verse explores mindfulness, bringing three aspects together. Sharing her close knowledge of Buddhism, neuroscience, and poetry, Heather Kempton offers specific ways to practice mindfulness, both as a meditator and as a writer. Every chapter broadens the readers knowledgethere is no McMindfulness problem about this book.
John Whalen-Bridge, Associate Professor of English Literature at the National University of Singapore
