Sunday, October 13, 2013

A Book About Mindfulness, Alzheimer's, and Dementia

I have not been very good about posting lately . . . 

The good news is I just signed a contract with New Harbinger Publications to write a book about a topic very close to my heart. 'The Liberated Caregiver: A Mindfulness-Based Guide to Stress-Free Alzheimer's and Dementia Care' (working title).

My hope is that the book will be helpful to those who need mindfulness the most - in my opinion - the family and professional caregivers tending to those with dementia. I have spent the last several years honing the curriculum which I now teach at UCSF OSHER Center for Integrative Medicine, and the timing seemed right for sharing it more widely.

It has been a work a love, and not a day goes by without me thinking about my mother whose legacy lives on in my work with those with Alzheimer's and dementia and their caregivers.

It has also been quite a crusade, as the mainstream is only now waking up to the importance of offering a dementia-specific mindfulness training for caregivers.

Last, it has been a collaborative effort involving all the people along the way who have contributed in one way or another to the shaping of this work. I am especially grateful to Dr. Kevin Barrows, at UCSF, for taking such an active role and interest in the Mindfulness-Based Dementia Care program. 

8 comments:

  1. Best wishes for this new book writing.
    metta,
    anatta!

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  2. Congratulations! Best wishes in this endeavor.

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  3. Dear Marguerite,

    I was going on and on typing out the whining i.e. blaming and complaining that were going on and on in my head. The dementia-inducing humour that leads me in enso circles, is that there was once a girl that reminded me of you, i.e. I know her in person before I read this blog. Since I'm a Buddhist Zen student myself when she, i.e. her name and face, keeps appearing in my emotional awareness, a certain juncture like this what is technically vipasanna romance from the angle of a meditator, is now somehow or rather a soft fetter or a mental affliction that is ingrained over the months or years.

    When what i already have is what i need, and what i already need is what i have, it is gladdening that I read about you snagging a deal that publishes a book about Mindfulness, Alzheimer's, and Dementia. I see this as wholesome dharmic activity.

    With a little bit of dispassion, there's a towering Buddhist statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in Sanya, China, one of the most beautiful creations of our modern God, might give you something to do on a late night googling about a statue that reminds of you or vice versa.

    With gentle compassion, from a student of mindfulness, that simply rejoices in the smile of a bodhisattva he endears.

    I don't want to miss out on your published book, yet I won't need a printed copy for myself without a author's signature.. sometimes I like PDF books more environmentally friendly.. take care, godspeed, with metta.. a little love, muacks muacks, keep up all the good work love reading your blog as always

    Sadhu sadhu sadhu
    Lionel

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  4. Congratulations to you! More people will help through your book.

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  5. First of all Congratulations to you. I am just telling you that your initiative will help lots of others. You may not realize it but it will. Trust me.

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  6. This book really helps for dementia and alzheimer's disease caregivers.

    Dementia Clinic

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  7. Wondeful news on the book! All the very best for the writing and editing... Such a rich topic, which I'm sure will support and benefit many. May it be a smooth, rewarding and deeply enjoyable process. I look forward to reading it when it comes out...
    Kind regards
    Thomas

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  8. As someone who has worked with patient with dementia I know how much mindfulness is needed and how much it could improve the lives of their caretakers. I am so happy to hear bout your book. Good luck with everything.

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