Introverts are powerful observers and creators. If you are an introvert, this book will show you how to tap into your inherent introvert strengths and "awaken" your potential using mindfulness meditations and cognitive behavioral techniques.
Arnie Kozak, PhD, is a clinical assistant professor in psychiatry at the University of Vermont College of Medicine and a faculty member at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies where he teaches mindfulness. He has studied and practiced clinical psychology, meditation, and yoga for almost thirty years. He has studied with several meditation masters, including S. N. Goenka, Larry Rosenberg, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Kozak frequently presents workshops at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, and Copper Beech Retreat Center. He is the author of The Everything Guide to the Introvert Edge, Wild Chickens and Petty Tyrants: 108 Metaphors for Mindfulness, The Everything Buddhism Book (Second Edition), and Mindfulness A-Z: 108 Insights for Awakening Now (forthcoming). Arnie is dedicated to translating the Buddha’s teachings into readily accessible forms. In the long winters of northern Vermont, when he’s not writing, teaching, or practicing psychotherapy, he rides the frozen slopes on his snowboard.
"The Awakened Introvert is the perfect answer to an introvert's
need for solitude and sanctuary in a noisy world. Kozak's writing
reflects the clarity and flow that introverts can achieve through
the mindfulness exercises he weaves throughout the book. I highly
recommend The Awakened Introvert for every introvert who wants to
explore their inner world and emerge feeling more self-aware and at
peace with who they are."
--Michaela Chung, creator of Introvert Spring
"Arnie Kozak's merging of the two paradigms of introvertedness and
awakening to the truths of one's existence is a potent reminder of
how a thoughtful person can negotiate his or her way in a world
fragmented by noise and chaos. Kozak has created an exciting new
language to explore the same landscape of human dilemma that the
Buddha spoke of. Hopefully more people can listen to this voice and
benefit from the message it brings."
--Mu Soeng, Buddhist scholar and author of The Heart of the
Universe and other books
"Everyone can benefit from reading The Awakened Introvert. In the
first part of the book, those of us who self-identify as extroverts
will discover that our personalities also have introverted
qualities. That's a revelation in itself! Then, through the use of
multiple easy-to-learn mindfulness and cognitive behavioral
exercises, the author shows us how to draw on the strengths of
introversion to awaken to our full potential as human beings. This
is a superb book!"
--Toni Bernhard, author of How to Be Sick and How to Wake Up
"How can we be true to our deepest nature with so many claims on
our time, senses, and energy? In The Awakened Introvert,
psychologist and author Arnie Kozak offers a road map based on the
teachings and practices of mindfulness that helps us stay connected
to inner clarity, creativity, and peace in the midst of daily
living."
--Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge
"Introversion is both a psychological attitude and a way of life.
Those of us born introverted must take care not to feel too
isolated, exhausted, and inferior or superior with our more
extroverted friends, family, and society. Kozak does a superb job
here offering us psychological and spiritual wisdom, practices, and
research that allow us to engage with the best of what introversion
can bring. This workbook is well written and easy to use. I
strongly recommend it if you are an introvert or if you live with
someone who is."
--Polly Young-Eisendrath, PhD, author of The Present Heart: A
Memoir of Love, Loss, and Discovery
"Like so many introverts, I'd always sensed my introversion was a
gift. But in those times when I tried to conform to an
extrovert-driven world, I'd often lose faith in that intuition and
feel flawed. Reading The Awakened Introvert has helped me trust my
own instincts and deepened my mindfulness practice in surprising
ways. I wish this book had been around twenty years ago (it would
have saved me a lot of confusion), but I'm glad it's here now. I'd
recommend it to any introvert--as well as any extrovert struggling
to understand an introverted loved one."
--Jaimal Yogis, author of Saltwater Buddha, The Fear Project, and
the forthcoming Harper Collins memoir, All Our Waves Are Water
"Mindfulness is made for introverts. In The Awakened Introvert,
Arnie Kozak, PhD, provides you with simple steps to help you tap
into your inner strengths and quiet the noise between your ears.
You'll emerge with ninja-like powers to tap into the world's
leading expert on 'all things you.' Quick tip: It starts with an
inhale. You know what to do next. Then, without missing a beat,
read Kozak's book."
--Nancy Ancowitz, business communication coach and author of
Self-Promotion for Introverts(R)
"There are two reasons why this book is important. The first is
obvious: introverts can hugely benefit from the focus strategies
provided here. The second reason is perhaps less obvious. After
practicing mindfulness for a while, some people become
hypersensitive and resistant to interacting with the 'normal
world.' It's important to know that this is merely a temporary
situation, an awkward intermediate stage between semi-coping
(through tighten up and turn away) and super-coping (through open
up and turn toward). Arnie's suggestions and encouragements can
help speed people through that transition."
--Shinzen Young, author of The Science of Enlightenment
"This is a wonderful, practical guide for all those introverts (and
extroverts as well) who need to be awakened to their boundless
strengths. The author finishes what Susan Cain has begun with her
best-selling Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't
Stop Talking. Arnie Kozak provides an extensive tapestry of 'quiet'
exercises--mindfulness strategies, social communication skills,
energy activities--that enrich self-care and self-restoration, and,
most of all, boundless support for how to flourish as an introvert.
After all, as the author points out, 'the Buddha was an introvert.'
Arnie Kozak's book teaches us how to discover the introverted
Buddha that lies within all human beings."
--Robert J. Nash, EdD, professor and Official University of Vermont
Scholar in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Creative Arts,
director of the graduate Interdisciplinary Studies in Education
program, and author of fifteen books and over one hundred scholarly
articles
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