The book explores the societal influences that lead to the externally oriented, idealized, and ultimately self-defeating concept of the individual. It provides the structure and practical applications for clinicians to help their clients overcome struggles with externally oriented behaviors and discover an internal sense of satisfaction and peace of mind. Tapping into the concept of a "hungry self" within the context of consumerism, the book advocates mindfulness and yoga approaches as alternate pathways toward a contented, regulated, and authentic experience of self. It addresses various aspects of the consumptive self and defines related syndromes such as disordered eating, compulsive shopping, substance use, and gambling.

Table of Contents

• About the Author
• Foreword - by B. Grace Bullock, PhD
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• PART I EMBODIED SELF-REGULATION: A CONCEPTUAL MODEL
• 1 Embodied Self-Regulation: A Conceptual Model of the Role of Embodied Practices in Self-Regulation
• The Self
• Summary
• 2 The Dysregulated Self: From Craving, to Consumption, to Disorder
• Loss of the Embodied Self: What Puts Someone at Risk?
• Dysregulation Embodied
• Conclusions
• 3 The Mindful and Yogic Self: Embodied Practices
• Between Stimulus and Response
• Unique Aspects of Mindful and Yogic Approaches to Practice
• The Mindful and Yogic Self
• The 12 Embodied Practices of the Mindful and Yogic Self
• Exploring the 12 Embodied Practices of the Yogic and Mindful Self
• Summary
• PART II THE MINDFUL SELF
• 4 Mindfulness: The Basic Principles
• An Antidote
• Mindfulness
• The Three Pillars of Buddhist Practice
• The Dharma Seals: Impermanence, Nonattachment, and Not-Self
• Allowing What Is
• The Four Noble Truths
• The Eight-Fold Path
• Conclusions
• 5 On the Cushion: Formal Mindfulness Practices
• Finding the Right Tools
• Mindful Practice
• Formal Meditation Practices
• Summary
• 6 Off the Cushion: Informal Mindfulness Practices
• Informal Mindfulness Practices
• Thoughts and Attitudes That Cultivate and Support Mindful Awareness
• Informal Practices
• Summary
• PART III THE YOGIC SELF
• 7 Yoga: The Basic Principles
• Yoga Is for Everyone
• The Study and History of Yoga as an Intervention
• The Eight Limbs of Yoga
• Traditional Types of Yoga
• The Four Immeasurables
• Summary
• 8 On the Mat: Formal Yoga Practices
• As Goes Your Breath …
• Yoga as Embodied Learning
• Aspects of Practice and the Path to Embodied Self-Regulation
• Summary
• 9 Creating a Regulating Practice: Yoga Teachers, Styles, Risks, and Tools
• From Idea to Practice
• Choosing a Yoga Teacher and Yoga Style
• Dosage: How Much, How Often, and How Long to Practice
• Contraindications in Yoga Practice
• Establishing a Home Practice
• Conclusions
• 10 Off the Mat: Informal Yoga Practices
• The Building Blocks of Off-the-Mat Practice
• Building Well-Being From the Body Up: Physiological Foundational Practices
• Yamas and Niyamas
• Four Immeasurables
• Karma: Planting Seeds
• Summary
• PART IV EVOLVING MINDFUL AND YOGIC APPROACHES
• 11 Comprehensive Treatment Protocols and Empirical Support
• The Research Perspective
• A Third Wave or New Paradigm?
• Mindfulness
• Yoga
• Cautions and Contraindications
• Conclusions and Future Directions
• 12 Mindful Self-Care
• Mindful Self-Care and Self-Regulation
• Mindful Self-Care: How to Use This Chapter
• Summary