Herbert Benson - The Breakout Principle: How to Activate the Natural Trigger That Maximizes Creativity, Athletic Performance, Productivity, and Personal Well-Being

As indicated in the text, the conceptualization and writing of this book have been in process for several years. The conclusions and research represent the culmination of Dr. Herbert Bensons investigations during his career at the Harvard Medical School and the Mind/Body Medical Institute. In particular, the roots of the Breakout Principle lie in the relaxation-response research that Dr. Benson has been conducting for more than three decades.

The Breakout Principle also represents the next major step beyond the relaxation response and reaches into new areas of scientific inquiry and practical application. Specifically, the techniques developed by Dr. Benson for eliciting the relaxation response were primarily designed to enhance personal healthincluding cardiovascular and emotional well-beingthrough the reduction and management of stress. The Breakout Principle incorporates all these benefits, but moves well beyond the previous understanding and applications of the relaxation response.

First of all, a Breakout may be triggered by traditional relaxation-response techniques, such as silently repeating a word, prayer, or phraseor engaging in a repetitive physical activitywhile assuming a passive attitude. Or the Breakout may be evoked by other means, such as immersion in ones personal belief system, in acts of altruism, in a significant personal encounter, or in a mental state that we call total abandon.

Also, in contrast to the previous popular understanding of the relaxation response, a Breakout typically leads to additional experiences or states of mind, which can result in improved personal performance and the generation of life-changing insights. In all cases, the essential element for a Breakout involves the decisive breaking of prior thought and emotional patterns.

The methodology that has helped us identify and utilize the Breakout Principle falls into three distinct categories, which are highlighted throughout the text. First, a considerable body of historical and sociological evidence has emerged that delineates the inner emotional and mental responses of those who have enjoyed life-changing insights. This information has suggested directions for our inquiry and has also reinforced scientific findings in peer-reviewed studies conducted at the Harvard Medical School and other institutions.

Second, the Breakout Principle is based on a considerable body of scientific research in which Dr. Benson has participated. This research includes physiological and neurological measurements involving those who use standard relaxation techniques, brain-imaging using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) equipment, and in-depth studies and reviews of the literature on nitric oxide and other molecular and biochemical interactions.

Various scientific studies have established that nitric oxide, which is produced in cells throughout the body, is associated with significant health benefits. These include antibacterial and antiviral functions, enhancing of immune function, lower blood pressureand even improved sexual function with Viagra! Among the foundational scientific literature on this topic is the recognized 2001 article in Brain Research Reviews coauthored by Dr. George B. Stefano of the State University of New York, Dr. Benson, and other neuroscience and medical researchers (v. 35, 119).

Third, the books methodology has required interviews with those who have undergone a Breakout and an analysis of specific behavioral components in their experiences. Research has been conducted with a variety of individuals to evaluate precisely how the Breakout Principle works in various environments and fields of endeavorincluding business, the arts, spirituality, athletics, and personal health programs.

The case studies and illustrations in the book are taken from interviews and the experiences of various study participants. However, because of the personal nature of the information, specific names and certain personal characteristics have sometimes been changed to protect the identity of patients and other interviewees.

Also, a word must be said about the use of the first-person singular, such as I, my, or me, which is employed throughout much of the text, and also the first-person plural, including we, our, and us. This is a coauthored manuscript, with both authors assuming equal status. But because the research described in the book and also a number of the case illustrations come from Dr. Bensons work and files, we have chosen on many occasions to employ the first-person singular to highlight his personal involvement in those areas. Depending on the context, we sometimes refers to the authors and the reader, sometimes to Dr. Bensons research colleagues, and sometimes only to the two authors of this book.

Finally, a word of caution for those who hope to make medical use of the Breakout Principle: Before you use any of the techniques described in this book with the intention of treating a disease or health condition, you should first consult with your physician.

HERBERT BENSON, M.D.

WILLIAM PROCTOR

H ave you ever noticed that self-improvement books, tapes, and programs often promise the moon, but then dont deliver?

• Perhaps no matter how hard you study and practice, they just dont help you at all.