Simpkins C. Alexander - The tao of bipolar: simple meditations to help you balance your moods, feel calm, and foster stable relationships

C. Alexander Simpkins, PhD, and Annellen M. Simpkins, PhD, are psychologists specializing in meditation, hypnotherapy, and neuroscience. The Simpkins are authors of twenty-seven books, including a number of titles on Taoism: Simple Taoism, Tao in Ten, and most recently, The Dao of Neuroscience. They also have authored many books on the therapeutic application of meditation, including Zen Meditation in Psychotherapy, Meditation and Yoga in Psychotherapy, and Meditation for Therapists and Their Clients. In addition, they have a newly released book on neuroscience, Neuroscience for Clinicians. Their books have been published in more than twenty foreign editions and have won many awards.

The Simpkins regularly present seminars on meditation, hypnosis, and neuroscience worldwide to professionals and the public, and have performed research on therapeutic effectiveness using unconscious methods. Currently, the Simpkins are engaged in research on the unconscious movement. They practice and teach their own martial art, Tae Chun Do, combining meditation with movement. They reside in San Diego, California.

Annellen and Alex Simpkins have produced another great book that represents their lifelong commitment to helping people using unique resources.... This step-by-step guide of systematic meditation techniques is designed for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The reader learns to enter into a different mental state that permits both relaxation and alertness, where once there was only mania or despair.

Michele Ritterman, PhD, world lecturer on The Three-Minute Trance, and author of The Tao of a Woman and Using Hypnosis in Family Therapy

The Simpkins have written a wonderful book. It begins with a solid foundation of ancient Eastern philosophy integrated with modern Western science and a clear description of bipolar disorder. The benefits of a variety of meditations are described and clear guidelines are offered to match these with the individual symptoms that different people experience. Simple, easy-to-follow exercises are offered throughout the book so each reader can experience their own process, leading to sustained improvements. This is a wonderful book and will be appreciated by many people suffering from bipolar disorder. I recommend it enthusiastically.

Robert McNeilly, MBBS, an international teacher of Ericksonian approaches to psychotherapy and hypnosis

A wonderfully well-written book integrating ancient philosophy of Tao and modern neuroscience for self-help with bipolar disorder.

Kathryn and Ernest Rossi, authors of the video e-book Creating New Consciousness in Everyday Life

The Tao of Bipolar is a how-to guide to clearing your mind, easing your moods, and developing your talents. Im pleased to have this powerful resource to offer to my patients. The Simpkins offer you the tools you need to gain a high level of awareness and control over your bipolar symptoms. Their easy explanations and practical meditation exercises will help you develop powerful, life-changing habits.

Ashley Davis Bush, LCSW, author of Shortcuts to Inner Peace and Transcending Loss

Even though the book is mainly directed to persons with bipolar disorders, it is also helpful for any therapist. The book nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of every reader; satisfies the need for sound knowledge; and gives the pleasure of reading a well-written book enriched by metaphors and cases that enhance the passionate hope that the meditations proposed in the book really work.... The deep message the book conveys is: Nurture your potential by committing yourself to doing the meditations. Find healthy daily routines of waking and sleeping, balance your moods to harmonize your relationships, and become what you want to become, trusting in the power of both Tao and nature.

Consuelo Casula, psychologist, psychotherapist, and the president-elect of the European Society of Hypnosis

Throughout this helpful, holistic, clear, and cogent book the experienced authors skillfully depict both the bipolar condition and the many therapeutic ways its symptoms may be alleviated. Compassionately reassuring the sufferer, they encourage an attitude of non-judgmental awareness accomplished by meditation and breathing exercises to follow each day.... This book will be of great help to any who reads it and applies it to their lives.

Tasha Halpert, meditation teacher, columnist, blogger, and author of Heartwings: Love Notes for a Joyous Life

A true self-help book. The authors expertly guide the reader through a description of bipolar disorder and teach, step-by-step, how to meditate to increase the ability to manage the mood swings that go with bipolar disorder. A great introduction for anyone considering treatment, and a thoughtful addition to talk and medication therapies.

Tanya H. Hess, PhD, director of training at Coaching into Care, Philadelphia VA Medical Center

Publishers Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Copyright 2013 by C. Alexander Simpkins and Annellen M. Simpkins

New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

5674 Shattuck Avenue

Oakland, CA 94609

www.newharbinger.com

Cover design by Amy Shoup

Acquired by Melissa Kirk

Edited by Nelda Street

All Rights Reserved

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Simpkins, C. Alexander.

The tao of bipolar : using meditation and mindfulness to find balance and peace / C. Alexander Simpkins, PhD, and Annellen M. Simpkins, PhD.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-1-60882-292-8 (pbk. : alk. paper) -- ISBN 978-1-60882-293-5 (pdf e-book) -- ISBN 978-1-60882-294-2 (epub) 1. Manic-depressive illness. 2. Manic-depressive illness--Treatment. 3. Tai chi. 4. Exercise therapy. I. Simpkins, Annellen M. II. Title.

RC516.S563 2013

616.895--dc23

2012047227

To our parents, children, grandchildren, and extended family.

And to all those who have suffered from bipolar disorder. We recognize your talent and great potential. May you find meditation to be a valuable tool for opening your heart and mind to positive changeand transcend.