Leaves Falling Gently: Living Fully with Serious and Life-Limiting Illness through Mindfulness, Compassion, and Connectedness

I am presently researching Mindfulness and the ability to introduce this practice into my care of terminally ill cancer patients on hospice; As an added bonus, I have learned through this book to apply the methods of mindfulness for personal meditation and reflection in my own life. Leaves Falling Gently is just that, like leaves that fall gently, each one of us has a signifigance and a story. I have been able to teach focus on the thinking with mindfulness to the nurses I manage; they can refresh themselves with these practices and also teach their patients to take life in moments. This book touched on the practice itself; it has precious worth to a new way to introspect; I have gleaned how to apply mindfulness and focus, the book was all I had hoped for, and I take away a very special connectiveness and a helpful journey to peace and contentment for myself and the others we touch in this way. Thank you so much. Joanne Anthony, RN,MSC

I enjoyed this book immensely. I have gone back to mindful meditation which I abandoned for a while. Mindful meditation and prayer helps me to remain focused on the good and helps to minimize the negative aspects of serious chronic illness and life.

The book came on time. Packaged well and safely. The book was exactly what I was looking for. I practice mindfulness and am living with a life altering disability. The book addressees the issues and gives clear and concise information no matter what level you are on in your practice or whether you even have a practice. It was a good investment for the money.

Written in a thoughtful, gracious manner for those of us facing lives constrained by illnesses, and trying to find some joy and meaning, despite the pain and loss. Of the twenty or so books recommended to me by various friends for this situation, this was the only one that felt both "real" and not preachy.

I purchase this book, for a good friend that I hold very close to my heart it made her very happy she loves it.

This book beautifully covers many of the issues experienced by persons who have a chronic illness. I purchased a copy for each of the members of our group "Living Well with Chronic Illness" where we practice mindfulness, connection, and radical acceptance.

Susan's experience with patients and their carers shines throughout this book. It is gentle and provides an insight into the care, needs and desires of patients living with a life limiting illness. A book for patients, their families and health professionals.

This book is very straightforward and offers practicle information not only for the person who is sick but for care givers.ZinniaWashington, DC

I ordered two books for friends going through difficult times. Highly recommended. A friend was recently diagnosed as bi-polar and I will ordering one for him as well.

This is a fairly short book, which I purchased for a family member with terminal cancer. It is clearly and compassionately written and doesn't shy away from the difficult issues which such illnesses raise, but gives the reader a simple approach to them: a way forward, if you like. It is a very positive approach, because mindfulness is all about being very aware of each moment, as the present is the only real time that we have: our minds delude us into believing that our thoughts about the past and future are real, but they are not, they are just 'mind events'. However, changing our way of thinking can be hard enough when life is going well: doing it in the face of a catastrophic diagnosis might seem impossible. I do believe that this book could be really helpful if you find yourself in that situation and feel like you need a guide to how to get the most out of your life, in spite of that diagnosis. It is an approach to life that is fast gaining favour as research shows how helpful it can be, for example, in dealing with depression and anxiety and it is suitable for everyone: it is not religious, but should not be a problem for people who have a religious faith (although it originated with Buddhism and has links with meditation practice). This book touches on all these aspects and gives practical advice and exercises to help develop mindfulness. I would recommend that partners/family members or close friends also read it as it could also help them cope with the events they find themselves experiencing. I would just add that it is written by an American but as an English person I found it unusually easy/comfortable to read.

Gentle reading

Very easy to read, very powerful!