THE MYTH OF STRESS

A calm and earnest teacher says that we create stress in our minds when we believe that reality “should” be different and when we deny our personal responsibility for how we interpret stress and act upon negative emotions. With an ingenious seven-step exercise (worksheets can be downloaded), listeners can clarify their beliefs and learn more empowering ways to think about stressful events and disappointments. While other cognitive approaches often sound forced or intellectualized, the author’s humanitarian tone and provocative questions create an atmosphere of curiosity and possibility. For listeners who range from the paralyzed and dysfunctional to the highest performing executives, he provides some excellent tools while gently advancing the message that we deserve more peace of mind and happiness than most of us grant ourselves. T.W. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2011]