This book, Mindfulness - A Different Platform by Eleanor Gibson, is a motivational guide centred on mindfulness, compassion, and gratitude to help readers overcome life's challenges and live fulfilling lives. It emphasises how mindfulness can provide clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose, especially when dealing with difficult interpersonal relationships and personal hardships.
The book opens with a poetic metaphor of transformation from a butterfly to a caterpillar to a butterfly, illustrating how life events can alter our way of being in the world. Eleanor Gibson shares her realisation that mindfulness allows one to choose a new path in life, akin to boarding a different train at a different platform, leading to new and inspiring journeys through personal growth and mindfulness.
The author reflects on the nature of the mind, describing memories as random and mood-congruent, meaning that our current mood influences the type of memories we recall. Mindfulness helps in recognising and managing these moods, promoting happiness through awareness of what truly brings joy.
The book explores the impact of destructive relationships, which can severely damage mental and physical health. It highlights the importance of recognising unhealthy dynamics and maintaining one's values and individuality despite others' harmful actions.
The book addresses overcoming ruts and fears by taking small steps toward meaningful goals and rediscovering passions. The author shares personal experiences of facing fears and finding renewed purpose through mindfulness study and practise. Readers are encouraged to reflect on values, interests, talents, and desires to identify themes that guide their purpose.
Mindfulness teaches appreciation for the present and helps overcome ego-driven dissatisfaction. The metaphor of the lotus flower illustrates flourishing despite adversity. Cultivating gratitude and positivity leads to greater happiness and resilience.
Authenticity is emphasised as vital. Mindfulness helps individuals overcome past conditioning, embrace uniqueness, and resist pretending to be others. The author shares anecdotes illustrating the importance of conscience and integrity.
The final chapter reiterates the central theme that mindfulness offers a new platform from which to view life, make wiser choices, rebuild after adversity, and flourish authentically. The author encourages readers to embrace mindfulness to live joyfully and freely.
This comprehensive guide includes practical mindfulness exercises (RAIN, Training the Mind to Focus, Compassionate Image, A Safe Place) detailed in the appendices, designed to support readers in applying mindfulness daily.
In essence, Mindfulness - A Different Platform is a motivational and practical resource encouraging readers to cultivate mindfulness as a means to overcome adversity, nurture self-compassion, build resilience, and live purposefully with gratitude and authenticity.
'Learn from the past, set vivid goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: now.'(Denis Waitley)
