“From Mindfulness to Heartfulness is a rare gem—beautifully written, deeply engaging, and filled with
valuable and authentic teachings about practical and spiritual paths toward balance and understanding.
As Murphy-Shigematsu embraces his vulnerability, he opens up to and reflects upon his life stories, and
that can inspire us to do the same— encouraging us toward knowledge and understanding. Just what is
needed to bring the increasingly popular mindfulness approach back to its reality core—the blending of
heartfulness with mindfulness.”
—Richard Katz, PhD, Professor Emeritus, First Nations University of Canada, and author of
Indigenous Healing Psychology
“Through tender teaching stories and an insightful narrative, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu shows us
the ways we can weave together mindfulness and compassion into what he terms heartfulness. As
master educator, he leads us through the stages of heartfulness from vulnerability and connectedness
to acceptance and gratitude. This is an important book. I heartfully recommend it to all who want to join
their own personal journey of self-discovery to selfless service and the care for others.”
—Arthur Zajonc, Professor of Physics Emeritus, Amherst College, and former President, Mind
and Life Institute
“This book has the potential for radical change in the way we live together, and I loved reading it!
Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu takes us beyond mindfulness as it is often currently taught—as an
instrument for cognitive changes like focus, attention, or stress relief—to the truths of the gentle,
appreciative, nurturing heart. He shows us through stories and practices how to expand our
contemplative lives from being self-focused to being inclusive, connected, compassionate, and
responsible. Immense heartfulness shines through every story he tells, drawing on experiences from
teaching children and college students to being with his dying grandmother to his own biracial
childhood. Each story is a jewel, opening the heart. He connects heartfulness to social justice,
leadership, and education and offers simple, direct instructions for seven heartful practices.”
—Mirabai Bush, Senior Fellow, The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, and author of
Compassion in Action (with Ram Dass) and Contemplative Practices in Higher Education
(with Daniel Barbezat)
“This powerful book is full of love and intimate wisdom. Full of rich stories and deep guidance, it is also
a map of the human heart and the best in all of us.”
—Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD, Abbot, Upaya Zen Center
“Resonant with Stephen’s kindness, heartfulness, and wisdom and filled with excellent exercises and
practical guides, this lovely volume will be a friend and guide to all those intent on creating and
sustaining thriving lives, workplaces, relationships, and communities.”
—Dan Barbezat, Professor of Economics, Amherst College
“A profound and wise book written by a respected colleague and friend . . . this book humbly reminds us
that mindfulness without the heart is lacking and shows the way to live our lives with awareness,
compassion, and responsibility.”
—Frederic Luskin PhD, cofounder of LifeWorks, Stanford University, and author of Forgive for
Good
“I couldn’t put this book down! Dr. Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu’s From Mindfulness to Heartfulness is
a profound exploration in heartful connection with ourselves and others. Through moving storytelling, Murphy-Shigematsu offers several integral components to cultivating a heartful way of being. Drawing
on examples from his college teaching, his many talks to corporations and public audiences, and
vulnerable moments from his own life, Murphy-Shigematsu illustrates what this heartful journey might
look like—he is in it with us. He models the vulnerability heartfulness calls for, exploring the fraught
experience of living a biracial identity in the racial contexts of both the United States and Japan. The
insights that result offer a model of compassionate transformation that are applicable in a variety of
contexts, including social justice, education, health care, corporations, and community work.
“This book is accessible, mesmerizing, and practical, offering both deep insights to ponder for days
and practical tips to enact right now. It promises to become a classic mindfulness resource.”
—Beth Berila, PhD, RYT 500, Director, Women’s Studies Program, St. Cloud State University