Body Over Mind

A Mindful Reality Check

Body Over Mind is compatible with works by Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Stephen Levine, and Robert Rabbin in its attempt to highlight the differences between thought and reality, and to foster an acceptance of what is. Backed by principles developed by F.M. Alexander, including the wholeness of the individual, the harmonious integration of the body, and a retraining of our reactions to mental and physical stress, Eng grounds us in our “physical reality,” which she defines as the existence of an individual in his or her activity in space and time. In her words, our physical reality gives us “an unmovable truth to pit against our skeptical thought process that unremittingly tries to talk us out of our personal status.” Relieving symptoms of anxiety, depression, and emotional pain stemming from worry, guilt, self-doubt, self-blame and a preoccupation with “should” thoughts, Eng offers a unique approach to mindfulness that disempowers self-judgment and negative self-talk. Designed to be used as a tool for combating the pressures of everyday life, or to simply enjoy as an insightful read, this book assimilates aspects of Buddhism, Hinduism, and modern-day practices that address the self-critical component of the human mind that victimizes so many of us on a moment to moment basis. Eng calls this practice, Mindful Reality.