The Mindful Path Through Shyness: How Mindfulness & Compassion Can Free You from Social Anxiety, Fear & Avoidance by Jeffrey Brantley, MD
Research shows that chronic shyness has core components of self-blame, private self-consciousness, shame, and resentment. These mental habits operate automatically and often unconsciously, but by bringing mindful awareness into these cognitive and emotional states, it is possible to regulate our attention and emotions. The Mindful Path Through Shyness helps readers who struggle with shyness social anxiety begin to notice the patterns that cause them to feel isolated and take steps toward change. Readers will identify the origins of their shyness and learn how they have reinforced this behaviour by avoiding social situations and dwelling on feelings of self-consciousness and shame. They then discover activities and skills drawn from mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), including mindful meditation, conscious breathing, yoga, and simple exercises, which can help them overcome fears and judgments.