Equanimity: Finding Strength, Serenity, and Contentment, where Neuropsychology meets Ancient Wisdom Paperback – 24 Nov. 2022

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I knew a lot of what was in there, but it was great to get the scene setting at the beginning and a background in the whole range of thinking ,old and new, in the areas of psychology and mental health and wellbeing. I liked the step by step journey through the stages we need to take to hopefully bring peace and enlightenment. A good mix of humour and 'real' life examples to shine a spotlight on how we tend towards the negative. All brought nicely together at the end with some thoughts on why we are here... but leaving the reader to make their own mind up.Lorraine Eivers

What a interesting read this book is! I thought the book had been well written and has been well researched; giving reference through out the book. John has written his book with humour and he also gives real-life experiences; which I felt for me it made the information a little easier to take in and understand. I also found that by reading a few chapters at a time that I didn't feel like it was information over load as there's a lot to take in and process.I learnt a lot about the complexity this is the brain, psychology, to ancient wisdoms and how this all ties in to mental heath. I found John's book thought provoking; which lead me to do my own research. I liked that John has included a list of books at the end of the book for suggested reading and I will be checking some of those out in the future.

Really enjoyed the insight, put things in perspective. Good read.

Easy to understand, light hearted and humorous approach. Will change how I think about the brain and the world in general. Plenty of research and references provided.

As a psychology professional, the book for me starts off really good and resonant for anyone who has studied mindfulness, and how the fact that presence is all we ever have. This concept of non-attachment and moving into the “witness” self versus the egoic self is very relevant. Whenever we are not present, we are in the future or the past and thus creating distress for ourselves.The end of the book took a very strange turn. I would not recommend doing some of this deep work without a professional, to unearth where some our deeply held beliefs have come from can be VERY triggering and overwhelming for many people who have otherwise suppressed or disassociated from these parts of themselves. Tread with caution.Lastly, something about sharing the beliefs about religion in the beginning of the book the author was very neutral, but he started questioning some deeper things with really no basis or foundation for why he was even doing it, nor did I even find it relevant.Other than that, there are a lot of good nuggets.But if you believe in the transformational power of God, and you believe in a higher power and that you are here for a purpose and with a plan, I do not recommend this book in particular. Beyond some practical ways to become more mindful and unattached from our false sense of self, the book doesn’t offer any deep sense of inspiration or hope.