Full Description
Burnout, imposter syndrome, changes in higher education, issues of free speech, structural inequality—the challenges facing academics today are daunting and overwhelming. How do we balance all of our responsibilities and goals without becoming exhausted? How do scholars decide if activism is right for them, and if so, what form should it take? There is, fortunately, great wisdom, solace, and practical advice for the modern academic in ancient wisdom traditions, indigenous cultures, and contemplative practices like meditation from around the world. In Resilience and Resitance through Contemplative Practice: Zen and the Anxious Academic, the author argues that contemplative practice is not a substitute for social change or a band-aid for the difficulties academics face, but rather a powerful tool in building resilience and resistance to forces that undermine our well-being. Learn, for example, how Jungian psychology and ancient dream practices can help with academic writing, how the concept of dharma can lead us to discern our vocation and if activism is the right path for us, and how meditation can help us rediscover our innate self-worth in a culture where value is judged by narrow definitions of productivity and achievement. With these tools and insights, we can create positive change in both our inner and outer worlds.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: My Guy, Napoleon: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
Chapter 2: (Don't) Throw Your Chair Across the Free Throw Lane: Finding Freedom in Setbacks
Chapter 3: Ribbons in the Water: Finding Flow in Writing
Chapter 4: Meet the True Dragon: Your Calling and Your Genius
Chapter 5: Know Time: A Mindful (and Radical) Approach to Time Management
Chapter 6: Now More than Ever: Finding Joy in All Seasons
Conclusion
Appendix
Bibliography
About the Author
