Body Over Mind

This book validates our personal behavior as it grounds us in our physical reality instead of our self-doubting thought patterns. It uses mindfulness (a practice Ms. Eng calls Mindful Reality) to help with worry, guilt, fear, self-judgment and obsessive "should" thoughts. It combines principles from the Alexander Technique with those of Byron Katie, Eckhart Tolle and awareness educator Robert Rabbin, as it highlights the differences between thought and reality, and helps foster an acceptance of what is.

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.

Currently living in Portland, Maine, Jill has been a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique since 1998, is experienced in Transcendental Meditation, and is deeply familiar with aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism. In 2013, she developed her own mindfulness, self-inquiry practice she calls Mindful Reality. This book, "Body Over Mind: a mindful reality check" and her second book, "The Myth of Doing: managing guilt, shame, anxiety, regret and self-judgment" published in 2016, reflect this work. Jill also holds a Master's degree in International Relations and Communications, and was a professional modern dance performer, teacher and choreographer from 1989-2009.