From chapter two:

Mindfulness reveals what’s happening. It’s stepping back to gain perspective. We construct a steady and secure mental platform.

But that’s not the whole story. To live well, we need to step forward in a healthy way. Life involves making choices and taking action. What actions should we take? What really leads to fulfillment?

This is where psychology comes in. It provides guidelines for improving our internal environment – thoughts and feelings – and for creating optimal outcomes. It tells us what to choose and how to act, how to be and do better.

We are embarking on an expedition into and beyond mindfulness. We first journey within to establish a stable, lucid perspective. Then we venture back out into our lives of responsibility and possibility. Marrying East and West, Buddhist-originated mindfulness and contemporary psychology, we build a self that is aware, unperturbed, and effective in the world.

By becoming mindful, discerning, and empowered, we create true wellbeing.