In THE UNDEFEATED MIND: On The Science Of Constructing An Indestructible Self (HCI / November 2012), noted physician Alex Lickerman draws on personal experience, two decades of case studies drawn from his patients, scientific research, and the tenets of Nichiren Buddhism to show that while the ability to control what happens in life may be limited, people do have the capacity to establish a life that surmounts the suffering life brings. Resilience isn’t something that only a fortunate few are born with, but rather something that everybody can take action-steps to develop. Starting with the premise that all problems are solvable, Lickerman reveals the nine principles anyone can use to dramatically increase his or her inner strength, including:The Meaning of Victory: A look into the human desire to be happy; how to obtain benefits from adversity; why wisdom can bring an end to suffering.
Find Your Mission: Identifying a personal mission; creating a sense of purpose; committing to that mission.
Make a Vow: Resolve and the ability to soldier on; identifying obstacles and overcoming barriers; steps for when self-confidence is undermined; persistence and success; avoiding distractions.
Expect Obstacles: Making use of adversity; examining the stories that individuals tell themselves; negative thoughts and the anxiety of uncertainty.
Stand Alone: The meaning of karma; moral transformation and dilemmas; authority, self-esteem, and the need to please.
Accept Pain: Exploration of physical and emotional pain; acceptance and commitment therapy.
Let Go: Inevitability of loss; finding meaning in loss; self-compassion.
Appreciate the Good: Finding gratitude; maintaining gratitude; gratitude for obstacles.
Encourage Others: Measuring compassion; judging others . . .or understanding them; helping others to help oneself; the power of encouragement.
Muster Your Courage: The benefits of fear; fear of death; the sense of self.
Through stories of those who’ve used these principles to overcome suffering caused by unemployment, unwanted weight gain, addiction, rejection, chronic pain, retirement, illness, loss, and even death, Dr. Lickerman shows how anybody can implement these principles within their own lives, and gives them the tools to find the inner strength necessary to enjoy life. THE UNDEFEATED MIND weaves together the worlds of science, medicine, religion, and spirituality to offer hope and guidance, no matter the difficulties.
About The Author
Alex Lickerman, M.D., is a physician, former Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of Primary Care at the University of Chicago, and current Assistant Vice President for Student Health and Counseling Services at the University of Chicago. He is also a practicing Nichiren Buddhist and leader in the Nichiren Buddhist lay organization, the Soka Gakkai International, USA (SGI-USA). Dr. Lickerman is a prolific writer, having contributed to medical textbooks, national trade publications, and even for Hollywood with an adaptation of Milton’s Paradise Lost. He has spoken at high schools, colleges, and medical conferences, and was recently selected by the Consumers’ Research Council of America as one of America’s top physicians in their publication, Guide to America’s Top Physicians. Dr. Lickerman’s blog “Happiness in this World” is syndicated via the Psychology Today website, and receives over 100,000 unique visitors per month. For more information visit www.alexlickerman.com.