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New York Times bestselling authors Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson scrutinize popular misconceptions about meditation and mindfulness. Leveraging cutting-edge research, they reveal what mental training truly does for the brain, distinguishing between fleeting pleasant states and profound, lasting personality changes. The authors argue that widespread, short-dose practices often fail to achieve deep transformation, instead advocating for "smart practice" — incorporating crucial elements like expert feedback and a less attached view of self. This data-driven guide offers new scientific methodologies to maximize meditation's potential for genuine, enduring personal growth.