This methodical system of progression leads the reader from a feeling of powerlessness and hopelessness to empowerment through knowledge and coping strategies.  One particular exercise in mindfulness involves holding a raisin in your hand for several minutes in order to fully note its weight, texture, appearance, and smell before actually tasting it. Spending five minutes on one raisin not only increases mindfulness, but also seems like a great way to take pleasure in life and lose weight.  (Eating a handful of raisins could take hours, if eaten mindfully.)  The third CD in the package serves as a template for synthesizing all the information and ideas provided on the first two CDs.

Although he previously wrote books for mental health professionals, co-author Williams does an excellent job narrating the book for lay people, using a warm, friendly tone of voice with clear diction and a pleasing, easily understandable British accent. The authors make even difficult concepts easy to grasp by using many analogies and case studies as examples.

The final CD provides guided meditations in mindfulness, including standing yoga, breathing practice, and mindfulness of sounds and thoughts.  The guided meditations may be a little too metaphysical for some tastes but make a nice addition to the overall package.