This book, by novelist Tim Parks, charts his experiences in trying to free himself from distressing pain that he describes as "a general smouldering tension throughout the abdomen, a sharp jab in the perineum, an electric shock darting down the inside of the thighs, an ache in the small of the back, a shivery twinge in the penis itself". As a man, I can't help wincing as I read that sentence!
He goes to doctors, who subject him to a battery of tests...all of which come back inconclusive. He undergoes operations that do nothing to free him from this constant debilitating pain.
Finally, while in India, he consults a doctor who tells him the pain is a manifestation of a struggle going on in his mind. Then he discovers a book written by two doctors that related the pain he's experiencing with muscle tension.
What follows is the authors journey into the mind/body connection and how he discovers the benefits of meditation...the "Sit Still" of the title. It's not a self-help or "How To..." manual but it is a fascinating glimpse at a man who has been let down by conventional medicine finding peace with himself and relief from his pain. It's laced with humour, and sometimes cringe-inducing descriptions, but is a very worthwhile read, maybe more so for people with health problems or who are just getting a bit older and starting to feel it!
I'm not in pain and I'm not a meditator but having read his story I am a lot more willing to try meditiation/relaxation techniques just for the sense of peace side of it.
I give this book 4.5 "Wee Samples" out of 5.
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