Home ›

Teach us to sit still: a sceptic's search for health and healing

Submitted by Susan Neale on Wed, 16/02/2011 - 13:03
Author: 
Tim Parks
Medium: 
Book
ISBN: 
9781846553998
Publisher: 
Harvill Secker, 2010
Synopsis: 
A journey through pain and anxiety to peace of body and mind through breath work and meditation

For those of us who have been steeped in yoga for many years this book is a revelation. Imagine somebody who had never tried breathing techniques or meditation and who in fact viewed them as New Age quackery. Tim Parks was crippled by constant and intense pain. Conventional medicine could offer neither a diagnosis nor a cure. After many years he came across a book which taught him breathing coupled with relaxation of the pelvic area. After limited success he discovered Vipassana meditation.
This is no dry account of a journey from dis-ease to ease, Tim is a writer by profession and the book is packed with insights which keep the reader captivated to the end.
Susan Neale

Comments

Teach Us To Sit Still

Submitted by Jane Harris on Sat, 21/04/2012 - 14:46.

When one of my students lent me this book to read, I admit that I wasn’t hugely enthusiastic about the prospect, but then I hadn't read the review on this site.

However, as so often happens it is the unexpected, and the unanticipated, that gives most pleasure. This book is a gem, both witty and painful, it relates the authors (a sceptical, driven, alpha male) journey from a place of pain to health and healing.

Tim Parks was suffering from chronic pelvic pain that defied diagnosis, but after deciding not to undergo a prostrate operation, he took up relaxation and ultimately Vipassana meditation.

Tim Parks is a prolific and well-read author with a genius for describing his dilemma, and the cross roads at which he found himself. However, he also peppers his story with a wide range of apposite literary references to illustrate his experience.

I agree with Susan and Ranju, I found this book difficult to put down.

I've heard of this bbok - it

Submitted by Ranju Roy on Mon, 25/04/2011 - 10:23.

I've heard of this bbok - it was recommended by a friend -and I think it's one that has to go on th "to read" list! It really seems meditation is taking off all over the place...hooray!