Heal Thy Self: Lessons on Mindfulness in Medicine

Santorelli is a colleague of Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. This book was written at the 20th anniversary of the Stress Reduction Clinic, where ten thousand patients had been through an eight week training program. The book follows one class of thirty (most of whom have serious medical conditions) as the author leads them through that program.Key to the program and to Santorelli's manner of teaching is that he teaches out of his own meditation practice, that is, his own unique being, intuition, and experience, always sensitive to what is happening in the present moment. He and his colleagues avoid falling into the common problem of creating distance with their expertise.The combination of meditation practice, yoga, and listening to one another's sharing of their lives, with Santorelli's skillful and gentle guidance, creates a healing dynamic. Most of us most of the time retreat rather than simply be with another person when nothing can be done. But it becomes clear in reading this book that to allow someone to touch their pain, their helplessness, is to allow them to experience their stability and strength.

Saki Santorelli was my meditation guide and teacher for three years+. This book holds a signifant portion of those lessons. inside, you'll find the words needed to begain to heal from the inside. Hey, it worked for me. The healing didn't happen over night but, this healing is for real. I had been in 3 car accidents and was very close to drowning in a class 4 river. The canoe held me down and I was unconciouss for 10 hours. The migraines were pain beyond reason. Both my body and mind needed to heal. Others may need the meditation lesson or another form of healing. Saki Santorelli's book holds his teaching. let it be yours too.

Saki Santorelli wrote that "We are all seeking solid ground." We fear that the ground is not solid and we spend a great deal of time and energy seeking to make order out of our world. In this manner Saki tells us to let go of fear, and find our peace trough personal healing. He shows us by example after example how we can use the idea of being mindful to ease our pain. I recommend this book for all who looking for an alternative to traditional medical practice. You will find your own ground and peace of mind. William Calhoun, Ph. D. and author of The Fall and Beyond published by Author House in 2008.

A beautifully written book from one of the pioneers of MBSR.

An intimate look into the mind and heart of one of America's most important MBSR teachers. Saki Santorelli leads by example and teaches by revealing his own weaknesses and mistakes. His success are in the changes he brings to people's lives with his gentle attitude to the challenges they and we all face. I am moved and inspired by this book. Or, as Saki would no doubt say - shattered yet whole. A must read for MBSR teachers in training.

This is the best book on mindfulness to date. If you are interested in this subject this is a must read.. This book has changed my life. ..Do yourself a favor and pick it up you will not be sorry...Truly excellent!

I've read through the first chapter and enjoy his way of writing. I have a chronic illness and was looking for a way to get through it in a positive way. So far this book is an eye opener. I look forward to getting through it. I've even quoted it on my blog for a provoking thought.

Great read. His stories are told in a poetic tone. Planning on reading it again.

This is one of the most inspiring and insightful books on mindfulness that I have read - the author just oozes those qualities of kindness and gentle enquiry at the heart of the mindfulness approach.He weaves in his own mindfulness experiences as they play out in his own life, specifically around his relationships with participants in the eight week mindfulness programme, and this is the fundamental message of his book: there is no difference between doctor and patient, teacher and student, we all learn and develop in that healing relationship when we commit to honesty and deep exploration.At its core is the gentle acceptance of all that arises for all members of the programme, for the entire human experience, all of us moving between strength and vulnerability, ignorance and wisdom, struggle and grace. We "meet" many participants on the programme, those that leave, those with addictions, illnesses, pain and share with them painful, stuck places and moments of clarity and healing.It is really a narrative of mindfulness in action and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

It is written in the most beautiful language that touches the core of your herat

Satisfied.

Interesting read......bit repetitive

Excellent book in great condition.