Readers Reviews

Book Review Peace of Body, Peace of Mind

This work is based on knowledge Rose VanSickle gained through her participation in a group called "Recovery, Inc.," a self-help mental fitness system formed in 1937, long before "recovery" became a catch-phrase. The program was created by Dr. Abraham Low, and this book is Ms. VanSickle's way of sharing it with the world.

Before you run screaming into the night babbling about self-help books and 12-step style programs, be assured by this most cynical of persons (me), that seldom could you find techinques easier to learn, a program that makes more sense, and sounder healthier attitudes tahn those outlaid here. The author used these techniques to overcome her own crippling panic attacks and depression, and to set her on the path to a life where stress, fear, and anxiety have been extinguished.

The message is one of supreme hope. In this book you will learn how to change unconscious thinking with conscious thoughts. The exact words to use as antidotes for fear and anger. The relationship between feeling and thinking.

I enjoyed the authors' style and positive turn of phrase almost as much as her message. You will catch yourself identifying with her on almost every page, as she guides you through the aspects of Recovery, Inc.'s founding philosophies and principles in two parts:
1). The techniques used to overcome incapacitating symptoms and facilitate the transition out of the acute phase;
2). The methods that launched a full healing allowing her to maintain the peace and harmony she enjoys today.

I would not pretend to be able to do the book justice in this short review, but I would like to mention a few key points, some little ideas to whet your appetite; things that made this reader want to carry on to the end of the book and implement what was read...

Stress reduction is symptom reduction. Symptoms in and of themselves are "distressing, but not dangerous." (Isn't that a wonderful phrase to repeat as a mantra?)

The short and powerful phrase, "There are no hopeless cases." Regardless of your "diagnosed" condition, your label, your particular setback, there is hope. Being obsessed with the "why" of things is not healthy... it is the idea of HOW you can change you.

If you still feel an aversion to the phrase "self-help" think on it this way.

Individual = self
Improvements = help

Who doesn't wish for improvements in their life? All you must be willing to do is learn.
Learn to stop impulses and apprehensions by learning control of specific muscle groups.
Boost your self-esteem by celebrating your efforts in life and not just the outcome of them.
Eliminate negative self-judgements with the thought that you are not wrong, but average.

I am quite aware how trite my words seem regarding this book, however since reading it, I have shared it with 6 others and we all have gained much from it.

Is there a better recommendation than that?

Copyright 1997 TAPIR Reprinted with permission.

Copyright 1997 TAPIR
Reprinted with permission.