Body Calm

It is arresting to read that 70% of Americans take at least one prescription drug while more than 50% take two; and in the UK, there were 22 million prescriptions for paracetamol in 2014. This book encourages us to stop stressing and start resting so that we can help our body to harmonise and heal. The less we are caught up in our busy minds, the more rest our bodies can obtain; it also helps to be present and aware in the moment. The book is clearly set out with excellent summaries at the end of each chapter. Body Calm can enhance contentment, confidence, loving relationships, present moment living and freedom. Newbigging characterises his technique with the acronym GAAWO - gently alert awareness wide open - that disengages the thinking mind and allows us to rest in the calm of consciousness. He suggests a number of I am affirmations and focus points in the body (p. 50). In the second part he looks in more detail and uncomfortable emotions, unhealthy beliefs, unforgiven past, resisting the present, unloved body, unheard heart and unawake being. I appreciated the phrase 'courageous contentment', where few people are willing to let their life be enough. In the third part, there are instructions for embodying healthy virtues, followed by a number of directories listing causes of issues relating to body parts, organs, systems, senses and 101 physical conditions. You can find out more about this comprehensive approach at www.sandynewbigging.com.