Zen and the Art of Sleep
November 28, 2009
Product Description
Zen and the Art of Sleep offers a surprising discovery for insomniacs. The problem isn’t sleep. The problem is trying to capture and control sleep. Readers new to Zen Buddhism are gently guided down this reflective path. Along the way, emotional baggage and misguided endeavors that feed insomnia fade away. Each chapter builds upon previous insights and ends with Zen Practice exercises that reveal awake and asleep to be part of the same moving stream. Unblocking that flow allows the inevitable bedtime moment of drowsiness, a moment not so different from any other, to proceed naturally and without effort. Illustrated by Zen artist Andy Lee.
- ISBN13: 9780972395038
- Condition: USED – VERY GOOD
- Notes:
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Sleep, despite being something that so many do without effort, is something that eludes so many as well. “Zen and the Art of Sleep” is a guide to attaining a better night’s sleep through the principles of Zen Buddhism. Stating that sleep is not something that can be controlled and as soon as one stops trying to do so, sleep should come much easier into their lives. A new approach to a cure for insomnia, “Zen and the Art of Sleep” is something to be considered.
This is a welcomed book for the insomniac, as well as for any one with an interest in sleep. I practiced “traditional” Sleep Medicine for 20 yrs (now retired), and recognize the need for more options to help people sleep. Inspite of knowing little about Zen, I found this book was quite readable and easy to follow.
The author suffered with insomnia for years, and pursued the traditional modalities and approaches with little success. He then took “up Zen” and found it useful in resolving his insomnia! Although the mention in the book that thinking itself interferes with sleep is well known, most of the approach to sleep and sleeplessness discussed is not something found in the Western-tradional Sleep Medicine or psychology literature. “A Zen approach is about experiencing reality free from any distortions,” “Zen is about removing all manner of interpretation in order to replace concepts with direct experience” and finally, “there is no right way: there is only how things are, which can rarely if ever be captured by a set of beliefs” sums up the points Mr. Chiles makes that I found most useful in differentiating his approach to the techniques I practiced for years with varying success (cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, relaxation methods). It would be confusing, and a disservice for me to try and further discuss what I “learned” from this book. Suffice to say that I have actually followed what is suggested and found it simple, highly useful, and effective, in helping with my occasssioanl bad night of sleep! Also, I would highly recommend this book to my patients if I were still practicing Sleep Medicine.
“Zen and the Art of Sleep is like a compass” (pg 20), I agree; this book is a very useful guide to help everyone sleep well.