Sit. Stay. Heal.: How Meditation Changed My Mind, Grew My Heart, and Saved My Ass

by Spike Gillespie

The book grew out of the blog www.MeditationKicksAss.com. It traces my journey from a brutal Depression in 2012 to some amazing healing over the course of 2013 through a dedicated daily meditation practice. It also includes Twelve Lessons for those of you who wish to get a meditation practice started without tracking down a guru, without converting to a particular religion, and without investing in $500 yoga pants. All you need is your ass, your lungs, and a desire to try.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Dana Larose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought on a whim after Chris McDougall (of Born to Run fame) tweeted about it. Part memoir, part meditation manual, but probably like 70% memoir.

Maybe not to my tastes but I can think of a couple people I might point toward it.

[Leni Torvbråten · Rating 1 out of 5]

Elendig skrevet, kvalmende selvsentrert. Handler ikke om noe interessant overhode- dvs verken om meditasjon eller depresjon.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can´t remember how I ended up downloading this book, but I think it was related to the idea of finding out how meditation works in a person´s life. This is more than that, it is a memoir with all the sad bits hanging out, but it´s also a courageous story of a woman who spent a year trying to conquer depression and PTSD, and succeeded. The fact that she lives in Austin, TX was a bonus for me since that is my stomping grounds. The tips on meditating are a bit vague, but fairly encouraging for those considering this way of thinking. Spike is a writer and a performer of wedding ceremonies. She sounds like an interesting person to spend time with!

[Penny Cipolone · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Spike wears her heart on her sleeve and we are all the better for it. If you want detailed directions on meditating, this is not the book for you. BUT if you want to know how meditation can heal a life and laugh while you read, then BUY THE BOOK! As usual Spike does not aim for conversion, but she makes her ideas easily available and adaptable for all. Even the faint of heart are reassured that they just have to breathe.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help for the hurting

On a whim, I picked up this book and was instantly drawn in! Her story was very relatable and an inspiration for those in the midst of healing. I love the concept of starting where you are, calming the mind, living in the moment...in a non religious way. I'm finding personal benefits to meditating! Thanks to Spike for sharing such a personal story and the path as she found out of depression.

[Nancy Toelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is a powerful testimonial about what impact a meditation practice can have in one's life. She is spunky and Spikey and has given us a good read. I appreciate her welcome one and all attitude and the can't fail approach. The benefits she experienced from her daily practice are an inspiration.

[irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

In and Out

What a unique and touching book! Spike alternates chapters of true life with meditation and real life to a great balance. I was inspired and started my own journey through mindful breathing. Thank you, Spike!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meditation convert!

Wonderful book filled with so much emotion and gifts for those that read it. Thank you Spike for sharing your life!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memoir A bit TMI cringey for me. Wasn’t persuading me to meditate either.

[Ana Arvizu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

Explaining through personal experience the power of meditation to fight depression, I really liked it. I just gotta start practicing to see the results on my own.

[Martha Nethers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made me meditate! I hadn't the patience before reading this but it explained it in a way that made it easy, for me.

[Sharondblk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. Part memoir, part "how to" for meditators, Spike write clearly and honestly. while her story is sometimes frustrating, her truth shines through. The meditation advice was straighforward and helped me build my own practice.