Sitting in the Stillness: Freedom from the Personal Story

by Martin Wells

Sitting in the Stillness is a collection of stories from the therapy room. Each one invites the reader to go beyond these personal accounts to the universal, beyond the agitations of the mind to an infinite stillness of being. The stories include examples from group therapy, mindfulness groups, family and couples’ therapy and demonstrate our fundamental interconnectedness. 'Insightful, practically useful, even enlightening. We are led along a less ‘self-centred’ path with a delightfully light touch.' Nigel Wellings, author of Why Can’t I Meditate?

168 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2020

Reviews

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sitting in the Stillness by Martin Wells
Book Review by Dawn Thomas

168 Pages
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing Ltd / Mantra Books
Release Date: February 28, 2020

Health, Mind & Body, Self-Help

This book is a series of therapy sessions that Martin has with different patients. Martin is a psychotherapist. The patients vary from individuals to groups. I found I could identify with several of the sessions and found insight into different scenarios I have dealt with in the past. This might not be a book for everyone. Some of the sessions could be too personal.

[Lynda Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin Wells has worked, possibly is still working, for the NHS. If so, his approach certainly seems to have a better end in view than reinforcing the idea that there must be something wrong with us.

The form of counselling he describes here sounds at the outset somewhat Rogerian - non-judgemental listening - but this goes further and into territory that is deeply mystical. For the basic premise Martin sets out here is that the people who come to him, whether or not traumatised, depressed or anxious or lost, at core are not broken, nor need fixing, No need to follow any path to completeness. These, according to Martin, are all functions of the ego, the part of us that has ideas about itself. This ego creates 'stories,' a narrative that comes to define us well beyond the periods of trauma or loss that might have led to the need for these fictions. This book follows the conversations and life histories of some of Martin's patients, or clients.

One of the most interesting of these studies was that of the psychopath, of whom Martin admits to having been terrified of in the beginning. This individual does begin to thaw during his sessions with Martin, finally able to relinquish this stance upon recognition that his psychopathy was simply a way of coping with a brutal and vicious upbringing.

In the second part of the book, Martin describes his work with group sessions, which show how interconnected most of us really are. He relates how sharing and describing dreams can demonstrate this, dreams somehow speaking to each participant beyond any need to be right or discriminatory.

The basic premise that there is nothing wrong with us at base is an attractive one indeed, possibly one that is normally one very difficult to put into prsctise. Martin makes it all seem easy, though it probably isn't. An interesting and hopeful read, though

[Mark Davis]

“Martin Wells is a very experienced UK psychotherapist who offers a sensitive and attuned presence to his clients- evident from his description of the therapy in this beautifully written book.

“Martin notes the influence of his own personal Awakening on transcending our egos and personal stories.

“Many readers will be inspired to discover these insights for themselves, and so seek enlightened therapists such as Martin who so elegantly integrate psychotherapy with the wisdom (NonDual) traditions .” Dr Mark Davis psychiatrist New Zealand

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has an excellent premise -- finding freedom within, partly by realizing that you are not your story. I wish everyone knew this and could practice it at all times, myself included. While they did not for me, I'm sure these stories and session summaries will resonate with many readers, and hopefully be helpful or inspirational. The author is on to something, and I wish him huge success in helping as many people as possible.

Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!

[Franz Schembri Wismayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin’s gentle wisdom and practical advice are born of clinical experience, profound understanding, and his own personal journey ... possibly the most useful book I have ever read.

[Winnie Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has questionable editing but the chosen stories are powerful.