CFS is a Call For Soulwork : Testimonial

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Book Review
by the Editor at sleepydust.com, an international website for ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia

"Of all the CFS books I have read so far, this is one of my favorites. As you might imagine, as Editor of Sleepydust, I do not say this lightly!

So why do I like this book so much? It is perhaps because this book takes a similar stance to that of Sleepydust. There are many books and websites out there that present a dry, factual portrayal of this illness. And there are others that paint a very negative and downright depressing picture of it.

CFS/ME in itself is difficult enough to cope with. To then have to read through reams of uninspiring (and sometimes even downright disheartening) words is hardly a cheery thought. When you are affected by CFS/ME, you are probably in a more urgent need of support and positivity in your life than ever before. For the sake of your own wellbeing, it's absolutely crucial to take a fresh, nuturing perspective of yourself, your illness, and your life. Sadly though, this kind of thing is often overlooked, or even snubbed and belittled.

This nuturing approach to yourself, your life, and your illness is explored in Gretchen Brooks Nassar's charming book titled 'CFS is a Call For Soulwork.' Her book goes beyond the usual medical jargon and explores less chartered waters---aspects of the soul.

Nassar approaches a rather touchy and controversial subject: Seeing CFS as your friend as opposed to your enemy...

Indeed, it reminds me of something I saw on the 'Oprah Winfrey' show, years ago. Its meaning struck me like a bolt of lightning and I have never forgotten it. It has carried me through difficult times.

So what is it?

It was that the Chinese symbol for 'crisis,' is apparently the same as the symbol for 'opportunity.' Indeed, if you see life through these eyes, you can find a sliver lining in every cloud, no matter how ominous it may be.

Nassar's chapters about embracing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and 'befriending the pain,' shine a different light on issues that we often don't give a second thought about. How many of us focus solely on the negatives without even realizing it?

Nassar talks about how, in many traditions, illnesses (including CFS) are seen as energetic imbalances. She talks you through the chakras, and even provides a chapter called 'body basics' towards the back of the book.

Nassar also stresses the importance of just being yourself. She talks about the desparate isolation you can often face when suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She explores how fear, frustration, shame and so forth can hinder your healing process. And how you really can be your own best healer.

You can tell that great thought and heart-felt honesty has gone into this book. Even the layout is a 'CFS-friendly' one. There's lots of white space, and there's a short summary at the end of each chapter, which Nassar refers to as 'Gems.'

This is an inspirational book after my own heart. At its roots, Sleepydust shares many of the concepts that Nassar's book is also based on. I'm happy to see that, for once, here is a book that shines a guiding light for those CFS/ME Sufferers out there who have lost hope and who feel so desperately empty,lost, and isolated.

Well worth a read."