Customer Reviews

The Healing Heart

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Heard THE HEALING HEART by Norman Cousins (author of
ANATOMY OF AN ILLNESS, one of my all-time favorite books).

In THE HEALING HEART, he describes his experience as a
heart attack survivor, and tells how to both overcome panic and
utilize the body's magnificent healing powers . . . as he notes,
"Death is not the enemy. Living in constant fear of it is."

Furthermore, "Nothing is more essential to the treatment of
serious disease than liberating the patient from panic and he notes,
"Death is not the enemy. Living in constant fear of it is."

Furthermore, "Nothing is more essential to the treatment of
serious disease than liberating the patient from panic and
foreboding." Toward that end, Cousins strongly advocates--as
he did in ANATOMNY OF AN ILLNESS--that "laughter is
an antidote to apprehension and panic."

One passage, in particular, had me chucking to myself when
I was driving home one night . . . he described finding out
about a surprise party that was going to be held for him
(to celebrate his recovery) . . . so he went to it in disguise,
completely fooling those in attendance--including his wife
and daughter . . . his thinking, "What better way to celebrate
such events than with laughter?"

William Conrad's narration greatly added to my enjoyment
of this book . . . you'll like it, as well, whether you listen to
or read it . . . please do so, particularly if you're a heart attack
survivor or know somebody who is.

Norman Cousins the legendary editor of 'Saturday Review of Books' presents in this work his philosophy of living with , and overcoming illness. Much of this has to do with the patient's attitude toward himself, his physician, the world as a whole. Cousins again and again emphasizes the importance of having a positive attitude, a hopeful and joyful outlook on life. He especially warns against the dangers of panicing and subjecting oneself to undue stress. He as a highly curious, and also very social person knows many of the major heart- researchers personally. This work also thus tells about his meeting with, and learning from them. He stresses again and again the importance of the physician caring for the patient. He speaks about how many technicians of medicine fail their patients by ignoring their 'human' side. Cousins comes across as an extremely likeable and friendly person, one whose aim is to truly help others. He is also a very good writer, and the work flows and is a pleasurable read.
The lessons he teaches here have become 'commonplace truths' though they were less so at the time of his writing. I suspect many readers of this work will come away from it with an improved sense of the proper way to deal with illness.

Norman Cousins was a great story-teller. Relating his own experiences in "Anatomy of an Illness, and "The Healing Heart".

His ability to share his personal journey through his illness, and determination to take charge of his own destiny to achieve better health when standard medical treatment could do no more was then and still is inspiring.

My only regret is that I never had the chance to meet him personally and discuss his will to live and take charge of his own life.

Norman made wonderful references to great men and how they dealt with physical adversity such as Albert Schweitzer is still inspirational.

Both books are must read for the layman and medical professional.

A timeless book on managing the stress and health issues of living, by Norman Cousins. Published in 83' this is a no spin book that reminds us , that when dealing with the big and small of life , keep these concepts in mind.....Hope, Creativity, Will to Live, Playfulness and forge a partnership with your physician. Work together. Build trust with him/her. I have given many of these away to physician friends. If you are interested in your health care, if you are interested in the big picture of meaning.....get...this..book.