David Williams

Before the Introduction to his book a ‘Quiet Mind’ Sean Blackwell of Canada, Brazil, the World dedicates “To those who have been stamped Bi-polar, your time will come”. Well my time has come to write this book review. I came the classic way to read this stirring and moving autobiography., through Sean’s You Tube Channel ‘Bipolar or Waking Up’. From there I gravitated to becoming a member of New Light Beings and from there I had the opportunity to read a Quiet Mind. The title, a head nod to the oft quoted Bipolar Expert Dr Kay Redfield Jamison who wrote an ‘Unquiet Mind.

Sean’s book is very personal and like his videos he lays himself bare. Unlike Dr Jamison Sean does talk about his episode in great detail. It was Dr Stan Grof who became very influential in Sean’s understanding of what happened to him. He coined the term Spiritual Emergency to define the beneficial Manic Episode. ‘Discovering you are not alone is a huge relief for many’, Sean says and the number of people worldwide who write to Sean and comment on his videos are a testament to this sense of universal relief but it took a brave man to open the gates to something which has become a flood. A ’Quiet Mind’ is the testament of a very brave man, a man who is not scared to dig deep amongst his background, upbringing and family to find the answers that led to his own spiritual emergency.

‘Somewhere on the way from high school to university to the world of advertising, life had lost its magic’. In his book Sean describes this loss and of how he re-discovered the magic amongst the ancient temples of Peru and in the rainforests of Brazil and in the arms of a loved one. Sean believes that it was a near death experience that sparked his spiritual emergency but it appears that enrolling on a course called the Forum which triggered it.

It is after the emergency that the book really takes off in Part Two ‘The Struggle for Integrity’. I believe from hearing a number of peoples stories that their emergencies are very dramatic but it is the journey afterwards that holds the most interest. This is where the challenge lies, in gaining insight into your condition and in finding that safe and gentle place. It was during this period that Sean discovered his psychic potential which in turn led him to discover the wonders of the printed word and the video channel. Sean was shedding his old skin and it is in Part Three déjà vu that we discover, what Sean discovered.

I found Sean’s life story exciting. I believe that he is on a Mission, and that Mission, like the film has him in Brazil. He has brought light and understanding to a condition that appears to imprison or release, dependant on your state of mind.
Thank’s to Sean Blackwell and his quiet mind, I am nearly a year free of medications after being diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder. He has inspired me to write my own story and if that is half as well written as his own story then I will be a happy man. Obrigada Sean and Ligia.

Zoe...

Sean,
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story. After reading a few paragraphs I was riveted and immediately bought a copy. It's entertaining, insightful, fascinating, honest.... wonderful.

It's so refreshing to see an account like yours, from the perspective of a person open to a wider view of things and who feels happy and healthy having come out the other side. Thank you so much.

Zoe

D J....

Hi Sean,


I'm not sure if you remember me emailing you the first time but I just finished reading your book and was extremely moved by it. I feel it has also given me a better perspective into my experiences thus far and for that I cannot thank you enough. I also cannot thank you enough for you helping me promote my own beliefs that medication IS NOT THE WAY FORWARD. Medication made me feel completely ignorant towards my thoughts, feelings, beliefs, ideals and emotions to the point where my brain functionality felt like it had completely broken down. Where-as I felt like I used to be able to think in great depth it felt like there was some kind of blockage in my head that was preventing me from rationally completing my own individual thought process which felt both unnatural and unhealthy. Taking the particular medication that I was on (Prozac) not only gave me chronic stomache aches but I also believe that it contributed to my self harming as I felt even more trapped inside myself as I was not able to think things through or piece things together. I have stopped taking the medication for about 2 weeks now and although I do not feel any less in touch with my mind, I hope that I will do over time. I do not want to repress things any further, I want to feel them and understand them so that I can fully heal and understand myself on a much deeper level.

Allison in Nebraska

Hi Sean,

I just finished reading your book! I have been reading it a little each night as to not find myself too overwhelmed. Now that I am finished I am very overwhelmed :). In a very good way! I loved reading your story! It was entertaining and enriching. It was a great conformation to what I have been experiencing but in a seemingly more tangible way than I'm used to. It seemed to come out like a story your friend would tell you as opposed to what can seem like a far off mythical person. I love remembering and reinforcing what I already know. I love how you relay the importance of dreams and synchronism. That speaks to me deeply. The book brought a lot of past to the forefront of my mind. Leaves you feeling kind of manic :) Better than being numb!

Allison

Alex in Toronto...

Wow Sean
I am reading your story and it has brought some tears to my eyes.
This reminds me of how there is so much purpose to know and so little attention we pay to it.
Its as if we were slowly forced into a play we hate and we are in it still by the force of inertia deciding to keep acting it.
Im very grateful for yourEbook, and- its 12 am here in Toronto, but I just cant stop reading it for now!

Alex

Rene from Canada

Sean,

I just finished your book!

I absolutely love it... very brave and courageous on your part, a venture I am quite thankful that you took on!

I love the level of honesty, in which you reveal your human foibles (farting) lol..... that was funny!! Warts and all, so to speak!

Now my hubby wants to read your book too!

"I spread my arms out like Jesus "
Take it take it take it.....

"You are in this world but not of it............ !!"
I totally related to this as well.


Thank you Sean for being you! :-)

Kumail in Jersey City

I believe that sean's book will revolutionize the way people look at and bipolar and treat manic symptoms. The compassion he shows to people going through mania helped them tremendously. I believe Sean has more expertise than any other Psychiatrist because he has been there and can relate to the experiences of a bipolar person. If anyone believes they are going through mania or have gone through mania would definately benefit from this book. I really appreciate the honesty and integrity of this book.