REALISING THE ALL (GOD?)

A guide to spiritual and emotional health grounded in personal experience.

The author begins this thoughtful book by recounting his own journey from severe depression to transcendence. Sedhoff was born in Germany and, when he was 18 months old, joined his parents and older sister when they migrated to Australia in the mid-1960s. Growing up in Albury, a rural city of 30,000 people, he experienced painful depression and isolation throughout high school that only intensified when he moved to Sydney for college. After completing medical school, Sedhoff resigned from specialist training and embarked on a meditative journey to look inward, let go of old anger and resentments, and face his doubts and fears. This intense experience led to a connection with The All, or “what others might call The Source, The One that is everything.” He returned to medical practice and continued his journey, refining and developing his ideas to help others deal with depression and the pressures of modern life. The second half of the book expands upon and explains his process in practical terms. Understanding feelings is paramount: “Our feelings determine our human viewpoint—the fundamentals of our humanity.” The author outlines steps for learning to use feelings, underscoring their importance in making positive changes. Per Sedhoff, facing and resolving fear is a crucial process, since fear can be destructive on both the personal and societal levels. He identifies wealth, power, and status as three malicious objects of desire that contribute to disconnection and depression. Throughout, the author stresses the importance of persistence as “vital to making headway.” Sedhoff writes with bracing honesty about his childhood, the depths of his depression, and his difficulties with relationships. He presents concepts concisely, and their repetition in the book will help readers fully grasp them. The author’s unconventional approach to helping patients with depression in his medical practice demonstrates his empathy and insight. References to Sedhoff’s previous books will prove helpful for readers who want to delve deeper into his ideas.

A reflective and intriguing approach to connection and peace.