Bodywise [Paperback]

I own a lot of books on optimum brain performance as part of relentless seach for better understanding - & application - of peak performance technologies. I know very well that peak performance depends very much on the brain working in perfect harmony & close integration with the body. I therefore also own quite a lot of books about enhancing body performance.

This is one of them, which is also one of the few I always keep on my immediate shelf for quick reference.

Although it has been written essentially as an introduction to Hellerwork, I find the authors' intellectual work in creating the connection between life issues & natural bodily alignment very illuminating. Additionally, he shows how to restore the body's natural balance from the inside out.

Obviously both authors have profound understanding of the human body & its possibilities for maximum health & efficiency.

I did not realise that one of the authors (Joseph Heller) was an aerospace engineer by training until I read this book. This probably explains the logical structure & systematic layout of the various chapters as follows:

PART I: KNOWLEDGE OF BODY
The Body in Everyday Life
The Body's Role in the Strcutures of Consciousness
The Plasticity of the Human Body
Bodywork

PART II: BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
Introduction to Hellerwork
The Thoracic Cavity
Understanding or Standing on Your Own Two Feet
Reaching Out
Control & Surrender
Gut feelings or Let It All Hang Out
Holding Back
Losing Your Head
The Balancing Act
Integration & Coming Out

I only wish that there were more visual/graphic illustrations to go with the various chapters.

To me, the authors sum up the book very beautifully. Let me recap their exact words in the last chapter: "...Enlightenment is not something that ony happen when you meditate, chant your mantra, listen to your favourite piece of music: It is something that happens every day, in the way you move, relate to others, work, cook supper, brush your teeth. The challenge or purpose of life is to experience it as fully as possible at every moment. Your body is both vehicle & metaphor for your process: When the hologram is integrated with the being, the result is enlightenment." [The authors use the hologram, in an abstract sense, to represent the exact physical expression of a person's mind & spirit; in a concrete sense, any part of the body may be seen to reflect & contain everything there is to know about the whole body, just like a hologram.]

On the whole, the many ideas in this book are definitely worth exploring from the standpoint of becoming a full-time owner of your own body!

I learned a lot about my body from reading this book, especially why I get stuck. The connection between what I think or believe and how it manifests in my body couldn't be better explained. It was a real eye opener. I also enjoyed the practical suggestions for getting aligned and balanced, particularly undulation, one of my favorite exercises.

Anita Boser, author of Relieve Stiffness and Feel Young Again with Undulation

One of the most edible books that has ever entertained my soul. I feel this is a must read for anyone curious about the human body, or anyone just looking for a good read. The book is more a novelty of human curiosity rather than a manual of anatomy or hellerwork of any sort (which is what I had in mind when i bought it) but I urge anyone and everyone to indulge.

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