• Explores the author’s contemplative model and techniques of Biodynamic Cardiovascular Therapy as a means to optimize heart function and heal spiritual wounds
• Examines the epidemic of heart disease as a physical manifestation of a worldwide degeneration of empathy and compassion
• Includes contributions from Michelle Doyle, Bill Harvey, Mary Monro, Cathy Shea, Ann Diamond Weinstein, Barry Williams, and Friedrich Wolf
Exploring the nature of trauma and spirituality as it relates to the cardiovascular system, somatic psychologist Michael J. Shea examines the pervasive epidemic of heart disease as a physical manifestation of a worldwide degeneration of empathy and compassion. He presents therapeutic practices to bring our hearts back into greater balance. Sharing his own experience as a young Army officer who survived a terrorist bombing attack and the profound awakening of compassion that followed, the author looks at the interconnection between traumatic experience and metabolic functioning. Examining the metaphysical causes of heart disease, Shea explains that we must empty our hearts of complex and damaging emotions, particularly anger and hatred, and allow ourselves space for empathy, compassion, and the ability to fully grieve loss to awaken to profound love.
Providing techniques to directly address heart trauma and heal spiritual wounds, Shea explores in depth his contemplative system of Biodynamic Cardiovascular Therapy. He shares multiple hands-on tools, including visualizations, subtle perception methods, and manual therapy practices rooted in Eastern and Western traditions. Illuminating how to heal the heart at the spiritual level, the author reveals how to enter a state of harmony with the cosmos and restore love and compassion as a living quality of an embodied heart.
“A breathtaking journey to understanding the many facets of the heart—from the physical/physiological to the sensory, the emotional, and the metaphysical. While the book is written for the professional bodyworker, it is also accessible to all types of depth therapists as well as to lay people interested in a deeper understanding of their ‘home’ in this incarnation, that is, their living, feeling, knowing bodies.”
“Michael Shea has been a leader in the teaching and practice of biodynamic craniosacral therapy for decades. His new book, The Biodynamic Heart, brings together ancient wisdom, modern science, and osteopathic teachings to illuminate how the heart, both physically and spiritually, is at the heart of biodynamic work.”
“This book is a unique resource for practitioners seeking to enhance their practice and understanding of self and for anyone seeking to connect heart-to-heart in their healing journey. The Biodynamic Heart is an important contribution to the mind-body-spirit literature and a resource that one will keep coming back to on the journey of finding one’s own unique heart and fostering healing.”
“The wisdom and invitations of this book are compelling! Compassion serves as one’s compass and map. Our bodies have an innate capacity to heal. Discover what is possible for you!”
