Wisdom of the Body Moving: An Introduction to Body-Mind Centering

This comprehensive guide introduces Body-Mind Centering, the internationally recognized field pioneered by dancer and occupational therapist Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen. Devoting thirty-five years to a systematic investigation of the relations between bodily experience and the anatomical maps of science, Bainbridge Cohen independently discovered many of the principles that underlie Feldenkrais work, cranial osteopathy, Rolfing, dance therapy, and Zero Balancing. Experienced BMC practitioner Linda Hartley demonstrates the basic philosophy and key elements of Body-Mind Centering. Drawing on animal and infant movements, she takes readers through the wondrous realms of Bainbridge Cohen's pantheon--from the 'minds' of the skeletal and muscular systems to the quite different inner lives of digestive, lymphatic, urinary, respiratory, vocal, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive organs. Her choreography ultimately brings us into the states of consciousness of skins, cells, blood, fat, cerebrospinal fluid, nervous system, and brain. Hartley's explorations of the images, feelings, sensations, and intuitions of the diverse organs and cells lead to exercises that gently guide students in ways of discovering and integrating their bodies' multidimensional aspects.

Author: Linda Hartley
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Published: 10/17/1995
Pages: 384
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.65lbs
Size: 9.24h x 7.38w x 1.08d
ISBN: 9781556431746


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 12/15/1995 pg. 676

About the Author
Linda Hartley is a physical therapist specializing in mind-body movement, alignment, and awareness. A former dancer and choreographer, Hartley combined her previous experience and knowledge to develop the Institute for Integrative Bodywork and Movement Therapy. She has taught courses world-wide, including in Germany and Russia. Her published works include Wisdom of the Body Moving: An Introduction to Body-Mind Centering and Somatic Psychology: Body, Mind and Meaning.