Holding the Center: Sanctuary in a Time of Confusion

I am studying somatics with Richard through his Strozzi Institute, and I keep returning to "Holding the Center," re-reading his stories and distinctions around what creates center in our lives (connection to self, place, others, etc.).

Later in this slim collection, you'll find rich descriptions of somatic length (connection to what we care about), somatic width (how we connect on the social dimension), and somatic depth (how we connect our inner and outer worlds).

Richard describes many ways in which our bodies tell stories, such as the fallen, caved-in stance of "capitulation," which has lost connection to vision and a meaningful "for sake of what" in life. He talks about the balance between "containment" and "contact" in the social dimension. And, he talks about the different shapes of the "emerging self" compared to the current physical form in a person's body. The sections on somatics are really quite rich.

Study of the body is a gift, since the body can only live in the present, "never lies," and is how we put our inspiration and ideas into action in the world.

Spend time with this book. It is poetic at times and always thought-provoking.


An excellent makes-you-think book   March 27, 2000
 18 out of 23 found this review helpful

I don't know what words I can use to adequately describe Dr. Heckler's work. Enlightening, thought provoking and comforting are among the few. As a former serviceman and martial artist this book provided me with a wonderful insight into the world around me. Dr. Heckler has put a wonderful mix of real life experiences and combined them with a incredible insight. I was particularily moved with the section on 'Community' when he attended an international health converence and met an Ojibway Native American named Russell. I have read this book many times when things in my life get complicated and I would recommend it highly to anyone who seeks a balance in their life, or just a relaxing feel-good book for rainy days.