The Biodynamic Heart - by Michael J Shea (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A guide to biodynamic manual therapy practices for spiritual and heart health

- 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.

Review Quotes

"The Biodynamic Heart is a manual for advanced healers seeking to penetrate beneath the surface of symptoms into the heart itself."-- "Will Johnson, author of Breathing through the Whole Body"

"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."-- "Peter A Levine, Ph.D., author of In an Unspoken Voice and An Autobiography of Trauma"

"An invaluable gem for all readers on the path to connecting deeply with their own heart or the hearts of those they touch."-- "Jörg Schürpf, coauthor of Osteothai, the Poetry of Touch"

"As an integrative physician, I appreciate how Shea's work serves as a bridge between the scientific and spiritual aspects of health, providing valuable insights for both practitioners and patients."-- "C. Danielle DiPiero, DO, board-certified family physician"

"In The Biodynamic Heart, Shea unveils his traumatic journey and how to uncover the courage of the heart to heal. You cannot read this book and not touch into your own heart as his words resonate within. It is more than a book on craniosacral therapy; it is a deep dive into one's own inner world of the heart and the ideas and beliefs within it."-- "Lisa Upledger, DC, CST-D, fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture"

"Michael brings the wide perspective of how trauma contributes to heart disease, which is directly linked to one's own spiritual healing of the most painful wounds. This book brings the urgency of healing the world's traumas that affect our hearts and the heart of planet Earth."-- "Efu Nyaki, author of Healing Trauma through Family Constellations and Somatic Experiencing"

"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."-- "Anna Chitty, cofounder of Colorado School of Energy Studies"

"Michael Shea provides transformative practices to release deep emotional wounds, realign the physical and spiritual heart, and awaken compassion as an embodied presence. This book is invaluable for those committed to heart-centered healing and the restoration of love in our world."-- "Wendy Anne McCarty, Ph.D., author of Welcoming Consciousness"

"Michael Shea's latest book, The Biodynamic Heart, may be his masterpiece. Drawing on many years of experience, this journey of the heart is enriched by fascinating stories of birth, death, and the semi-embodied in-between shamanic states."-- "Cherionna Menzam-Sills, Ph.D., author of The Prenatal Shadow"

"My first experience with Michael was during a biodynamic heart course. Through the deepening of the anatomy and physiology of the heart, I experienced a new approach to my physical and spiritual heart. A wonderful journey began that has not yet ended."-- "Susanna Herrgesell, MD, craniosacral osteopathy practitioner, Austria"

"Shea has provided a strong impulse in this book to finally set the foundations for the long-awaited bridge between Western and Eastern health practices."-- "Luisa Brancolini, chair of the Association Craniosacral Therapy Italy (ACSI)"

"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!"-- "Dale G. Alexander, Ph.D., certified Integrated Awareness teacher"

"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."-- "Mickey Sperlich, Ph.D., CPM, coauthor of Survivor Moms"

"This book is a wonderful combination of biodynamic cardiovascular therapy and spirituality, all underpinned by Michael Shea's love for people. This book is a mustread for any bodyworker who wants to grow in compassion."-- "Carlos Rodeiro HP, biodynamic cardiovascular therapy teacher, Europe"

"This book offers tremendous value! What an incredible read!"-- "Ellen Groesser, MSc, RCST, teacher at BioStillness International School"

"This book will ignite the practitioner to a sense of awe, wonder, and love for the connection between our hearts and hands that flows through biodynamic cardiovascular therapy."-- "Sarah Nesling, biodynamic craniosacral therapist"

"This is a book destined to become a reference for craniosacral therapy as well as for traditional osteopathy and other disciplines."-- "Óscar Sánchez Martínez, osteopath and biodynamic craniosacral therapist, Madrid"

"This transformative guide empowers holistic practitioners to embrace the physical and spiritual dimensions of healing, birth, loss, and life itself, giving practitioners invaluable tools to guide and support the healing journeys of others."-- "Cissi Williams, author of Your Heart Knows How to Heal You"

About the Author

Michael J. Shea, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in somatic psychology from the Union Institute and has taught at the Upledger Institute, the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, and the International University for Professional Studies. He is a founding board member of the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America. He is the author of several books, including The Biodynamics of the Immune System, and lives in Juno Beach, Florida.