Product Description

This collection features the latest writings of Richard Strozzi Heckler, martial artist, psychotherapist, and teacher. Well known for his book, In Search of the Warrior Spirit Heckler is known for being able to "hold the center in times of confusion." In this new book, Heckler brings together his insights on a variety of subjects, including his new interest in building community.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #156155 in Books
• Published on: 1997-03-17
• Released on: 1997-03-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 152 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781883319540
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"What a story this is! Heckler’s chronicle of the army’s daring experiment in awareness training for twenty-five Green Berets is a must read for anyone interested in the role of the warrior in a technological age. But more than that, it is an illumination of courage and vulnerability and what it means to be a man. I couldn’t put it down."
-George Leonard, author of Mastery and The Ultimate Athlete

About the Author
Richard Strozzi Heckler co-founded Lomi School, a major school of bodywork, and Tamalpais Aikido. He has pioneered the use of aikido, meditation, and bodywork with disturbed children, inner-city gangs, several branches of the military, and corporate executives. His books are The Anatomy of Change, Aikido and the New Warrior, and In Search of the Warrior Spirit. He directs Rancho Strozzi Institute in Petaluma, California.

Customer Reviews

Beautiful, timeless, and nice intro to somatics too!
Richard Strozzi-Heckler's book is a collection of essays, each standing on its own, but weaving a theme that Richard teaches in all of his programs -- a place of "center."

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
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.

'Holding The Center' is a great read.
This is a very intimate story of the author growing up and 'becoming'. He excellent writing style made me not want to put the book down, and the message and inspiration were priceless. That alone is well worth the price of the book, and the time spent reading it.

Add to that some real quality information that is helping me calm my mind while at the same time achieve my goals in life. I'm learning that real power and fulfillment can be a very relaxing endeavor.