Body Eloquence: The Power of Myth and Story to Awaken the Body's Energies
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By: Nancy Mellon and Ashley Ramsden
Format: Paperback
From: Energy Psychology Press
Pub. Date: June 2008
From: Energy Psychology Press
Pub. Date: June 2008
Product Details:
Catalog: Book
Release Date: 2008-07-15
Media: Paperback
Number Of Pages: 253
Ean: 9781604150285
Isbn: 1604150289
Catalog: Book
Release Date: 2008-07-15
Media: Paperback
Number Of Pages: 253
Ean: 9781604150285
Isbn: 1604150289
ABOUT THE BOOK
EDITORIAL REVIEW
Have you ever had an ache or pain, and wished your body could talk to you and tell you what was wrong? You're not alone! Master storyteller Nancy Mellon, author of Body Eloquence, has guided scores of people through the process of giving their bodies a voice. Drawing from mythology, medicine, biology and energetic healing, she finds the essential stories that characterize each organ of the human body, and trains us how to use these resources to identify the messages that our organs are communicating to us.
The heart, for instance, is not just a durable pump, sending oxygenated blood to every cell. It's also a representation of goodwill; a heart-to-heart connection, or an openhearted friend, are universal stories we can all identify. But a hard-hearted person is one we all avoid. These archetypes are found in mythologies from Native American traditions to Scandinavian tribes to Greek history, and are woven together in a fascinating matrix in Body Eloquence, showing how our organs are part of our psyche, our history, and our collective mythology.
The heart, for instance, is not just a durable pump, sending oxygenated blood to every cell. It's also a representation of goodwill; a heart-to-heart connection, or an openhearted friend, are universal stories we can all identify. But a hard-hearted person is one we all avoid. These archetypes are found in mythologies from Native American traditions to Scandinavian tribes to Greek history, and are woven together in a fascinating matrix in Body Eloquence, showing how our organs are part of our psyche, our history, and our collective mythology.
USER REVIEWS
"As a psychologist, I found this book extremely interesting and creative. Towards the end of his life, Carl Jung, who explored many realms of the human psyche, urged us to consider the body in our transformational journey. He came to understand that the body's consciousness as well as the mind must be clarified. Nancy Mellon does just that in this book, linking the transformational story realm with the body's organs, needs and aspirations. A must read."
~ Written on 2008-10-19
~ Written on 2008-10-19
"Body Eloquence: The Power of Myth and Story to Awaken the Body's Energies
Nancy Mellon with Ashley Ramsden
Energy Psychology Press (2008)
ISBN 9781604150285
Who could not read Body Eloquence by Nancy Mellon without gaining a better idea of who one is, what human beings are and how wonderfully we are made? The chapter sequence of the book holds it in firm order and makes sense. Each chapter is devoted to an organ and enhanced with illustrations. Each is enlivened with stories that capture the essence of that organ. The stories are deft disclosures through which the reader can integrate the exercises with the role the organ plays in the health of the whole body.
Reflecting on the heart; living in one's own skin; becoming aware of a great spectrum of body experiences; inviting wonder at just how the interdependence of body and soul and caring for one's self are related: these and other essential themes are evoked in Body Eloquence. All with humor and wisdom.
Not being overly familiar with Traditional Chinese Medicine, I decided, not without some hesitation, to do many of the recommended exercises. I was surprised that the sensations were, in practicing the movements, just as the author said they would be, revealing of the part of the body being exercised. I never felt the organs individually before. If you have any doubts, just do the exercises.
By reading Body Eloquence, I hope every doctor, nurse and patient, every healing professional, will gain deeper insight into how we are made, and how better to care for ourselves and others. As the author says, "All our organs are instruments of our souls."
"
~ Written on 2008-09-20
Nancy Mellon with Ashley Ramsden
Energy Psychology Press (2008)
ISBN 9781604150285
Who could not read Body Eloquence by Nancy Mellon without gaining a better idea of who one is, what human beings are and how wonderfully we are made? The chapter sequence of the book holds it in firm order and makes sense. Each chapter is devoted to an organ and enhanced with illustrations. Each is enlivened with stories that capture the essence of that organ. The stories are deft disclosures through which the reader can integrate the exercises with the role the organ plays in the health of the whole body.
Reflecting on the heart; living in one's own skin; becoming aware of a great spectrum of body experiences; inviting wonder at just how the interdependence of body and soul and caring for one's self are related: these and other essential themes are evoked in Body Eloquence. All with humor and wisdom.
Not being overly familiar with Traditional Chinese Medicine, I decided, not without some hesitation, to do many of the recommended exercises. I was surprised that the sensations were, in practicing the movements, just as the author said they would be, revealing of the part of the body being exercised. I never felt the organs individually before. If you have any doubts, just do the exercises.
By reading Body Eloquence, I hope every doctor, nurse and patient, every healing professional, will gain deeper insight into how we are made, and how better to care for ourselves and others. As the author says, "All our organs are instruments of our souls."
"
~ Written on 2008-09-20
"This very beautifully written book brings us into a new, more intimate relationship with our bodies by exploring the mysteries--and the very distinct personalities--of our organs. What makes it compelling reading is the sense you have, with every page, that you are finally being given the long lost key to understanding your own quirks and shining qualities, as well as your darker impulses and illnesses.
According to Nancy Mellon, each of our organs plays a very specific role, not only in our physical health, but in the emotional and spiritual realms as well. In fact, the most interesting revelation here is that every person is dominated by one organ in particular -- skin, spleen, gallbladder, etc. -- and that as we come to know our own specific type, we can work to bring ourselves into healthy balance through the use of stories, exercises, even specific musical pieces that speak to our innermost selves.
Nancy Mellon is a psychotherapist, storyteller, former teacher, and lifelong student of the human body and all its mysteries. I get the feeling that this is the book she was put on the planet to write, bringing all these varied threads together into a work that may become a classic in the literature of personal growth and self-care. There certainly is a great deal of compassionate healing energy in these pages, much to learn about the innermost workings of our bodies, and above all, a treasure trove of stories. Personal stories, mythic stories, stories that hurt, and stories that heal. The book shows that the right story, unfolding in a place of love, is transformational.
I can imagine using the stories here with my children, and think this would be an extremely helpful book for other parents and teachers as they struggle to understand the children in their care. But above all, it helps us understand ourselves, with compassion and deep appreciation for our shortcomings and useful, practical suggestions for bringing ourselves back into healthy balance with the world.
It is worth mentioning that this book is beautifully designed, to be easily read and used. Readable type, generous pages, room for notes to self. . . "
~ Written on 2008-09-19
According to Nancy Mellon, each of our organs plays a very specific role, not only in our physical health, but in the emotional and spiritual realms as well. In fact, the most interesting revelation here is that every person is dominated by one organ in particular -- skin, spleen, gallbladder, etc. -- and that as we come to know our own specific type, we can work to bring ourselves into healthy balance through the use of stories, exercises, even specific musical pieces that speak to our innermost selves.
Nancy Mellon is a psychotherapist, storyteller, former teacher, and lifelong student of the human body and all its mysteries. I get the feeling that this is the book she was put on the planet to write, bringing all these varied threads together into a work that may become a classic in the literature of personal growth and self-care. There certainly is a great deal of compassionate healing energy in these pages, much to learn about the innermost workings of our bodies, and above all, a treasure trove of stories. Personal stories, mythic stories, stories that hurt, and stories that heal. The book shows that the right story, unfolding in a place of love, is transformational.
I can imagine using the stories here with my children, and think this would be an extremely helpful book for other parents and teachers as they struggle to understand the children in their care. But above all, it helps us understand ourselves, with compassion and deep appreciation for our shortcomings and useful, practical suggestions for bringing ourselves back into healthy balance with the world.
It is worth mentioning that this book is beautifully designed, to be easily read and used. Readable type, generous pages, room for notes to self. . . "
~ Written on 2008-09-19
"Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (9/08)
Nancy Mellon's "Body Eloquence" is a truly wondrous book. From the absolutely beautiful cover to the very last page of it, I could not find fault with it. The way the author wove together storytelling, science, medicine, myths, exercises and more was incredibly marvelous. There was no way to put it down, and no way that I would voluntarily decide to part with this book for good, although I plan to get a few copies for those near and dear to me.
The best way to describe the impact of this work on me would be with a little personal story. Years ago, as a perennially broke student, I lived on the banks of a great big river. I wear eyeglasses and my prescription changes often. Well, I was broke, so for a few years I could not afford new lenses. When I finally got a new pair of glasses, I remember looking at the river bank and thinking, "Wow, I never realized there were all those pebbles and rocks on the shore." All of a sudden I could REALLY see, and what I saw was beautiful. This book made me look at my body in a whole new way, and I found it utterly fascinating.
Ms. Mellon reintroduces us to different body organs, and all of a sudden we see many layers of their roles and meaning for our entire body. She retells stories and myths, makes us see what really matters and what we have been missing and also introduces a wonderful healing technique, which trough the art of storytelling helps us to get our bodies in perfect balance. Both the mental and the physical exercises described in "Body Eloquence" are simple enough, yet I have no doubt that they will prove very useful in everyday life. Such holistic approach to wellbeing is one I deeply respect and I have learned to appreciate it more and more.
Wonderfully fluid and engaging writing, exciting ideas and exercises, imaginative stories and attractive illustrations, and lovely content all contribute to the enjoyment of this book. Get a copy for yourself and a few more for those people in your life about whom you care. "Body Eloquence" by Nancy Mellon with Ashley Ramsden would make a perfect personal gift.
"
~ Written on 2008-09-17
Nancy Mellon's "Body Eloquence" is a truly wondrous book. From the absolutely beautiful cover to the very last page of it, I could not find fault with it. The way the author wove together storytelling, science, medicine, myths, exercises and more was incredibly marvelous. There was no way to put it down, and no way that I would voluntarily decide to part with this book for good, although I plan to get a few copies for those near and dear to me.
The best way to describe the impact of this work on me would be with a little personal story. Years ago, as a perennially broke student, I lived on the banks of a great big river. I wear eyeglasses and my prescription changes often. Well, I was broke, so for a few years I could not afford new lenses. When I finally got a new pair of glasses, I remember looking at the river bank and thinking, "Wow, I never realized there were all those pebbles and rocks on the shore." All of a sudden I could REALLY see, and what I saw was beautiful. This book made me look at my body in a whole new way, and I found it utterly fascinating.
Ms. Mellon reintroduces us to different body organs, and all of a sudden we see many layers of their roles and meaning for our entire body. She retells stories and myths, makes us see what really matters and what we have been missing and also introduces a wonderful healing technique, which trough the art of storytelling helps us to get our bodies in perfect balance. Both the mental and the physical exercises described in "Body Eloquence" are simple enough, yet I have no doubt that they will prove very useful in everyday life. Such holistic approach to wellbeing is one I deeply respect and I have learned to appreciate it more and more.
Wonderfully fluid and engaging writing, exciting ideas and exercises, imaginative stories and attractive illustrations, and lovely content all contribute to the enjoyment of this book. Get a copy for yourself and a few more for those people in your life about whom you care. "Body Eloquence" by Nancy Mellon with Ashley Ramsden would make a perfect personal gift.
"
~ Written on 2008-09-17
"I ordered this book (1) because it came highly recommended by brilliant healer Donna Eden, who said she's thinking of making it required reading for her Eden Energy Medicine certification course, (2) I love stories and books about storytelling, and (3) I'm very interested in body symbology in terms of healing.
I imagine it would be wonderful to engage healing storytelling with the author as a guide in person, but for the most part, the vibrancy that Donna Eden noted escaped me. The book is liberally sprinkled with stories throughout, which I was prepared to be delighted by.
But I found the stories to be annoyingly bloodless, nicey-nicey, politically correct fairy tales that didn't grab me at all. (Full disclosure: as a 6-year-old, I hated sanitized fairy tales! I always went for the scary ones with evil ogres and witches and damsels in dire distress. So maybe it's just me!)
As a matter of fact, I througoughly read the intro (which was intriguing and filled me with anticipation) and the first chapter. I just "spot-skimmed" through the rest, hoping to find the parts Donna felt were "thrilling." I just felt so bored by what I was reading that I just could not go on!
For instance, in the first chapter, whose subject is the Heart, the author lists the "Basic Heart Story Dynamic" as "Anger becomes unconditional love." I have had a profoundly powerful personal experience of this dynamic, but I found the stories that were supposed to express this annoyingly tepid and lifeless.
In terms of what the various organs represent, I found the stories which are supposed to stimulate and awaken those energies too broad to really get any sort of sense or resonance about the nature the whatever organ it represented for the most part.
I'm giving this book the benefit of the doubt with 3 stars - if Donna Eden loved it so much, I must be missing something!
"
~ Written on 2008-09-16
I imagine it would be wonderful to engage healing storytelling with the author as a guide in person, but for the most part, the vibrancy that Donna Eden noted escaped me. The book is liberally sprinkled with stories throughout, which I was prepared to be delighted by.
But I found the stories to be annoyingly bloodless, nicey-nicey, politically correct fairy tales that didn't grab me at all. (Full disclosure: as a 6-year-old, I hated sanitized fairy tales! I always went for the scary ones with evil ogres and witches and damsels in dire distress. So maybe it's just me!)
As a matter of fact, I througoughly read the intro (which was intriguing and filled me with anticipation) and the first chapter. I just "spot-skimmed" through the rest, hoping to find the parts Donna felt were "thrilling." I just felt so bored by what I was reading that I just could not go on!
For instance, in the first chapter, whose subject is the Heart, the author lists the "Basic Heart Story Dynamic" as "Anger becomes unconditional love." I have had a profoundly powerful personal experience of this dynamic, but I found the stories that were supposed to express this annoyingly tepid and lifeless.
In terms of what the various organs represent, I found the stories which are supposed to stimulate and awaken those energies too broad to really get any sort of sense or resonance about the nature the whatever organ it represented for the most part.
I'm giving this book the benefit of the doubt with 3 stars - if Donna Eden loved it so much, I must be missing something!
"
~ Written on 2008-09-16