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Bodymind
An established classic in its field, Ken Dychtwald's Bodymind has been updated in this latest edition to reflect the author's ongoing exploration of the vital body and mind connection. Integrating ancient Eastern knowledge with the pioneering contemporary work of Wilheim Reich, Moshe Feldenkrais, Fritz Perls, and with his own intuitive observations, Dychtwald presents a comprehensive study on the body and mind relationship in an analytic yet highly readable style.
Through Dychtwald's engaging, experiential narrative, the reader is drawn into an illuminating journey toward higher self-awareness with practical applications in everyday life. Articulating the complex relationship between body type, personality, and experience, Dychtwald suggests methods for obtaining deeper self-knowledge of physical, emotional, and sexual makeup, and relates techniques for releasing repressed feelings, as well as self-healing and increased energy.
Through Dychtwald's engaging, experiential narrative, the reader is drawn into an illuminating journey toward higher self-awareness with practical applications in everyday life. Articulating the complex relationship between body type, personality, and experience, Dychtwald suggests methods for obtaining deeper self-knowledge of physical, emotional, and sexual makeup, and relates techniques for releasing repressed feelings, as well as self-healing and increased energy.
300 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 12, 2023
During the New Age Years (1980-12/21/12) I adored this book. Hence the rating.
Later in this review I'll also give my current opinion. Sadly, this would accord "Bodymind" the rating of * star.
Basically, Ken Dychtwald's perspective in "Bodymind" emphasizes a symbolic view of how bodies are structured. He mixes in plenty of ideas from holistic healing, demonstrating a special fondness for Rolfing.
MOST INTERESTING TO ME, THEN
In detail, Ken described five different ways of looking at our physical bodies. I'll rephrase these slightly, for clarity:
1. Right side vs. left side
2. Upper half vs. lower half
3. Front vs. back
4. Head vs. the rest of the body
5. Torso vs. limbs
NOW FOR MY CURRENT PERSPECTIVE ON "BODYMIND"
Although I'm no Ken Dychtwald (an accomplished man indeed) I do know something about observing physical characteristics, then interpreting them in a way intended to be helpful for readers.
If you go to my author page here on Goodreads, one of the titles you'll see is The NEW Power of Face Reading. (Also there's the earlier edition, The Power of Face Reading.)
Why MENTION THIS? BEAR WITH ME A BIT AND YOU'LL SEE WHERE I'M GOING
From my perspective, Dychtwald has furnished a holistic-and-healing perspective about "Bodymind," as if every owner of a body were obligated to do enough self-help to fix themselves. Namely, it would be sooooooooooo good (supposedly) for his readers to "heal" imbalances in their bodies --"imbalances" that practically amount to spiritual character flaws.
For instance, see his gently scathing interpretation of flat feet.
Also, if you happen to know anyone with flat feet, by all means... Ask, "Have you been trying to improve yourself holistically in order to get over that personal limitation?" (Actually, please don't ask that. Joke-ish!)
PHYSIOGNOMY, OR READING FACES FOR CHARACTER, PREDATES "BODYMIND" BY 5,000 YEARS
Although Ken Dychtwald's book is the first of its kind that I've read, it's quite a different story when it comes to the related art of face reading. By the 1990's, I had supplemented personal study by camping out at the Library of Congress here in Washington, D.C. There I read (at least part) of every single face reading book ever published in English.
Sure enough, compared with these books, my perspective on how to read faces was different. I would go on to trademark my more contemporary system as Face Reading Secrets®.
HERE'S THE CONNECTION
Just about every other system of physiognomy that you'll find takes an approach much like Mr. Dychtwald's:
* Judgmental about anything non-standard.
* Shocked, shocked! to find any face data unlike what (White) movie stars would show onscreen.
* In short, that's such a prescriptive perspective.
That kind man, Ken, added some self-improvement because, really, how could he not? Especially since he published this book during the New Age Years.
I'M HERE TO TELL YOU, THERE'S A BETTER WAY. A MORE HUMAN WAY.
Observing and typing and seeking meaning??? All can be wonderful pursuits.
When it comes to interpretations, however, we can stop blaming people for their individuality. (Or doing a thinly disguised patronizing act about how "grounded" somebody's foot structure might be.)
With the system I developed after first falling in love with "Bodymind," I was able to set it up so that every characteristic has:
* Both a talent.
* And also a potential challenge, that can be overcome.
Altogether a different way to learn about people. Maybe a more human way.
IN CONCLUSION
Personally, I'm glad that I'm no longer stuck on the holistic idealism of those transitional New Age years. Although I'm in no position to write an upgrade to "Bodymind"... somebody is. It might even be you, Ken Dychtwald, wherever you are.
Later in this review I'll also give my current opinion. Sadly, this would accord "Bodymind" the rating of * star.
Basically, Ken Dychtwald's perspective in "Bodymind" emphasizes a symbolic view of how bodies are structured. He mixes in plenty of ideas from holistic healing, demonstrating a special fondness for Rolfing.
MOST INTERESTING TO ME, THEN
In detail, Ken described five different ways of looking at our physical bodies. I'll rephrase these slightly, for clarity:
1. Right side vs. left side
2. Upper half vs. lower half
3. Front vs. back
4. Head vs. the rest of the body
5. Torso vs. limbs
NOW FOR MY CURRENT PERSPECTIVE ON "BODYMIND"
Although I'm no Ken Dychtwald (an accomplished man indeed) I do know something about observing physical characteristics, then interpreting them in a way intended to be helpful for readers.
If you go to my author page here on Goodreads, one of the titles you'll see is The NEW Power of Face Reading. (Also there's the earlier edition, The Power of Face Reading.)
Why MENTION THIS? BEAR WITH ME A BIT AND YOU'LL SEE WHERE I'M GOING
From my perspective, Dychtwald has furnished a holistic-and-healing perspective about "Bodymind," as if every owner of a body were obligated to do enough self-help to fix themselves. Namely, it would be sooooooooooo good (supposedly) for his readers to "heal" imbalances in their bodies --"imbalances" that practically amount to spiritual character flaws.
For instance, see his gently scathing interpretation of flat feet.
Also, if you happen to know anyone with flat feet, by all means... Ask, "Have you been trying to improve yourself holistically in order to get over that personal limitation?" (Actually, please don't ask that. Joke-ish!)
PHYSIOGNOMY, OR READING FACES FOR CHARACTER, PREDATES "BODYMIND" BY 5,000 YEARS
Although Ken Dychtwald's book is the first of its kind that I've read, it's quite a different story when it comes to the related art of face reading. By the 1990's, I had supplemented personal study by camping out at the Library of Congress here in Washington, D.C. There I read (at least part) of every single face reading book ever published in English.
Sure enough, compared with these books, my perspective on how to read faces was different. I would go on to trademark my more contemporary system as Face Reading Secrets®.
HERE'S THE CONNECTION
Just about every other system of physiognomy that you'll find takes an approach much like Mr. Dychtwald's:
* Judgmental about anything non-standard.
* Shocked, shocked! to find any face data unlike what (White) movie stars would show onscreen.
* In short, that's such a prescriptive perspective.
That kind man, Ken, added some self-improvement because, really, how could he not? Especially since he published this book during the New Age Years.
I'M HERE TO TELL YOU, THERE'S A BETTER WAY. A MORE HUMAN WAY.
Observing and typing and seeking meaning??? All can be wonderful pursuits.
When it comes to interpretations, however, we can stop blaming people for their individuality. (Or doing a thinly disguised patronizing act about how "grounded" somebody's foot structure might be.)
With the system I developed after first falling in love with "Bodymind," I was able to set it up so that every characteristic has:
* Both a talent.
* And also a potential challenge, that can be overcome.
Altogether a different way to learn about people. Maybe a more human way.
IN CONCLUSION
Personally, I'm glad that I'm no longer stuck on the holistic idealism of those transitional New Age years. Although I'm in no position to write an upgrade to "Bodymind"... somebody is. It might even be you, Ken Dychtwald, wherever you are.
July 27, 2024
odio cuando no está en goodreads el libro que estoy leyendo :(((
pero wow, olivia teroba me recomendó este libro porque tenía similitudes con el ensayo que hice en su taller.
es un trabajo muy íntimo, y por lo tanto vulnerable, de jimena maralda, la autora.
espero que más personitas la lean y se sientan acompañadas como yo me sentí.
por más realidades escritas <<<3
*el libro se llama PSICOSOMÁTICA.
pero wow, olivia teroba me recomendó este libro porque tenía similitudes con el ensayo que hice en su taller.
es un trabajo muy íntimo, y por lo tanto vulnerable, de jimena maralda, la autora.
espero que más personitas la lean y se sientan acompañadas como yo me sentí.
por más realidades escritas <<<3
*el libro se llama PSICOSOMÁTICA.
August 4, 2007
An interesting read. This book helped me to read not only my own body, but those bodies which surround me. The correlation between the body and mind has always been an interest of mine. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in how emotions effect the body, not only in aches and pains, but how your body is physically built.
May 23, 2008
Explains how your body forms itself due to the mind/body emotions/psychology. Ever wondered why your butt was so big, your arms so thin, your pelvis so tipped, or why you have flat feet? Fascinating read that will make you aware of how you developed yourself and that you can change your phsiognomy.
December 6, 2012
A wonderful perspective on observing the structure of the human body and is correlation with our psyche and emotions. Helps to understand an alternative perspective on why our bodies have aches and pains and how our very own body carries the pain/suffering the we have endure in our lifetime, and then how to address it. take a look -a real look at your body.
June 4, 2014
Bodymind is a true classic in the mindfulness movement. It was my introduction to this genre in 1976. The guided imagery exercises are especially important. I still have my original copy (although a bit tattered.) I think all can benefit from reading this great book.
July 26, 2009
This book changed how I look at the connection of the body mind and spirit
forever!
forever!
July 10, 2013
it has moments of interest but for the most part there's some real bs I'm here. it's an interesting concept but don't forget to use common sense and logic to find the flaws in some of his stories.
February 21, 2016
Enjoyed learning about body mechanics and how one's body can tell so much about them.
March 10, 2017
Some parts are interesting, but this person is definitely an extremest and some of his philosophy are nothing short of crazy.
June 16, 2021
A very new age, eastern traditions way of looking at the body and how it's associated with various personalities, mental issues etc. A bit out there, but a fun read.
The author's observations and ideas formed in large part from his experiences at esalen institute.
some quotes / paraphrased
- the body begins to form around the feelings that animate it, and the feelings, in turn, become habituated and trapped within the body tissue itself. the bodymind then, when seen from this perspective, is to some extent the continually regenerating product of a lifetime of emotional encounters, psychological activities, and psychosomatic preferences.
- body - bottom half privacy, support, introspection, stability, top half is socializing, expression communication, self assertion, action. bottom heavy - feeling, being person, rather than an action / doing person
- the areas that are tight and full of unresolved conflict can be choked of life and energy and become less vital, more fragile, more diseased and prone to injury and sickness.
- pelvis tipped upwards - lower sexual energy, tightness, tipped downwards - sensual, feeling oriented, asthma, undeveloped ability to be self-expressive
- kudalini yoga / kudalini system. division of tantric yoga. most powerful psychic energy flows between anus and head along the spine.
- forward hunched shoulders. self protection and a fear of being hurt.
The author's observations and ideas formed in large part from his experiences at esalen institute.
some quotes / paraphrased
- the body begins to form around the feelings that animate it, and the feelings, in turn, become habituated and trapped within the body tissue itself. the bodymind then, when seen from this perspective, is to some extent the continually regenerating product of a lifetime of emotional encounters, psychological activities, and psychosomatic preferences.
- body - bottom half privacy, support, introspection, stability, top half is socializing, expression communication, self assertion, action. bottom heavy - feeling, being person, rather than an action / doing person
- the areas that are tight and full of unresolved conflict can be choked of life and energy and become less vital, more fragile, more diseased and prone to injury and sickness.
- pelvis tipped upwards - lower sexual energy, tightness, tipped downwards - sensual, feeling oriented, asthma, undeveloped ability to be self-expressive
- kudalini yoga / kudalini system. division of tantric yoga. most powerful psychic energy flows between anus and head along the spine.
- forward hunched shoulders. self protection and a fear of being hurt.
May 18, 2018
This book was amazing and exceeded my expectations. I suffer from chronic insomnia, as does a dear friend of mine, and he thought this book would be a great help and lent me his copy. I love to curl up with a good tome before going to bed and with this book’s help I found myself cured of my affliction instantly. The mystifying, incongruous, introspection had me drifting peacefully to my happy place. Unfortunately I had to give the book back to my friend after his hospitalization due to food poisoning brought on by the gummy bears I gave him as a thank you for lending me this excellent book. I look forward to purchasing a copy of my own and reading additional works by the author.
January 12, 2020
My partner read this book back in the 90s and while talking about it recently, something sparked within me. I followed my instinct and checked it out at my library. What a good decision! So much of what is described in this book has impacted and changed me and my perspective. It might not be for everyone, but for me, in this moment, it was exactly what I needed! It was one of those fateful encounters, me and this book.
May 18, 2020
Great book regarding how the different parts of the body are connected with the emotions and much much more.
The only reason I put 4 stars is because the author talks about many different wonderfull techniques and I would have liked some of them explained and not just mentioned.
Great and interesting book.
The only reason I put 4 stars is because the author talks about many different wonderfull techniques and I would have liked some of them explained and not just mentioned.
Great and interesting book.
April 10, 2025
As nearly all bad reads and assumptions go, it’s based in some truth- that our body, emotions and health are all intertwined- then delving into some pretty offensive, misogynistic, racist, ableist (and more!) exposés about why people’s bodies are a certain way- why you have fat or large arms (laziness and lethargy in your personality, ofc!), or standing with your right shoulder higher than left (you’re a man who gives into your feminine side!). It was obvious this was written by another mayonnaise-flavored messiah—thin, white, wildly average, and convinced he's the main character in your healing arc with his total utter bullshit. A waste of time.
July 27, 2025
It is best to read this mixture of neo-Reichian and Indian spiritual ideas as a historical document of the hippie era. There's a promise of human potential there but as another reviewer has mentioned, it can come off as terribly judgmental as well.
November 13, 2020
This book is life changing in the way that it illuminates things a person may have never thought about or tried to consciously observe about themselves. Highly recommend!
June 24, 2016
I got some decent information from this book, but was overall dissapointed as I had expected much more. I am willing to believe we shape our bodies based on repeated experiences and ways of holding our bodies. I believe with changing our physical reactions for holding our bodies certain ways we can change parts of the way we look. I liked the fact that the book discussed the importance of the interaction between the physical and mental, i.e, we need to change both for optimal effectiveness. What I was dissappointed in was the first chapter hinted at all the things a trained observer can learn about a person merely by paying attention to their body attributes. I was led to believe we would learn how to tell about one's family, upbringing, current relationships and ways of interacting in the world. But no, the author had to flip it and we just learn things about ourselves, all of which are generalities, kind of like when I read my horoscope. A start, but very dissappointing. :( :( :(
July 19, 2016
Explains how the habits and preferences of our mind are reflected in the shape and form of our body. Further how tensions, imbalances and blockages thwart our awareness and overall development. Plus points towards achieving a higher perspective - an elevated way of being, feeling, seeing, knowing & relating in this world.
Proposes that we create ourselves through our experiences, habits, beliefs and feelings. This indicates the source of many of our conflicts (and subsequent answers and solutions) live within us!
"Our conception of ourselves and our world is derived through partially closed receptors, which in turn keep us from seeing beyond our limitations!"
A simple understanding or a deep provocative read - you get to choose!
Proposes that we create ourselves through our experiences, habits, beliefs and feelings. This indicates the source of many of our conflicts (and subsequent answers and solutions) live within us!
"Our conception of ourselves and our world is derived through partially closed receptors, which in turn keep us from seeing beyond our limitations!"
A simple understanding or a deep provocative read - you get to choose!
November 18, 2009
The correlation between the mind and body has always been facinating to me. This book sheds light on all the little things your body can tell you that your mind hasn't yet been able to. I re-read this every few years and always seem to pull something new from it. Great read! To understand and learn to recognize the body & mind connection is the only way to really understand yourself fully.
September 19, 2012
This book was required reading for the yoga therapy course I took this summer. What an eye opener it is to see how much of what happens in our minds is carried in our bodies. It is a fascinating read and quickly became a go-to book to help identify what I see in the bodies I work with.
Definitely a keeper!
Definitely a keeper!
Read
August 29, 2009I love this book. I read it many years ago when I was in Phoenix Rising Yoga therapy training. It is amazing how much the body will tell you if you simply take the time to look and hear in a different way than we are used to.
September 19, 2008
A book that first posited that you might be creating the look of your physical body through your postures as influenced by your mental/emotional state. And, a classic.
September 7, 2009
A great book.
March 6, 2013
This book is icredible. It makes me think deep thoughts which I love to do!
June 13, 2013
Awesome book. You're body and mind are 2 sides of the same coin. This is a central holistic principle of my holistic fitness brand, "TrainDeep - Exercise Alchemy". Learn how to read peoples bodies.
January 22, 2018
I recently finished reading Ken Dychtwald's excellent book "Bodymind" and found myself nodding in agreement with much of it.
A wonderful book, helping the reader to truly understand the dynamic connection between our thoughts and emotions and how they are manifested through the physical body itself.
As a keen student of body language I was very impressed with the similarities between the study of body language behaviours and how this may be read via the posture etc.
I have often believed that if we reverse the process of how we hold our posture and act out our gestures, we will soon assimilate the very characteristics of those postures and gestures.
It's interesting to note how in military service, emphasis is placed on the 'chest out' and 'chin up' concept; these behaviours actually influence the mental and emotional state of the individual inspiring confidence and strength of character.
A great book.
A wonderful book, helping the reader to truly understand the dynamic connection between our thoughts and emotions and how they are manifested through the physical body itself.
As a keen student of body language I was very impressed with the similarities between the study of body language behaviours and how this may be read via the posture etc.
I have often believed that if we reverse the process of how we hold our posture and act out our gestures, we will soon assimilate the very characteristics of those postures and gestures.
It's interesting to note how in military service, emphasis is placed on the 'chest out' and 'chin up' concept; these behaviours actually influence the mental and emotional state of the individual inspiring confidence and strength of character.
A great book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews