Using movement to gain a better understanding of ourselves

This is more a book to help therapists to incorporate movement into their practise and give them additional options to help their clients.

I read this as a lay person and found it a interesting and thought provoking read. It’s quite a dense read and took me a while to get through as I felt I needed time to think about and absorb the content. The ideas portrayed in the book do make you think more about trying the techniques for yourself and seeing where they lead. At the very least this would get people moving a bit more, and movement is good for us on so many levels, and at best we might gain insights to things that are bothering us and find ways of releasing the tension these things can cause. It would be great if the author could produce a version aimed at non-therapists.

I was given this book from the author via netgalley only for the pleasure of reading and leaving an honest review should I choose to.

I am on a journey to rediscover how to fully inhabit my body and have picked up several books to help me along the way. I am still new enough to the study of movement that I do not feel qualified to speak to the content of Christine Caldwell's latest. However, I can say the information is presented in a clear and compelling fashion, with lots of footnotes for readers who want more information. I enjoyed the two halves, the first laying the foundation and the second providing real world examples. Thank you to the author, North Atlantic Books, and NetGalley for the eARC.

Conscious Moving is a guide on the practice of the same name by Christine Caldwell. In reading this book it became clear right away that it was primarily written for practitioners, and was not the mind body connection book that I was thinking it was. Nonetheless it was interesting to read about this practice and the various practitioners experiences incorporating this modality into their holistic practices. The book made me think differently about movement and I think those who practice various different forms of body movement therapies will find this book very useful and a great accompaniment to their practices.

It’s a good reading.

The compiles a set of guides and practices, explores important areas, and offers ideas ( I would like to recognize the fact that the author provides options for different levels and ages).
My only wish would be to have some of these exercises as audio or video

Lately, I have discovered somatic movement and somatic practices, and ever since I have added those to my life, I can tell there has been some major difference in my life quality. So, seeing this book was an easy decision for me – I wanted to read it. And I’m glad I did!
I love the holistic, empathetic, yet deep and reasonable approach the author has, the attention to detail and seeing the big picture at the same time.
Now, I’m off to look for other books by this author!
I feel like I will be screaming from the rooftops about this book. It deserves all the attention it can get.

I was curious to read the broader understanding of movement this book would bring.
The author explains how everything moves as movement means aliveness.
All disciplines are related: healing, art making, therapy, learning.
Movement doesn’t stay within’ our body, it continuous into our world.
When we can see the reflection from ourselves in all that surrounds us, we feel more human.
Such an interesting read.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and Christine Caldwell, PHD for the ARC! I've been on a healing journey for several years now, and occasionally request self-help/support/alternative theory books. While I didn't finish this book as it was quite heavy, the parts that I did read were enjoyable. I would recommend this book for folkx who may be on their own healing journey and exploring new practices like conscious moving.

A very interesting introduction to this subject, but whilst I felt part 1 flowed well, the next two parts were far too dense for me, but then I am not an expert on this subject. I felt it was written for professionals, which maybe it was. It cited work from here and there - very wordy and scientific, which I found off-putting. The first part though did get me thinking and if the rest of the book had been written in the same vein, it would have been of great interest. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Conscious Moving by Christine Caldwell introduces us to CM as a practice, its applications and benefits. Parts One and Three were especially informative. Caldwell's tone hit the right balance, so it was beneficial to both professionals and lay people. Having never interacted with the concept of CM before, I found this a very comprehensive introduction, without being overwhelming.
I gave three stars because Part Two was lackluster for me. While I find the idea to bring in other professionals to share their experiences noble, I couldn't connect with their execution. Part Two felt like an awkward back-and-forth from speaking strictly to professionals (which alienated lay readers) to only sharing stories that offer no new lessons (which felt pointless).

Overall a good read, though. Worth diving into whether you're new to CM or experienced.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

I've very recently developed an interest in somatic healing but really want to look more deeply into it before giving it a go - I found this book to be extremely informative and well written, and it certainly answered a few questions that I had while also giving me plenty of new info.

A very informative and detailed guide to conscious movement. I will say that it felt quite dense as a person who is not an expert in the field, but I still learned a lot!

Conscious moving is
a well researched labour of love that is a joy to read.

I thought this would be a difficult read but the authors passion is imbued within the pages. Christine Caldwell has written a brilliant guide on somatic movements and how they can be used to improve our lives.

the only issue I have is I feel that this would be so much better as a physical copy so you can make notes and highlight things of interest. I will be looking to purchase this as a physical book so I can come back to it

"Conscious Moving" by Christine Caldwell explores the healing potential of movement, providing therapists and creatives with a rich resource to incorporate somatics into our practices. Drawing on over 35 years of experience as a professor, dance therapist, and senior student of Zen Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, Caldwell seamlessly integrates contemplative practices, expressive arts, and education about the body's intricate relationship with emotions and memories. I loved how often I had to put the book down to engage physically with its exercises!

What distinguishes this book is Caldwell's multidisciplinary approach, as she delves into the realms of physics, geology, chemistry, and biology to highlight the interrelated connections between movement, healing, and emotional expression. By synthesizing wisdom from various scientific disciplines, she presents a holistic perspective on the impact movement has on our overall well-being.

As a registered dance therapist and body psychologist, Caldwell introduces readers to "The Moving Cycle," a framework she developed to teach her transformative methods to students. The book is divided into three parts, each serving a distinct purpose. In Part One, Caldwell lays the foundation of her work, offering insights into the theoretical underpinnings and the philosophical aspects that inform her approach. Part Two is a dedicated space for the voices of former and current students who have contributed their own journeys. This part really enriches the narrative with diverse perspectives and real-life experiences.

Part Three of "Conscious Moving" invites readers to reflect on the impact of movement in our own lives, asking us to consider how we consciously or unconsciously navigate through the world in our physical bodies. This section serves as an invaluable resource for professionals, providing a wealth of diverse exercises that can be seamlessly integrated into the classroom, therapy room, or any setting where movement can be explored as a tool for healing and self-discovery.

Caldwell's commitment to somatic psychology is evident in her role as the founder of the Somatic Psychology department in Naropa's Counseling Psychology program. Her dedication to teaching is evident throughout the book, making it accessible and practical for both seasoned therapists and those new to somatics.

"Conscious Moving" is an informative, helpful guide that surpasses the boundaries of traditional therapeutic approaches, offering a holistic and scientifically grounded perspective on the transformative power of movement. Christine Caldwell's expertise, interdisciplinary research, and dedication to her students make this book an essential read for therapists, creatives, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the mind-body connection.