The Circle of Healing : Deepening Our Connections with Self, Others, and Nature [Paperback]

Cathy Holt (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...intelligent, delightful book...chock-full of steps to change and heal virtually every aspect of our lives... nuggets of wisdom, inspiration..." -- New Age Retailer, Jan./Feb. 2001

"...provides a wealth of stories and counsel to help us come home to the power of life within us." -- Joanna Macy, deep ecologist, author of Coming Back to Life

"...provides insight into her own complexities...A charming, soothing book, Circle of Healing provides an uplifting approach to resuming health." -- Independent Publisher, November 2000

...drawing on wisdom of indigenous cultures, poets, and spiritual traditions--offering hope, self-help strategies, and some different perspectives... -- Dance of the Soul: A Seed for a New Humanity, November 2000, p. 4

...extremely well written and presented, accessible to (and recommended for) students and practitioners of a do-it-yourself holistic health approach. -- Midwest Book Review - Bethany's Bookshelf - November 2000

...take-anywhere self-help guide whose clear language and hundreds of simple tips could make hardened cynics start calling drinking vessels half-full. -- East Bay Express, September 29, 2000

A self-help book and motivational guide extraordinaire!...broad spectrum...Truly, this holistic health educator has something to offer for everyone. -- NAPRA ReView, Sept/Oct. 2000, p. 54

Intelligent mix of nature awareness, intimate stories, holistic health, and wisdom from diverse spiritual traditions...practical mind-body methods for coping... -- Mindquest: Lightword Publishing's Recommendations of Best Books, Music, Videos - winter, 2000 (

Unusually candid healing book by an ecological activist and biofeedback therapist...like a good friend with a lot of experience... -- Branches of Light - Banyen Books - fall into winter 2000, p. 27

From the Publisher

Here is a book that is green both inside and out. Our commitment is to healing the human relationship with the Earth, which means walking our talk. We use Vanguard Recycled Plus paper (90% post consumer waste, 10% hemp, process chlorine free), with soy-based inks.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Talking Birds Press (July 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967777704
• ISBN-13: 978-0967777702
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,111,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, May 5, 2002

By 

Trina Swerdlow "Certified Clinical Hypnothera... - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Circle of Healing : Deepening Our Connections with Self, Others, and Nature (Paperback)

The Circle of Healing is an inspiring book that encourages growth on many different levels. Breathing, communication, emotional growth, listening to your body's wisdom, and nature as teacher and healer, are some of the rich topics explored. This book is a combination of deep insights and practical exercises. Holt is a holistic health educator and environmental activist. In addition, she's an experienced biofeedback therapist who has helped clients recover from stress-related disorders and occupational injuries.

The section on body posture is filled with practical wisdom. Holt talks about a medical condition called "forward head syndrome" where the head is held too far forward. This causes pain in the neck and shoulders. Holt equates this posture with "leading with my head instead of my heart. I'm going too fast, trying to think my way out of everything, instead of being willing to feel." I highly recommend savoring the healing opportunities that come from reading this excellent book.

--Trina Swerdlow, author of Growing Free and The Heartfelt Guide to Emotional Intimacy Newsletter

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Reference for Improving One's Life, May 14, 2001

By 

Michele Caprario (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Circle of Healing : Deepening Our Connections with Self, Others, and Nature (Paperback)

This book is a terrific reference for those who are seeking healing and improvement in their lives.

Author Cathy Holt provides us with a kind of primer on becoming more grounded by sharing personal stories and by describing the teaching of many well-known spiritual practitioners such as Thich Nhat Hahn and Sun Bear, and the study of works by other medical and holistic experts.

With a reminder to us of the importance of our being connected to nature, Holt outlines the tools essential for finding peace through personal awareness. First, she underscores the importance of and how to go about healing oneself by making intentions, finding support and forming healing community. Then she describes the steps required for physical healing such as honoring, communicating with and relaxing the body, and breathing properly. She follows this with invaluable guidance on emotional healing including identifying and dealing with the "inner critic," cultivating gratitude, becoming less judgmental, being open to differing perspectives, and the importance of engaging in work which is truly satisfying.

Finally she tells us how to "complete the circle" by connecting most fully with natural guides invoking sacred space, getting beyond materialism, and identifying and fully connecting with our own best community.

All of these topics are discussed both technically-as based on the author's experience with medical practitioners and on her own work as a biofeedback therapist- and spiritually-as based on her research and experience with teaching and healing circles, personal vision quests, etc.

The book contains an impressive list of recommended readings, videos, and audiotapes, as well as contact information for self-help organizations.

I highly recommend that anyone looking to make changes in his/her life start with this book and use it as a reference before visiting the self-help or spirituality sections at the local bookstore.