Spirituality of the Body: Bioenergetics for Grace and Harmony [Hardcover]

Alexander Lowen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Lamenting the split between mind and body that has scarred Western spiritual life, psychoanalyst Lowen claims that spiritual and physical healing happens in a state of grace, when the ego and the body are harmoniously reunited. Lowen argues that repressed emotions cause muscular tension, more often than not stretching this argument too far. For example, nearsightedness is presented as an emotional rather than a physical condition: "When feeling is expressed through the eyes, vision always improves." Broad generalizations abound, conclusions are drawn on slim evidence, and much of the content is a rehash of Lowen's Bioenergetics . The latter chapters dealing with love, faith, and graciousness are refreshing and insightful, but as a whole this work is recommended only for the most ardent adherents of alternative healing.
- Amy A. Canadee, Cuyahoga Cty . P.L., Cleveland
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 209 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Pub Co; 1ST edition (May 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0025758713
• ISBN-13: 978-0025758711
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,012,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alexander Lowen's bioenergetic spirituality, July 13, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Spirituality of the Body: Bioenergetics for Grace and Harmony (Hardcover)

This latest of Lowen's books revisits the theme he covered earlier in "Depression and the Body," by with the added benefit of many more years of therapeutic practice. This book is another small miracle for those interested in the life and emotions of the human body -- I have begun to follow the exercises Lowen recommends, with very positive results. The only drawback of the book is the deep sadness reading it engendered -- the sadness in realizing just how much of the precious life given us is lost or suppressed. You will come away from this book with new eyes (albeit sad ones) for modern society and its manic pace. In terms of a physiological spirituality, Lowen takes time to look at bodily grace in spiritual terms. This is a form of "faith" that even atheistic athletes can appreciate, because it is so well grounded. The book proceeds by examining some of the body metaphors that we use in our culture (eg., "The eyes are the windows to the soul."), and expanding upon the kernel of truth that is found there. So, this book is also about language, how we use it, and what it means. I highly recommend this book, as well as the other Lowen books, for anyone interested in the mind-body link, the meaning of psychological and physiological well-being, and the role of spirituality and faith in maintaining health and vitality. Glen

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The greatest book from Alexander Lowen., October 26, 1999

By 

David ([e-mail]) (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spirituality of the Body: Bioenergetics for Grace and Harmony (Hardcover)

All of Lowen's books are a MUST for anyone interested in health, freedom and emotional vitality, but The Spirtualiity of the Body is for me his greatest. I consider it one of the most important books of the 20th century. This may sound overblown, but if you really understand this book it will transform your life. It offers real solutions to a deteriorating society. Lowen's writing style reaches its most beautiful level of clarity and cleanness in this wonderful addition to his amazing series of books.

5.0 out of 5 stars Again Lowen Makes Sense of Human Striving, February 22, 2011

By 

Passionate Therapist (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spirituality of the Body: Bioenergetics for Grace and Harmony (Hardcover)

This is the least ground-breaking of Lowen's books, but it is not repetitious. Like all of his writings, this one is amazing in it's clarity and it's ability to re-illustrate points made previously so that understanding is deepened. Some people have and do criticize Lowen's body- and drive-oriented approach as too animalistic, leaving no room for the spiritual. I think he wrote this book to respond, and his point of view is that an over-emphasis on ideals and immaterial concepts is the mark of a broken spirit! If one is looking for books about spirituality rather than specifically Lowen's books, than this one has to stand apart from the typical fare I think. To grow, evolve, and develop grace, Lowen's work is a great place to start.