About the Book
Learn more about Wisdom of the Earth, Wisdom of the Body
Book Contents
Book Excerpts
"The wisdom of holistic and earth-based medical systems teaches us that each season is simply an expression or pattern of energy. These patterns exist not only externally in the changing sky and trees, but also internally in our bodies and minds. At the heart of traditions like TCM and Ayurveda (the holistic medical system of India and the sister science of yoga) is the recognition that humans are not separate from nature or merely a reflection of nature—we are nature."
"By closely observing the rhythms of nature, ancient yogis, sages, seers, and physicians discovered they could develop self-understanding and create states of balance and harmony in their bodies, minds, and spirits. The intelligence of nature exists in every stone, stream, ray of sunlight, and gust of wind. The ancients found that natural patterns affect the budding trees and the nesting birds just the same as they affect us. Nature is teaching us about ourselves all the time if we listen. Natural laws govern our breath and blood and the movement of our minds. They determine the tides of the oceans; the change of light in the sky; and the rise and fall of our energy levels, our moods, and even our capacity for spiritual connection."
"We must start turning toward earth-based medical systems with long and established histories for solutions and support. Our bodies, our minds, and the planet need a paradigm that includes the healing power of earth-based medicine and mindful movement—one that helps us feel and understand our body-mind as interconnected with larger natural rhythms and fosters a deep sense of presence and embodiment."
"(T)hese traditions invite us into a place of openness and awe; indeed, they are potent medicine for our times. In the eyes of the ancient sages, seers, yogis, and physicians, the body, mind, and whole universe hold immeasurable wonder and spiritual mystery. Whether it’s the concept of the natural elements of fire, earth, or water moving through our blood and bones or visualizing emotions living in our organs, imagery and symbols help us shake loose our rigid understanding of the material realm and see things in a new light. Viewing things in this subtle way helps us access the part of our being that is capable of experiencing spaciousness, freshness, and curiosity. When we’re able to tune in to and trust this openness, we can more easily drop our illusion of control and see beyond what is habitual to the very flow of life itself—what Daoists call the Way, or Dao (also written as Tao)."
