If you are a reader of my blog then there is a good chance that you are into “embodiment” in one way or another. If you look out into the embodiment world you will very quickly run into the prolific work of Mark Walsh. This is why when he asked me to endorse his new book I wrote “No other person has had a bigger impact reclaiming “embodiment” for the mainstream as Mark Walsh.” Mark’s new book has just been launched so it felt timely to invite him to join me in another Dharma Discussion and a fun and free-flowing exploration of Embodiment – Moving Beyond Mindfulness.
Embodiment is all the rage these days. This is because as a practice it encompasses… well, everything. From Aikido and martial arts to yoga, sports, meditation, movement, performance, singing, playing, dancing, resting, sex, therapy, trauma work, non-violent communication, peace-work, and even just having a good old pillow fight with the kids (just finished one before I sat down to write this post).
Along with mindfulness, embodiment is the fundamental practice that applies to everything. Whatever you do, wherever you go, whoever you are, and however you do you, your body is always with you… and if not, then you need embodiment all the more. It is the bridging practice that brings your whole life together.
With its immediate accessibility and universality of application, the importance of embodiment in any developmental realm is clear. It leads to a fuller, better, and happier you.
Embodiment – Moving Beyond Mindfulness
Mark’s new book, “Embodiment – Moving Beyond Mindfulness” is a beginner’s guide that is both personal and relatable. He sums up the purpose of this book beautifully in this blurb:
In our frenzied world, it’s easy to lose touch with our bodies. Often rushing, feeling tense and off-balance, brutalised by overwork, lacking community, and hooked on technology; many of us find ourselves disconnected.
But something can be done about the numbing of modern life. This is where embodiment comes in. Beyond just being mindful, you can make friends with your body and feel at home again in your own skin. Your body can be an anchor of sanity in turbulent times, and give you Jedi-freakin powers beyond merely coping.
Feeling human again is catching on. A gentle revolution of returning home to the body is happening. The movement movement has begun. And you’re most welcome.
Dharma Discussion on Inhabiting The Body
In the below video Mark and I discuss how embodiment is the basis of a meaningful life. Primarily for yourself, but also in the ways you negotiate the many challenges that we all face in today’s world.
Some of the things we touch on in our discussion:
- What is embodiment?
- Embodiment as a higher Path of practice
- Should you max-out your strength or work on developing your weaknesses?
- The benefits of cross-training
- Why you need to go into one thing deep
- The limitations of mindfulness
- The 3 levels of skill acquisition
- What have you learned from The Embodiment Podcast?
- Who should, and shouldn’t buy Mark’s book
Join Mark and I in the video below as we explore the interiors of Embodiment.
For more about Embodiment and the work of Mark Walsh check out these resources:
- To check his very popular YouTube channel The Embodiment Channel
- Listen to a wide range of embodiment teachers for downloading and streaming get The Embodiment Podcast
- Upcoming in 2020, The Embodiment Conference
- For a ton of free resources and Mark’s embodiment trainings check out the embodiedfacilitator.com
TO GET MARK WALSH’S NEW BOOK ON
“EMBODIMENT – MOVING BEYOND MINDFULNESS” CLICK HERE!
WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT
“EMBODIMENT – MOVING BEYOND MINDFULNESS”:
“This book offers a comprehensive view of the embodiment territory. The stories and suggestions range from raucous and racy, to tender and touching. There is food for thought and a plethora of helpful hints for student and facilitator alike.”
– Wendy Palmer | author of “Leadership Embodiment”“Classic Mark Walsh! A collection of decidedly irreverent pithy, probing critiques of our culture-wide dissociation from our bodies. Enjoy!”
– Roger Walsh (no relation), MD, PhD | author of ‘Essential Spirituality: The Seven Central Practises’“Human development involves our full body, mind, and heart. Mark is completely committed to the fullest expression of who we can be, with nothing left out.”
– Diane Musho Hamilton | Zen Master, meditator, group facilitator“This offering is less a book and more a string of pearls. It is a series of one-page essays and poems that explain how cruelties arise out of body numbness. Ironically, people often adopt disembodiment as a way of not feeling the pain caused by disembodiment. What is new and important in Mark’s book is his courageous description of his use of embodiment practises as part of his own work to heal his childhood traumas.”
– Paul Linden | Aikido 6th dan, author, founder of Being-In-Movement Mindbody Training“Mark Walsh springs Embodiment to life with passion, irreverence, and grit. It makes a body want to celebrate!”
– Ginny Whitelaw Roshi | CEO Institute for Zen Leadership“Mark Walsh is one of the most committed embodiment learners and teachers I know. This book is an authentic, heartfelt treatise and handbook for how to live a more embodied life. Highly recommended.”
– Curtis Watkins | Somatic Coach“No other person has had a bigger impact reclaiming “embodiment” for the mainstream as Mark Walsh. In his new book, Mark compassionately shares embodiment with a dis-embodied world, in a way that is pithy, personal, and profoundly relatable. Mark makes embodiment as accessible as reaching around and grabbing your own ass with both hands. I say get this book and cop a feel!”
– Miles Kessler | Meditation Teacher, Aikido Sensei, Director of The Integral Dojoz
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