Body Eloquence: The Power of Myth and Story to Awaken the Body's Energies

I ordered this book (1) because it came highly recommended by brilliant healer Donna Eden, who said she's thinking of making it required reading for her Eden Energy Medicine certification course, (2) I love stories and books about storytelling, and (3) I'm very interested in body symbology in terms of healing.I imagine it would be wonderful to engage healing storytelling with the author as a guide in person, but for the most part, the vibrancy that Donna Eden noted escaped me. The book is liberally sprinkled with stories throughout, which I was prepared to be delighted by.But I found the stories to be annoyingly bloodless, nicey-nicey, politically correct fairy tales that didn't grab me at all. (Full disclosure: as a 6-year-old, I hated sanitized fairy tales! I always went for the scary ones with evil ogres and witches and damsels in dire distress. So maybe it's just me!)As a matter of fact, I througoughly read the intro (which was intriguing and filled me with anticipation) and the first chapter. I just "spot-skimmed" through the rest, hoping to find the parts Donna felt were "thrilling." I just felt so bored by what I was reading that I just could not go on!For instance, in the first chapter, whose subject is the Heart, the author lists the "Basic Heart Story Dynamic" as "Anger becomes unconditional love." I have had a profoundly powerful personal experience of this dynamic, but I found the stories that were supposed to express this annoyingly tepid and lifeless.In terms of what the various organs represent, I found the stories which are supposed to stimulate and awaken those energies too broad to really get any sort of sense or resonance about the nature the whatever organ it represented for the most part.I'm giving this book the benefit of the doubt with 3 stars - if Donna Eden loved it so much, I must be missing something!

This is an amazing perspective on how story can heal the body. In her creative and thoughful way, Nancy Mellon gives the reader a look into how each organ of the body is energetically connected to one another, and responds to the healing power of stories. Armed with this information, she then guides the reader through some time-honored stories that illustrate the various story elements, themes, and motifs, that resonate with each specific organ. The next step in her process, is to then allow the reader to become their own storyteller. Through specific exercises, which can be done individually and in groups, Nancy helps the reader bring to life their own versions of tales that speak to a particular organ.This book can be very helpful for both children and adults who are in need of "story healing". I would recommend it to all health professional and caregivers of the young and old, as well as teachers and parents. As Joseph Campbell has revealed the power of myth and storytelling in his many volumes, Nancy Mellon extends this understanding and illuminates the power of storytelling and story creating to heal the body and the soul.

"Body Eloquence" is more than a book – it is a manual for living one's life. This masterpiece guides one into deeper understanding of the subtleties of one's body and Self, thereby developing compassion for others. Its genius is the unique interplay of modalities – music and movement, story, myth, Chinese medicine and meridians, yoga exercises and more. When applied to one's daily practice – clearly outlined in each chapter – the wisdom of the ages comes to life in modern expression. This book holds the potential for a lifetime study, with its many gems for practical use. "Body Eloquence" is a brilliant contribution to current culture and a guidebook to enlightenment.

I love this book because it has a richness and depth in the understandings it describes about each bodily system. I am still uncovering more each time I read it. By working through the chapters slowly, and digesting the wealth of wisdoms I get closer to working out my own personal nature. As my understandings increase, so too will my ability towards self-improvement. Nancy Mellon has a wonderful clear way of writing. I feel nourished and recommend this book to anyone looking for true connection to their selves and to the healing nature of story. IW (New Zealand)

Wow! What a book!If you ant to deepen your understanding of the human body, this is the book. I love it!

Stories and myths that tell the power and value of different body systems and organs.

Exquisite accompaniment to my Energy Medicine studies and practice.Opens doors of awareness and dimensions of texture not commonly found.

"Body Eloquence": Healing the body through the wisdom of storiesThis fascinating book is well written and beautifully made. It will help to awaken you to the stories your own body is trying to tell you. Becoming aware of your unique story and at the same time seeing the interconnectedness and universality of all stories, will enable you to move on a path of self healing and empowerment.

Good seller. Would buy again.

I loved Nancy Mellon's methods of storytelling utilizing organs of our body.It is a very healing process to identify and speak through our bodies.It helped me to really get in touch with myself and to recover aspects of myself I had long forgotten.Another great tool on our healing journeys.

Ce livre est formidable. Déjà l'idée d'utiliser des contes pour guérir qq ou soi-même, j'adore ça. Je l'ai essayé tout de suite et ça marche! Il y a beaucoup de connaissance dans le livre sur les organes et leur capacités aussi leurs énergies psychologiques. En plus il y a beaucoup de belles histoires inspirantes dans le livre. Il est en anglais.Un grand merci à Nancy Mellon pour cet oeuvre qui fait rayonner l'amour et la créativité.