The Memory Palace of Bones: Exploring Embodiment Through the Skeletal System offers a unique exploration of the anatomy of the bones of the body. This book is not a biomechanical illustration designed for purely educational purposes, but more an embodied appreciation for our bones.
The authors, David Lauterstein and Jeff Rockwell both share a long career in body work and through their own professional and personal experiences take us on a descriptive journey through poetic style reflections for the role each of our bones plays in our lives both physically and energetically. The infamous Gil Hedley contributes to the foreword of this book.
The authors’ recommendation is to take your time reading through the chapters, with the hope that one can contemplate and appreciate each chapter without rushing to the end. I agree this book needs to be explored over time, for over consuming could become a jumble of words without any meaning.
Each chapter begins with a beautifully illustrated image to help visualise the descriptions that follow. Not only do the authors take you on an internal journey of how the bones are held within our bodies, but also provide an almost philosophical view of the relevance and deep connections our bones hold. Each chapter finishes with a descriptive embodiment opportunity.
Combining the anatomical expertise of the authors with their appreciation for the beauty of the body, they present a unique perspective that values extensive clinical expertise as well as an imaginative perspective of the depth of the human body.
The Memory Palace of Bones is a great read for any practitioners and students of massage therapy, bodywork, Pilates and movement professionals, chiropractors and osteopaths with a focus and passion for somatic movement therapies.
I think it makes the perfect coffee table book or for the reception of a Pilates Studio as it is written to be enjoyed in small bite-size portions, providing us all with just a little bit more time to appreciate the beauty of what lies within!
Lisa Jackson, PAA Committee Member
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