The Art of Standing : Heal the Mind : Why Calm Comes From The Body, Not the Mind

by LD Chen

Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2026

Reviews

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book attempts to teach Westerners Oneness Standing, the author’s version of Zhan Zhuang—a standing practice common in Chinese internal martial arts. Over time, the practice is intended to help you relax, regulate your nervous system, and experience life with more patience and ease. Who wouldn’t want that?

You can practice anywhere without any special equipment, and there are no adverse effects if you don’t stand too long at one time. The author recommends starting at 5 minutes a day and working up to 30 minutes a day; because of my disabilities and chronic pain, I have started at 1 minute a day and am very slowly increasing. As with other forms of meditation, the daily consistency is more important than length of practice.

The author spends the first half of the book explaining his own healing journey, why you should practice Oneness Standing, and what benefits you might expect.

One chapter (9) in the middle of the book explains how to do the Oneness Standing practice. I wish the author had provided that chapter first, and then all the other information. Once I picked up the book, I was already committed to trying the practice and wanted to get right to it. He suggests that you try the practice every day for 100 days before deciding if it is working for you, and I find it somewhat hard to evaluate the book when I haven’t been practicing for very long.

Subsequent chapters discuss the practice in more detail, including answering common questions and explaining when you might want to seek out in-person training. Apparently very small mistakes in how you hold your body can prevent you from experiencing the practice as intended, something I found disheartening. Still, my own early experiences with the practice make me feel that it’s worth trying.

I thought the book was generally well written and occasionally almost poetic. However, it was somewhat repetitive, and I was annoyed that the ebook doesn’t show chapter titles in the Table of Contents. Also, the author mentions an additional practice, “three-fists,” but doesn’t explain what it is or how to do it.

I received a free ARC through BookSirens. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

[Walter S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in a good way. The writing style is straightforward and easy to follow, but the emotional depth underneath it is strong. LD Chen explores themes like identity, courage, resilience, and self-awareness without overcomplicating things. Some chapters felt almost like conversations you would have with a close friend during a difficult season of life. I also liked that the book gives space for reflection instead of constantly trying to “fix” the reader. It felt calming and reassuring while still being meaningful.

[Cathy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up during a stressful time and honestly did not expect it to affect me this much. The book reminded me that strength is not always about fighting harder or moving faster. Sometimes it is about standing your ground, protecting your peace, and staying true to yourself even when things feel uncertain. LD Chen explains these ideas in a very relatable and compassionate way. The tone never feels dramatic, which actually makes the message more powerful. I could see myself rereading parts of this again later.

[Gabi Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your usual fast-paced self-help book full of productivity hacks and clichés. The Art of Standing feels more reflective and intentional, almost like a quiet guide for navigating difficult seasons of life. LD Chen emphasizes inner stability, patience, and emotional honesty in a way that feels very authentic. I appreciated how balanced the book was between insight and simplicity. Some sections were especially relatable because they touched on fear, uncertainty, and learning how to keep going anyway. It left me feeling calmer rather than hyped up, which honestly felt more valuable.

[Emily Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something very steady and comforting about this book. It does not rely on flashy motivation or exaggerated success stories, which I appreciated. Instead, it focuses on emotional resilience and learning how to remain stable through change and adversity. The writing feels thoughtful and mature without becoming too dense. I found myself slowing down while reading because many of the ideas deserved reflection. If you enjoy personal growth books that feel genuine and grounded, this one is worth checking out.

[Reed K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how this book focused less on changing who you are and more on becoming stronger in who you already are. The themes around resilience and self-respect were handled in a very thoughtful and relatable way. LD Chen has a calm writing style that makes even the deeper topics feel approachable. The book feels personal without becoming overly emotional or dramatic. I also appreciated that it encourages reflection instead of pretending there are easy answers to everything. Overall, it was a meaningful and comforting read that I would recommend to anyone feeling overwhelmed or stuck.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much Needed Instructions!

Tomorrow morning I will begin my standing practice!!!!!

This is the companion to his first book. I enjoyed the first one but this one has the detailed instructions. It is written concisely and without fluff (a big pet peeve of mine). I enjoyed it!