Stalking Wild Psoas: Embodying Your Core Intelligence

by Liz Koch

Weaving together biology, living systems thinking, and somatic movement, these nine short essays will inspire somatic therapists, bodyworkers, and movement educatorsLiz Koch, author of Core Awareness and The Psoas Book, seeks to dissolve the objectification of "body" in order to reconceptualize human beings as biologically intelligent, self-organizing, and self-healing. Specifically addressing educators and therapists, she delves into the conceptual framework of core by decolonizing the popular mechanistic thinking of psoas as muscle, inviting the reader on a journey toward reengaging with life's creative processes. The book illuminates the limitations of the predominant paradigm of body and actively explores psoas as a vital, intelligent messenger that links us to an expansive network of profound possibilities. Employing biomorphic and embryonic paradigms, Koch redefines psoas as smart, expressive tissue that is both elemental and universal. Named after her popular exploratory workshops of the same name, Stalking Wild Psoas encourages all readers to nourish integrity and claim self-efficacy as creative and expressive individuals.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2019

Reviews

[Martina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping for scientific, evidence-based insights, but all I got was subjective new age mumbo-jumbo. In fairness, it was beautifully written, so I stuck with the book much longer than I otherwise would have. Indeed, I would probably have given it five stars if it had been classified (and purchased) as a book of poetry or mysticism instead of under "Psychiatry" and "Healing" (by Amazon). As such, it was utterly misplaced.

[Noa Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely interesting topic that resonates with me as both a dancer and a doula (and a human being). It's obvious that the author has incredible knowledge and wisdom about psoas and I very much appreciate the more holistic, artistic, philosophical takes. Some sentences made me frown five times, maybe it's also the Dutch translation, but I had a hard time grasping some concepts. Other things really blew my mind. I especially appreciated the embryology perspective, that's something totally new for me. I would have liked the author to go deeper into all of the extremely fascinating, but very succinct stories of clients. It seems like there's much more knowledge needed in order to understand these people's psoas journeys, but this knowledge is not really given. The book could have contained more concrete information (even though I think not providing that is also the point) and I would have liked to continue going deeper.

[Meredith E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Beautiful 💕

[Juliana Di Pasqua · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I’m not going to forgo what I have learned and change the way I will practice, this was such a beautiful portrayal of our true connection to nature. Biggest takeaway: we are made up of spirals as is everything else on this planet and we need to play!!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a poetic peek in core embodiment this book is inspired. Definitely more artistic than scientific, Liz Koch’s writing illuminates psoas as a somatic process.

[Gwyn Rafuse-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the concept of looking at the psoas from a purely energetic perspective! We are so much more than just our physical bodies.

[Marcee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic musings on the psoas--a bit of a love story!

[Robin Mandell · Rating 4 out of 5]

really interesting.

It is refreshing to read about movement education that isn’t focused on increasing strength and intensity.

As a yoga teacher, I have a lot of new ideas and information to explore after reading this book.

[Arbër Racaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic, full of deep wisdom, inspiring, mind bending.
Liz Koch tells you at the start that she's not a medical practitioner or a therapist. She is a wise woman who took on a journey and is sharing her insights with us. Enjoyed the book and planning to reread it very soon!