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Body Aware: Rediscover Your Mind-Body Connection, Stop Feeling Stuck, and Improve Your Mental Health with Simple Movement Practices
An at-home mindful movement practice–cultivate resilience, dispel emotional blockages, and live your best life with the power of movement.
When we talk about movement, most of us think “exercise.” But the way we move our bodies–how we walk, roll, dance, stretch, connect, and take up space–is about so much more than physical fitness. Our movements impact our mental and emotional health…and when we change the way we move, we can change the way we live.
Licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified dance and movement therapist Erica Hornthal–aka “The Therapist Who Moves You”–takes readers on a step-by-step journey, showing how a mindful movement practice can:
• Help ease symptoms of depression
• Build a greater sense of connection and intimacy with loved ones
• Slow down thoughts to lessen anxiety and panic
• Impact how–and what–we feel
Readers will learn to identify where they physically hold their emotions; understand and interpret their body’s unique language; explore bodily sensations; identify emotional blockages; and upgrade harmful thought cycles to patterns that instead foster resilience, emotional regulation, and productivity. With a chapter on disability and movement diversity, Hornthal’s guide is inclusive, non-prescriptive, and helps us each discover the kind of movement that works best for us.
Broken into three sections, “How You Move,” “How Movement is a Catalyst for Change,” and “Transforming Your Life Through Movement,” Body Aware is a revelatory transformational practice and an easy-to-use introduction to the mind-body power of intentional movement.
When we talk about movement, most of us think “exercise.” But the way we move our bodies–how we walk, roll, dance, stretch, connect, and take up space–is about so much more than physical fitness. Our movements impact our mental and emotional health…and when we change the way we move, we can change the way we live.
Licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified dance and movement therapist Erica Hornthal–aka “The Therapist Who Moves You”–takes readers on a step-by-step journey, showing how a mindful movement practice can:
• Help ease symptoms of depression
• Build a greater sense of connection and intimacy with loved ones
• Slow down thoughts to lessen anxiety and panic
• Impact how–and what–we feel
Readers will learn to identify where they physically hold their emotions; understand and interpret their body’s unique language; explore bodily sensations; identify emotional blockages; and upgrade harmful thought cycles to patterns that instead foster resilience, emotional regulation, and productivity. With a chapter on disability and movement diversity, Hornthal’s guide is inclusive, non-prescriptive, and helps us each discover the kind of movement that works best for us.
Broken into three sections, “How You Move,” “How Movement is a Catalyst for Change,” and “Transforming Your Life Through Movement,” Body Aware is a revelatory transformational practice and an easy-to-use introduction to the mind-body power of intentional movement.
216 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2022
63 people are currently reading
2194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 7, 2022
I had high hopes for “Body Aware” by Erica Hornthal and for the average person, seems like a good resource. But, despite the author frequently talking about how dance and movement therapy can be adapted for any ability, I found the book a bit off putting at times as someone with a significant physical disability. My condition affects the range of motion in every joint, my spine, and I have hearing and vision loss. So, many of the techniques discussed were not possible for me. Furthermore, while I understand that the author meant no offense certain quotes or passages were kinda upsetting. The main example I can think of had to do with the importance of spine flexibility and how it relates to managing emotions, resilience etc. My spine is fused and in a permanent C Shaped scoliosis curve. My gut reaction when reading about spine flexibility was well, I’m screwed haha. I was also disappointed that the chapter related to disability didn’t include more practical / hands on examples for modifications to the exercises described earlier in the book.
Having said all this, I did like the message about learning to listen to your body and what it’s telling you. I liked the idea that any movement is good and not to hold out for formal exercise activities.
I would recommend this book for people without significant disabilities who are looking for ways to better their physical and mental health. It could also be beneficial for caregivers, teachers etc to learn about the theoretical side of dance / movement therapy and then incorporate with those they interact with.
Thank you to NetGalley and North Atlantic Books for this advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
Having said all this, I did like the message about learning to listen to your body and what it’s telling you. I liked the idea that any movement is good and not to hold out for formal exercise activities.
I would recommend this book for people without significant disabilities who are looking for ways to better their physical and mental health. It could also be beneficial for caregivers, teachers etc to learn about the theoretical side of dance / movement therapy and then incorporate with those they interact with.
Thank you to NetGalley and North Atlantic Books for this advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
May 11, 2023
tldr: move your body in various ways. it's good for you.
July 14, 2022
I have been exploring somatic movement, breathing practices and other forms of embodiment. What I really needed was this book to provide a framework for those explorations. Thank you to the author, Erica Hornthal, the publisher, North Atlantic Books (especially Emily Shapiro), and NetGalley for an ARC of this information-packed and inspiring book.
Body Aware posits "How you feel and how your body moves could mean the difference between surviving and thriving. Said another way . . . how you move impacts who you are and how you feel." We all know, and have experienced, how our thoughts and emotions impact our body. We are happy and it feels like our body is floating through air. We are anxious and our throat constricts. We are afraid and our stomach ties itself in knots. We feel loved and our body relaxes. In Body Aware, Hornthal takes that connection a step further and says how we move our body impacts our thoughts and feelings. The connection is not a stream running in a single direction but a two-way road with traffic moving in both directions.
The book contains theory, real-world examples, and concrete next steps. There are plenty of citations to point readers to further explorations of any concepts which snag their attention. The book is compassionate and gentle, encouraging curiosity. The reader feels guided by an experienced and loving hand rather than lectured to. If you are interested in flourishing, this is a good place to start. Becoming aware of and then expanding the way we move our bodies is an accessible way to impact our lives for the better.
Body Aware posits "How you feel and how your body moves could mean the difference between surviving and thriving. Said another way . . . how you move impacts who you are and how you feel." We all know, and have experienced, how our thoughts and emotions impact our body. We are happy and it feels like our body is floating through air. We are anxious and our throat constricts. We are afraid and our stomach ties itself in knots. We feel loved and our body relaxes. In Body Aware, Hornthal takes that connection a step further and says how we move our body impacts our thoughts and feelings. The connection is not a stream running in a single direction but a two-way road with traffic moving in both directions.
The book contains theory, real-world examples, and concrete next steps. There are plenty of citations to point readers to further explorations of any concepts which snag their attention. The book is compassionate and gentle, encouraging curiosity. The reader feels guided by an experienced and loving hand rather than lectured to. If you are interested in flourishing, this is a good place to start. Becoming aware of and then expanding the way we move our bodies is an accessible way to impact our lives for the better.
October 20, 2022
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to North Atlantic Books for sending me this FREE ARC COPY to review for them last month!!
When i saw that this book was up for review i knew i had to request it to read because it sounded interesting to me as a former dancer myself and also because of what My Dad went through last year, i want to be AWARE of my own body so i dont get sick with what My Dad had and supposedly died of: Pancreatitis, Strokes.
The Chapters were very informative but seemed too short for me. Some of what Erica talked about i wish she had gone more in depth about.
The Excercises were very helpful to do and read about which i did do all of them and i do feel a difference in my posture and my overall body after doing them which i plan to do every day now.
Overall a Phneomenal Non-Fiction, Self-Help Book about Being AWARE of my Body to promote all around better health for myself!! Can't wait to read more by Erica in the future!!
Review:
Thank you to North Atlantic Books for sending me this FREE ARC COPY to review for them last month!!
When i saw that this book was up for review i knew i had to request it to read because it sounded interesting to me as a former dancer myself and also because of what My Dad went through last year, i want to be AWARE of my own body so i dont get sick with what My Dad had and supposedly died of: Pancreatitis, Strokes.
The Chapters were very informative but seemed too short for me. Some of what Erica talked about i wish she had gone more in depth about.
The Excercises were very helpful to do and read about which i did do all of them and i do feel a difference in my posture and my overall body after doing them which i plan to do every day now.
Overall a Phneomenal Non-Fiction, Self-Help Book about Being AWARE of my Body to promote all around better health for myself!! Can't wait to read more by Erica in the future!!
Read
October 21, 2022Favorite line by far was “your issues are in your tissues”
Useful to read a book by an already established dance/movement therapist, not sure how much will stick but I enjoyed hearing the stories of her work with different clients
Useful to read a book by an already established dance/movement therapist, not sure how much will stick but I enjoyed hearing the stories of her work with different clients
March 27, 2022
Body Aware by Erica Hornthal guides the reader in understanding the mind body connection, understanding how our mental and emotional state impacts our physical movements and vice-a-versa. Essentially it is a book about movement therapy, how the way we move our body can help to ground and alleviate various mental and emotional issues. It does not propose that movement alone is a cure-all, but rather, helps you to identify where you may be holding emotions in your body and how this may be impacting the way you move and feel. There are many tips and movement exercises to help you get in touch with your body so that you can be more aware of how a feeling is manifesting physically. A big takeaway for me was that when you are able to become more aware of your body you are able to gain new perspectives, perceptions, confidence, and self-awareness. Our body takes the brunt of our emotional and mental states, so when we have visceral physical sensations, we can speak to them through movement.
What surprised me most about movement therapy was that it has a major intuitive aspect to it. Being able to tune into your body and make connections between emotions and physical sensations requires trust, silence, and communication with your higher self. We have not been taught to listen to our bodies as we are almost always in our heads. There is an incredible amount of wisdom in our body if we can learn how to feel it.
My only critique is that I think having some drawings or diagrams would have been helpful, as well as breaking up the text more throughout, since some of the best nuggets of wisdom were lost in big blocks of text.
The author does a great job at explaining the interconnectedness between mind, body, and soul and how we can try to bring them into alignment. I think this book is a must read for holistic practitioners, dancers, and those deeply interested in embodiment.
What surprised me most about movement therapy was that it has a major intuitive aspect to it. Being able to tune into your body and make connections between emotions and physical sensations requires trust, silence, and communication with your higher self. We have not been taught to listen to our bodies as we are almost always in our heads. There is an incredible amount of wisdom in our body if we can learn how to feel it.
My only critique is that I think having some drawings or diagrams would have been helpful, as well as breaking up the text more throughout, since some of the best nuggets of wisdom were lost in big blocks of text.
The author does a great job at explaining the interconnectedness between mind, body, and soul and how we can try to bring them into alignment. I think this book is a must read for holistic practitioners, dancers, and those deeply interested in embodiment.
March 2, 2024
I think this books covers an important topic and there are a lot of low-overhead exercises for the reader to try. However, I found the presentation difficult to follow: it felt somewhat repetitive, the distinction between the material being presented in each chapter/section was unclear to me, and there was much more of a focus on her work with dementia patients than I was expecting. While that work is interesting and important, it didn't feel that relevant to understanding how to apply body-awareness to myself.
I also found it hard to actually try the various exercises as some of them sounded uncompelling (is this really going to do anything?); I feel like having the support of an actual therapist or a group of people trying it together could be helpful. That said, I am also already fairly familiar and comfortable with tuning into my body from other somatic therapy practices (not from the dance/movement therapy perspective) so I may not be the target audience for this book.
I also found it hard to actually try the various exercises as some of them sounded uncompelling (is this really going to do anything?); I feel like having the support of an actual therapist or a group of people trying it together could be helpful. That said, I am also already fairly familiar and comfortable with tuning into my body from other somatic therapy practices (not from the dance/movement therapy perspective) so I may not be the target audience for this book.
October 28, 2022
I knew nothing about Dance Therapy and it’s benefits until I read this book.
I loved finding out more about the authors own story and passion for dance and dance therapy along with how she shared that movement is unique to each and everyone of us.
I loved how the author has raised mental health awareness on why becoming Body Aware can help us with becoming more aware of the sensations in our body which is connected to our mind, emotions, thoughts, feelings and even our past experiences and traumas.
I loved how she included a chapter on disability, I felt that this kind of advocacy helps to create a more all inclusive community, and it was so kind and caring of the author as many books that talk about movement very rarely do.
——-
Full Disclaimer: I am a Mental Health Podcast Host of 🎙Feel Good From Within with Yvette Le Blowitz #spaitgirl podcast {available on any Podcast app or YouTube} as part of my research and preparation I received a (gifted) copy of this book.
To find out more about the Author and this book feel free to listen & subscribe to 🎙Feel Good From Within with Yvette Le Blowitz #spaitgirl podcast show.
www.spaitgirl.com
www.yvetteleblowitz.com
www.feelgoodfromwithin.com
I loved finding out more about the authors own story and passion for dance and dance therapy along with how she shared that movement is unique to each and everyone of us.
I loved how the author has raised mental health awareness on why becoming Body Aware can help us with becoming more aware of the sensations in our body which is connected to our mind, emotions, thoughts, feelings and even our past experiences and traumas.
I loved how she included a chapter on disability, I felt that this kind of advocacy helps to create a more all inclusive community, and it was so kind and caring of the author as many books that talk about movement very rarely do.
——-
Full Disclaimer: I am a Mental Health Podcast Host of 🎙Feel Good From Within with Yvette Le Blowitz #spaitgirl podcast {available on any Podcast app or YouTube} as part of my research and preparation I received a (gifted) copy of this book.
To find out more about the Author and this book feel free to listen & subscribe to 🎙Feel Good From Within with Yvette Le Blowitz #spaitgirl podcast show.
www.spaitgirl.com
www.yvetteleblowitz.com
www.feelgoodfromwithin.com
August 9, 2022
In Body Aware, counselor and dance/movement therapist Erica Hornthal invites you to explore how all of the ways in which you move affect your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Some aspects of the book worked better for me than others, and I think the author overpromises and underdelivers, but your mileage may vary. I didn’t feel like the author provided sufficient instruction for me to be able to locate where I hold my emotions and how to work with them skillfully, but I did find some of her suggested exercises helpful. I particularly liked her encouragement to be more mindful of all of the countless ways we move and to explore new ways of moving as a means of self-discovery, personal expression, and cultivating resilience.
The book really shines when the author shares stories from her work with clients. Although it’s certainly useful as self-help, I think this book would be particularly valuable for anyone working with people who have difficulty communicating verbally, including young children and those with conditions such as dementia or autism.
Thanks to the publisher, North Atlantic Books, for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.
Some aspects of the book worked better for me than others, and I think the author overpromises and underdelivers, but your mileage may vary. I didn’t feel like the author provided sufficient instruction for me to be able to locate where I hold my emotions and how to work with them skillfully, but I did find some of her suggested exercises helpful. I particularly liked her encouragement to be more mindful of all of the countless ways we move and to explore new ways of moving as a means of self-discovery, personal expression, and cultivating resilience.
The book really shines when the author shares stories from her work with clients. Although it’s certainly useful as self-help, I think this book would be particularly valuable for anyone working with people who have difficulty communicating verbally, including young children and those with conditions such as dementia or autism.
Thanks to the publisher, North Atlantic Books, for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.
July 12, 2024
This book is a helpful introduction to the world of dance therapy. Like many books written by counselors, psychologists, social workers and psychiatrists, it uses a lot of case study examples. While a well-written book, I’m giving it a four out of five because I would’ve liked to see more inclusivity for those with physical limitations as well as for those without a dance background/ individuals who are less comfortable with their own body (a pervasive issues, from my perspective, in our society). I think that these aspects of some of these case studies were glossed over and coming from an author who has a degree in dance, the language (I think unintentionally) made movement through dance seem inaccessible for those who don’t have a background in dance or who experience physical limitations.
November 25, 2024
I expected more from this book. There are a lot of stories about clients and how their issues manifested physically, and then exercises to try that basically were about creative mindfulness. It’s all sort of along the lines of feel your body take up space and connect to yourself physically, instead of actual poses and movements. I can also see how the book could be offputting to anyone without a full range of movement. Despite a chapter on modifying things for people with different abilities, there is a lot of talk about things like the importance of fully moving your spine. It sounds as if her practice is rewarding for her clients but I didn’t come away feeling like I had any new helpful practice for myself or my family.
I read a digital copy of this book for review.
I read a digital copy of this book for review.
August 4, 2022
Body Aware is such an invaluable resource to anyone who feels stuck or just wants to have a better understanding of themselves. Erica made me pay more attention to the fact that the the lack of movement in my life was having a significant impact on my mood and overall well being. I found myself getting up and stretching multiple times while reading certain passages and am now asking myself daily “How am I moving today?”
This book is not just for those in the field of psychology and movement. This book is for everyone! Erica makes everything so clear and relatable, I cannot recommend this enough.
This book is not just for those in the field of psychology and movement. This book is for everyone! Erica makes everything so clear and relatable, I cannot recommend this enough.
November 13, 2022
Learn to identify where you physically hold emotions; understand and interpret your body’s unique language; explore bodily sensations; identify emotional blockages; and upgrade harmful thought cycles to patterns that instead foster resilience, emotional regulation, and productivity. With a chapter on disability and movement diversity, Hornthal’s guide begins to move dance therapy to a more inclusive, non-prescriptive space, helping each of us discover the kind of movement that works best for us.
Helpful and informative. For me it’s yoga, weightlifting, and walks in nature; so powerful in maintaining mental health. Great reminders of the importance of movement.
Helpful and informative. For me it’s yoga, weightlifting, and walks in nature; so powerful in maintaining mental health. Great reminders of the importance of movement.
May 23, 2024
I was looking for more of the transformation stories from her body-mind therapy sessions, but that wasn't her purpose in writing the book. I can see how it could be useful in times when a person is feeling "stuck". I especially like the suggestions for moving in ways that are not familiar. It is a great idea to try something different and to see how it feels. Often it seems to be the case that we get trapped in old patterns and don't even realize it. Something as simple as walking backward for a while or using the non- dominant hand can change things enough to allow some new perspective on a situation.
February 29, 2024
"Body Aware: An at-home mindful movement practice" by Erica Hornthal explores the transformative power of movement on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Through practical exercises and insights, we are guided to identify emotional blockages, interpret our body's unique language, and foster resilience through intentional movement.
I quite enjoyed this book. I think it's an important subject and as someone who has tried somatic experiencing therapy, this has all the principles I learned.
I quite enjoyed this book. I think it's an important subject and as someone who has tried somatic experiencing therapy, this has all the principles I learned.
March 10, 2024
I was really excited to find out about this book and deepen my understanding in this area. I thought the author did a nice job of presenting the material in an accessible way, offering options, and sharing personal/professional experiences. The book flowed well for me and increased my enthusiasm to try new types of movement and to explore my emotions through movement. I hope that the work inspires more people to join this field and also for more writers to publish in this area. I anticipate using this as a reference for future study.
March 21, 2023
Good ideas, but sometimes I feel like topics like this do not need a whole book. If there was more information, I'd love it to be more scientific and more research based.
I think I was looking for something more like a workout routine, like do such and such reps/sets of split squats.
More body awareness is good tho. I probably would have appreciated this book as a teenager.
I think I was looking for something more like a workout routine, like do such and such reps/sets of split squats.
More body awareness is good tho. I probably would have appreciated this book as a teenager.
November 23, 2023
Listen To Your Body
The main point of this book is listen to your body. It holds everything. It feels everything it affects everything, just like the mind. Being at odds with it won't help. Yet even with a section of a chapter with those on disability this book is much more for able bodied folks to follow.
The main point of this book is listen to your body. It holds everything. It feels everything it affects everything, just like the mind. Being at odds with it won't help. Yet even with a section of a chapter with those on disability this book is much more for able bodied folks to follow.
June 6, 2022
I thought this was an interesting read, I’ve been recovering from a HA and was told to always listen to my body, but this book just enforced it.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
August 1, 2022
I had never heard of movement therapy until I read the book. The book was well laid out and gives step by step instructions for becoming more connected with your body.
October 1, 2022
I have a complicated relationship with this book, and I need to think on it before I can give it a proper review, but I’ll be back with comprehensive thoughts.
February 2, 2023
The author explores a topic not explored in most self-help titles. She posits that rather than thinking of the body and the mind as dichotomies, they need to be taken together for full mental health. The author is a dance therapist, and sees how moving the body, or lack thereof, affects cognitive functions. While some of the book seemed repetitive, she does a great job of explaining complex subjects while providing simple daily applications.
February 10, 2023
I got a bit lost in the way it was written, but overall, it did help me be more mindful of my body and movements.
March 3, 2023
An intresting, research based look at movement as therapy for mind and body improvement.
March 16, 2023
I loved the premise but it was a bit too simplistic.
June 28, 2024
Some good info but felt repetitive after a while.
Read
April 23, 2025A lovely and inspiring book which helped me reframe what I defined as movement.
July 26, 2025
move your body and listen to your body - so much insight and helpful exercises
November 3, 2025
This was a decent introduction to movement therapy.
August 27, 2022
I received this book free in a Goodreads giveaway and it was a perfect fit!
WARNING: this book will start impacting you at chapter 1 (see below for my personal experience)! Erica writes in a way that immediately changes your perception and enhances your body awareness that goes much deeper than just noticing sensations. We can’t connect to our emotions or change out mindset until we understand our personal body’s vocabulary. “The body holds answers to questions that the mind doesn’t even know how to ask all you have to do is listen.”
Erica includes “body aware breaks” throughout each chapter which really helped me to pause & slow down my urge to consume this information. Each chapter also includes takeaways to summarize main points. I was truly impressed with the amount of practical tips this book provides. This is not a book that you just read once but one that can & should be revisited.
If you are somebody like me (nonfiction junkie) who enjoys reading books on healing, trauma, and the body than this MUST be added to your list. I feel like this book really puts into practice and gives the reader techniques that pair nicely with, “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk”
*Some examples of changes I noticed in myself initially were:
-my reading slowed down & I enjoyed how I felt when choosing quality over quantity.
-I began to notice how poor positioning had an effect on my mood.
-I became aware of how rushed I am during my daily routine for no reason. When I Practiced slowing down my movements my mood improved & mind settled (especially before bed).
-I am starting to listen to my body more & implementing more movement breaks when my energy runs low or focus needs a shift.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews