The Voice of the Body
The Voice of the Body traces the development of the life changing concepts of Biognergetic Analysis. In ʺ Stress and Illness: a Bioenergetic Viewʺ Lowen outlines a theory of illness applicable to what has conventionally been seen as either physical or mental diseases, demonstrating the inadequacies of a mind-body dualism. ʺ The Rhythm of Lifeʺ explores pleasure in relationship to the body. In ʺ Breathing, Movement and Feeling,ʺ Lowen takes this notion of rhythm further through focusing on breathing and movement. ʺ Self-Expression: New Developments in Bioenergetic Therapyʺ emphasizes how self-expression is fundamentally movement. In ʺ Thinking and Feeling: the Bioenergetic Analysis of Thought,ʺ Lowen explores the role of thought in relationship to emotions, including its adaptive function and its capacity for being distorted as a defense mechanism. ʺ Sex and Personalityʺ presents a view of sexuality related to human evolution that ultimately is essential in overcoming the sense of isolation and loneliness incumbent with individuation. In ʺ The Will to Live and the Wish to Die,ʺ Lowen theorizes how both concepts can pose resistances prohibiting fulfillment in life. Lowen develops the theme of life and death struggles further in ʺ Horror: the face of Unreality and Self-Expression vs. Survival.ʺ In ʺ Aggression and Violence in the Individual,ʺ Lowen explores distinctions between aggression and both violence and cruelty. Finally, ʺ Psychopathic Behavior and the Psychopathic Personalityʺ theorizes about the role of power and control in relationship to empty, frustrating and self-defeating lifestyles.