Somatic Descent: How to Unlock the Deepest Wisdom of the Body Paperback – August 25, 2020

This is another excellent book by Reggie on the somatic approach to meditation. I realized I had been naturally doing what is taught in this book for the last 20 years; just framed slightly differently. It essentially gives you access to a continuous stream of teachings that are fresh and relevant in every moment. It connects you with the inner guru.Reggie's approach to teaching is incredibly refreshing. Everything is distilled to the essence with no beating around the bush. You get techniques and commentaries on them that lead to direct experience if you put them into practice. In contrast, Reggie's primary teacher, Trungpa Rinpoche, had an approach that tended to be more about metaphor and hinting which often just left me feelingfrustrated and wishing he had said more. It often felt like he was making things unnecessarily inaccessible though I don't believe that was his intention. It's just a different style, one that puts more emphasis on the symbolic rather than simply spelling things out. I'm dumb and like results so Reggie's approach resonates with me. It seems to me that to drop into that dream time space where you can easily crack open symbolic teachings requires a lot of time in solitary retreat in isolated places which most of us modern folk simply don't have the opportunity to do.Reviewing another book by Reggie I mentioned my wish that he might give similar teachings on the four karmas in order to demystify that topic and make it experientially accessible. That request seems even more relevant in relationship to this book whose main emphasis is on spontaneous responsiveness. The four karmas themselves are four varieties of responsiveness. Also potentially related and equally if not more so fuzzy to me are the Shambhala teachings on the Golden Key.

To start: I've read and listened to a variety of Reggie Ray's work over the years, whether audiobooks, texts, or his podcast. His last release, the Awakening Body, was an invaluable support and guide in releasing chronically held tension in my body, as well as helping me to cultivate a fuller and more clear relationship with my body.What this latest release "Somatic Descent" adds -- and the value of this can not be overstated -- what this latest release adds is something crucial to every spiritual practitioner: direction. While I have practiced mindfulness and meditation for years, I've at times really struggled with finding direction, both in my day to day life, but then also with what to do with my life -- how to be of most benefit, and really use my gifts and talents in the world.With the practice of Somatic Descent I have found a bridge! This practice has radically improved my satisfaction in life. I find more fulfillment and direction in my days. it has even led to me making big decisions both in my career and personal life. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to any serious meditation student -- it is both practical and highly effective.

The book took me out of my thinking mind into the sensations in my body where awareness resides.

Finally, a book that outlines a path for true transfiguration of trauma to True Self. I am grateful for this work.

After experiencing the first stage of meditation where your feeling of ‘I am’ is temporarily dissolved, continuity to experience ’self dropped away’ is a function of further meditation practice where you don’t feel like doing anything because the doer is no longer around. This is a delicate stage of progress and a further instruction is very much needed. This book allows you to return to the seat holding the guiding rob and enter the Earth spirit’s flow.

I'll probably love the product, I ordered it again. BUT THE FIRST ORDER WAS NEVER DELIVERED and AMAZON'S "HELP" regarding non-deliveries is terrible. PRIME SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERIES - NOT THE CUSTOMER.