The Biodynamic Heart

The Biodynamic Heart by Michael J. Shea, Ph.D., explores the author’s contemplative model and techniques of Biodynamic Cardiovascular Therapy as a means to optimise heart function and heal spiritual wounds. It examines the epidemic of heart disease as a physical manifestation of a worldwide degeneration of empathy and compassion. Contributions from renowned experts including Michelle Doyle, Bill Harvey, Mary Monro, Cathy Shea, Ann Diamond Weinstein, Barry Williams, and Friedrich Wolf enrich the narrative.

Exploring the nature of trauma and spirituality as it relates to the cardiovascular system, somatic psychologist Michael J. Shea delves into the pervasive epidemic of heart disease. This is seen as a physical manifestation of a worldwide degeneration of empathy and compassion. Shea presents therapeutic practices designed to bring our hearts back into greater balance. Sharing his personal experience as a young Army officer who survived a terrorist bombing attack and the subsequent profound awakening of compassion, the author examines the interconnection between traumatic experience and metabolic functioning. He discusses the metaphysical causes of heart disease, emphasising the need to release complex and damaging emotions such as anger and hatred, and to allow space for empathy, compassion, and the grieving of losses to awaken to profound love.

Providing techniques to directly address heart trauma and heal spiritual wounds, Shea explores in depth his contemplative system of Biodynamic Cardiovascular Therapy. He shares multiple hands-on tools, including visualisations, subtle perception methods, and manual therapy practices rooted in Eastern and Western traditions. Illuminating how to heal the heart at the spiritual level, the author reveals how to enter a state of harmony with the cosmos and restore love and compassion as a living quality of an embodied heart.