Cushnir (Unconditional Bliss
) introduces fascinating and iconoclastic ideas about health and healing in this book, which argues that “emotions are physical. Our bodies are the only places they can ever be found.” The author, a spiritual teacher, suggests treating depressions, addictions and compulsions by identifying uncomfortable physical sensations in the body as roots of suppressed emotions. His process—“finding the flinch”—allows people to acknowledge and connect to internal sadness, fear or anger (“whenever emotions are shunned or considered inappropriate, they rule most forcefully behind the scenes”), slow down and allow the feelings to arise and depart. What remains is a softer, expansive frame of mind where one can identify deeper patterns or unearth old stories without any resistance. Emotions “don't need to be felt forever, or obsessively, but just long enough to have their say,” contends Cushnir, who fleshes out his “core concepts” with a welcome abundance of profiles; case studies of using his techniques to quit everything from cigarettes to sexual addiction, and practical tips and exercises. (Jan.)
