Spacious Body: Explorations in Somatic Ontology

I can't say I enjoyed every page of this book. It was difficult to read, but NOT because of how it was written, but because it says things that touched my heart in ways I was not prepared to hear. To put it more plainly, I have copied a comment I wrote to someone who gave it a poor review:"Let me begin by saying I have no degree of any kind, I am self taught and found this book to be hugely inspiring and extremely helpful in my own life. I agree that it starts out seeming like an academic text describing one man's experiences in Buddhism, Philosophy, and Rolfing, but once you read past the first few pages and realize that it isn't a book that builds your intellect, but one to strengthen your soul....It should be in the self-help section. But there in lies the rub with most self help books; People tend to read them so they can understand and point fingers at other people saying "Oh, now I get why that person is such a jerk". This book helps to understand why you brought that "jerk" in your life and how your choices have directly impacted how that "jerk" effects you, both physically and emotionally. It's a cyclical read, that's certain; but isn't that the point? Life is a little cyclical and we can't always sit back and say "Wow! shouldn't someone have made life a little easier for me to understand?" I think sometimes we get out what we put in, and in the later chapters it explains exactly that. It took me a couple of months to read this book, because I'd read a section, ponder and reread it again until, not only did I get it but I could put it into practice, and once I finished it, I truly felt transformed. This book saved and changed my life. Literally. Since then, I have come to know Dr. Maitland, and it is my honor to say...there is nothing at all verbose, or pseudo-intellectual about the man. He is quiet, humble, and knows his stuff. The way he writes is really just kind of the way he talks. : D"I recommend everyone read it. But don't be afraid to take your time, and don't be at all surprised if you go "Man! Why didn't I see that myself? I've wasted so much subjective time." Read the book and you'll think that's funny.

It is interesting to observe the feelings of inadequacy arise as I attempt to harness the words to describe "The Spacious Body". A book of this depth and breadth rarely comes along as such a readable and enjoyable form. Oftentimes while reading "Spacious Body", I felt as if I were on a mental roller coaster, wondering which way was up and if I would ever catch my breath. But when the ride was over, I wanted to jump back on and do it again. As a former Philosophy professor at Purdue University, a Rolfer and a Zen monk, Jeffrey Maitland is a master at collecting the many pieces of mind/body/spirit. In his book, Dr. Maitland generously shares insights from his own mental/physical/spiritual development, as well as case history composites, so that the reader might come to a better understanding of the relationship that each part plays in our beoming whole. It's my bet that anyone who is on a journey will find something in this book that "speaks" to them and I highly recommend the ride.

An inspiring journey into the felt sense of Being, Jeffrey Maitland affirms the importance of language as a means of understanding the body and what is often difficult to give words to: our essence nature. His background as a philosopher, Buddhist, and body worker make him uniquely qualified to explain and explore how we humans get derailed, and how, through body work and awareness, we can get back in touch with ease, gravity, and grace. He deconstructs the Cartesian world view which underlies Western medicine, exposing how it philosophically and practically interferes with embodied awareness. For anyone passionate about embodied awareness, body-workers, athletes and dancers, spiritual explorers, and for those caring for the health and well-being of others, this is a must-read.

I was disappointed in this book considering all the stellar reviews. There is so much intellect on display that it is hard to filter out what the author is trying to tell you. At times the sentences run on with to many descriptives which made the dialog hard to follow and the points difficult to grasp easily. I prefer elegant structural simplicity, after all isn't simplicity at the heart of Zen? The author writes about the case histories as if they were physics experiments. The narrative implied empathy but I had a hard time feeling engaged with any of the 'subjects' or the author for that matter. The entire time I felt as if I was reading an article from a scientific journal. It seems to me that the target audience is academia. If you like a large dose of heavy handed wordy analysis with your Zen then this book is for you.

Few other people on the planet could have written this book: you would need to take a professional philosopher, train him/her in the rigours of the full Rolfing training program, AND add 30 year's of intensive Zen meditation (under one of the greatest living teachers) and then--maybe--that person might have the experience, insight and wisdom to write a book like this one.Unique, and wholeheartedly recommended, and will definitely give you insight into living and being.

An extraordinary work from a man who great personal insight into the nature of reality through a deep dive into philosophy and serious Zen practise. Hugely wise and greatly revealing of the nature of mind and our experience of reality I highly recommend this book for any serious students of Life.

I read Maitlands' other book about spinal manipulation and found it well written and informative. The book impressed me enough that I bought Spacious Body. I have my undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Heidegger was my main interest. I was excited to find a book by a fellow bodyworker who was heavily indebted to Heidegger. Unfortunately, this book is a mess: poorly written and unduly difficult to comprehend. Stick with his Spinal book.