Secular Haven: Longmont Book Club, The Body Keeps The Score

Hello friends, fair warning, this book is deeply personal and deals with our darkest moments as humans. I’ll ask anyone joining the discussion to come prepared, be ready to listen deeply and engage each other with compassion.

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk is a book that explains how trauma physically and mentally alters the brain and body. It explores the connection between trauma, the brain's neurobiology, and the body's physical responses, and discusses innovative treatments like neurofeedback, meditation, yoga, and drama to help heal trauma. The book is considered essential reading for mental health professionals and survivors, offering both scientific insight and hope for recovery.

Key concepts

• Trauma's impact: The book details how trauma can compromise a person's ability to experience pleasure, trust, and self-control by literally reshaping the brain and body.

• Mind-body connection: It emphasizes that the body can become trapped in the past through wordless emotions and feelings, even as the mind tries to move on.

• Healing through new approaches: Van der Kolk presents a range of treatments that activate the brain's neuroplasticity, including neurofeedback, meditation, yoga, and other body-based therapies.

• Scientific and humanistic approach: The book synthesizes clinical cases, neuroscience, and personal narratives to provide a comprehensive understanding of trauma and its effects.

I will bring coffee, cream, and sugar, feel free to being your own snack or drink of choice. I look forward to seeing all of you!

“not sponsored or endorsed by the Longmont Public Library, City of Longmont, nor its affiliates.”