THE POWER OF WORDS AND STORIES

How literature has helped me to understand myself, and how i communicate

As a practitioner in polarity therapy and integrative Craniosacral unwinding, Fiona Camilleri is very much au fait with the healing power of language. Within her work, the careful use of words, storytelling and the individual’s own vocabulary is explored, allowing her clients to better process obstacles such as physical and emotional trauma.

Fiona’s methodology helps the individual develop an awareness of how they relate to stories which have been embodied in them over the years. She asks the client how they relate to the characters and situations within the stories, and how they have the potential to change the narrative of their lives for a healthier trajectory. Fiona’s semantic work goes in tandem with her literary resources, both on a personal and professional level. An avid reader herself, she seeks literature that is primarily focused on instructing the healing process, rather than amplifying the reader’s shortcomings. Drawing from the extensive bookshelves pertaining to spiritual practice, she’s compiled for us a few of her own bibliography of works, all of which she feels have helped her become resourced

Eastern Body, Western Mind - Anodea Judith

This book delivers a digestible western approach to the Eastern chakra system. Through the overarching references to somatic therapy, Jungian psychology, childhood developmental theory and metaphysics, Eastern Body, Western Mind is a pragmatic guide to healing energy imbalances, whilst taking control of your mental and physical health. Judith focuses each chapter on a single chakra, starting with a description of its characteristics and identity issues. She examines each chakra’s developmental patterns, its traumas and abuses, and how to keep each one in balance.

Grace Unfolding - Greg Johanson & Ron Kurtz

There is a quiet calmness in the way Grace Unfolding is written. Based on the principles of Lao Tzu’s classic Tao-te Ching, it addresses the meaning of non-violence and non-doing. Johanson and Kurtz touch base on spiritually essential basics such as the use of the body in therapy, the introduction of mindfulness, the nature of transformation and growth, the concept of the inner child, and the interrelatedness of all things. The book places “ancient tools in the hands of new generations of those who seek psychological balance and integration of mind, body and spirit.” Grace Unfolding is a joy, like breathing mountain air.

The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz

A thin volume of timeless wisdom, this book has travelled with Fiona for many years. She makes sure she dips back into it every once a while, in order to remind herself not to fall into patterns of self-limiting beliefs. Ruiz speaks of the power of words, both spoken and in thought. He advises to be “impeccable with our word”, especially to ourselves. How often do we catch ourselves demeaning ourselves, even out loud? Ruiz also suggests that we don’t take things too personally, and aptly points out the implications of doing so.

Breath: the new science of a Lost Art - James Nestor

James Nestor is in search of the optimal breathing technique, and Fiona has listened to this book on Audible three times so far. He gives a concise history of this branch of science, researching all kinds of breathing techniques and how they’ve been used in healing throughout the ages. He experiments on himself to get a more informed idea on how breathing can help, as well as hinder us.

Rhythms of Change - Mary Saunders

Mary Saunders is an acupuncturist, clinician and educator who trained in mediation coactive coaching and Hakomi somatic therapy. In Rhythms of Change, she combines her knowledge of Eastern medicine, psychology and spiritual practice to deliver chapters on holistic solutions to better living. The chapters start with each of the chakra phases, the time of year and the organs involved. Saunders also gives dietary and behavioural guidance to help support us in our healing. It is a simple and hands-on guide that is packed with practical advice and insights.

When the Body Says No - Gabor Maté

As one of the contemporary leaders in trauma therapy, Gabor Maté has a special interest in childhood development and trauma. When The Body Says No illustrates how stress can be a cause of most chronic diseases. There are poignant and compelling stories from many of his patients, as well as relevant scientific information.

This list, however, does come with a warning. Fiona cautions us not to get swept up by the current of vast self-help books on offer. It’s very easy to get lured in by the habit of wanting the ‘new shiny thing’, which can impede the very thing that this genre is promoting. Remember to be, to sit and listen to yourself, above all else.