Media Reviews of The Circle of Healing, by Cathy Holt

"From wedding bands to campfires, circles symbolize wholeness, continuity and union. Drawing upon the positive qualities of circle imagery, Cathy Holt, a biofeedback therapist with a master's degree in public health, presents The Circle of Healing: Deepening Our Connections with Self, Others, and Nature. She vividly outlines the significance of support in spiritual and physical healing, interspersing personal experiences with examples from studies by mainstream and alternative health professionals (including Caroline Myss, Dean Ornish and Christiane Northrup). Intriguingly, this book does not have a beginning, a middle or an end; one is invited to turn to any page and start reading--and healing."
- Publishers Weekly, June 12, 2000, v. 247 124 p. 65 (full text).

"Nature is a circle. Life is a circle. Western civilization has attempted to make it all a square, but it short-circuits that way. This is a sweet, gentle book. It serves to remind us that if we flow with the circle of life, we can tap into the power of nature and our own inner knowledge. We have the power to create a joyous and fulfilling life. This book is a lovely, amiable nudge, reminding us to stop complaining and stop being a victim. It shows us that we can take control of our lives, achieve change, relax, and enjoy.."
- Michael Peter Langevin, Magical Blend, April, 2001.

"A self-help book and motivational guide extraordinaire! There is so much useful information, conveyed in a broad spectrum of approaches, and all organized in a graceful flow. The author suggests readers begin this book in any section that appeals at the moment, read as much or as little as needed at a time, and even open it at random. I opened to pages on "Transformation," and read, "Become the editor of your illness...rephrase and delete self-defeating words from your mind, your heart, and your spirit." Editor--a perfect image for us writers! Opening to "Body Posture," I read, "How would a woman stand if she believed she had something worthwhile to offer?" And under "Lighten Up," a long list of suggestions contained two meant for me: "Lighten up your grip on the steering wheel" and "Lighten up your touch on the keyboard." What a difference I felt, in my hands first, then my shoulders and neck! Truly, this holistic health educator has something to offer for everyone."
- NAPRA ReView, Sept/Oct. 2000., p. 54

"The book is not so much a work of self-help as one of meditation, and it brings its various ideas together in a compelling and readable manner. This is a book far more concerned with helping the reader to recognize commonalities than with focusing on differences and contradictions. In The Circle of Healing, Holt draws from areas as diverse as Buddhism, rituals performed by the kahunas of Hawaii, biofeedback, even the connections between humans and insects. In each case, she presents an idea to the reader for consideration, then draws from various sources not so much to prove and convince as to enhance the reader's receptivity and understanding. . . creates an atmosphere of open learning. . .One particularly effective device the author uses is placing fill-in-the-blank sentences or questions at the end of each section. Though it might seem simplistic, it invites the reader's participation in a completely unthreatening way, and provides a good summation of the material without condescending in any way to the reader. . . it is a book for people in search of alternative ways of thinking about their circumstances and environment. The Circle of Healing ends with an appeal to the reader to step outside the bounds of our materialistic culture and consider our place as part of nature and the larger community. . . Busyness creates the perception that a scarcity of time surrounds everything that we do, whereas a life of giving and sharing with others evolves the idea of consciousness and increases our sense of obligation to the species and the planet. I recommend this book to anyone looking to set aside a few minutes for quiet contemplation and reflection each day. There's at least one useful idea for everyone."
-Bloomsbury Review, November/December 2000.

"Holt provides insight into her own complexities and shares with readers her strategies for overcoming personal flaws. By quoting the lessons of capable healers (practitioners from indigenous cultures, spiritual traditions, poetry, and personal anecdotes) within her text, Holt adds to the worth of this healing book. A charming, soothing book, Circle of Healing provides an uplifting approach to resuming health. The following excerpt is typical of the spirit in which Holt writes, and an invitation to nurture oneself: "Finding our soul's purpose is very much the hero's journey. However, unlike the solitary hero, we need not go it alone. Our path becomes cleared when we join with others in the quest--Balance is an important aspect of livelihood."
--Yocheved Golani, Independent Publisher.com

"Cathy Holt has written what could be termed a workbook for the body, mind and spirit connection. The book is filled with unique information and abounds in small but powerful tidbits that are both practical and profound. True wisdom and the power of change are created when we can purposely make this powerful connection.

"For the body we are given detailed instruction on dialoguing with our physical selves. ..Her conscious breathing exercises are original, easy to follow and complete...For the mind connection we are taught several practical methods for creating self-love and inner peace. Practical advice is given on such issues as ange, fear, facing surgery, relationships, and pain...Holt provides fill-in-the-blank type exercises throughout the book to assist you in creating a personal blueprint for recovery, wholeness, and mindfulness.

"To bring us in alignment with spirit, we are invited to contemplation by the many beautiful poems and other writings Holt has gathered from various inspirational sources, as well as the wealth of practical information she provides. Most of us are familiar with nature as a
profound source of inner peace; this book in a unique format shows us that nature also possesses healing potential. ...through specific stories and examples, Holt reminds us of the sometimes forgotten lessons to be found in relationship to such creatures as caterpillars, mosquitoes, and birds, and delivers ways for us to personally invoke their healing power."
-EarthLight, Fall 2000, review by Anne Olund.

"Intelligent mix of nature awareness, intimate stories, holistic health, and wisdom from diverse spiritual traditions. Many ways to create circles of support are offered with emphasis on communication. Includes practical mind-body methods for coping with the toxic times we live in, based upon the author's experiences as a biofeedback therapist and environmental activist with a Master's in Public Health. The reader may open to any section and receive helpful insights."
-Mindquest: Lightword Publishing's Recommendations of Best Books, Music, Videos, winter edition, 2000.

"The Circle of Healing is extremely well written and presented, accessible to (and recommended for) students and practitioners of a do-it-yourself holistic health approach to personal health and well-being."
-Midwest Book Review, Internet Bookwatch, November, 2000.

The Circle of Healing deals with the stress, alienation, and illness that result from living out of balance with nature. Our physical symptoms are the body's way of communicating with us--of commanding our attention. The key to health lies in listening to these messages from our bodies, other people and the natural world.

Cathy Holt's writing draws upon the wisdom of indigenous cultures, poets, and different spiritual traditions as well as reminding us of the power of the circle. This book grew out of the author's work as a biofeedback therapist as well as from her personal spiritual journey and her self-healing process. It contains many individual stories of healing and self-help exercises.
-The Beacon, March-April 2002

"All aspects of our lives are involved with our healing, yet healing truly comes from the inside out. In The Circle of Healing, Cathy Holt explains that the circle of healing is a metaphor for the interconnectedness and unity of our inner and outer selves, other people, and nature. Holt is a holistic-health educator, a biofeedback therapist, and an ecological activist. She provides new ways to approach various aspects of life -- from judgment and gratitude to anger, fear, and even breath -- in healing ways. Holt argues the most important part of healing is to listen to our bodies to determine what they need.

"We live in toxic times, physically, mentally, and emotionally," Holt writes. "Healing involves mind, body, and spirit." Her intelligent, delightful book is accordingly chock-full of steps to change and heal virtually every aspect of our lives, through support groups, inner dialogues, rituals, mantras, and use of sacred space. Suggestions are drawn from many different cultures, religions, and ages. Holt presents so many appealing ideas that the book can be overwhelming if read straight through. I found it better to read the book daily, one topic at a time, learning nuggets of wisdom and inspiration for healing and changing my life, step by step. Holt also stresses the importance of relationships with other people and with nature. The book concludes with a resource list with suggested books, videos, and spoken audios for additional seeking. I will recommend The Circle of Healing to customers seeking to improve their lives, heal their wounds, and continue their spiritual journey."
-New Age Retailer, Jan/Feb 2001.

"This unusually candid healing book by an ecological activist, biofeedback therapist and holistic health educator shows how health is coming into proper balance with Earth energies. Stress, alienation, and illness are the result of living out of balance with nature. The Circle of Healing emphasizes the importance of listening. The key to health is listening respectfully to the messages constantly being offered by our bodies, our inner selves, other people, and the natural world.

"Drawing on the wisdom of indigenous cultures, poets, and spiritual traditions, The Circle of Healing reminds us of the power of the circle, a sacred symbol of wholeness. Whether it is a circle of friends, a self-help group, a council circle, or a medicine wheel bounded by the four directions, circles connect us to one another and to a larger world.

"Cathy Holt speaks from her own work as a therapist and from her own many-layered experiences including imagery work, support circles, and vision questing. Spending time in nature brought home to her the deep link between the health of the Earth and our own health. Her personal healing process involved not only working with physical symptoms but also struggling to overcome judgment and self-blame.

"Full of intriguing stories and exercises to help you access your inner and outer resources for healing, this book is like a good friend with a lot of experience telling you about breath and energy; honoring the body's wisdom; choices; releasing the past; illness as a rite of passage; emotions and pain; the inner critic; cultivating gratitude; judgments; slowing down and waking up; responsibility; forgiveness; nature as healer; invoi\king sacred space; and rituals with personal meaning, community, and connections. It's about 'the healing opportunities found within relationships, nature, and oneself.' - Angeles Arrien, author of The Four-Fold Way."
--Branches of Light: News & Reviews from Banyen Books and Sound, Fall into Winter 2000-2001.

"I couldn't resist reviewing a book from a company that calls itself Talking Birds Press. And it's lucky for me and you that I did. A fresh, fledgling publisher, Talking Birds has given us probably the finest guide, including inspirational stories and proven exercises, to help us access our inner and outer resources for healing... Stress, alienation and illness are the result of living out of balance with nature, Holt said. Symptoms may be the body's way of communicating with us, so the key to health is listening respectfully to messages from "our bodies, our inner selves, other people and the natural world."

"Talking Birds Press is an independent publisher dedicated to healing the human relationship with the Earth. This means not only publishing books which advance that aim, but also using the most Earth-friendly materials available. The Circle of Healing is printed with soy based inks on Vanguard Recycled Plus paper, which is 90 percent post consumer waste and 10 percent hemp."
- Don DeNevi, Palo Alto Daily News, Saturday, August 5, 2000, p. 14

"Instead of saying you can't make baked Alaska, consider saying instead that you haven't learned how...yet. Panicking? Then breathe. As a biofeedback therapist, Cathy Holt wrote inspirational handouts for her clients on consciousness, communication, and other life-skills. The popular handouts turned into booklets, which in turn have evolved into The Circle of Healing (Talking Birds, $14.95), a take-anywhere self-help guide whose clear language and hundreds of simple tips could make hardened cynics start calling drinking vessels half-full.

"In creating her lessons and small rituals, Holt (whose credentials include Radcliffe and the SDS) drew on many resources including Thich Nhat Hanh, fellow Oaklander Matthew Fox--and the birds in the trees, whose advice she recommends. "Birds have enjoined me to wake up, slow down, get closer to the ground, listen, forgive, even to pick up paper on a beach," says the author, who will do a workshop at Barnes & Noble in Jack London Square on October 17. "I've received several lectures." She acknowledges that we might be projecting our own meanings onto all those peeps and chirps, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't listen."The message is there for you," she says."
-East Bay Express, Express Books, Sept. 29, 2000, p. 4

"Holistic medicine is not everyone's cup of herbal tea. But there is a steady readership for this genre . Not surprisingly, there is a steady flow of books addressed to this readership. Many, it must be said, are almost embarrassingly bad. Happily, The Circle of Healing avoids such deprecation.

"This book received a double review, from a Marylander and a Californian. Holistic health is after all somewhat a West Coast phenomenon. Our California reviewer felt that the book had many useful insights in areas such as judgementalism. The Maryland reviewer was impressed by the appearance of the book, especially the page design. Both agreed that the book was thoughtful, serious and well written.

"Circle of Healing covers a broad range of holistic thought. Author Holt takes an approach that is anecdotal and highly personal; yet there are many quotations from other writers and practitioners. The extensive resource section forms a useful bibliography for this book and a pointer to further reading. Her conversations with nature, and even with her own body, have a certain charm...

... this is a foundation work in the genre, and is well worth adding to your collection."
-Roswe Reviews, October 2000, page 3. "Self Help"

"This book is a terrific reference for those who are seeking healing and improvement in their lives. The author provides us with a kind of primer on becoming more grounded by sharing personal stories and by describing the teaching of many well-known spiritual practitioners such as Thich Nhat Hanh and Sun Bear, and the study of works by other medical and holistic experts. With a reminder to us of the importance of our being connected to nature, Holt outlines the tools essential for finding peace through personal awareness.

"First, she underscores the importance of and how to go about healing oneself by making intentions, finding support and forming healing community. Then she describes the steps required for physical healing such as honoring, communicating with and relaxing the body, and breathing properly. She follows this with invaluable guidance on emotional healing including identifying and dealing with the "inner critic," cultivating gratitude, becoming less judgmental, being open to differing perspectives, and the importance of engaging in work which is truly satisfying. Finally she tells us how to "complete the circle" by connecting most fully with natural guides, invoking sacred space, getting beyond materialism, and identifying and fully connecting with our own best community. All of these topics are discussed both technically--as based on the author s experience with medical practitioners and on her own work as a biofeedback therapist--and spiritually--as based on her own research and experience with teaching and healing circles, personal vision quests, etc. The book contains an impressive list of recommended readings, videos, and auidotapes, as well as contact information for self-help organizations. I highly recommend that anyone looking to make changes in his/her life start with this book and use it as a reference before visiting the self-help or spirituality sections at the local bookstore.
- Michele Caprario, SPEX (Bay Area Independent Publishers Association), April 2001: