The Book
It is a small book of 6 chapters, with plenty of illustrations case studies, anecdotes, sketches and templates to help the reader in developing a personal model for holistic growth.
Introduction: Brief biographical data coupled with background academic training develops the themes of the book and the analysis it will focus on.
Chapter I: This covers the principles of psychotherapy- helping the reader to understand Bowlby's attachment theory, the concept of 'good enough parenting'; it touches on Freud's Id, ego and superego and also Eric Berne's "Child, Adult and Parent". The importance of synthesizing the physical with the mental development is well illustrated- the "Horse representing the child" (physical) and as we reach adulthood, the "Rider representing the Adult". A Developmental Model of Horse and Rider with a 'Centauring Circle' provides a holistic template.
Chapter 2: Here, the reader is introduced to a range of Defence Mechanisms- denial, rationalization, splitting, attacks on the immune system. It offers a Defence shield template, psychophysiological map that helps one to channel the negative reactions to healthier options.
Chapter 3: This addresses the Adversities we face in life and a Template that helps in planning for adversity using a simple analysis of the defences being used by the individual along with "Hindsight, Insight and Foresight" templates.
Chapter 4: Here the focus is on health and nutrition, providing an in-depth analysis of how we psychologically view nutrition. The impact of the environment, the media, and our emotional responses is guaged from the perspective of the developed theme of Horse, Rider and Centaur and uses the Inner Child paradigm.
Chapter 5: Looks into Movement and activity so that there is harmony between 'the Horse and the Rider', the psychological and the physiological parts of us. It talks about the psychophysiology of good posture and how we can bring changes towards holistic health. A case example of Body Building is examined from the perspectives of this chapters themes.
Chapter 6 : This brings together the theme of the earlier chapters, the duality of the Mind and Body and the development of a Third energy which transcends from the conscious engagement of the first two. Harmony - Conscious Action and developing Foresight from hindsight and insight.
The conscious choice of physical movement allies two internal and inherent energies, our mind, the Rider, and our body, the Horse. Focusing these two energies together potentially unleashes a Third energy, the metaphorical Centauring Energy. The chapter analyses this energy system. It touches on interpersonal relationship and couple hood. It concludes with a 'Chart of Three', The Trinity of Three which represents The Horse, The Rider and The Centaur, The 3 Sights, The 3 Natures; a comprehensive representation of the essence of the book.
