Holding the Center

Sanctuary in a Time of Confusion

By: Richard Strozzi-Heckler

Narrated by: Kirk Magoon

As in all his books, Heckler draws from personal experience: training his horse, cultivating presence in aikido dojos, consulting with business executives, raising children. A masterful and encompassing book, Holding the Center develops from the fulcrum of the self in the natural world. Many of Heckler’s lessons arise from his life as a householder and father. Community is a larger family—we make alliances to “take care of what matters to us.” But, as Heckler teaches, that takes listening to others with an open heart, and learning what the needs of others are.The world can be a sanctuary, if we find a balance between instinct and choice. Richard Strozzi Heckler sounds an important call about the interplay between power and generosity in these subtle and luminous essays.

Critic reviews

"What a story this is! Heckler’s chronicle of the army’s daring experiment in awareness training for twenty-five Green Berets is a must read for anyone interested in the role of the warrior in a technological age. But more than that, it is an illumination of courage and vulnerability and what it means to be a man. I couldn’t put it down."-George Leonard, author of Mastery and The Ultimate Athlete

Author's Profound Insight

I discovered RSH in 2000 when his book "The Anatomy of Change" was required reading in my teacher training program.

I was fortunate to be able to take his Leadership and Somatic Bodywork courses. They changed my whole way of seeing the world AND how how I lived in the world.

Needless to say, I am biased in his favor. I re-read this and really liked the updated version. Would like to see it in print.