Life in a Spacesuit presents a holistic view of the human body as a container of multiple universes, all interacting, and interpenetrating - a context that unites the premises of quantum physics and Qabala, and honors the sacred traditions of mysticism and science. The visionary work of Lewis Thomas, James Lovelock, Wilhelm Reich, and Fred Alan Wolf brought the body, and the Universe in which it lives to new dimensions of understanding. Using the image of an astronaut's spacesuit as a container, the early chapters begin with a description of the microcosmic realm of atoms and energy exchange, the smallest, measureable level of magnification contained within our spacesuit. The atomic level expands into a realm of cooperative beings called cells - or as I like to think of them, cell people: once-unicellular beings who expanded into a cooperative realm of organs and systems. Middle chapters describe our spacesuit's interactions with the planet. Our body's skin is a barrier from the outer world, whose atmosphere is itself a container of Life - replete with its blessings and curses. Yet we breathe in the out-breath of the plants, while we breathe out to feed the plants and return the blessings. We interact with the earth as it does with us. From the empirical worlds, the later chapters enter the realm of subtle energies and spirit, being reminded of the spiritual imperatives that accompany us on this planet. The writings of Paramahansa Yogananda proposed the complementarity of mysticism and science, and as an advocate of Yoga, viewed the body as a vehicle to know these subtle, spiritual realms through the energy and meditation methods offered by yoga, acupuncture, bodywork, chi kung, pranayama, prayer, dance, and countless other possibilities. Mysticism, theology and philosophy from East and West are presented alongside and complementary with the observations of empirical sciences. The body is viewed as a material metaphor of the subtle energy realm. Life in a Spacesuit concludes with the hopeful observation that as a species, we as are in fact a single organism called humanity. It affirms the spirit and principle of cooperation, which is the only force in evolution that has given us the ability to thrive on this planet. Many believe that the people of this planet are essentially gentle, generous and kind-hearted. In fact, all the great ones of all time have affirmed the power of Love as the way to heaven, nirvana, samadhi, grace, so and so many other words used to describe the indescribable. Life in a Spacesuit affirms that there is only one One, and that all paths towards the One must lead to the same One, and that our bodies, spacesuits on an environmentally delicate planet, accommodate both the requirements for living here, and the requirements for discovering our inner Selves. Namaste'
About the Author: "For me, the Human Sciences are a sacred study, and teaching is an opportunity to share my 'homework' with fellow colleagues, students and patients." Michael began teaching Kinesiology, Yoga and Tai Chi in 1984, offering classes to the general public in his chiropractic office. He is the former owner/director of the Sarasota School of Massage Therapy, where he taught subjects in the Human Sciences for 20 years. He has more recently provided classes for Yoga Teacher Programs around the Tampa Bay area. Michael received his B.A. Liberal Arts in 1975 at SUNY, Old Westbury. He attended the New York Chiropractic College, receiving his D.C. degree in 1983. His current interests are in Clinical Neurology and Yoga Education. Michael practices an eclectic synthesis of Chiropractic and Thai Massage Therapy. And he likes to sing.