Sense Think Act.

£11.95
In stock
Before you get behind the wheel of a car you cannot really learn to drive. Much key knowledge needs to be gained through experience. This book puts you behind the steering wheel of your own being. You can only gain intimate knowledge of basic human abilities by engaging with them. On an individual level we are, in a way, the sum of our abilities. These are usually modulated by cultural and educational norms. Sense Think Act, attempts to remove the filters and masks of tradition, and give us a glimpse of human life beyond inherited patterns of behaviour and regional concepts of education. This is not intended as an ideal, complete set. It is just a suggestion of a starting place for a discussion that stems from practice and experience rather than book knowledge. 
Sense Think Act. is available to buy in increments of 1

Details

A collection of over 200 exercises to describe human abilities Standard Colour with over 50 b/w diagrams and illustrations. Cover design by Mason Terrill.

The book is about rethinking the basis of human culture with a view to evolving a more rational and global culture arising from playing with the basic faculties that we all share as humans.

“This is a remarkable book from Szczelkun, and it covers a remarkable range of exercises in … well, in everything! For all the muscles of the body, especially your brain. For every action you take, especially your thought. For each sensation you feel, especially your emotions. And all the scribbly drawings are a bonus!” Mel Croucher

"This book is based on a premise that awareness of our basic human faculties, and developing these through practice, can become a source for personal, political and cultural change.  The ideas for the book were seeded in the 1960s and 1970s when performing arts practitioners and Avant-garde artists were eagerly soaking up new (mostly American derived) experiments in somatic movement, collective and therapeutic practices. These influences were non-conventional, encouraging a sense of embodied power and an undoing of hierarchical structures and modes of living. Stefan’s experiential involvement in these practices influenced his research into a triad – sense, think and act – which forms the core content of this book.

The connections Stefan makes between Sensing, Thinking and Acting and politics, culture, therapy, philosophy and arts practices are intelligent, perceptive and make for a curious and factual read.  The entire book is playfully written, avoiding academic jargon and drawing our attention with short sharp bursts of wide-ranging and intriguing information. 

Also attractive about this book is its situated-ness in 1970s history and its continued contemporary relevance. The dated quality gives hyper-texting free reign allowing us to expand on ideas, theory, philosophy and artistic practices. At the same time, as a practical guide, the writing demonstrates forward-thinking, particularly in the thoughtful connections between body-mind practices and cultural/social politics." Emilyn Claid, choreographer, psychotherapist and author.