A Strong Heart with Compassion with Michael J. Shea

Summary

In this episode, Michael J. Shea discusses his near-death experience from a terrorist bombing and how it transformed his understanding of the heart's role in emotional and physical health. He emphasizes the heart's infinite capacity for compassion and its significance as the center of the universe. Shea draws on his expertise in craniosacral therapy and somatic psychology to illustrate the connection between heart health and holistic well-being.

Key takeaways

• 1Near-death experience caused by a terrorist bombing shaped Michael J. Shea's perspective on heart health.
• 2Emphasis on the heart's potential for compassion and its development from embryonic tissue.
• 3Shea is the author of 'The Biodynamic Heart,' which explores somatic compassion practices.
• 4Discussion on craniosacral therapy methods and their relation to heart health.
• 5Mention of Tonglen meditation as a practice connected to compassion.

Glossary terms

Source

Transcript excerpt

We are particularly excited to announce new degrees emphasizing parapsychology and the paranormal. Visit their website at cihs.edu Thinking Allowed Conversations on the leading edge of knowledge and discovery with psychologist Jeffrey Mishlove Hello and welcome. I'm Emmy Vadness, co-host with Jeffrey Mishlove. Today we'll be exploring a strong heart with compassion with my guest, Michael Shea, who holds a doctorate in somatic psychology from the Union Institute and a master's degree in Buddhist psychology from Naropa University. He has taught at the Upledger Institute, the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, and the International University for Professional Studies. He is a craniosacral therapist, licensed massage therapist, and educator with the Shea Educational Group that is a center for the study of the human heart. He is author of Somatic Psychology and Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy, Volumes 1 through 5, Myofascial Release Therapy, A Visual Guide to Clinical Application, Myofascial Release Therapy and Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy, The Heart of the Practice, The Biodynamics of the Immune System, Balancing the Energies of the Body with the Cosmos, and The Biodynamic Heart, Somatic Compassion Practices for a Clear and Vital Heart. If you enjoy this program, please like, subscribe, press the bell icon, and share. Michael is joining us from Juneau Beach, Florida. Now I'll switch over to the internet video. Welcome, Michael. It is a true joy to have you with me on New Thinking Aloud today. Thank you. It's good to be here. Thank you, Emmy. In your new book, The Biodynamic Heart, you share many ways how people can have a physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually healthy, strong, and compassionate heart with various practices. ...

Excerpt from New Thinking Allowed, Feb 12, 2026. Rights remain with the original creators. Hear the full episode at the source.