The Stillness of Life: The Osteopathic Philosophy of Rollin E. Becker, DO reveals the deep thinking and insights of a remarkable osteopathic practitioner and teacher. This book is a collection of his more personal communication and teachings, including ideas he was not comfortable to freely share in public at the time.
Dr. Rollin Becker (1910-1996) ceaselessly pursued his own understanding of health and healing in the context of his lifelong practice of "cranial osteopathy." Following in the path of Drs. A.T. Still, the founder of osteopathy, and W.G. Sutherland, the developer of "osteopathy in the cranial field," Dr. Becker benefitted generations of students with his teaching, and he continues to do so through his collected works.
The contents of The Stillness of Life span a time from 1949 to 1987. They show the development of Dr. Becker's ideas over time and demonstrate his strong commitment to continual observation, reflection, and growth. The material covers a broad range of discussion on osteopathic subjects. At one end of the spectrum are thoughtful articulations as he instructs those early in their practice life. At the other end are Dr. Becker's attempts to put into words the indescribable energetic and spiritual aspects of his understanding. The book also contains correspondence between Rollin Becker and his great mentor, Dr. William G. Sutherland. These letters show the close relationship that developed between student and teacher in the last decade of Sutherland's life, and Dr. Becker's dedicated search for understanding.
Dr. Becker strongly believed that a philosophy, no matter how great it might sound, was of little use unless it had a practical expression. Given this belief, osteopathy was a perfect venue for his life's work. Osteopathy's philosophy is far-reaching, and its application to patient care is direct. Osteopathic understanding, as enunciated by its founder, Andrew Taylor Still, encompasses everything from the physical structure of the body to the universal forces that govern all nature. Similarly, the practice of osteopathy has within it the simple taking hold of a bone as well as being conscious of all the forces operating in the patient, including his or her highest spiritual nature.
The Stillness of Life serves as a unique opportunity to share in the more personal reflections and insights of a great osteopathic practitioner and teacher. All who practice a healing art will find in this book ideas that will deepen their own understanding and practice.
The Works of Rollin E. Becker, DO