The Thinking Body

The Thinking Body, originally published in 1937, is a classic in the study of human physiology, and the effect of psychological and mental processes on human movement. Todd was far ahead of her time in seeing the relationship between thought and movement. Since its republication in 1968, The Thinking Body has been recognized as a profound study of biomechanics, anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology, all brought to bear on a study of movement education, The purpose of the book is to re-educate us in our movements, to bring the poser of mental and psychological processes to bear on all our physical movements. As Todd herself said, "It is as profoundly true that we are as much affected in out thinking by bodily attitudes as our bodily attitudes are affected the reflection of our mental and bodily states." The Thinking Body's mind/body approach has made it a favorite of dancers, students of motor development, and all those concerned with questions of human fitness.