Synopses & Reviews
Struggling with lifelong disordered eating and adolescent addiction, Chris Cole had his first psychotic episode at the age of eighteen, suddenly believing he was the Second Coming of Christ. He lost his identity and tried to perform miracles and was ultimately arrested in the lobby of his college dormitory--all while convinced he was being taken to his crucifixion. Even when sanity returned, he could not help but contemplate God's involvement. For years, Chris danced with delusion, but he eventually surrendered to his humanity and learned to embrace reality.
The Body of Chris explores mental illness--from bipolar disorder to substance use to binge eating--in one man's search for salvation. From his oldest wounds to his renewed spirituality, author Chris Cole tells his story with unflinching honesty in hopes of reaching people who suffer from mental illness and those who love them.
Review
National Media Coverage. National Public Radio Campaign. Select Author Events: Atlanta, GA. Digital Marketing: Online Advertising and Social Media Campaign; Targeted Outreach to Mental Health and Nutritional Websites; http://colecoaching.com/"Chris is a perfect example of how mental illness does not discriminate--it affects the best and brightest of us all... Chris is a gifted and courageous man, and his story needs to be heard. I am thankful that he is willing to share it."--Mark E. Crawford, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Author of
The Obsessive-Compulsive Trap
"There is potential for Chris's story of recovery to instill a sense of hope for those who struggle with a core wounding of emptiness and disconnect that has manifested in maladaptive behaviors. I have witnessed Chris, as a friend and a colleague, on his path to health unfold his true purpose as healer as the result of becoming intimate with his own pain."--Janine Moderski, Clinical Director of Aim House
"As a mental health psychotherapist in specializing in eating disorders, addiction and chronic mental illness; I believe that Chris' story is not only his truth, it is a journey that all of us can relate with... This work is a game changer."--Joseph R. Eiben, Eating Psychology Counselor and Holistic Nutritionist
"Chris's journey touches on many common struggles and creative solutions of our young men today... Chris's story offers young men more choices, greater freedom for self-expression and deeper communication, and increased emotional intelligence."--Francis Kaklauskas, PsyD, Graduate School of Psychology at Naropa University
Review
"A page-turning ride... [for] anyone who has ever dreamed a little too big."--Chelsea Lowe, Author of
Living With Someone Who's Living With Bipolar Disorder "The Body of Chris grabbed my attention. SO raw and honest--two words I value highly. Yes at times unifying, at times divisive, but ultimately liberating. Chris leaves no stone unturned in his transformative journey."--Debra Silverman, Psychotherapist and World-Renowned Astrologer
"Chris is an arresting storyteller. This book will illuminate anyone who has had even a taste of such maladaptive behaviors and should be required reading for every therapist, counselor, minister, or instructor in the field of Transpersonal Psychology."--Dorothy Walters, PhD, Author of Unmasking the Rose: A Record of a Kundalini Initiation
"With Chris Cole's book, the intimate link between madness and mysticism could not be more apparent. Written with precision, brutal honesty and flare, this cautionary tale from the 'boy-next-door' could be the book that finally opens the mainstream to one of the great mysteries of our time."-- Sean Blackwell, Author of Am I Bipolar or Waking Up?
"It takes courage, an engaging authorial-voice and a deep love for people to reveal one's winding path from significant personal struggles to heart-centered awakenings, as Chris Cole has done in The Body of Chris."-- Stuart Sovatsky, PhD, Author of Advanced Spiritual Intimacy and Words From the Soul
"The Body of Chris shows the power of insight and healing that is available to us all. Chris's story is a call to awakening an invitation to the spiritual revolution."--Noah Levine, Author of Dharma Punx
"Chris is a perfect example of how mental illness does not discriminate--it affects the best and brightest of us all... Chris is a gifted and courageous man, and his story needs to be heard. I am thankful that he is willing to share it."--Mark E. Crawford, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Author of The Obsessive-Compulsive Trap
"There is potential for Chris's story of recovery to instill a sense of hope for those who struggle with a core wounding of emptiness and disconnect that has manifested in maladaptive behaviors. I have witnessed Chris, as a friend and a colleague, on his path to health unfold his true purpose as healer as the result of becoming intimate with his own pain."--Janine Moderski, Clinical Director of Aim House
"As a mental health psychotherapist in specializing in eating disorders, addiction and chronic mental illness; I believe that Chris' story is not only his truth, it is a journey that all of us can relate with... This work is a game changer."--Joseph R. Eiben, Eating Psychology Counselor and Holistic Nutritionist
"Chris's journey touches on many common struggles and creative solutions of our young men today... Chris's story offers young men more choices, greater freedom for self-expression and deeper communication, and increased emotional intelligence."--Francis Kaklauskas, PsyD, Graduate School of Psychology at Naropa University
"In The Body of Chris, Chris Cole opens the window to his soul and allows us to observe a remarkable journey through childhood insecurities, alcohol and drug dependency, eating disorders, and bipolar psychosis.... Anyone interested in what it means to be a human being can learn a great deal from this book."--Michael Washburn, PhD, Author of The Ego and the Dynamic Ground: A Transpersonal Theory of Human Development
Synopsis
Body of Chris is the story of one man's struggle with mental illness and his fight against the delusion that he was the second coming of Christ.
Synopsis
Finalist in Religious Non-Fiction and Spirituality for 2016 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Struggling with lifelong disordered eating and adolescent addiction, Chris Cole had his first psychotic episode at the age of eighteen, suddenly believing he was the Second Coming of Christ. He lost his identity and tried to perform miracles and was ultimately arrested in the lobby of his college dormitory all while convinced he was being taken to his crucifixion. Even when sanity returned, he could not help but contemplate God's involvement. For years, Chris danced with delusion, but he eventually surrendered to his humanity and learned to embrace reality.
The Body of Chris explores mental illness from bipolar disorder to substance use to binge eating in one man s search for salvation. From his oldest wounds to his renewed spirituality, author Chris Cole tells his story with unflinching honesty in hopes of reaching people who suffer from mental illness and those who love them."
Synopsis
Body of Chris is the raw and honest memoir of Chris Cole. Somewhere between graduating from a prestigious Catholic high school and receiving a scholarship to college, Cole found himself suffering from an array of mental illnesses--from an eating disorder to alcoholism to the delusion that he was the Son of God. Body of Chris examines how repressed emotions have a way of looking pretty, but behind a preppy facade can lie a bottomless sea of spiritual and psychological turmoil.
About the Author
Chris Cole holds a bachelor of arts degree in contemplative psychology from Naropa University and is a certified strategic intervention coach. He works to help clients gain clarity and encourages practical action for a more purposeful existence. Chris wholeheartedly believes in the innate wisdom of people and their ability to choose health when given proper support. He resides in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit thebodyofchris.com.