Body work/Body Awareness both are ancient and adapted knowledge that is becoming frequently more known. Something of which is hidden and thrives to be re-surfaced. A means to a healthy existence. For some an element of survival that keeps us balanced and sane. For others a craze trend or stereotypical Stamp of Status. YOGA, PILATES, MASSAGE, REIKI and the like, just a few amongst the pick ‘n’ mix of healing and wellness modalities.
We are often asked what we do, consequently, what brands our livelihood and status. Apparently highly important if we want to make a mark in life or paint a brightly coloured picture to impress the likes of others. To others a means of Soul expression and for others to simply survive.
In the moment of expressing that I’m a teacher in Yoga or a Therapist, there fizzles an instant recognition as to who I am as a person. Topped with a spreading of icing as to what type of bun I bake. So apparently my bun is fluffy and light with lots of sparkles and stars. Not too expensive, but will leave you high in the sky.
However if you take a bite from my bun you might find it’s also quite different. In this buffet of delights named Life, there are so many flavours to endeavor. The bitter and sweet needs balance, the Yin and Yang needs to become one whole to make this buffet even more delightful. No doubt we love that regular dose of chilli (aka Adrenaline) to boom and spark the daily fire. Personally I embrace it all – Biking, Cross-fit, Fitness, Running, Swimming, Weights and the like.
Yet what ultimately peppers the balance in this buffet?
One of the most nourishing therapies I came across 18 years ago in London, which I later then trained in, was Cranio-Sacral Therapy. A little ‘out there’ first bite, like a bambino discovering and devouring a fresh spoonful in the rice porridge of experience. Yet since, it has and shall be the first and foremost treatment I choose to receive to balance, ground and heal.
A therapy documented in practice since the 1970’s, from the Osteopathic legend Dr William J Sutherland. Yet as a follower of Yoga philosophy my belief is there are traces emanating since the Yoga Upanishads (Ruff, 2012). Currently existing in two forms: Mechanical and Biodynamic. The first intends with suggestion and soft manipulation, the latter omits the intention and is predominantly guided via the body of the receiver. I chose to train in the latter from the experience and pure awe of our wondrous mind and body capabilities.
How has it changed me?
Should ever the Yang within me choose to combust into accelerating activity, I will always wind down by tapping into a BDCST (Bio-Dynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy) based meditation; tuning in and bringing the system (aka the body) back down. That over-active beastly buzz I used to feel from the soaring of the Sympathetics, has now been stroked and tamed with the need to slide back down onto a bed of oozy warm liquid gold. From a creature of habit in being continuously over-wired, I have now learnt to ‘surrenderingly’ slow down. So much that the habituated over-‘sparked up’ feeling now simmers a buzzy grounding of unsettling, coaxed with the inability to relax. Thanks to the wonders of Cranio-sacral Therapy, I can reach a stillness of my center.
As a teacher of Yoga, Pilates and movement, I love mindful movement. Yet BDCST is something which delves deeper and burrows both toward and into Source. It has served as amazing relief and enhancement on the journey of bodywork practices and healing. As I guide my students through an all-rounded Yoga class, a simple, graspable BDCST meditation is always offered at the forefront to mindfully and consciously centre, open and pace the session. A simple connection to the Midline can work wonders.
