Archive for ‘Bodywork’
We are Well
Friday, February 4th, 2011
By: Don Bartolone
As a yoga instructor and Thai Yoga practitioner, I am awed by the resilience and well being of the body. I have observed how some people become focused on what they perceive is wrong with them, which negates the well being that is inherent in their health status. It is such a privilege to serve as a guide on this journey back to this connection to their health and well being. As I meet each person I see their light and their wholeness. I believe this gets communicated on some level and thus we begin each session.
When we initiate mindful breathing and body alignment in class or in a private session, I begin to see almost instantly their recognition of their own life force. Moving toward new possibilities for “feeling good,” they expand their awareness of what may seem like some dormant inner strength coming to the surface. Moving into yoga postures or receiving an adjusting touch to open or lengthen in the body, calls forth this sense of energy that has been minimized with the spot light being on the “problem.”
It’s so rewarding to share this type of awakening whether we’re working within the physical, emotional or mental bodies. If they are feeling sad about something, they are not really just sad nor are they depressed people. I love helping them to realize that in most instances, there is also a part of them that is OK, if not great. It’s the same with the physical body.
I recall the day that a woman in a wheel chair planned to watch our yoga class. She was rehabbing from a knee injury and responded that otherwise she felt fine. She opened to my invitation to join the class and after the class she shared that she felt great. It was a gift to all of us, her willingness to open to the experience, as we witnessed her finding her way through class with a connection to her well being, while honoring her knee’s fragile condition.
I am so grateful for this reminder that we are neither our illness nor pain of the day. Although we may fluctuate in moments of other sensations, thoughts and emotions this well being is alive and well within each of us. We are a tremendous reserve of wellbeing.
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Well Being with a Boo Boo
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011
Last week I had a little accident on my bike. I give great thanks for my yoga practice, as I slammed down on the pavement with my elbow jamming into my ribcage. My first response was to find my breath and breathe through the pain, and there was some great pain. It took a few moments of focus, and intention, to find a full breath but when I did I felt the pain lessen. With the help of my friend I found my legs, and got back up.
I probably have a crack or broken rib (or two) as any movement in that area continues to be painful 5 days later, but what I am most aware of is the well being that is everywhere else in my body. I give great thanks for the strength, flexibility and awareness of this body. I can still move, walk, and yes even bike ride. And yes I am doing yoga. Everything is done slowly with awareness and focus on the breath, as I honor what is in pain, and what is still well in me.
From my yoga practice I have learned that I am not my pain, nor my story. My connection to nature teaches me the essence of flowing and accepting. This lesson on the asphalt reminds me of the healing and resilient nature of life. I am celebrating it today as I bike to yoga, slowly, with deep breath and great awareness.
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