Healing Energy
- limprej2
- Jun 18, 2019
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 19, 2019
Last month, I traveled to Geneva for the midway residential, a requirement for my diploma in Sophrology. Sophrology? I’ll like to take you back to an encounter I made years ago. On my way to the motherland of Opera, I share the seat with a couple on the train from Marseille to Milan. We talk about everything including the reason for their trip. I was marveled at the concept of the world Expo, because I thought it ended with the great fire of Chicago. We saw the most beautiful eyes popping scenery throughout the Mediterranean coast. Eventually, we bid goodbye at the train station.
Three days later we found ourselves at the same bistro in an old part of Town. We agreed to keep in touch and shared information. I noticed the Mandala and the phrase Practitioner of Sophrology on her card. Like you at this instant, I raised my eyebrow, it sounds like a linguist at the tour of Babel.
Upon my return to the US, I researched for more information, but yield to nothing. Couple years ago I stumbled upon a site in a twist of faith that contains, all I needed. As the Universe decided, that twist became the path to me being a Sophrologist.
Sophrology is a term created in 1960 by Professor Alfonso Caycedo, a Neuro-psychiatrist, in Madrid to describe a method that he was developing to improve physical and mental health of his patients, as a mean to reduce the use of medications. The method is based on eastern and western philosophies and widely used throughout continental Europe.
Sophrology is the study of Consciousness in harmony. Sophrology is a structured method created to produce optimal and wellbeing. It consists of a series of easy to do physical and mental exercises that when practiced regularly, lead to a healthy, relaxed body and a calm, alert mind. The exercises are called dynamic relaxation (relaxation in movement).
A sophrology session begins with a body scan in what I consider to be an engagement method of preparation; it permits the person to notice the sensations in each part of the body. It calms the mind and brings it into the present. This allows the body to transition to a different phase identified as the Sophroliminal level. This is the absolute moment when your mind and body meet, and you become relaxed enough to experience Sophrology. The sophrologist guides you thru the exercise, without implication. Your experience is your own, additionally; you may practice the same exercise, and comes up with different sensation/response each time. The exercise ends with the basic desophronisation; this brings the person to an awaken level of consciousness.
The major distinction with Sophrology in rapport to other Mindfulness activity is the Sophro pheno description. All recipients or practitioner of Sophrology are encouraged to record their experience in writing at the end of the exercise; then share it with the group, or the Sophrologist if done individually.
If this was to be a meal: the body, the appetizer; the exercise will be the entree, description of the experience will be dessert. Sophrology aims to make you happy or content; it’s always welcoming to choose the exercises that make one have a positive feeling.
The benefits of Sophrology ranged from improved concentration, increased self-confidence, feeling of inner happiness. Sophrology is widely used in business, high level sport, the medical profession (especially for childbirth) schools and Universities. If you wonder about this amazing healing technique, and why you never heard about it in this country: French. Sophrology was developed, taught in francophone countries. It is now being taught in limited English speaking land; I am a student of the only virtual and online English trained course in the Universe.
Back to my story: In February 2018, I got accepted to ride as an adult Ambassador in the Five Boro NYC bike ride, a 40 miles ride. The one caveat is that I am not a rider. I first learned to ride as an adult eight years before; afterwards I bought a bike, gifted it to a young girl, and never do any riding. Since the weather was not conducive to practice in March, I was a bit concerned; my mind unexpectedly brought me back to Sophrology, and the research started. I found and emailed a Sophrologist for a consultation.
I booked few sessions for that particular project, and the Universe was there to support my goal. The first meeting became a pivotal moment in revelation and discovery; six o’clock my new best time. When I thought of withdrawing the ride, she gently encouraged me to persevere. I hold unto her session, and our time together was full of wonder. I pretty much practiced every day for the last two weeks. During our last session, and the day before the ride, it was clear that I have it.
We all need a Shepherd to lead us thru the valley and the hill; the abilities are within us, but the guide helps to draw and activate them. I don't ride bicycle, but I am a Spinner, my Sophrologist led me thru the journey so I can deploy the already available skills, and transfer them into the moment. Better yet she helped extract the resources and focused on using them to suit the appropriate need. By becoming aware, you pull thru your reserve and apply them to the situation. An example came to mind; while riding the steep ascent of Verrazano Bridge, the burning in my legs felt intense, and I could have easily dismounted my bike. At that moment, I remembered how I used my legs to bring thru the wheel while using the hardest resistance on my spin bike. I combined it with the calming directional voice of the teacher to scan the body like bringing a very important ingredient for assistance. Upon that realization I smiled, and went on, the ride flow so smoothly, I was waiting for the hardest area, only to find out I already passed it. At that moment, I start affirming and feeling grateful that I overcome; my smile became infectious, those who looked at me mirrored my process.
Perhaps I made a huge deal out of a simple ride, but this is confirmation that the power resides within each one of us; once the intention and motivation are clear, we can release it. It was exciting to realize that I can access all the tools I need, and that I have them. Each new revelation fascinated me, yet the difference is the conscious awareness of that presence, how calmness and harmony strengthen your mind. Like my teacher reminded me few weeks back: Don’t focus on the other riders, you have Sophrology. That is my Truth and my belief, Sophrology is forever an integral part of my life.
The Gods were watching
The book sat on the shelf, blue shiny color with that new book smell; What was I supposed to do? I was at the library to research a specific topic. The title of the book drew my attention, and I decided to check it out of the library. I took the book home, and laid it resting on another shelf. Three Monday’s later I picked it up for my commuting ride. I wanted to bring more energy into the grayish days of autumn. Little did I know how, that encounter would become such an important development in my existence.
Kundalini
There are all different types of Yoga practices and I have done several and reaped good benefits. Of Kundalini Yoga until I read good part of the book. From the First mention I kept going back because that information was precious to me. I discovered Kundalini was offered at my athletic center.
Kundalini is a term used to describe conscious awareness; it is the energy of consciousness. It is an ancient art and science intended to awake and raise the energy within us. We are energy fields, and that energy is primarily stored at the base of the spine. Kundalini uncoiled the hubs of energy; it travels, distribute it throughout the body and connect us to the highest form of energy within. When that happens, one is awaken, thus the term Kundalini awakening. It activates the energy from the base all the way up and out. The endocrine and nervous systems are stimulated and linked together for more complete control. It is the sum total of cosmic energy.
Often my teacher will give advance warnings such as “you might feel toasty” and invite you to take few sips of water. Other times she advises against sensation of nausea. Description of this practice dated from 500 to 1000 BC it was taught by Masters to their students. It was introduced in the West by Yogi Bajhan.
Across the board Kundalini practice follow the same pattern whether it last 10 or 90 minutes. It starts with a tune up, then a series of exercises that involve movement, breathing techniques, a specific mindful focus, meditation, and ends with a mantra.
The experience after a kundalini practice can feel like a therapy session, a spiritual awakening or a release. I’ve witnessed two different types of reaction from those attending kundalini from the first time: either indifference or love. For the later, a frequent refrain is a wonder about not starting earlier. The woman who practiced next to me is an industrial psychologist with anxiety disorder. She revealed its severity at time, could be almost a feeling of paralysis prior to this practice. Kundalini provides a transformation of consciousness and energy. An interior realization that happens almost at the cellular level of our roots and that is also grounding.
Often after practice, we will speak among ourselves, and provide feedback; other members will eavesdrop, ask questions, and then later show up in class. Kundalini adds so much to life, that it feels an honor to discover this art.
Reiki
Red blood cells are integral part of the body function, they carry oxygen from the lungs to all other parts of the body. They are made in the bone marrow, they last 120 days from genesis to death, and then the process starts over. I read a story about a certain woman inability to complete the steps, by so becoming very weak. She lost lot of blood worst the cells could not reach maturity; thus becoming more frail. She consulted many doctors and none could explain or help with her condition. Eventually, she heard about a popular healer, since everything else failed; she made up her mind, and decided to check him out. This master always attracted a crowd, the odds of getting a personal audience was close to impossible. The woman made several unsuccessful attempts to reach him, as last resort she wished to touch him even if vicariously. She figured out if only she can touch the hem of his clothes, perhaps life force energy out of him will bring on healing. Upon execution, the teacher stop to remark that someone touched him, his disciples reminded him of the size of those assembled. Regardless, he explained the intricacy of that particular touch. The woman identified herself, and was healed by her action. That story always resonates with me, its implication eluded me, and it has double entendre.
I understand the process of energy, I seek the light in everything, and I practice different modalities of energy work. Energy is protective and comforting; it leads you to compassion which lifts you in to healing. Reiki is a very specific form of energy healing, in which hands are placed off the body or lightly touching the body, as in “laying on of hands”. Everything is energy E=Mc2. In a Reiki sessions the practitioner is seeking to transmit Universal Life Energy to the client. The intention is to create relaxation, to help speed healing, reduce pain, and decrease other symptoms one may be experiencing.
Reiki can also be performed “long distance”” as a form of prayer. Reiki travels thru space; the intention can be set anywhere, and reach its destination. Incredible things happen with Reiki, not necessarily in the standard in which it was conceived. If anything else, here is the correlation.
REFERENCES
George Driver Elle 3/19/18. Sophrology the latest wellness trend busting your stress.
Sophrology Center Online program 2018-2020
www.nbcnews.com. Vivian Manning Schaffer 5/15/18 what is Sophrology, the latest stress busting mindfulness trend
Zoe Williams. The guardian fit in my 40’s Sophrology: a mind-boggling filled of Zen, Yoga, and psychology
Kundalini: living with an inner revolution. The emerging Sciences foundation. Bonnie Greenwell.
Swami Saraswati Kundalini Therapy. Magazine of the Bihar school of yoga. October 1977
Long Island healing arts center certification content
Stiene Frans. The inner heart of reiki rediscovering your true self
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