I would say that the concept of Ignition may be the most profound and elusive concept in entire cranial sacral system. It is the essence of the work and requires a great deal of practice and perseverance to begin to contact the Spark of Life that we call Ignition in the cranial system. It has been observed to carry the essence of who we are, knowledge akin to Jing in the Chinese system. When one is gifted to be Witnessed by this Divine Essence which is often called the Breath of Life in our work, one is changed at some level for ever. But, remember the classic teaching, you don’t go searching for it and muck things up by the power of your intention creating waves of motion. You must wait for that which transmutes all things into form! There is a spark that is palpable that creates motion within Primary respiration. Seldom is it the first thing that you become aware of when listening to the system you are holding. Wait, and don’t have expectations that this Spark will be evident just because you are told of its existence. The beauty of this Biodynamic approach is that you don’t have to know, its more of a state of quiet observation. Of course one needs to have established a blue print of what we are listening to with techniques to use appropriately when the situation calls for them, but other than this foundational training, its about many hours of work. One can listen to the subtleties of a classical guitarist playing a celestial piece by Bach, by I dare say it is felt more deeply as the wooden box is vibrating against the body of the player who becomes imbued with Bach’ divine connection. Sit listen and repeat many times. The spark of life will become evident. [Read more…]
IGNITION IN THE CRANIAL SYSTEM
Ignition in the cranial system is a deep topic and will require more than one post. And if I ramble, please forgive me as I am also going to first reflect on our industry or maybe our education system in general, especially in the USA. Although I have been practicing cranial for years, the amount of hours sitting and listening to the systems of many clients is dwarfed by those giants that came before me like Doctors, Fulford, Becker, Mangoun, Jealous and others. Its humbling! Our education system and many of our massage schools as well, encourages mediocrity. Sorry if that stings, I am not singling out anyone. Just look at the claims of graduating students who offer multiple disciplines on their business cards as soon as they graduate! Now, I know that in order to keep a licensure that isn’t supported by the ruling medical system, one is supposed to do continuing education in order to be considered legitimate. Unfortunately, that is often the driving factor, and not the actual knowledge of the work itself! I know this to be a fact, because I receive lots of emails through our website. Often times they will not buy the dvds we offer because they can’t get their CEU’s in time. There is the assumption that an online course should be quick and easy. And there in lies my entire point. When I was studying at the Rolf Institute, many of my teachers were practicing cranial sacral therapy as well and visceral work in addition to the foundational work taught by Dr. Rolf. When I asked why those disciplines were not being taught alongside Dr. Rolf’s work, the answer (which didn’t make much sense at the time) was get a Rolfer’s hands for 5 years and then move on. I totally get it now after 30 years of practice. It pays to play in “the fields of a discipline” for awhile before adding yet another. [Read more…]
The Importance of Stretching Knowledge in our Bodywork Practices: Part 1
Have you ever noticed that many of the patterns of dysfunction that are brought to our practices repeat themselves regardless of how many sessions we might perform with them? I am going to propose how using stretching, in its many approaches, can change that pattern and create lasting healing in our clients.
I don’t care if someone has come to you for Cranial Sacral therapy, Rolfing, Feldenkrais, Alexander technique, myofascial release, acupuncture, chiropractic and on and on. Most have come because they are suffering a painful condition. In many or even most cases, stretching in some form would have either helped to prevent the condition or accelerated its healing. [Read more…]
What Is the Difference Between The Mechanical and The Biodynamic Models of Craniosacral Therapy?
I am often asked by students, what is Craniosacral Biodynamics and how does it differ from the “mechanical” approach? My answer is that one is the path of the Shaman, and the other is that of the mechanic. Both are very rewarding and effective, but the Biodynamic model will change who you are as a human being and how you walk on this water planet.
I know because I practiced the mechanical approach for ten years, and then the Biodynamic aproach for the last 13. Of all the disciplines whose knowledge I have drunk from, including my start at the Rolf Institute in 1989, the Biodynamic model of craniosacral therapy has been the greatest gift and the most transformative and magical of all the disciplines I have learned.
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Building a Massage & Bodywork Practice: Part 2
Well, I hope you have gained a wee bit of insight into building an ongoing practice that fulfills your expectation and needs from the first part of this blog post. I left you with the idea of referrals, or as I call it “planting of the seeds“ for a bountiful bodywork practice. It doesn’t matter what discipline you practice. I am a Rolfer and and Cranial Sacral therapist, but it doesn’t matter what you practice. Let me give you an example. Let’s say you are a member of a local gym where you regularly take care of the most important aspect of your health. Now, in the one I was recently a member of, every discipline that you can imagine is represented. I’m talking yoga, Pilates, weight training, swimming, running, tennis etc. Pick one or all and have a very simple attitude, what I do is of benefit to each and every one of you! Do you think that your work would have a benefit on every one of those disciplines? Of course it would!
Your Work as Its Own Advertising
Now you can spend your money on print advertising. I have done this, but have gained very limited benefit from my efforts. What I have found a much more successful strategy is to simply give services away with a smile knowing that your “advertising” efforts will continue to reap you benefits well beyond the initial “costs”! Its very much like creating residual income. Your consistent efforts sharing what you do in a hands on way is much more powerful than language used to describe its benefits. [Read more…]