Body/Mind Basics for the Bodyworker

A Body/Mind Approach to Releasing Habitual Tension Patterns

Using movement, the breath, and touch we can reach the unconscious mind, which is where all of our habits, for better or worse, reside. Each time we walk across the room, pick up a fork, or drive our car, our unconscious mind allows us to go on “automatic” and all we need consciously do is choose our next activity. Once upon a time we learned each and every habit that we have, from learning how to walk to learning how to drive, and countless other habits that support our activities of daily living. But what we have also learned along the path of life is how to protect ourselves. This habit of protection which shows up in the body as chronic muscle tension and stiffness, may originate as a response to injury, a response to physical or emotional stress, or demands we make upon our body for repetitive movements that are mechanically unsound. And like our movement patterns, these holding patterns, with repetition, become habit, lodged in the unconscious mind. They use up our energy, keeping parts of our body-mind in contracture; that energy could be contributing to our well-being and aliveness. How can we re-access the collection of holding patterns we have accumulated over our lifetime and bring freedom of movement, ease, relaxation, and even joy into shut-down areas of the musculature?

We will spend about one day each on movement, breath, and supportive safe pleasurable totally accepting touch, as doorways to the unconscious mind, and learn some easy, yet powerful, techniques for discovering and releasing habitual holding in yourself and your client.

This class can radically transform both your effectiveness with clients and the way you feel physically and energetically while you work and after giving a session.

Bring sheets, 2 regular bed pillows with pillow cases, and any additional props you may need to be comfortable on the massage table.