Routinely at this time of year I hear my inner voice say, “Ok. Now. Just one more thing, and then I can stop and relax.” I really believe this. Inwardly, I smile a big grinchy smile, looking forward to stopping the doing. I make a solid effort. I don my cosiest crepuscular apparel, strategically plant myself before tree and T.V., with Christmas cheer in hand – success, right? Wrong. My mind, like a Christmas sweatshop, is in overdrive grinding out instructions to be completed for the next week. And sometimes, just for good measure, I throw in a dash of regret and worry to really fuel the Yule log. I suspect that I am not alone in this scenario.
Last week I covered how Bowen therapy facilitates physical relaxation by assisting your body’s autonomic nervous system (A.N.S.), to switch into the parasympathetic mode (P.N.S.) of relax and repair. But what about mental relaxation? As I outlined in the previous paragraph, though someone has the outward appearance of being relaxed, on the inside, it is another matter entirely. Personally speaking, to even approach complete relaxation, I have to be consciously aware of my rambling thoughts which can elicit discontent, ultimately leading to stress. I believe a unified effort of both body and mind provides the best strategy to finding and walking upon the road of healing change. Since, everyone is unique and distinct, so shall their course of action be in attaining complete relaxation. My Christmas wish for you…..to relax. Discover your course, stick to it, change it, tweak it, blow it up but start again, and try not to pass judgement on others’ courses. Quote from the Upanishads “You are what your deepest desire is. As is your desire, so is your intention. As is your intention, so is your will. As is your will, so is your deed. As is your deed, so is your destiny.” Wishing you all a lovely and enjoyable holiday season.
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The response after telling someone that I am a Bowtech practitioner is, “You’re a what…a bow what?” My first thought, "Perfect! A captive audience to enlighten!" So I give my spiel, and quickly arrive at the conclusion - “Susan, don’t speak! Pat the table and tell them to hop on!” My experience has led me to believe that Bowtech, a.k.a. Bowen therapy, is best understood when the body experiences a treatment, rather than using words to explain it to the brain. The body understands on visceral level what it enjoys, needs or wants, that Bowen is offering.
That said, I think that it is still necessary provide an explanation of what Bowen is, and how it may be able to help you. A Brief History Bowen therapy is the creation of Thomas Ambrose Bowen (1916-1982) of Geelong, Australia. Mr. Bowen did not have formal training in any specific modality or discipline. When asked how he developed the technique he would say it was a gift from God. This is an unconventional to answer to most people. Despite that fact, the Victoria government reported that in 1975 he was performing about 13,000 treatments per year, and further, in 2009, there were 26,000 practitioners worldwide. At this time Bowtech is taught in over 30 countries. Mr. Bowen began the technique in the 1950’s and refined it throughout his lifetime. In 1974 Mr. Bowen met Ossie & Elaine Rentsch. The Rentsch's later became the founders of Bowtech, The Original Techique. Up until their meeting Mr. Bowen had no manuals, books or notes on his technique. Ossie requested to study with Mr. Bowen, the result was a complete documentation of the work. It laid the foundation which is used today to train new practitioners. The Work A premise that I was taught is that the body, when balanced, is intelligent and possesses the ability to heal itself. Bowtech practitioners are trained to perform gentle, noninvasive movements on specific parts of the body to help ‘reset’, or balance, the autonomic nervous system (A.N.S.) and endocrine systems, among others. During and after treatments people will generally enter into a deeply relaxed state. The Bowtech movements trigger the A.N.S. to shift from the sympathetic mode (fight or flight) to parasympathetic mode (rest, relax and repair). It is possibly this shift that explains the process of the body healing itself. Bowtech is a profound therapy. Please consider it as one of the paths open to you for your recovery or in maintaining your health. If you would like more information on Bowtech therapy or to read case studies please click here. The starting point of my transformation began seven years ago in my personal life, then gradually trickled into my professional life. It was not an overnight change, but instead like background noise. Like the happy gurglings of a spring stream as it makes its course, it’s transparent nature, slipping past unnoticed. That is, until it emptied into this roaring river on which I now find myself. And for the most part - I'm loving it!
Therefore, it was only recently that I began to take stock of all the things that I have to be thankful for. Like many others, I am very thankful and grateful for a loving and supportive family. I know I could never express how significant their steadfast participation has been in my life. Without their love, patience, and advice I know that my path would have been a lot lonelier and held far fewer laughs. I started new friendships, for which I am extremely thankful. They have provided me with a wonderful source of inspiration, laughter, support and now, daily exercise! They have played a key role in who I am and where I am today. I started a relationship with a wonderful man - many thanks to John and Linda. Soon we will be starting our new life together. So thankful for this! Professionally, I have started a new career as a Bowen practitioner. I am thankful to have learned this profound therapy that allows me to help others. In future BBBlogs I plan to bring to you more information about this therapy and how it is helping others. Starting Points and Thankfulness .... to me, it seemed the only way to start this blogging idea. |
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