 |
||
|
||
|
||
|
home |
|
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, "Grow, grow." |
|
| Exploring in Water -- Watsu®
A few years ago I found myself, once again, hearing the call of the water. I'd looked into this water therapy (or aquatic bodywork) shortly before my grandfather passed when life was beginning to move in a new direction. Alas, it didn't seem to be the right time for it. I'd found information on training in Harbin Hot Springs not far from where I was living at the time but I did not have the vacation time nor, as I believed, the disposable income to pursue it. Fast forward to March 2007. Since the days I'd thought I didn't have the time or money I moved from the Bay Area in California to a Greek island located in the Aegean Sea. As time passed I found myself becoming connected with more healers and bodyworkers. That trusty database in my mind drew up the plans for Watsu® once again. Quickly I went into research mode. Just like so many things that I have thrust myself into I connected with an instructor and booked a flight for a 50 hour intensive training in Belgium. Like so many things that I've done in my life which were wonderful growing experiences for me my first reaction to it was absolute fear. What am I doing? I can't afford this. I won't do well. In essence, I'm not worthy. Hmm. That sounds like an old tape. Time for the self-critic exercise. Oh, and daily meditation helped tremendously. I realize this pulls us away from the focus of exercises in creative expression but I can't help but spotlight the issues which block us from self expression, self-actualization, are quite related to own sense of self worth in any matter. The moment we say yes to what feeds our soul and trust we are cared for is the moment something takes hold and moves us. The journey to get to Belgium had it's share of scheduling obstacles — delayed ferry and late bus nearly caused me to miss the plane. Somehow I kept remembering if this is something I am meant to pursue the way will open up. I don't need to worry. And everything went smoothly with great hospitality and generosity. I traveled to Belgium via Amsterdam where, Basia, the Watsu instructor picked me up at the airport. From before booking my flight until I arrived back home in Greece, I'd never felt quite so looked after by something as I had during this experience. Watsu® is the original form of aquatic bodywork developed in 1980 by Harold Dull. It employs zen shiatsu techniques while being immersed in warm water. Though Watsu's 'mainstream' benefits help people with chronic pain it's also used to relieve and release emotional and/or psychological blocks. Like with any bodywork, long term effects can be profound by creating balance in the body, mind and spirit. I had no idea what effects training would have on me when I signed up for the class. I went quite unsure of myself, and even found some old triggers appearing which blocked my own efforts. The thing about an 'intensive' is because the gaps between treatments is short the momentum can break through barriers more rapidly. Though I struggled with my issues and the learning curve the first few days I came to a point of release allowing me to absorb the material, accept myself where I am at and be in the pleasure of giving treatment which can be as valuable as receiving. If you've spent any time at this web site you'll know it's been a while since it's been updated. Now felt like the time. Life has presented some wonderful, albeit somewhat difficult, experiences this past year and I believe the gifts will keep coming. I'm not just talking about a positive outlook on life. I believe and I trust, not that I will never again have to see hardship. I trust I will be guided and connected. This experience that is my life will expand and contract with more ease the more I am present and accepting of myself as I am. ©2007 Creative Crackpot. Watsu is a registered trade mark of Harold Dull. |
