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I'm just back from another visceral training. And -- surprise! I'm not overwhelmed!
Four days of new material. Four days of intensive practice. Four days in an unfamiliar environment, working closely with an instructor and practicing hands-on with fellow students, most of whom are physical therapists.
Why am I not overwhelmed?
It was my second time through. The curriculum included review of another class. These classes build on what I know --- from studying reference books and notes --- and on what I know more deeply, from practice.
Wow, at that first time 12 years ago, I sure was toast by the end. Couldn't really tell you what happened on the fourth day of it.
But this time, I could not only take it in, but expand with it. Over the years inbetween, with study and practice, my body has had time to incorporate this information a little at a time, in context.
You know what they say --- about how to get to Carnegie Hall?
Practice, practice, practice.
I can't wait to share visceral work --- with you! And so I'm bringing it toward the front of the room, providing a context.
We all want to enjoy moving; it's how we live our lives to the fullest. When moving happens with greater ease, we feel better. Feeling good, we're better able to connect with people. Part of feeling good is enjoying strength and support, and part of it is proprioception ----- body-to-brain, brain-body, and body-body ("...stable here, how about you?") messages inside.
Visceral work is all about relationships! We're "waking up" proprioceptive connections on the inside, the messaging system that tells our body where we are and how we're doing, relative to other parts, and relative to the whole. Awareness of self, and self in the environment.
Visceral work is also encouraging natural movement.
To function, our organs must be moving all the time, or we die. (Ideally, joints and muscles can also move freely, but if not, mostly that won't kill you.) Where movement is hindered or stuck, that's where therapeutic attention will focus, gently encouraging movement in the direction of ease. That's it!
So, I am not a healer but a person who listens to the tissues, and connects with encouraging movement. Listening. Connecting. Encouraging.
When it's not too much input into the system as to overwhelm, the body can adapt, incorporating what's new, moving toward hope a little at a time.
