Your Body Speaks - Are You Listening?

Your Body Speaks - Are You Listening?

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Its Hip to be True - Tapping into the Wisdom of Your Body

From chronic sinus conditions, to migraines, to tendonitis...sometimes the most common aches and pains are the body’s way of saying that there’s more going on inside than meets the eye. The Rubenfeld Synergy Method® is a powerful, effective bodymind therapy that addresses a multitude of issues with a unique approach that can uncover the source of the client’s discomfort. The combined used of gentle touch and talk is the hallmark of the Rubenfeld Synergy Method® and can access hidden “blocks” of emotional stress, trauma, anxiety, tension and uneasiness in the body. Using light touch and expertly directed dialogue, a Rubenfeld Synergist can assist clients in getting to the core of their discomfort. The results can be empowering experiences of release, relaxation and restoration of emotional and physical harmony and wellbeing.


Karla*, a 40-something single, professional happened upon Rubenfeld Synergy after trying various self-help methods to manage an unexpected onset of lower body aches, moodiness and lethargy. As a believer in holistic health, she was uninterested in pharmaceutical pain relief options; but knew that she needed more than a simple massage, a vacation or a day off from work. So at a friend’s urging, she decided to try the Rubenfeld Synergy Method®. Immediately, Karla felt at ease with the Synergist’s gentle manner, cozy office and comfortable treatment table. But little did she know that she was in for a far greater experience than simply an hour of R&R.

“After I was comfortable”, recalls Karla, “the Synergist gently placed her hand under my right hip, which made it feel higher than my left. Then she asked me what I felt.” Much to Karla’s own surprise, she simply let out a little laugh. Then, when asked about her laughter, Karla replied, “This may sound crazy, but with my hips in this position, it feels like the right side of my body has a real attitude.” The Synergist encouraged Karla to keep sharing honestly about her observations. So Karla went on to describe another unexpected sensation. She explained that the Synergist’s hand near her left knee made her think of the Virgin Mary kneeling to pray. “I don’t know why”, shared Karla, “but it feels very serious and religious on the left side of my body. But my right side feels sassy, like it just wants to shimmy and sway like a dancer.” As the Synergist encouraged these two sides of her body to continue “speaking the truth”, Karla was pleasantly surprised by her own discovery. By the end of the session, Karla exclaimed, “Wow! I think I get it! One part of me wants to be sexy and free-spirited and another side of me feels concerned about my religious beliefs and responsibilities! It’s like the two sides of me are at odds with each other.”

Karla had recently begun a new spiritual course of study; and it occurred to her that she was worried about how her new path would impact her ability to have a good time. When these thoughts arose, Karla usually chose not to acknowledge them, fearing that they might be signs of weakness in her faith. But the Rubenfeld Synergy Method® helped her realize that, not only was it OK to be honest with herself, it was necessary for her health. She felt relieved to discover what was actually at the “heart” of her aches. Over time, Karla was able to relax and experience a stronger sense of “knowing herself”. With subsequent sessions, she gained more ease with being truthful about her desires. Discovering her truth allowed Karla to have better balance in her life without feeling guilty!

While all results are unique to the individual’s experience, the Rubenfeld Synergy Method® explores each client’s internal wisdom and unites the natural connection between their body and mind. The result is gently guided awareness that leads to an active and empowered role in their healing. Without drugs or invasive procedures, the Rubenfeld Synergy Method® offers a safe, holistic complementary approach to physical and emotional health and wellbeing.

*Client’s name was changed to protect confidentiality

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Listen to Your Body and Reduce Stress

Listen to Your Body and Reduce Stress with The Seven Steps of the Rubenfeld Synergy Method®

Throughout life, stress, memories, and suppressed emotions are stored in our bodies. Sometimes these ‘holdings’ can show up as aches, pains and tensions causing us to feel chronically tired, emotionally drained and physically disconnected. These aches and pains are one of the ways our bodies communicate to us. When we ignore these ‘messages’, stress can become chronic and may eventually manifest as disease.

The Rubenfeld Synergy Method helps us to listen to the body using a combination of touch and talk. Through listening we become aware of habitual patterns and tensions. We can then make new choices, transform old patterns, relieve stress and bring tangible improvements to our daily lives.

The Rubenfeld Synergy Method is gentle and powerful and can lead to experiences of deep wellbeing, emotional connection and self-discovery.

Listed below are steps that Rubenfeld Synergists® may use when guiding clients to listen to their bodies. This is a process grounded in deep respect, openness and understanding. We encourage you to take this approach as you listen to your body.

The Seven Steps:

1. Be Curious-The word ‘curious’ comes from the same root word as ‘cure’ meaning to care for and pay attention to. Being genuinely curious instead of judgmental (e.g., “What’s wrong with me?”) promotes a caring relationship with your body and your being. As you listen to your body with care and curiosity (e.g., “What are you trying to tell me?”) you open the door to not only knowing your physical self, but also your emotional, mental and spiritual self.

2. Notice-The body has a language of its own. Often we ignore our body and only begin to listen when we feel tension, aches and pains. This is the body’s way of getting our attention. The body experiences and expresses numerous sensations both painful and pleasurable. It is important to notice both.

Close your eyes internally scan your body and notice where you are drawn to. What place is calling out for your attention in this moment? Is it your heart, shoulder, back, big toe, etc.? Each of these places has a message for you.

3. Touch-Gently make contact with the place in your body that is calling to you. Touch focuses your attention and heightens your awareness. If you cannot reach the place that is calling to you, imagine placing you hand there.

4. Describe-Using your senses describe what you are experiencing. Does this place feel heavy, tight, hard, soft, warm, compressed, etc.? Expand on the sensation by using metaphor. Example: “The heaviness across my chest feels like a steel plate pressing down on me.” Or “The warmth in my hip feels like a ray of sunshine radiating down my leg.”

5. Give Your Body a ‘Voice’-Imagine that this place could speak. What message does it have for you? Let this place speak in the “I”. Using the example of the hip given in Step #4, the hip might say, “I want to shine.”

6. Allow-Allow any feelings to emerge. E-motion is energy in motion, like a river it needs to flow. Use your breath to support the flow. When you continually suppress an emotion it can show up as aches, pain and tension in the body. For example, someone suppressing tears may experience a ‘lump’ in the throat. Another person may clench the jaw to suppress anger. If your emotions feel too intense, you may need to consider working with a Synergist, therapist or counselor.

7. Honor Your Experience with Love and Respect-The body speaks the truth, it does not lie. We can easily disregard, discount and/or diminish our experience. Appreciate your body for the wisdom it has given you. Be gentle and kind to yourself.

To find out more about the Rubenfeld Synergy Method visit http://www.bodywhisperer1.com/ or http://www.vastwellnesscenter.com/