So I've been looking forward to this session all week - it's all about GROUNDING - something I sorely (pardon the pun) need in my life both on and off my yoga mat.
First off, I have extremely flat feet, which has been causing me a great deal of pain since I've begun teaching so many classes each day.
When I first get out of bed each morning, I literally limp my way to my bathroom. And when I teach several classes in a day, I end up walking like an old lady. When I'm practicing postures that require balancing on one foot, I feel a searing pain on the bottom of my standing foot that wraps up my shin and calf. Similarly, after several warrior postures, my feet are burning; this is why I love inversions so much! Relief for my poor, aching feet!!
Off my mat, it's a challenge to stay grounded and structured. Routines, predictability, responsibilities, daily grind activities leave me feeling restless and bored. Yet of course these are the very things that I really need most in my life to achieve balance.
So, you can see why I was intrigued by Session Two, which focuses on grounding through the legs and further shoulder release.
I won't bore you with the blow by blow. If you read about the first session, you are already aware that there is significant sensation involved with this type of bodywork. But there are also significant, tangible benefits that far outweigh a few moments of discomfort.
Each session begins with some light neck, shoulder and psoas release. Everett began work on my right side this time. As I was lying on my back, he started by releasing the bottom of my foot while I flexed and softened my heel. He then freed my ankle joint (ouch!) and worked his way up my lower leg. He then flipped me on my tummy to work the same area, releasing my ankle and knee.
Now, during this portion, I seriously asked myself, "Why am I doing this again?" The acute pain and burning sensations seemed a bit senseless as I was experiencing it. I said as much to Everett, and his response was, "Yeah, you have to be pretty crazy to do this. Or really want to move your life to the next level."
Between areas, Everett pauses and has me lie on my back to observe and comment on sensation. And that is when I am reminded of exactly WHY I am going through such physical discomfort. It is to enjoy full awareness of my body on a level deeper than gross motor movements. To FEEL the tingling sensations of prana and blood coursing through my veins. To FEEL my entire pelvis flat on the table. To BREATHE fully and completely with fine awareness of subtle sensations in my body's organs.
It also allows for emotional releasing, especially of traumas, injuries, pain, and other intense experiences that have been shoved deep down rather than felt and released.
So while I strive to have no expectations of this work, I am mentally prepared for any emotional energy that may bubble to the surface. While I was fully prepared for physical pain and tears, I was caught completely off guard for what released as Everett worked his way up the front of my upper legs and thighs: doubled over, nose snorting laughter! It started with slight tickling sensations then became more intense until I finally pushed his hands away and just started laughing uncontrollably. At one point, he left the room so I could laugh my ass off!
So interesting that it happened at the exact same spot on both of my thighs. Apparently tears and pain aren't the only things we repress! I was surprised to find that I'm so repressed that I even suppress laughter!
The rest of the work was additional shoulder work and concluded with my back. Once all of the connective tissues are released, he organizes and aligns the entire body.
After two of ten sessions, I basically feel like the Tin Man who has had all of his joints oiled and can now operate more efficiently and smoothly. My body feels integrated and grounded and light and energetic and alive!
The rest of the work was additional shoulder work and concluded with my back. Once all of the connective tissues are released, he organizes and aligns the entire body.
After two of ten sessions, I basically feel like the Tin Man who has had all of his joints oiled and can now operate more efficiently and smoothly. My body feels integrated and grounded and light and energetic and alive!
After nine years of practicing yoga, I thought I had pretty decent body awareness. This bodywork has made me realize how physical my practice has been, and how 'karmically ripe' I am (as Everett has said more than once) to transcend the superficial level and truly deepen my spiritual path.
This work truly isn't for everyone. It's so much deeper than physical tissue release. Everett says women who work with him come in like rabbits and leave like tigers. I asked him what happens to those who come in like tigers?
Annica! Annica! Annica!!! Be happy! Be happy! Be happy!!!
