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Blog: Reflections from the Center
» CENTER FOR GRIEF RECOVERY
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Introduction to Experiential Methods
Relaxed Brainwave States (continued)
Through the use of guided imagery we can access the deeper knowledge that is within us. We can ask a part
of ourselves, manifested in an "advisor" or "ally" to help us understand our patterns, or to solve problems,
or to build our creativity.
For example, we can converse with an imaginary being who speaks for our unconscious. We can ask for help
understanding why we feel the way we do, or can request that our unconscious deliver a dream that will make
our situation clear. We can also let our mind wander in reverie so that unconscious art forms take control
of our images. We can do this in more or less disciplined ways so that we get different results. We can
write poetry, draw, paint or sing in a relaxed state. These experiences, while not
always
aesthetically perfect,
are always fun and often eye-opening.
Bodywork
All experiences are stored in the memory of the body. Many of these hurts, traumas and
embarrassments are structured into our physical selves.
By applying pressure or massaging muscle groups, powerful emotions can be evoked.
Accessing these emotions via the body often saves time and brings the feelings and memories into focus.
Bodywork systems that are used are: Shiatsu, Acupressure and Aikido. The ideas of connection certain
metaphorical images to meridians often yields accurate information about the body/mind state.
Structural integration is also a powerful tool for evoking emotionally charged material. Reich and Lowen form
the backbone of many of our techniques. The idea of character as structured into the body, because mind and body
are actually one, is a more accurate view. If we believe this, then we can approach from either side and
effect
the other.
Thus, if we help make the body more flexible, we also make the mind more flexible. The body often leads us in
our course of therapy. In a relaxed state, the body itself will often move in a way that lets its occupant know
what is needed.
For example, a person who has been abused will find herself repeating the movements without being aware that
she is responding. As she becomes aware of the movements that her body makes, she then comes in contact with
the associated feelings. A person in need of nurturing will sometimes find his arms wrapping around himself
in imitation of a hug.
Breathing
Although really a part of bodywork, breathing is a method in its own right.
By breathing into the lower abdomen or the upper chest, we can start in motion powerful rhythms leading to
deep, basic emotional issues.
For example, Lowen describes depression as "not breathing into the chest" or shallow chest breathing. When we
increase the depth of breath entering and leaving the chest, almost immediately repressed feelings of sadness
and loss emerge, enabling us to deal with them effectively. It is common for chest breathing to evoke intense
feelings within a few minutes.
While at first, people are unaware of the reason for these deep feelings, exploration brings the thoughts to the
surface. The way in which breathing is constricted or blocked tells us a great deal about the underlying emotional
difficulties.
Freeing the breathing unlocks the motion which in turn unlocks a wealth of stored energy. Patterned breathing also
sends us back into our past and evokes images which have been forgotten.
Thus the imagery emerging during and after breathing exercises can be rich in unconscious symbolism and meaning.
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