Traits for Self Healing Part 5: Nonjudgment

We are on week 5 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). Today we are focusing on nonjudgment, a part of non attachment.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Nonjudgment
The ability to accept what we see in ourselves, without casting judgment, is also an important trait. Once judgment is cast on a feeling, thought, or intention that emerges from within during a healing process, there is a tendency to easily slip into self-shaming. Human beings are capable of a wide range of feelings, thoughts, and intentions, but some of these are not always considered "holy" in their nature. Having the ability to own these and to accept these as indicators of an issue on our journey, without casting judgment, allows for us to move beyond these dynamics, releasing the misqualified energies and reintegrating in a healthier manner.  Although we are always responsible for our actions toward others, the inner healing process must have room for us to be honest with how we interpret the world we live in.  This room expands when we understand the benefits of nonjudgment, then practice it well.  How is your mastery of nonjudgmental thinking?--John Kroneck

Traits for Self-Healing Part 4: Nonresistance

This is the fourth in a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). Today we are focusing on nonresistance, a part of non attachment.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Nonresistance
There are times when the tendency to protect ourselves from the perceived danger of revealing a truth about ourselves can take precedence over the desire for seeing the truth.  This resistance to what is occurring can frustrate a client's progress.  Nonresistance is the willingness to experience whatever dynamic may show itself.  It includes having the courage to directly face fear, pain, and shame without shrinking from the experience.  It is also a critical tool in moving through what we fear in the quickest, most efficient manner possible.  How is your mastery of nonresistance? -- John Kroneck

I interpret this as denial. A client may not want to tell their massage therapist  all of their recent activities or even admit to themselves that they spent 5 hours playing video games the day before their massage. This information could help quickly pinpoint the source of a client's pain, anything from poor posture to repetitive motion injury. This can also come in the form of an injury that may not be something massage can effectively treat, but the client not wishing to visit their doctor and have diagnostics done schedules a massage instead.
I would also consider guarding in this category. I find this most often in shoulder range of motion. As I move the arm upward the client will tighten up to avoid previously felt pain. This action prevents the therapist from observing where the limitations are and to what degree. Communication is crucial at this point as well as trust.

How do you interpret this trait?  How would you try to improve your own nonresistance and encourage it in others? 

Traits for Self Healing Part 3: Awareness

This week brings us to Awareness, part 3 of an ongoing series based on "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork').  If you have not been following along, that's alright, just jump in here and then click the links to review the previous blogs.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Awareness
Pure awareness is shown in the ability to notice without letting the mind fill in the story that seems to be involved. There are times we are pulled off awareness because we think we know what the next step is and then start projecting what we think is true. Once this happens, being aware of the present moment is lost. The action of being aware is simply noticing what is taking place without projecting our own beliefs, desires, or ideas on the issue. There is an intimate interconnection with the actions of awareness and present moment. That is, to be in the present moment, we must be aware of the moment. Likewise, when our awareness is pure, we find ourselves living in the present moment. How is your mastery of being aware? -- John Kroneck

Have you every driven home from work and then wondered how you got there? You know the way so you don't even think about it; you are not fully aware. What happens when there is an accident or construction and you are required to take a different route? You no longer know what is next and therefore must be more aware of your surroundings and what you are doing. 

As a massage therapist have you become set in a certain routine? Do you always start with your client face down? Have you been lost in your own thoughts and can't remember if you worked on a certain muscle or for how long you have been holding a trigger point?

During a conversation are you listening to everything that is being said? Or are you already thinking of your response? 

Leave a comment with ways that you stay aware.

Traits for Self-Healing Part 2: Present Moment

This is the second in a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). These traits are important for self healing as well as helping others:

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Present Moment
The only reality that we function in is the present moment. To be fully present with what is occurring at this moment leads to clarity of understanding, choices, and actions. All life exists in the present moment. Our past has been altered by our changing memories; even the original perceptions may have been skewed to protect our ego. What is real is what is happening only in the moment. Therefore, it is by being present in this moment that we can effect change in our lives. How is your mastery of being fully present in the moment? -- John Kroneck

Do you live in the present? Or do you spend more time in the past or future? While on your morning commute are you paying attention to the traffic around you? or dwelling on the argument you had with someone the night before? or are you thinking about what you need to do at work that day? Multitasking has it's benefits; one of which is to save time so that you can live in the present moment. While having dinner with your family are you intent on the conversation and interacting with them?

As a therapist are you in the present moment with your client? Do you feel when the tension leaves their body? Do you notice from their body language when you hit a tender area even if they don't tell you? Or do you let your mind wander away from the present? Are you thinking of what to wear to dinner later instead of how you are draping your client?

As a massage client do you stay in the present moment during your massage? Do you give feed back to your therapist? Or do you let your mind drift? 

I invite everyone to leave comments answering how well you live in the present moment and what things can we all do to focus on the present moment?