Presence: Bringing Mindfulness to Massage Sara Pierce, MA,PT,BCTMB
Consciousness and Integrating Somatic Studies
What is Presence in Healing? The foundations of Presence in Healing are the cultivation of presence, increased perceptual awareness, greater self/other awareness and discerned choice. The result of this is greater understanding and expression of one s authentic self in the world today In this work the "body" is conceptualized and felt to be physical, energetic, temporal, emotional, sacred, mindful, and of intelligence that is conscious.
This consciousness is: omnipresent (everywhere) omniscient (with a knowledge of everything) omnipotent (all powerful). You are this omnipresent something that is forever unfolding. Not the human you who was born, has a history, and will eventually dissolve back into dust--- but the real you, the true Self that is emerging. Derek Rydall
Holistic, integrated, functional Body as an accurate recorder of present time Including more parts of self in all levels of consciousness is biologically and physiologically advantageous
Presence in Massage Who is this most useful for? Chronic issues (require integrated care) Mystery illnesses Therapist of last resort PTSD Addiction Recovery
Presence in Massage Presence in Massage combines all of these: Presence Skilled Listening Healing
Presence in Massage Why would this be useful? Safety Client feels in control if that is important to them Self discovery - Client has ownership of what is discovered and what changes Self help - take home insights that the client may integrate functionally
What is Presence 1. the state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present in a place or thing. her presence still comforts me 2. a person or thing that exists or is present in a place but is not seen. the monks became aware of a strange presence 3. the impressive manner or appearance of a person. Richard was not a big man, but his presence was overwhelming
LIFE IS ALWAYS NOW
Becoming present time aware is a foundation of mindfulness Mindfulness is a profound way of cultivating present-moment attention and,therefore, facilitates therapeutic presence. Buddhist and mindfulness perspectives recognize that at the core of who we are is deep potential for wisdom and wholeness. The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When our mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers. Thich Nhat Hanh
Commonality in all these definitions is Present Time Awareness
Present Time Awareness Changes Perspective
Present time awareness can be summarized as the ART OF NOW
Mindfulness Jon Kabat-Zinn Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally. Thich Nhat Hanh Mindfulness shows us what is happening in our bodies, our emotions, our minds, and in the world. Through mindfulness, we avoid harming ourselves and others. Sharon Salzberg Mindfulness isn t just about knowing that you re hearing something, seeing something, or even observing that you re having a particular feeling. It s about doing so in a certain way with balance and equanimity, and without judgment. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention in a way that creates space for insight.
Healing A process that moves toward the following: Physical flow and balance Emotional responsiveness to what is present Mental thoughtfulness and stillness Spiritual inclusiveness and compassion for all parts Energetic congruence and flow in balanced possibility With awareness grounded in present time and space As all are appreciated and we wish for nothing to be different
Breathwork The regulation of the breath through certain techniques and exercises Pranayama Ujjai (Ocean Breath) Nadi Shodan (Alternate Nostril Breathing) Other generic types (nonyoga): Breath patterns and specific areas
Use of breath in massage Beginners mind Evaluation Connecting Communication I hear you, you are safe Working with the client rather than on the client (with not to)
Activity 1 guided sitting meditation pre test
Connection Including the massage client into the process 1. Fix it versus Healing 2. Somatic Listening 3. Help client to accurately notice what is true for them in the present moment 4. The use of story and bringing the story to present time
Activity 2: Partner Interview Practice Ask partner to tell you what they would like to be the same or different about themselves and the story about that why is it important? Why now? Practice bringing them back to present time in their story by repeating back to them what you hear--- (this is what I heard. Is that true? What does this mean to you now?) by asking questions. Also use touch to ground them into the moment
Listening Skills: Four Questions 1. Where is the area of interest? 2. 0-10 how important or painful is this area to you? 3. What does it look like? 4. What does it feel like?
Activity 3/ Four Questions Brief Inquiry Self Reflection and Self Care Ask Four Questions and answer for self what other questions arise?
Why the Four Questions? Where is the most important or painful area? 0-10 What does it feel like? What does it look like?
Activity 4: Presence Technique with Four Questions Intention of this Presence technique is: To be present as the massage therapist and assist and sustain the client to be present. Don t run, Don t hide
1. Get present yourself (attention to breath and grounding) 2. Listen to their story of what they want to be the same or different assisting them to be present 3. Match their breath and bring them towards yours (meet your client where they are at matching their affect and their energy towards yours) Moving towards presence 4. Ask the Four questions keeping and guiding them to be present remember the Levels of Consciousness 5. Ask permission to touch the area (permission given is safety received) 6. Ask if you may touch any area which is compelling to you with whatever massage skills you feel are appropriate and do NOT bring either participant out of present time
7. When the session begins to close, ask the client what they might do differently given what they just experienced. Help them to make a present time plan that can be implemented in the near future. 8. If the client wants they can go back to the Four Questions and see if their perspective is different
What did we just do? 1. We have another way of approaching clients 2. We have different therapeutic evaluation techniques that set the stage for greater client mindful awareness 3. We have more shared touch experience, which brings both partners into the sessions to work together (and sharing the lead ultimately) 4. We have given them some take home skills 5. We have learned some self care skills for ourselves to become present and mindfully aware.
We have moved from fixing someone to partnering and potentially guiding our clients towards healing.
Activity 5: Sitting Meditation Post Test What is Present in your body at this time? Who are you in this moment? How are you: Physically? Mentally? Emotionally? Energetically? Spiritually? Journal your experience: Compare to what you started with what s the same? What s different?