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April 2007

Over the past year, several of you brought new life into the world. It was such a joy to watch you blossom through your pregnancies and then to see your newest little ones! A couple of the moms asked me to balance their babies – what a great experience! In class and in private sessions, we often reflect on the fact that our bodies, indeed our whole beings, are constantly moving towards homeostasis, towards balance. Babies illustrate this quite dramatically. They respond almost instantly to energetic intention.

Just this past month, a little girl named Mila treated me to observing her wonder at having recently discovered her fist.... have you ever watched a baby do this?

It got me thinking.... we come into this world with absolutely no concept of our own being-ness. We exist as part of mom. No individuation. No mind/body connection to our own physicality other than hunger, cold, discomfort - yet even these are not experienced as 'me'. Somewhere around the 6th week suddenly there is this fist. Into the mouth it goes.

And then some time later, a foot. Into the mouth it follows.

Later, when we are beginning to have language and to identify objects and self/other, we play games - where's baby's nose? There it is! Where's my nose? Where's baby's ear? And as we begin to move independently, reach and grab and explore our universe, we are learning more and more about how to control our bodies and therefore affect the world around us. And we're learning about the world around us and how it affects us through our bodies. Ever increasing our mind/body awareness and integration. As we begin to pick up tiny objects (into the mouth it goes!) and later to run, to throw a ball, our mind body connection becomes stronger and stronger.

Then comes puberty. And the clouds of self-consciousness replace our self-awareness.

Later our busy lives, our responsibilities, our cares and woes, good and bad, take precedence and our mind/body connection is ignored, pushed deeper and deeper away from our consciousness awareness.

What a loss.

Through your practices, you can reclaim your birthright of mind/body connection. Increase your awareness of form and function, movement and rest. With increased awareness, be more responsive to your body's needs so that you can better care for your physical self so that you can be stronger, healthier and happier in all aspects of your Be-ing.

If you've experienced this increased awareness, and the benefits it can bring, tell me about it!

I wish for you ever-increasing awareness, integration, and oneness. See you in class...

ahealingplace@verizon.net
Copyright 2007 Cathy Layland

What does it mean to be a Human Being?

November 2006

At a dinner party over the holiday weekend, a friend told the story of the elephants of Uganda. It seems that years of the social destruction of civil war left the door open for poachers to decimate the elephant population. Since their quest is ivory, the poachers wiped out the older adult elephants across the country.

Animal experts have long known that elephants are social animals. For instance, when a female is about to give birth, all the females gather around to assist her. And the newborns, clearly bonded to their mothers, are also surrounded by doting aunties throughout their growing years. When young elephants reach adolescence, females remain with the main herd while the males are sent away from the herd to live amongst the elder males. When elephants die, the entire herd mourns.

With the murder of the elders of Uganda, the adolescents and youth were left to fend for themselves. And apparently, they had been learning from their seniors more than which blade of grass to eat and where to find water. It seems that they had been learning....

What it means to be an elephant.

What does it mean to be an elephant? What is acceptable behavior? How does one carry oneself with dignity, self respect, as well as respect for other members of the clan? How does the clan behave relative to other groups, and what about other animals, other living things, property and nature?

What are the ethics, the standards, the morals of elephantness?

In the absence of senior example, the social fiber of the Ugandan elephant herds frayed. Elephants began to fight amongst themselves, trample greenery, muddy water holes, destroy property, threaten other animals including humans. And adolescent males had actually begun to rape rhinos!

Hmmmm. I can't help reflecting - what if we take out "elephants" and substitute "humans." In many ways, the social fiber of our human "herds" does seem to be fraying.

I wonder - where are the young ones learning what it means to be a human being? Especially if the parents are absent or in crisis themselves? Schools are overburdened, religion no longer plays the role it once did, communities are not the village which raises the child.

And even where families are intact, children are immersed in television. What are they learning about humanness there?

What is acceptable behavior? How does one carry oneself with dignity, self respect, as well as respect for other members of the clan? How does the clan behave relative to other groups, and what about other animals, other living things, property and nature?

Who is teaching the children how to be a human being?

There is a sort of happy ending to the Ugandan elephants' story - elder elephants were brought in from other areas of the continent and soon order was restored.

For us, I wonder, what does it mean to be a human being? And how are the next generation of our species learning these lessons, and what can I do to help?

I believe it begins with my own integrity. With trying to live consciously and conscientiously, with respect for myself, regard for my clan and consideration for others. With being responsible for stewardship of resources and the environment.

Beyond that, I'm not sure. As I contemplate this, what I am sure of is that the Universe is preparing an answer - and I expected that challenge to present itself to me in the the coming year. I'll keep you posted!

In the meantime I issue you a challenge:
Consider, how can you be an elder elephant?

I'd love to read your thoughts on what it means to be a human being...
ahealingplace@verizon.net
Copyright 2006 Cathy Layland

Make it Yours

October 2006
Make your practice your own - what does that mean?

"If you can only move an inch, move that inch. Over time, perhaps you will realize you are moving farther."

"Never strain, rather release into the practice."

"No pain, no gain is a lie."

"Don't strive, but allow."

"Create balance between flexibility and strength."

"It's not about struggle, it's about surrender."

One way to think about this is to view the practice - be it the tai chi form, a particular yoga posture or a meditation - to view it as a map. A map with a path, with ups and downs, road signs, landmarks and vistas. A map rather than some icon of perfection.

Take a good look at the map, the whole map, the path from beginning to end, not just the end of the trail.

Where are you on that path today? As you practice in this moment, focus on that place where you are, and watch your being move from there.

Honor yourself and your body - recognize without judgment where you are today, your capabilities as well as those things which are not within your scope. Be with your self, not concerned with what those around you are doing. Then you can work with your body honestly and safely.

Never, no matter what, do anything that doesn't seem or feel right to you, nor anything your medical professional has advised against. No matter what the instructor says or what the people around you are doing, be true to your self and your own body.

Remember that no thing is right for everyone, and it's up to you to decide what's right for you!

I wish for you clarity and sureness of heart in all that you do.

See you in class.

Cathy
ahealingplace@verizon.net

A Watched Pot

July 2006
Fill a pot with water all the way to the brim...

and turn the stove all the way to high...

Now throw in a pound of spaghetti.

What a mess.

And what if the stove is gas?

And what if you don't notice the flame is out?

I arrived at class as a student was telling her story. The evening before, she had nearly been hit by a car. The details were as fresh as though it were happening right now. She finished the story only to begin it again from the start - repeating line for painful line over and over again - reliving the panic and fear at least seven times. During class, she left the room several times and couldn't seem to settle in and focus on her practice.

After class I spoke with her about Energy Kinesiology. I explained that there are ways to drain away the stress, panic, fear of a memory. She said she would like to give it a try. Ten minutes later, her breath had become slow and natural, her energy even and smooth, her face and eyes at ease.

"I feel so peaceful" she said, "thankyou so much."

On the way home I thought about what had just transpired. About how like a pot overflowing with boiling water she had been.

If you fill a pot with water all the way to the brim...

and turn the stove all the way to high...

What happens?

Now throw in a pound of spaghetti.

What a mess.

And what if the stove was gas?

And what if you don't notice the flame is out?

Life can be like that. Sometimes the pot is too full and the flame is too high. Sometimes it can feel as though you can't turn the flame down. And then life throws in a pound of spaghetti. The pot boils over and makes a mess. Your flame can go out. There may even be an explosion.

Your practices are a way you can lower the flame, drain off some of the excess water, come back to yourself and to knowing that you have the power to help yourself. So that when life throws in the spaghetti, you get a nice hot meal instead of a mess!

In what ways have you noticed the affects of your practices, helping you to deal with stress? Be sure to acknowledge those moments to yourself, moments of clarity and quietude, peacefulness and even-smoothness.

See you in class.

Cathy
ahealingplace@verizon.net

Peace

June 2006 I'd like to share with you a legend of oral tradition from ancient China. This is a story from many many generations ago, before the time of modern China, before the time of the cultural revolution, before the time of Chinese democracy
and a unified country.

The legend tells of a time when the people lived in harmony with each other and the world around them. Each family was prosperous by their own measure and the borders were secure. Now, as everyone knows, the state of a country reflects that of its leader. "Everyone will gather to the man who rules in the light of the Tao. To trust such a being is to live in true happiness and healing. If the sage refuses to be proud, then the people won't compete for his attention. If the sage does not buy treasures then the people won't want to steal them nor hoard their own. The sage abandons greed, all false charm and every last iota of pride. In his wisdom, he restrains himself, makes sure that the people don't know what he's done, uses simplicity in ruling the world. If there is nothing to fight for then there is nothing that can break the flow.
"The highest form of government is what people hardly even realize is there. And the people stay happy believing that what happens, happens naturally."
(Tao te Ching) And so the wise leader who lives an aware and conscientious life, in harmony with himself and the world around him, produces similar happiness and balance in his country.

This very wise Emperor also knew that in the absence of struggle, a man, or an empire, might lapse into complacency. And from there, a man, or an empire, might sink into lazy habits of living and relating which could result in dysfunction and decline. "When the people lack a sense of awe, there is bound to be disorder or disaster."(Tao te Ching) So he pondered how to provide some purpose, a goal to strive for. After some consideration, he ordered a gathering of all the peoples from across the land to celebrate the wonderful nature of their lives and their empire. He decided to create a focal point for this gathering - a challenge, a contest:

"What is Peace?"

Of course there would be enormous honor along with a prize for the one who was named the winner.

The date was set for one year hence.

Well, the people were delighted with the task. Poets wrote, musicians composed, actors rehearsed, painters painted and dancers explored new ways to move their bodies and their robes. The people had a project and the country was alight with energy. The year passed quickly.

When the date finally approached, as all dates must, the entire empire was on the move. Farmers left their fields, weavers their looms, potters their wheels and wives their kitchens and gardens. Everyone journeyed to the province of the government.

What a marvelous sight from the balcony of the Emperor's hall on the hill! Colorful tents dotted the valleys as far as the eye could see. Flags of each hamlet and town fluttered in the breeze like a migration of butterflies. The very air vibrated with excitement. For days, the works of the people were presented at court, each dance more graceful than the last painting, which was more dazzling than the last tune, as it was more moving than the last oratory. Tongues wagged with speculation as wagers were made. Finally the day of decision arrived. The people had anointed their favorite - a bucolic painting of a calm lake reflecting blue sky with a touch of fluffy clouds.

The Emperor emerged on his balcony bearing a painting, which he ceremoniously (for the people loved ceremony) mounted on a pedestal.

A gasp went up from the crowd! Surely our Emperor has lost his mind! All is lost, the country will be ruined!

For the painting he presented was not their choice of the lovely lake. It was, instead, the image of a raging water fall, storm clouds brewing, rocks crashing! The people were aghast.

A moment later, their shock gave way to wonder and reverence. For holding his robed arms forth for silence, the Emperor pronounced his choice.

"Look here," he said, "here, at the base
of this raging waterfall.
Look in this straggly bush.
See the simple blue bird sitting on her nest.

As wise men know,
true peace
is finding tranquility
in the midst of chaos."

==================

I hope you enjoyed this story. In what ways have you experienced peace? I'd love to hear from you.

I wish for you tranquility in the midst of chaos, clarity of mind, physical health and the blessings of the heart.

Cathy
ahealingplace@verizon.net

Healing Ourselves, the Mind/body Connection.

It seems there are so many conditions for which we have “no known cause or cure.” Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and lupus are a few of these. A client recently received a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Although this label is often assigned in ere, I’m pretty sure her doctor was thorough in his evaluation because he spoke to her of the specific pain points and patterns which are used for an accurate diagnosis. The client felt a mixture of concern and relief – relief to have a name for the way she’s been experiencing her body lately, but concern as to what to do. And while one person close to her has been supportive, another brushes her aside, saying, “It’s all in your head.”

She asked my thoughts; I’m sharing my reply here since so many people are in a similar quandary.

Well, all things are in our heads, are they not? In a sense we have the power, with our mind, to heal ourselves. HOWEVER this does not mean that if we get sick, we “did something wrong” or “failed” to do something right.

We live in a highly stressful world. Often we make choices, for a myriad of reasons, which are not the most supportive for ourselves, putting ourselves into an even more stressful state. The stress of today’s living puts our minds and bodies in a constant response of “fight or flight”. This is physiological – the heart beats faster, the breath is shorter, the digestions suffers, the adrenal glands never rest, etc. Our bodies were not meant to be in this constant state of stress. We were designed to go into this mode when confronted by a saber tooth tiger – which obviously didn’t happen all that often to our ancestors or we wouldn’t be here, would we? :-) Anyway, as a result of this constant state of stress, which we are not designed for, things sometimes go array. Sometimes the form that takes is we get sick. Sometimes that’s as simple as the common cold; sometimes it’s far more complicated.

I’ve read Dr. Weiler’s comments that 20 years ago, there were four disease states which our medical profession recognized as ‘psycho-somatic’ that is, having a mind-body connection. Today, in our culture’s zealousness for the scientific, and with research funding primarily coming from those who profit from the results of pharmacological testing and subsequent sales, western medicine recognizes only two ‘psychosomatic’ conditions – asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Meanwhile, other countries like Japan recognize scores of such conditions.

So, to get back to my first statement, all things are in our heads, are they not? While this doesn’t mean that it’s our “fault” when we get sick, it does mean that we can do some simple things for ourselves like meditation and visualization as well as receiving healing modalities to be more balanced and to support your own health and well-being.

If you are alive and aware in our world today, chances are you know what some of those things are – perhaps you’ve tried some – yoga, meditation, tai chi, body therapies like massage and energy work, long walks and beautiful sunsets. And you know the importance of good nutrition – even more important when we are under stress. So even if, or especially because, western medicine doesn’t have answers for you, there is much you can do for yourself.

Take some time to take a look at your own life. What are the things that create the most stress? Are there choices you can make to eliminate or alter any of these? What are the things in your life which support you? Can you invest more of yourself, your time, your energy, in yourself? View your life as though you are watching a movie or reading a griping novel. You may be surprised that in this way, patterns and choices become more apparent and often a simple solution appears “on the page” or “screen.”

Perhaps right now in your life you have made a commitment to something which puts you into that ‘fight or flight’ stress response much of the time. Reevaluate from this new perspective. Is this situation really serving you? Is it temporary? If you chose to continue this situation, it may be that if you try to schedule in classes, care, time for yourself, this attempt itself will be stressful, and that certainly won’t help. If that’s the case, even if you can’t make the time to do things you know will help like classes, practices and receiving care, you can at least support yourself with good nutrition and regular sleep until you are able to make some positive shifts.

Those are my thoughts. If you take this to heart, I’d love to hear from you about the results!

I wish for you clarity of mind, physical health and the blessings of the heart.

Cathy
Copyright 2006 Cathy Layland

“Teaching and Healing is the work of
my heart and spirit. My intention is
to create a safe and supportive
experience, that “healing place”
which is not so much a physical space
but rather a state of being.”

Cathy Layland
ahealingplace@verizon.net
215-829-8834