Photo by Ernst Lalleman
I was recently contacted by Charlotte Crowther, a Grinberg Method practitioner, who offered me a set of four free sessions to introduce me to the Grinberg Method. I don’t normally share personal experiences here on my blog, but I thought that this short, personal journey could be interesting for those of you who feel that sometimes life is not exactly complete or that something is amiss. Charlotte offers these four sessions, in English or Spanish, to anyone who is interested up until the 01/03/2012, so if you like what you see unfold, please don’t hesitate to contact her. I’ve included all relevant contact details at the end of this post.
First of all, what exactly is this Grinberg Method? Well, back in the 1970s, Avi Grinberg was hard at work, studying and practising various bodywork techniques. He came to the conclusion that the best healer a person can have is oneself. Keeping this firmly in mind, he began to teach individuals how to be responsible for their own development, health and well-being. The idea is to use your will and train your attention to control and stop those irritating habits that inhibit you in your life.
So how does this translate to sessions with a practitioner? (I can hear your scepticism…) Based on cooperation between the practitioner and the client, this is a structured method of re-educating oneself through the body. Through the use of touch, breathing, movement and exercise, you can begin to recognize and stop repetitive physical and behavioural ways of being that limit you. The end result or goal is to create change in your life. When you manage to stop a habit, you free up energy that was being used to maintain that habit and can choose where to re-direct it. Other benefits include reduced level of stress, an improved ability to concentrate, better sleep and digestion, and overall, achieving a higher level of well-being. (Now who doesn’t want that for their life?)
So with that brief explanation out of the way, I want to share a bit about Charlotte. From British / Chinese descent, Charlotte has been living in Barcelona for around three years. Just like so many others before her, she came to Spain searching for a respite from the gloomy English weather. Having previously studied fine art and then reflexology, Charlotte has an innate sense of her ability to help others. She loves to teach people and see the effects of the Grinberg Method in their lives.
Although I get extremely stressed out when meeting new people, I immediately felt safe with her. Her impish grin and habit of running her hands through her short hair, making it stand on end, are endearing. With these types of processes, you have to feel fairly confident of the person who is dealing with you and there has to be a bond of trust. It’s actually quite a strange experience, as you are basically putting yourself in a stranger’s hands, but a stranger that you know is looking out for you.
While I filled out some forms, Charlotte spent time looking at the soles of my feet. I barely pay any attention to my poor feet, so it was strange to have someone pour over them in such great detail. She is just like a palm reader, or in this case, a sole reader. She managed to pinpoint certain aspects of my character and daily struggles, my methods of dealing with stress, especially work-related. I was really impressed. I had no idea that feet could give away so much. After a short chat to discuss important issues in my life, past and present, the actual session started.
Charlotte must have the strongest hands in the world, she pummelled away at my upper back and arms. Don’t for a minute think this is a quiet massage session. This is team work. She applied pressure to certain areas and I had to work muscles by contracting and releasing them, all while concentrating on my breathing and trying to relax my body. It was very nerve-racking for me at the beginning, almost naked and being pummelled by a stranger. But slowly, I concentrated on the instructions Charlotte gave me and started to relax. I could feel the tension draining away. Towards the end, she left me to rest and digest the session, and I think I even managed to drift off for a few minutes. It was absolutely heavenly.
How did I feel after? Well, I felt like I was floating, but at the same time, I have never felt so solid. I felt tall, warm and sure of myself. I could breathe deeply, better than I have in years. I didn’t hear the usual creaks and cracks in my bad back and usually tense shoulders. I felt more aware of myself. And relaxed.
We’re going to be concentrating on my lungs and limited breathing capacity, and my upper back and it’s terrible tension. Which, of course, are the physical manifestations of my insecurities and the fact that I feel threatened by new situations and people. I didn’t know what to expect when I walked in, but I was more than pleasantly surprised and am really looking forward to my next session.
Once again, I would like to remind you that Charlotte offers these free sessions, in English or Spanish, to everyone up until the 01/03/2012, so why not give the Grinberg Method a try?
Charlotte Crowther – Grinberg Method Practitioner Level I
Centro de Practicantes del Método Grinberg
Vía Laietana 54, 4º-3ª
Barcelona
Email: charlottecrowther@me.com
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