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

Although the store has been open for a few weeks now, I thought it was about time that I shared my November column with you. If you have a moment, stop by the new Miu Miu store on Paseo de Gracia. Or better yet, wait until the 30th of November and have a stroll during The Shopping Night Barcelona.

It’s not often that I get to throw a bit of extra cash around, being a freelance, as many of you know, can be pretty hard sometimes. So I’m very happy to welcome two new bags into my collection in less than one week. (The Moon must be lined up with Venus, or some other occurrence).

The “Bender or Ingrid” bag, (due to the huge buttons that look like Futurama’s Bender eyes), on the right was purchased during the past week. A friend of mine picked it up and said it was quite ugly and that instantly warmed my heart. I have a soft spot for items that are on the ugly side of vintage and just couldn’t resist. It is the perfect size to not lug around loads of useless items.

The “Granny or Claire” bag on the left was picked up over the weekend at a new flea market, Chewie Market, in Poble Sec. I never have much luck at flea markets, everything good is usually already taken by the time I arrive. So I could barely believe my eyes, when I saw this bag, sitting on a table, waiting to be taken home by moi. Of course, the minute I set my paws on the little jewel, up popped two others girls who were very interested in my bag.

I love the details on my new bags. They are both simple but so elegant and go perfectly with practically everything in my wardrobe. This post is dedicated to my two lovely friends, Ingrid and Claire, who were with me when these beautiful bags came into my life.

On one of Barcelona’s cutest streets, (Doctor Dou), near one of the most perfect bakeries, (Reykavik), is a little store called Costura. Two friends decided that the city was in dire need of some serious sewing commodities and after much thought and care, their small dream was born.

Asami and Sonia have created the perfect blend of quirky clothing, Japanese fabrics, sewing items, customizing kits and best of all, sewing machines that can be rented by the hour. As flats become smaller and smaller, there just isn’t any room (or money for that matter) to actually own a machine. Costura offers the perfect solution, just pop round and use one of their machines for a few hours.

Another great aspect about Costura is their workshops. Don’t know how to use a machine? There is sure to be some tailored lessons for you to learn. Want to sharpen your skills and meet new people, then why not sign up to one of Costura’s many learning experiences. While life seems to be rushing by more and more quickly, there is a growing number of people that are actively searching to slow things down, re-learn old skills and breathe calmly.

I love when I walk into a place and my eyes start jumping everywhere because there are so many details to take in. My heart gets all jumpy too. (I’m obviously not a big fan of minimalist trends…) From rolls and reams of fabric to lamb-shaped buttons, ribbons, retro toys and sewing machines, there are so many things to gaze at. A huge congratulations to the two girls for their dedicated efforts. Now all we need is special days where they team up with Reykavik to offer sewing / baking classes…