Modern contemporary lifestyles typically leave little to no room for any kind of deep healing therapeutic experiences. The fast pace of earning a living on top of family responsibilities and other commitments perpetuates an undercurrent of fluctuating anxiety levels. This frequently leads to overwhelm from stress, trauma and shock with potential states of chronic hyperactivity or fatigue and depression that can take root to the extent of dissociation and systemic shutdown. Even a well balanced lifestyle that includes healthy eating choices, plenty of physical exercise with adequate sleep, frequent outside activities, regular time in nature and the nourishment of a well maintained social structure; generally speaking also lacks the experience of being directly and deeply connected with the organizing forces of universal health. Particularly in the west with its largely materialistic outlook on life, all too often one becomes self absorbed, callous, indifferent and bored or obsessive, with varying degrees of neurosis for good measure. Consumerism with its mantra of “more” is marketed as the cure.  Contradiction, confusion, conflict and chaos are rampant in the world as a result.

It is a curious fact that there is no real significant education taking place to support the development of the skills necessary to prevent, alleviate and overcome such problems. Instead pills are doled out one after another like candy to dampen the sensitivity of the patient. The goal is to pull them back from the edge of what is no longer bearable at the expense of living with clarity, focus and integrity. Apparently the medical establishment thinks this sort of easy dependence on crutch like fixes is good enough. The cost effectiveness of it all keeps the system well oiled with a perpetual flow of funds and at the end of the day; it is simply good for business. This model functions exceedingly well because the patient who is in difficulty just wants to feel better as soon as possible by whatsoever means. This method of treatment while very helpful to deal with emergency situations, generally speaking has no real long term potential of much value. The question then begs to be asked, isn’t there a more intelligent way to realize our capacity to embody what it means to function at optimum health? In order to discover the answer it may be helpful to look more closely at the problem.

It is important to realize that the basic manner in which a person meets and interfaces with their experience is established during the early developmental period of their life. Particularly during the first two years post birth the relationship with the primary caregiver (usually the mother) is instrumental as it specifically models the neural structure of the growing brain. During this time attachment styles and behavioral patterns are established by the interactive dynamics between the caregiver and child. This informs the innate biological survival template with specific blueprinting of the brain as to how it will have its survival needs met, the ways in which the autonomic nervous system will be regulated and the perceptual models around which their experience is organized and thus interpreted.

The caregiver/mother does this by being attuned with and responsive to the infant’s fluctuating cycles of activity and rest at any given moment. This is dependent on the ability of the caregiver to maintain an appropriate level of stimulation that supports the needs of the child to the best of her ability. Inevitably there will be breaches in the attunement process. It is the manner in which these disruptions occur and the way in which they are repaired that will have a lasting influence on how a child will meet and interface with their experience. Once again basic survival strategies, skills for self and social-regulation and individual perceptual models are programmed as neural pathways in the brain via conditioning during this early developmental period.

These strategies are layered and compounded into more sophisticated behavioral styles as the person moves into adulthood. The strategies thus adopted are the foundation for the beliefs that the individual will use to organize and interpret their experience. An example illustrating a strong negative complex would be something like “I am not loved” which might lead to “I am not good enough” and then possibly into “I am a bad person”. Such beliefs spawn attitudes that are reflected in the physical postures, gestures and expressions that are seen in people every day, elements of which we may even notice in ourselves on occasion as we become more aware. Then there are the compensations and reversals that are acted out to offset such beliefs that will manifest as probable inappropriate conduct. The ability of the person to engage socially becomes stilted and awkward or intrusive and overbearing. The underlying belief that we are not worthy, acceptable or even “normal” dictates the nature of these unconscious behaviors. The frustration of “I am not loved” and the strategic adaptive dramatizations that are employed to get it arise from the early experiences of not having needs met in a consistent and timely manner. Such efforts to garner attention perpetuate the original experience which reinforces the belief thereby creating a revolving catch 22 situation.

This particular example is not that uncommon with many possible variations and intensities that may be triggered only in specific situations or with certain people. These sorts of belief structures can generate a full range of compulsive and problematic behaviors from the garden variety insecurities to outright clinical neurosis. In extreme cases the threat of nervous breakdown becomes eminent when the fragmentation can no longer be mentally rationalized, emotionally managed or physically tolerated.

When life experiences are not integrated and fully processed they will cycle to generate an unresolved charge in the system. This can result in a chronically disregulated state that causes the autonomic nervous system (ANS) to malfunction and subsequently the auto-immune system to suffer. The force of such unresolved and therefore unconscious energy then builds to an unmanageable level. This leads to a dangerous psychological condition that sooner or later produces explosive consequences. We see this happen routinely when relatively benign situations produce a completely inappropriate response. It is understood that the person is “stressed out” or more inexplicably when the projection of unconscious material from the individual’s personal history is triggered. The irrational behavior that ensues as a result of the fragmented internal model is fueled by the charge of unresolved energy within the system. It is then released without skill in an uncontrolled and destructive manner particularly when a victim is targeted to act as scapegoat for the release of pent-up anger and frustration.

Effective self regulation enables one to maintain the ANS in the optimum state for coherent and harmonious functioning. This leads to mental and emotional stability thus providing the capacity for creative adaptation to the full range of potential life experience. This is possible even when bordering on the edge of the individual’s “comfort zone”. When circumstances do push beyond the personal limits or “window of tolerance” there is an ability to quickly recognize and successfully re-orient to regain the optimum state of balance for responsive decision making and subsequent taking of correct action.

To become conscious of the ever subtler thoughts, feelings and sensations allows for a greater psychological “space” to develop. In this space a sense of self is nourished to grow beyond identification with the mundane thoughts, beliefs and material conditions that one is typically attached to. There is a deepening of relationship to the essential being within oneself. This in itself brings the light of awareness to previously unconscious layers of experience. Natural forms of meditation are recognized and supported in a way that strengthens their influence. This draws one into the application of techniques to quicken and deepen the practice of being present. An exquisite awareness of moment to moment experience arises when unimpeded by the influence of the distorted perceptual conditioning that alters reality to fit into a particular psychological model.  One is able to remain calm even when the turbulent waves of a difficult situation are experienced as challenging. The ability to connect with levels of experience deepens to manifest as a natural harmony and ease within oneself. The capacity to utilize resources helps achieve this potential we all carry.

Personal resources empower an individual with an integrated sense of self that acknowledges and thus secures their rightful place in the world. It provides an undeniable thread of connection and unity to the totality of existence. This may be experienced while watching a sunset, relaxing with the morning coffee, an intimate moment with a fellow human being, a fulfilling activity that is enjoyed or while just sitting silently directly accessing the spaciousness of our own inner being. Effective resourcing is possible anywhere and at any time. It can even be and often is, just a momentary pause which brings with it an appreciation for what it means to be truly alive in this moment. It is the perfectly natural and amazingly simple act of recognizing and honoring with presence this quality of connection to direct experience which enhances its healing potential exponentially. In the purest essence it is the individual’s inherent spiritual embodiment that is being realized.

One of the most powerful practices to directly engage the healing potential of source is Craniosacral Biodynamic Therapy. This healing modality does not focus exclusively on the manifestations of “dis-ease” that are expressed as symptoms whether it be physical problems or mental confusion. Rather it moves primarily towards contacting and thus supporting the underlying and unerring intelligence of “potency” to initiate the intrinsic resolving power of its healing dynamics. The alleviation of suffering is a secondary benefit or what might be called a positive and most welcome “side effect”.

The science behind neuro-effective touch has shown beyond any doubt that plasticity of the brain’s neural structures allow for the capacity of adaptive change even as an adult. What this means is that the conditioned “insecure” attachments of the mother/child experiences are not permanently fixed. The original preverbal relational dynamic can be remodeled as an “earned” secure attachment within the therapeutic field. It also happens that the client’s unresolved and fragmented experiences which are held and contained as a function of health can be co-metabolized by the practitioner. The autonomic nervous system is brought back into a state of balanced reciprocal function as the unconscious internal conflicts are resolved. The physical ailments arising out of the compromised auto-immune system also establish new orientations towards health.

Craniosacral work is transcendental in nature. It moves beyond the distortions and fragmentation of a limited and personal perspective. In the deepest sense it is about coming into contact with the essential core of who we are. This contact happens during the experience of a profound stillness that resides within the vast unlimited space of pure consciousness. This space is beyond the polarities and limitations of physical and energetic form manifestations. It is both empty and full at the same time. Upon immersion into this realm one is moved to a degree that surpasses all understanding and yet one instinctively knows “this is it”. It is a transcendental state that neither comes nor goes. It is eternal. It is home and it is our ultimate re-source for self regulation. Even when conditions are dire with impending death approaching, knowing this truth one can courageously face the transition with the clarity and beauty of an open heart that is innocent and thus unafraid.