My own Journey with MFR
Recently I attended a Myofascial Release study group, and I had a wonderful experience!
In these study groups, those of us who have taken John Barnes’ MFR 1 course get together to discuss ideas, ask clarifying questions, and practice the techniques on each other. It’s a unique experience not only to practice, but to be in a sense of community after the workshops have ended. A mighty quality that many other modalities and professions lack.
During this particular group of us who came from over 4 different states (MA, ME, NH, CT), without knowing it, all had similar questions and experiences we wanted to discuss. It was magical to notice the synchronicities of our shared experience despite being separated to far from each other.
Then came the part we were all really looking forward to - getting to practice the techniques…and receive the work!
I partnered with a woman I hadn’t worked with in over 2 years despite regularly attending the same study group! I gave her a few spots that were drawing my attention, not painful spots, but they were loud enough that my radar was picking up on them. Prior to the touch work, we were given permission to ask for a difference in pressure if we felt called, asking for a change if we needed, and to feel confident in that request the person would honor it. As my partner first put her hands on me I noticed right away that I was wanting to change her position, angle, pressure, almost every single thing - my monkey brain was chatty this morning!
Then as I softened my mind and felt deeper into my body, the pressure began to change and shift into a familiar sensation of abdominal discomfort - something I hadn’t experienced in almost 5 years but was as if it was happening right then. And her hands weren’t near that area at all!
This allowed me to get more curious, this isn’t a spot I normally am drawn to but she was and I quieted further to listen to what wisdom my body wanted to express. I heard familiar sounds, warmth, movements, and so much fascia melting. When time was up, I thanked her and honestly didn’t notice much right away.
I walked around, said my goodbye’s to everyone, and went back to my car. and BAM! I noticed the change immediately. My feet felt way too close to the pedals! “That’s weird”, I thought. My partner didn’t pull my leg or really any body part, but my legs were definitely longer! My whole lower body felt longer as if someone had hooked me up to one of those ancient devices at my pelvis and ribs and separated them to make me 4 inches taller. Of course that didn’t happen, it was my own physiologies unique knowledge that the stuck tissue in my abdomen was all tangled and drawn tight. The thing it wanted to do with my curious permission was to untangle and lengthen. Subtly, gently, and without forcing anything - the core principles of this work. The body has ancient wisdom that self-corrects, if we can only quiet our thinking/controlling mind enough to allow it to happen.
This is why I do this work. This is why I keep getting my own work. To keep evolving, growing, shifting, and shaping up to be the best version of myself. With curiosity and joy and just a little therapeutic discomfort ;)
