What's new at the Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute? Old patterns are shifting - new awarenesses are arising. In every GREAT bodywork session there is a shift that occurs in the brain state of the practitioner and therapist alike. This shift occurs when our left brain dominant, beta brainwave state releases its grip and we shift into an alpha theta or delta brainwave state. In these alternate brainwave states the mind stops its judgement, analysis and chatter; in these states heightened awareness arises. One may become absorbed in the pleasurable sensations of body, experience expansive oceanic awareness, or drop into an alternate reality as though dreaming, yet aware and awake. For many this experience of shifting brain states occurs spontaneously, a sort of grace that arises in rare moments, like the dolphins that emerged from the depths, circling around me while swimming at East Beach yesterday evening.

 

How do we evoke these spontaneous shifts in the fast pace of our daily lives? How do we invite the dolphins to emerge from the depths?  At the Body Therapy Institute, we practice making this shift with our bodies, using the essential methods of massage, gentle movement, deep breathing and deep relaxation.  With repetition, the momentum builds for shifting brain states. With repetition, the wave gets wider, deeper and carries more force. 

 

Receiving regular bodywork is a great way to shift brain states. Giving regular bodywork is another great way to shift brain states. This August and September we are offering two new weekend workshops: BARS and Limbic Stabilization.  These workshops are for both the layperson and professional who are ready to get their feet wet or for full immersion into greater connection, peace and ease in all areas of their life. These workshops offer simple touch techniques that can be applied to oneself or to another.  With a few hours of training one can induce a state of quiet mind, release from stored judgments and limiting beliefs, and a deep state of relaxation.