Last week, I had the opportunity to experience Kenichi Iijima’s Shin-Mon method at a workshop prior to a lovely vegan luncheon prepared by Y-san. Will cover a bit more in the Japanese blog perhaps… when I find the time.
He, among other notable Japanese healers will be presenting at the Body Conference this weekend in San Francisco … if it were not for the 2 classes I am teaching Sunday, I would love to attend. Luckily, there are few Japanese Bay Area students who I am sure will be happy to share their teachings.
Sometimes, in Western yoga perhaps, students forget that they are a student, not a client. You are not there for a facial or a massage therapy – you are there to learn to find ways to unite body, mind and spirit – and the aura you emit tells a story of … various conditions of imbalance. When a student becomes a client more than a student, what then occurs, is a great loss to the student as the teacher will only do what’s popular but not necessarily good for that student. I know this method does not work with many Western students who value “personal space” or “boundaries” … “touching” is sensitive and a cause for an alarm especially for those dealing with anxieties …trying to find security and peace of mind. I know how it feels too. But it may be exactly what’s needed – the touch to ease, comfort or undo, unblock. It is unfortunate that teachers are too scared to touch for fear of being seen as being too “aggressive” – The way Rendo sensei goes about getting this student to reach her goal may appear “aggressive” and may get slapped with a lawsuit in America but … there’s mutual trust where that student entrusts the teacher to know what’s needed; and then there’s teacher reading the student’s body to know what she needs and is capable of – he knows where she’s stuck and how to unblock the blockages and untie the knots… he can see the workings of the body and the unseen energy. He shows that there are blockages and obstructions within that can be aided with proper touch – at least, that is what I learned from my teacher. Like in all relationships, it’s about trust and … communication.
I guess that’s why group classes can be challenging at times. Everyone is different. What one student seeks and appreciates is not another student’s cup of tea. We are each unique and more complex. Playing it safe and conservative …for a one size fits all kind of class. sigh.
