Rivers Healing Arts
Self-Awareness
Remembering Our True Nature
Primal Release (PR)
Primal Release uses conscious breathing to help clients become aware of what is preventing them from moving ahead in life. As humans, we tend to breath shallowly rather then deeply from our diaphragms and in doing so we can suppress emotions.
During a PR session, clients are guided to breathe deeply through the mouth pulling air up from the diaphragm, which permits access to and expression of emotions from past experiences that have been locked within our bodies. Releasing these repressed emotions within a safe and supportive environment leaves clearer energy that can be used to create a healthier, happier life.
Regina has facilitated PR since 1991.
The Process:
In a safe and quiet space, a large mat is placed on the floor where the client will lie. Lighting is dimmed to create a cocoon-like environment. Regina, as facilitator, will sit close enough to offer assistance if and when necessary. Since humans tend to “swallow” their fears, concerns, and issues, the client is instructed to breathe through the mouth without swallowing.
As the client breathes, feelings will surface. Often, the feelings are accompanied by a memory of a time when those repressed emotions were formed. He is asked to speak out loud or express the emotions in some way. This expression brings the memory into sharper focus until it appears to the client on some level as if it is actually happening in the present moment. The client knows, of course, that he is on the mat remembering a past experience and is in complete control. At the same time, he knows that this is his opportunity to release the emotions that are hindering his present life situations.
As facilitator, Regina encourages the client to explore his feelings and the experience from a new vantage point, that of an adult. For example, if the client is remembering an occasion when his father spanked him, he will say, “Dad, don’t spank me!” If he is feeling scared, he will say, “I feel afraid.” Or “I’m afraid of you!”
If a dialog is going on in the client’s head and he is responding to it automatically, Regina will be silent and allow him to follow the natural course of the memory. If the client becomes quiet and seems to be stuck, Regina may take on the role of the person with whom he is dialoging saying, “Quit your whining and take your punishment.” or, “This is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you.” As they work together, Regina will understand more of how to appropriately roleplay that person.
Facts:
- A PR session usually lasts about an hour. It seems to be a natural timing for most people.
- If at the end of a session the client feels groggy, or unclear, this usually means that the session wasn’t long enough and he may choose to continue until he feels resolved.
- The client will know if an issue is resolved if he feels satisfied and energetic afterwards.
Meditation
Meditation practices date back thousands of years to the Indus Valley Civilization and may have been practiced as long ago as when humans were first mesmerized by firelight. Over the eons, meditation has been used as a tool for gaining physical and mental agility and spiritual clarity.
Regina has meditated since 1984. Along with personal retreats, she has attended several formal ten-day retreats at the Insight Meditation Center in Barre, MA as well as at the Bhavana Society in High View, WV.
She has practiced Buddhism for many years with teachers such as Bhante Henepola Gunaratana and Bhante Yogavacara Rahula from the Bhavana Society, Christine Feldman and Anna Douglass through the Insight Meditation Center, and Ven. Soorakkulame Pemaratana from the Pittsburgh Meditation Center in Natrona Heights, PA. Regina has had the opportunity to share her experiences of Buddhism and meditation with groups and churches.
Benefits of Meditation:
- Deepens spirituality
- Provides mental clarity and wisdom
- Enhances physical performance
- Lessens anxiety
- Aids the body in healing itself
- Opens the heart to loving others and receiving love from others
- Builds harmonious relationships with nature and other humans
Techniques include practicing how to mindfully:
- Sit for comfort and maximum concentration
- Relax the mind and body
- Breathe and focus on the breath
- Witness thoughts without becoming engaged in them
- Let go of thoughts (Monkey Mind) and experiences
- Gain productive insight
Both sitting and walking meditation practices are taught.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques go hand-in-hand with Yoga practices.
One technique includes lying comfortably on a mat, and being guided through an exercise of first tightening then releasing body parts and limbs along with concentrated breathing that begins with the feet and ends at the head. During this exercise a level of stillness and calmness is achieved that allows the functions of the inner body and the mind to slow down and relax. In turn, the outer body reciprocates in kind and relaxes into a peaceful state that helps facilitate healing and an overall sense of wellbeing.
A second form of relaxation includes a visualization exercise in which all five senses are invoked in order to induce a sense of inner safety, peacefulness and ultimate wellbeing. While lying on a mat clients are guided through a visual scenario in which they can see, feel, taste, touch and smell the landscape created in their mind be it walking on the beach, swinging in a hammock under trees, or any other location in which they feel comforted and safe.
Relaxation techniques are good for those who suffer from chronic pain and muscle tension as well as for those who need to regain normal blood pressure and/or slow their heart rate. It is also beneficial for those dealing with stress or trauma and can be used as a preventative measure for maintaining good health.
Benefits of Relaxation Techniques:
- General body comfort
- Improved concentration
- Emotional wellbeing
- Increased energy
- Greater ability in dealing with life issues
- The ability to perform activities in a healthier and more rewarding way
- And, ultimately, healthier relations with others
Regina learned relaxation techniques and Kundalini Yoga while living in Harrisburg, PA, from her teacher, Siri Neel Khalsa, who then trained her to teach. She taught her own classes at a local day spa in Harrisburg and often conducted Khalsa’s classes when he was unavailable until she moved from the area.
Although Regina no longer formally teaches yoga classes, She may use them in some instances with clients as a way of opening energy passages throughout the body.
