Repitition = Learning

What a process learning the art of myofascial release is. All three therapists just went to a class in Dallas last weekend (want more infor on classes? www.myofascialrelease.com ). It was a repeat for me and the first time for Mollie and Shannon. My goal was to act like i knew nothing, approaching it all as something new. There is a statistic that shows we learn 30% of new information that is being presented to us, so, to really grasp a concept, we need at least 3 repeats. Being taught MFR and being open to the work is such a gift, sometimes it is really hard to put it in words. I will try to do that today.

Here we are after the end of day 1.

Here is a quote from John F Barnes himself in Massage Magazine’s article “The Velvet Wrecking ball”.

The following is something written by a therapist I have trained that may be enlightening. I hope you enjoy it:

“Before Myofascial Release, I was empty. Myofascial Release has been an experience of coming into my body, feeling connected; sort of like seeing the world in color and 3-D instead of black and white and flat. Being around John has been an experience of learning acceptance. I was given permission to be just as I was, never pushed or prodded.

“Some things that John has taught me and made an impact on me are learning to detach from the outcome and letting go of performance anxiety. Of course, those statements were initially meant for treatment, but they transferred into my life. Detaching from the outcome allows me to listen to my higher self and trust, to let go of having to be in control. It allows me to be in my center, open to all possibilities.

“Performance anxiety extended into my personal life, with “I’m not good enough” feelings. I openly acknowledged that I felt that way while treating, but I didn’t realize that I really felt that way about myself.

“Sometimes I could describe John’s touch as a warm blanket that just seeped into every corner of my cells, encouraging those parts of me that were so hidden to come out. Such a safe feeling. Sometimes it felt like a velvet wrecking ball, flowing through my restrictions, but still so safe and tight. I learned to step out of my comfort zone to grow and heal old wounds. Again, [I learned to] trust and let go of the need to control.

“One of the nicest experiences has been to watch the growing and healing of one of my closest friends. She was working in my office, so I decided to send her to Myofascial Release I so that she would understand Myofascial Release at a deeper level. Over the course of the weekend, I saw the life come back into her eyes. It was so beautiful! She is slowly peeling off her layers and taking back her life. I really don’t want to think about a life without Myofascial Release. I have gained a wonderful Myofascial Release family, who seem to be with me always. I feel there is a world of growth out there just waiting to be tapped into.”

Myofascial Release is more than a series of highly effective techniques. It is a new paradigm and path to the enhancement of ourselves as therapists and personally as individuals.

About the Author:

John F. Barnes, P.T., L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B., is an international lecturer, author and acknowledged expert in the area of myofascial release. He has instructed more than 100,000 therapists worldwide in his Myofascial Release approach, and he is the author of Myofascial Release: the Search for Excellence (Rehabilitation Services Inc., 1990) and Healing Ancient Wounds: the Renegade’s Wisdom (Myofascial Release Treatment Centers & Seminars, 2000). He is on the counsel of advisors of the American Back Society; he is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. For more information, visit www.myofascialrelease.com.

There is something wonderful about being present, about feeling complete and inside your body, where you are aware and alert. It is a gift to be able to see people heal and get better, and most of all, for people to feel safe enough to let their guard down.

We hope we are doing that for you, and if you are reading this, but have not had a personal experience with MFR just yet, please let us know how we can best serve you.

Thank you all, with a grateful heart,

Brenda

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Brenda Bryson, PT, MPT, LMT

I have been a physical therapist for over 20 years, and a student of John F Barnes Myofascial release for 15 years. I have had an open spirit, and a tight physical body from birth, so I not only teach clients daily about movement, but I also stretch/move daily. I am pleased to say, I have less pain and am more active at 46 than I was at 28. I love my dogs, and outside of work I live a simple life of being outside or on the ranch. I am a 5th generation Texan, and if you are from Fredericksburg, I am probably related to you. Knowing that we are all connected in some way, helps me when I’m writing or speaking, because I just imagine I am speaking to a good friend. Thanks for reading and following along with my blog — can’t wait to meet you in person, so , until then — be a blessing!

Brenda

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