“Simple gifts” is an old Shaker tune that became known around the world when Aaron Copland used it in 1944 in the score for a ballet called “Appalachian Spring.” It pops into my mind and I find the notes forming and resonating within my voice box when something delightfully simple occurs and strikes me as worth singing about.
Breathing-relaxation is just one of these “simple gifts”. It is one of a variety of relaxation techniques I may teach you to use when you come see me in my psychology office. You learn to give yourself a break, both physical and mental, a breathing space. In a few minutes time you enhance the benefits of therapy and take home a weightless tool which you can bring conveniently along with you anywhere you go.
Your mind is darting around nervously from one topic to the next but you are unable to take action? Breathing-relaxation can help calm you down so you can focus your attention effectively on one task. Your complaint coming in to the office was about worries and sleeplessness? You will probably leave your psychotherapy session feeling lighter having worked on some of your concerns. We may also use breathing-relaxation before the end of the session to be sure you leave my office peaceful, energized and ready to face life’s challenges.
In the past, counseling people meant using words and ideas. However your experiences leave a trace in your body and can be uncomfortable or painful. Today we know that using both verbal and physical means, you can begin treating some of the signs of your distress. You can learn and benefit from the self-healing potential of breathing-relaxation, one of life’s simple gifts.
Debra BERG, Bilingual Psychologist in Paris