The very first exercise, before beginning formal lessons, was to challenge beliefs – or what was perceived as 'belief.' What were we able to feel, I mean really feel? Specifically, energy. Could it be felt? Or not? Yes, there was a room full of skeptics.

The instructor surveyed the class, inquiring if anyone had ongoing injuries. Several hands were raised. Everyone in a bodywork class hopes to be the guinea pig. A woman, let’s call her Jane, with a shoulder injury was chosen. She stood in front of the class, answering a series of questions, as the we all listened. It was a straight forward case as far as injuries go, one she had been dealing with for some time. The instructor offered her a chair to sit, as another student was called to the front of the room. After a brief instruction, the second student placed their hands on her injured shoulder, focusing their intention/prayers/healing light/energy - whatever you want to call it – into her shoulder. Jane was asked if she felt anything. She shook her head 'No.' The skeptics were satisfied.

A third student was asked to come forward, and again to offer their focused hands. Then another student, and another. Soon the entire class of 35-40 students formed an energetic chain, all leading to Jane's shoulder. When there was no longer room to touch her shoulder directly, hands were placed on the person in front of you - the focus remainded solely on Jane’s shoulder.

Again the question was posed, “How do you feel?” Her response was a disappointing, almost sheepishly said, "I feel fine." Clearly she was hoping to have a notable shift in shoulder pain, as were we all. The class held positions, increasingly curious, as the room became more silent and focused. Everyone did their best Mr. Miyagi impressions – thought many wondered if we were being made fools. (It was beginning to feel like, ‘Where’s the camera?”)

A few moments passed and the instructor broke the silence. “Jane, how do you feel? Has anything changed? Do you feel anything different?” Her answer remained the same. He then turned his attention to the class, "Okay, everyone, listen up. I want you to wait until I count to three, and at then, all at once, remove your hands. Please continue focusing until then... ready?"

"One." 

"Two." 

"Three. Hands off!"

The room erupted with cries of shock. Yes from Jane, but from every student. Indeed, her shoulder felt freer – the pain she described initially, was noticeably reduced. Though, that was not the cause for everyone's reaction. There was a moment of enlightenment that could not be ignored, washed over, or missed - our first formal introduction to energy. The shocked cries were replaced with nervous laugher, “Oh my God’s,” and “What just happened?” The class was given time to settle.

This focusing lesson turned out to be a life-altering moment. To become aware of distinction – to something we experience daily, but nary key into – was as if doors and windows were flung wide open. A new language revealed - one which knew all along, we just didn't know we knew it.

Knowledge is the accumulation of experiences

As the remainder of the class was taught - sans skeptics - we kept our minds open to the claims and possibilities CranioSacral offered.

Side Notes: 

~ Much like the building pain of a toothache, where the level of pain is not fully realized until removed, the building focus of this hands-on exercise was gradual. Hence, students were unsure of what to ‘look’ for. Once simultaneously removed, there was no question as to what we were feeling. 

~ Although I don't use CranioSacral therapy as my main modality, this lesson never left me. Throughout the years, body after body graced my table - this coupled with that lesson allowed me to take note of patterns, areas of blockage, bogging, emptiness, or heightened energy. What once was overlooked, now became more apparent and obvious.