WILLING TO ADAPT
Jani Roodt, a qualified bodywork practitioner, shares her thoughts on adjusting practices and attitudes around healing
These winds of change are blowing us in ambiguous directions, leaving us no option but to surrender. Many of us with careers that rely on realworld contact find ourselves at the mercy of this theoretically handsfree pandemic. But, like the changing winds, we must shift our approach to survive an unforeseeable future. Just a short while ago life was filled with an abundance of healing options. Most people thought nothing of booking an appointment to relieve lower back pain, neck ache or address general feelings of life stress. These sessions were personal and intimate; bodywork techniques, such as massage and reflexology, rely on the magic of a skilled pair of hands.
In this hands-off world, I’ve had to find ways of modifying my healing processes, whether internal or external, and embrace both this forced distance and the digital opportunities. I’ve learnt from other wise practitioners who use noninvasive techniques to guide clients through the same process they would normally experience face-to-face. All that’s needed is a good online video conferencing platform, verbal clarity and, most importantly, buy-in from clients. In short: a willingness to adapt.
As a result I’ve found I can continue with bodywork practices such as energy work, myofascial release, trigger point therapy and yoga. These techniques all help re-establish balance in the system.
Restoring equilibrium is key to ensuring that the mind-body connection functions as the cohesive vehicle it’s supposed to be. If you’ve experienced a tension in the neck or jaw after having a fallout with someone you love, or felt physically drained after a confrontation with your boss, it means your nervous system has gone into fight or flight mode. Your body is responding with warning signals in an attempt to keep the engine running, and this throws everything offbalance.
The ancient Latin phrase Mens sana in corpore sano translates as “a healthy mind in a healthy body”. This harmony is essential. As overwhelming as it may seem, the cycle we’re in provides an opportunity to gaze inwards and change how we relate to the physical world.
Away from the rush that distracts us from the present moment, we can connect with ourselves, be still and observe our minds. Perhaps we are mistaken about relying solely on professionals for healing; we should take more responsibility. It’s not just about pitching up for a session anymore, online or in life. It’s about pitching in and doing your own work, then partnering with a practitioner who can guide you with knowledge and skill. That’s the balanced approach.