Stone in the Stream

Ever notice how relaxing it is to sit next to a babbling stream?  I live in Houston, the 4th largest city in the US, so small moments in nature like that really stand out for me.  Not long ago I was sitting next to such a stream enjoying the peaceful feeling it evoked when I stopped to really notice the smooth gray stones in the middle of the cascading water.  For those rocks, the scene is far from tranquil.  It is tumultuous, chaotic, and noisy – yet the overall effect is one of harmony and calm.  Eden Energy Medicine for me is a practice that helps me be the rock in the middle of the tumult.  My life is crazy, hectic, and yes, noisy, but I am often asked how I can stay so calm, so positive.  EM helps.

Sneaking EM In

I’ll admit it– I don’t do Donna Eden's Daily Routine all at once every day.  I have 2 jobs (sometimes 3), 2 kids, a house, a dog, 2 cats… you know the drill.  Hell, I don’t always even get a shower, much less loads of “personal reflection” time.  So I sneak EM in to my day.  I thump while I’m getting the kids up, trace meridians in the shower (when I get one!) and trace radiant circuits when I dry off.  Then its Neurolymphatic massage while sitting in traffic, and a Wayne Cook and Smooth Behind the Ears in the Ladies before my first meeting or class.  I guess by the time I am holding heart and TW at the temple as I fall asleep, I have done most of the exercises most days.  And I know those days where it is hardest to sneak it in are the days I benefit the most.  I am more than managing my own stress – I am making space (even if it starts small) for joy and aliveness.

Making Space for a Real Practice

I’d like to think my way of working with others embraces this same philosophy.  Don’t have time for a full session?  Need me to come to you?  Having a crisis?  I accommodate others’ needs within a tight boundary of practice.  I also help those who really need to slow down with a full and deep session.  This slows me down, too.  I have set aside Fridays for EM days.  (The rest of the week, I work as a corporate consultant.)  I work out of my house or go to the clients’.  I am flexible on stop and start times, though rarely spend less than 90 minutes working with someone.  I try to leave at least 30 minutes between sessions for my own sanity and to accommodate lateness on the part of the client.  I anticipate this part of my life to slowly grow as my corporate projects scale back.  It will likely never be all that I do.

For some, getting out of the faster water is the obvious answer.  For me, it is learning to let it tumble and flow all around me while I stay centered and enjoy the ride. 

I know there must as many options for this time management aspect of EEM as there are practitioners/students.  I’d love to hear some of your ideas for building self-care or working with others into your day.

Peace,

Shannon

Comments

[Andie 97]

Well, I am like you. I can't always do all of the activities at once (too busy). I will sometimes hold points during meetings (or do a modified tibetan prayer position). Most people don't even notice as long as it's subtle.

Also, you can use intention to help do some of the activities. While it may not always be as good as doing them, it is certainly better than nothing.

I love how you are getting your practice off the ground while still doing other jobs. I am attempting to do the same, and it is not easy. I am eagerly awaiting the day when I can do energy work full time.