Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/992435
A B M P m e m b e r s e a r n F R E E C E a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / c e b y r e a d i n g M a s s a g e & B o d y w o r k m a g a z i n e 55 In South Africa, I teach as many as 11 different courses each year, and whether they are specifically Watsu courses or not, I always include at least a solid introduction to Clinical Watsu. One of the most special courses in South Africa was a six-day course that included four men from India and Qatar. It was fascinating teaching an up close and personal course in the pool with six South African white females who were Christians and Jews, along with four Muslim and Hindu black males. The first day, there was a vast chasm separating everyone. Everyone was polite, but uncomfortable, and the men and women stayed completely separate. I strived to create a safe, supportive, and accepting environment for all. There was progress by the end of the first day, yet I wondered how the group dynamics would evolve during the week. The next morning, I said to the group that I wished to greet everyone individually, and I wanted each person to say whether they wanted a hug, a handshake, or simply a warm "good morning." Most wanted hugs and two requested handshakes. The last person was a woman who looked down at the floor and quietly said she wanted a "good morning." I gave her a warm "good morning," and said how glad I was that she asked for what she wanted. Her eyes flooded with tears. She said how difficult it is for her to ask for what she wants because she always feels misunderstood and not heard. I commented on the courage it took to ask for the "good morning" she wanted, instead of the handshake or hug she felt might gain more approval. Then I asked the group if anyone had ever had an experience of feeling deeply misunderstood or unheard. Everyone shared very personal and painful experiences while the group listened with respect, support, and profound empathy. Superficial differences vanished, and everyone connected through their presence, vulnerability, acceptance, and trust—the essence of Watsu. By the end of the week, they were all hugging and inviting each other to India, Qatar, and various places around South Africa. Amazing! On the last day, I kept smiling as I looked around the pool at all of them happily sharing very tender Watsu sessions with each other. I thought, "Come on world! We can do this!" It was an exceptional experience for all of us. —Peggy Schoedinger, PT Senior Watsu instructor and student of Harold Dull Connecting a World