Hard to believe that we are already in November and for those of us in America are celebrating Thanksgiving. Our family has embraced this tradition and love getting together with our British friends who also moved to the Bay Area 20 years ago! I am very grateful to all of you who took the time to fill in my survey and there is still time to fill it out! You gave me helpful guidance and lots of love. Look out for more research reviews and some video appearances!
Recently Kim, a client that I have worked with for many years, underwent a shoulder replacement. In the session before the surgery, we concentrated on opening up the respiratory diaphragm and the occipital base where there is a thick layer of muscle that protects the base of the brain and the top of the neck. When the breathing tube is inserted in through the mouth to keep the airway open during the surgery they need to tip the head back, often creating tightness in this area. In the session, I also worked on her left shoulder, releasing any fascial restrictions that showed up. The surgery went well. Because of mobility problems, she stayed in the rehab unit for 2 weeks. I went in to see Kim in the hospital to do a CST session and met her roommate who was clearly in a lot of pain. When I next saw Kim in my office she told me about her roommate, who did not have any family to help and support her. Even though she was a retired nurse, she was unable to make clear decisions and advocate for herself because she was on a high dose of pain medication. Kim could see that she was falling between the cracks and guided her roommate on some ways to get support. Once this happened things started to really shift for her. Kim has stayed in touch with her and is committed to remain a supportive friend to her. No one wants to be in the hospital any longer than we need to be and most of us would prefer a private room, but because they were paired together, a special bond was created. I am struck with how Kim was compassion in action. She really made a change to her roommate’s life. Despite being in pain herself, she was still of service. I was humbled to hear this story as I could easily see how differently I may have acted; being upset with needing to stay in the hospital, sharing a room and having a roommate in distress and crying out in pain. I am inspired to see where I can be more compassionate in the circumstances that I may not be happy to find myself in. To see how often I can have an attitude of gratitude. We just never know how far the ripples will reach.