Discussion topic #3
Where reflexology led you, and the discoveries you made along the way
Initially, the study of reflexology led me to college. College introduced me to a world I didn’t know existed. I had unknowingly lived in somewhat of a Catholic ghetto most of my life. My tunnel vision was so intense that I didn’t realize it even existed.
So I found reflexology to be an appropriate introduction to new experiences. It simply invited me to walk along a pathway which was focused on feet. And, that wasn’t an overwhelming invitation.
I had to smile in later years as I looked back. My father worked with feet all his life. He sold shoes from his first day at work, until the day he died. An unconscious connection to feet must have run in the family.
So, as I became more comfortable on this pathway, I began to take notice of what was around me.
I could see that there were diversions, detours and alternative routes along the way, and if I opened my mind a little, and explored what I had found, the unknown might surprise me.
Take home message:
- Life doesn’t always lead you to the expected
- Sometimes it’s better not to know what’s ahead
- Some adjustments in life just need a little extra time
- Prejudices can block your vision
- Your response is your choice
- Just because you have the ability to do something, it doesn’t mean you have to say, “Yes.”
I adjusted quickly to this new environment and it wasn’t long before I was interested in
unconventional ideas, energy work and what could be described as the unexplained.
And so, what were some of the places that reflexology led me that would have a huge impact on my life?
Very early in my career, reflexology took me to a city that I had absolutely no interest in whatsoever.
Rome was a place I never wanted to visit. In retrospect, I didn’t like it, and I won’t go back. But, reflexology led me there because there were many lessons I needed to learn, and that was the best place to learn them.
I got a call from a reflexology friend sometime in July or August 2001.
She said, “Do you want go to Rome for the IRC conference in September.”
I said, “Haven’t really thought about it. Give me 24 hours.”
Of course, I said, “Yes.”
But then September 11 happened two weeks before the conference.
My family didn’t want me to go, but of course, I did.
Many people cancelled, including some of the presenters.
So, some the speakers were replaced, and the program was juggled a little.
There was one particular speaker, and I can’t remember what her presentation was about, but she said, “You know you are god!”
And then paused, and looked at everyone as if there could not possibly be any disagreement with her comment.
I found those words to be extremely confrontational.
I believed that I was created in the image of God, but being told I was God, was something altogether different.
All I could think was,” You’ve got that wrong love.”
I felt I had been knocked backwards with a mighty blow, even though I was sitting down.
But I had heard it and as my Irish friend says, you can’t unhear something.
Another seed had been sown, which would take time to germinate.
I didn’t learn much about reflexology at the conference, but I learnt a lot about myself.
Once again reflexology was directing my attention to something much greater than the modality.
Another experience Reflexology delivered to me in Rome was how to find the blue print of my life’s purpose.
After the conference in Rome, I stayed on by myself, for a week of sight-seeing, and visited the Vatican. The corridor leading out of the Cistern Chapel led to a large area where other corridors met up. In the middle of that space was a square glass shop counter. The only thing for sale for jewellery, and the only style and shape of that jewellery was astrology star signs.
I was amazed; too amazed to even to take a photo. Catholics were not supposed to believe in astrology. God was in control of our lives, not the stars. That experience certainly grabbed my attention, and stimulated my interest in astrology. It wasn’t too long before I began three years of serious study.
Rome was the off-ramp that led to the exit. My commitment to years of religion was about to end, as I embraced things for the future; things and concepts which I would once never have considered.
Reflexology was once again showing itself as a path to self-development. Everything is connected, and if we wait long enough, we always see how it all comes together.
Rome was where I discovered a new concept of god and astrology, but there is one more place I feel I must mention. Reflexology introduced me to energy work, which brought with it the unexplained, and experiences that I wouldn’t have consciously chosen and still can’t fully explain.
There was one experience in particular that happened at a reflexology workshop for CPT points, facilitated by a woman who was qualified in various alternative healing modalities.
We were working in pairs, and I was on the table.
The teacher identified something related to my personal boundaries and made three attempts to address it. I think she was working with kinesiology and she began going through my age.
I remember saying when she got to about 25, that the last time I did this, I didn’t like it.
With than, I somehow threw myself half off the bed, so that my feet were over the end of the bed, but I felt like I was laying flat. I felt as though I was elevated off the bed and every bone in my body was separated like a skeleton. I began to shake violently. I was scared out of my wits. I was in tears for several hours and it took a couple of weeks to recover.
This was not an experience I expected reflexology to lead me into, but I was quickly learning that reflexology was a transit to the unknown. There were experiences waiting for me, and I needed to process what I was learning and incorporate them into what I was doing.
As I recalled this story at my recent presentation, several of the participants said that they had been present and witnessed the events I was describing many years before. I was surprised at the vivid memories they still had of the event. Whatever it was that happened that day, it had a huge impact on others as well.
Take home message:
- Beliefs can change in a moment
- Real treasure can be hidden in unexpected places
- Once you process new information, put it to work in a practical way
These are just a few places that reflexology has led me, but more importantly, what did I discover along the way?
Myself.
What will you discover on your path? I’m sure you too, will discover a greater version of yourself, as you uncover and explore many aspects of who you are, and why you do the things you do. As we heal, and move towards our potential, others benefit.
Also waiting to be discovered are experiences that offer an opportunity to:
- Let go of the past
- Stretch your boundaries
- Believe in yourself
- Strive towards your potential
- Embrace the unknown
- Detach from what others think
Reflexology not only offers opportunities to let go of the past, but brings invitations to explore your greater potential.
- Introduce you to beliefs and concepts not previously not considered
- Open your mind to ideas, once disregarded
- Encourage you to explore areas once avoided
Whether you follow up your new discoveries or not, is your choice.
When and how you approach each one is left to your discretion.
Some of what you discover will only received a passing glance; others will take far more of your time and interest.
Some discoveries will be processed in a short time, other will take much longer to integrate.
I honestly believe that working with feet gave me the ability to ground what I was learning and process it much quicker than some people could appreciate, or give me credit for.
Take home message:
- There is always more to be learnt about ourselves, others and the great unknown
- Surprises aren’t always challenging; they can be fun
- Trust your inner guidance, and move forward at your own pace
Each part of the presentation finishes with an invitation to think, once again, about the current topic:
Where reflexology led you, and the discoveries you made along the way
When you began to study reflexology, where did you think you were headed?
Where did you actually end up?
How has reflexology changed your life?
What has reflexology introduced you to that you might have otherwise avoided?
How do you respond when you feel you are being led into an uncomfortable experience which will support your growth and potential?