what we missed is a MYSTERY

Have you found yourself in an unfamiliar learning environment questioning your destiny, doubting the commitment to yourself the first place?

That’s how I felt when I started formal Reflexology Studies. My doubt was connected to fear.  This fear emerged as I held the new textbook on Anatomy. Uncertainty set in as I cautiously flipped the pages ahead through to the section on the digestive system. I felt a rush of nausea and unease as I saw a startling reproduction of a cadaver’s Sigmoid Colon.

Then the little voice in my head murmured the words; “Oh what have I done now”?

I have trouble looking at graphic photographs of internal organs. So I began to question the affect I could possibly have on these organs. What responsibility came with being a Reflexologist? The course curriculum belonging to Reflexology appeared to be centered around these unseen protected factories and processors that are part of our autonomic system. I immediately began to judge myself, and started to question my own logic.

Curiosity and intuition had brought me this far and I felt these trusted motivators had abandoned me at the “altar of fear.” All I could see was the looming uncertainty that lay ahead. Mentally, I began to “pack it in” as I realized the massive portion of this course was going to be about concepts I found disturbing. Fortunately, Jean-Louis Dube, my observant and progressive teacher, quickly lifted me out of this negativity before I became a victim of my own invention. The new anatomy book I was given contained hand drawn diagrams of the human organs and systems. My teacher kept a close eye on my progress and I never looked back. In the end, I managed to keep my lunch down every day, and surprised myself when I graduated with honours in 2001.

The irony of my learning experience is what frightened me most and challenged me most, those organs, became the catalyst that formed the most important contribution in my professional life.

Reflexology Anatomy ™ focuses on and measures results by engaging the non-autonomic systems of the Human body – “no organs please!”

As RA developed I had to re-think how I was to explain this new functional reflexology system to my peers and the public.

As much as I wanted to demystify my own struggles with Westernized Reflexology and the many ways it can be perceived,  I had to adopt the same commitment to unravel the same myths that were perceived by my clients.  For the last 15 years I have paid particular attention to the way clients react to Reflexology.  I enjoy listening to the client’s ideas of what this modality means to them, and their reactions during a treatment. When I ask the question: “What comes into your mind when you think of Reflexology? Often the response is “Oh….. its all about the organs”, as they draw one hand over their midsection to dramatize the conviction behind their statement. There was one person who described my work as belonging to warlocks, sorceresses and medical “magic men”.  There are so many historical and social elements that shroud the ancient mechanics of Reflexology all over the world.  The Egyptians utilized reflexology for healing and for medical diagnosis.  This is the 21st century; the claims that history has made about reflexology is still cloaked in mystery. Reflexology Anatomy™ prudently demonstrates the potential within it and the benefits it provides.

Often in life when we do not understand things we  protect ourselves by strapping on negative armor rather than refocusing our way of thinking.

Fear of the unknown can incapacitate any one of us. Often when doubt turns into apprehension then negativity gains control and we miss opportunities.

As I continue to teach and lecture on the subject of Reflexology Anatomy ™,   I do not want anyone, student, peer or client to miss out on the effectiveness and fascination attached to this new modality.  If I am given the opportunity to demonstrate its hidden treasures and at the same time dismiss a person’s fears of the unknown, then I have achieved success.  This month I have been invited as a guest lecturer at Concordia University to speak about RA.   I plan to address the audience with zeal as I describe the approach and pain relief systems that form Reflexology Anatomy ™.   Perhaps this story has given you fodder for thought. Trusting your intuition and nurturing your curiosity allows you to meet with opportunity and discovery.  I know that I did “hit” some history,  but I will never stop enjoying and uncovering the mysteries.

Written by: Douglas

Alexander Coburn

AIIC, RA cert., B.Sc.Pod

Edited by: Phyllis Mary Bell

I dedicate this to my professor, Mr. Jean-Louis Dube

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON Reflexology Anatomy TM go to:

www.dougcoburn.com

The post Reflexology Anatomy Facts and Fiction appeared first on Spa Canada.

“I have confidence in sunshine! I have confidence in rain! I have confidence in confidence again….”  And just as her voice drops on that last word, you look down into the bowl and realize your pastry is ruined.   Eggs, water, vinegar, lard and flour now completely cover your once perfect dry fingers. The music of Rogers and Hammerstein drifts away into obscurity. The only sound you can hear is your own voice crying out,

….. Ohhhhh Mother!  Why Can’t I learn how to make your pastry !!!!

Have you ever found yourself in a position where you have been entrusted to teach a subject that is both complex and tactile? If the answer to this question is yes how did you achieve a positive result?  Try teaching someone how to make pastry.  I should clarify; try teaching someone how to make my mother’s perfect pastry!

Imagine if you, in fact, were given the task to teach a subject.  In this hypothesis you are well qualified to instruct and teach this particular subject, and you also possess the educational credentials and experience to do this job.  You know this subject in and out, backwards and forwards. You know how to engage your audience and as an instructor you adhere to the “principles of education and to a code of conduct”. These standards are in place so that you are able to lead by example. Your integrity is secure because  the references you rely upon in order to communicate an idea are documented by scientific and historical evidence. I am certain you would agree with the following statement; the more you are truly open to learning, and embrace openness, then you realize the responsibility and the joy that comes with being a teacher.

For years my mother has tried to teach me the art of pastry making!!  She has attempted this on the phone and in person in her kitchen, but I always seem to miss the magic that lays hidden in the preparation of her pie crust. What if Mother was in my kitchen for pastry lessons? What if I could tune into my Mother’s own “pastry channel”? This would allow me to “re-wind” those quick moves of hers & re-visit the steps in her own culinary process.

If it were possible to access a “virtual” experience with mother in my kitchen, I am certain my pie crust would and could taste as good and light as hers (well almost!)

So, from pastry to a profession what is the correlation between the two?

I began to process the puzzle even though I had every piece and knew where every piece must go. I did not have all the skills to design a vehicle to carry a fairly complicated subject using a new teaching system. A system I felt must make it really easy to reach me.  I am like any teacher that loves their job, if I could not have human connection then at least I had to be accessible and be seen. The first step was to follow the wise message found in the following quotation:

“You cannot do this alone and you must seek the helpers just as they have sought you”.  (P.M.Bell)

I found a helper, Mr. Chris Dero. He is a Film maker, Director and Producer.  Chris combines the art of film and education to create effective instructional videos. 

Reflexology Anatomy ™ officially went live on-line November 6th, 2015. RA is the first course of its kind to utilize this new enterprise in the spa industry. Chris built a unique home for Reflexology Anatomy ™ and gave me a new classroom in the sky.  One might say that in implementing this new system I observed my work transforming from paper to the powerful world of technology.

Now let me answer the first question I asked you earlier, the original question was: Have you ever found yourself in a position where you have been entrusted to teach a subject that is both complex and tactile? If the answer to this question is YES then how did you achieve a positive result?

“

Yes, I can teach a subject that is both complex and tactile and I know that I can achieve this, confidently and effectively, if I utilize the best of technology for the process. What a reward and joy it is to say out loud;  “You can learn, and I can learn about Reflexology Anatomy ™ and make pie crust at the same time!”

“Look Mom!!”

Written by: Douglas Alexander Coburn

Edited by: Phyllis Mary Bell –

Educator, Retired but Active in

every way!

Editorial Contributions by:

Chris Dero, Educational Film Maker, Director and Producer

& Thanks to Randolph Divers –

He lends us great assistance both on and off Camera and from his Campus at Concordia University!

SPECIAL THANKS to Kelsey Cooper of Victoria Canada, for leading the design layout and artwork found in Spa Canada under the watchful eye of Peter Cole , Editor in Chief, for Spa Canada. Thank you  Peter for your trust and faith in all of us!

For Course Information please go to:

www.dougcoburn.com

The post Easy as PIE, Reflexology Anatomy Video Training appeared first on Spa Canada.