UpClose & Personal - Lynda Solien-Wolfe

June 28, 2001
“Sometime in your life you will go on a journey. It will be the longest journey you have ever taken. It is the Journey to find yourself.” Oprah Winfrey

This past June my field was the tropical paradise of Freeport, Bahamas and a journey like no other I have ever been on. The Bahamas is only a hop, skip and a jump from my hometown in Florida but a world apart from it all.

Bringing me to this paradise was The Upledger Institute that has launched a new series of classes that bring therapists together in the tropical paradise of the Bahamas to explore the healing powers of the ocean. The four-day class brings you to the turquoise waters of the Bahamas where the close camaraderie, atmosphere, sun, fun and sea help you develop a holistic relationship with nature. This course takes place aboard the Dolphin Star, a custom-built power catamaran designed especially for The Upledger Foundation.

I had the privilege to attend the June Ocean Therapy class with eight other individuals from the bodywork profession. Many of these eight were my friends. Others were just friends I hadn't met yet. Our class: Mya Breman, Steve Capellini, Francis Giles, George Glass, Melanie Hayden, Cliff Korn, Susan Pomfret and Barb Richmond. Our Instructors for the class were David Dolan and Diane Ellerbe from St. Augustine, Florida. The two of them bring a partner approach to this heart-centered therapy joining Mother Nature.

David and Diane write about an Experiential Journey in Consciousness in their Bio Aquatic Exploration Ocean Therapy study guide:

"Ocean Therapy utilizes concepts in CranioSacral Therapy (CST), therapeutic subtle energy techniques, and the physiological and psychological benefits of the ocean as a medium for healing and personal growth. We have the ability to heal ourselves and others, and Ocean Therapy gives therapists and non-therapists alike an opportunity to explore their healing potential.”

While floating in the tidal rocking of the ocean, therapist/participants apply the multi-handed treatment approach to one client at a time. Usually three to five therapists are lightly touching a "floating" client and blending with that client's nervous system. As the blending becomes successful, the therapists "follow" the direction of the client's inner wisdom as to what areas of the body need attention. What the ocean adds to the subtle energy therapy or any light touch format is multifaceted. The ocean provides a healing environment in nature that is unique in that many physiological and psychological benefits may be obtained from "just being in it" while the nervous system moves into parasympathetic (relaxation) response.

Lynda with dolphins Our first day included a swim with dolphins. We broke into two groups with my group, the second, to head to Sanctuary Bay. It was a rainy day in Freeport as we waited for the boat to take us to the bay where the Dolphin Experience takes place. The Dolphin Experience is home to 16 intelligent, friendly Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Our program allowed us to swim with two dolphins: A male and a female. This was a highlight of the trip.

As the five of us took to the water on the overcast day we became acquainted with our two new friends that shared the waters with us. One dolphin took an immediate liking to me and off we went to enjoy our own water play-land. My new friend and I swam and played together for what seemed like forever. Our movements became synchronized as we moved as one.

After our group said our good-byes to our dolphin friends, we spend that afternoon with our whole class recapping the day’s adventure in Sanctuary Bay for what was our very own unique Dolphin Experience!

Our next three days took place in the ocean off the turquoise waters of a white sandy Freeport beach. The first day in the water the ocean was rough but we all weathered it and had exceptional stories to share at the end of the day. The buoyancy of the ocean created a weightless effect which allowed me to feel free in all directions. As my three therapists in my group were holding and supporting me I felt myself "blending" with the sea.

Another experience I had in the ocean was the rocking movement. As one therapist held my head at the occiput, the ocean rocked and oscillated my body which generated meditative and relaxing feelings. Just the feeling of being able to let go, blend with the ocean and to feel connected with others at the same time was so worth the trip.

But this trip offered so much more for me. Most importantly, the opportunity to be a part of other's experiences. The calming and emerging effects were also felt as I was part of the team as a therapist in my group. I will not soon forget how it is magnified when one turns around and gives compassion back to others.

As my preprinted journal for June 28, 2001 reads: "Sometime in your life you will go on a journey. It will be the longest journey you have ever taken. It is the Journey to find yourself.”

This was the start of my Journey.

I leave you this month with:

People can be divided into three groups:
1. People who make things happen
2. People who watch things happen
3. People who wonder what's happening

Don't wait for your ship to come in: Swim out to meet it!

See you in the field!
Lynda

Contact Lynda at GoldenRatioPR@aol.com