Your practitioner – I – am one of those that didn’t get here by a straight path, but all the detours, wrong turns, and dead ends haven’t been wasted. As with all, there’s a considerable back story, but for now, I’ll focus on how “this” moment came to be:
Of the practices noted here, Yoga was the first to gain a foothold in my life - in part, prompted by a growing desire to “get centered.” After a number of years in sporadic solitary practice, combined with a move from my lifelong home in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to the Triad of North Carolina, I decided it was time to get more serious, as well as ensure I was practicing correctly. Fortunately, I was able to find Sunrise Yoga, a studio that taught a style in keeping with what I desired – “Alignment Based” - and after 200 hours of instruction under the watchful eye of Valerie Kiser, I earned my Teaching Certificate in November of 2015. The impact of that program reached far beyond the asanas, into every aspect of my life and continues to do so, offering its subtle benefits, as I use my day-to-day practice to bend time a bit for this aging body — (smile!)
After some time in the Triad, a work opportunity led me to Eastern Tennessee and another “pivotal moment” – at the Johnson City Earth Fare, where I saw a flyer for Herbalachia’s 1st offering of their (105 hour) “Herbalist Lifestyle Program.” It was a perfect fit for that moment, bringing me back “closer to the dirt,” enlivening memories of a particular garden I tended in the Valley years prior. There, I grew many herbs and flowers, but it was here I began to see them through a new set of eyes, thanks to many teachers sharing their knowledge and experience. We talked about their physical vehicles, but as well, their “nature” - their gifts - their secrets - and most importantly, explored the many ways they could help “us,” which unfolded into an introduction to the vast world of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Ah, the magic hidden along those subtle pathways!
As is the case walking any path, the journey’s blessings are influenced greatly by our own awareness. Imagine how much we miss because we’re not paying attention. There is so much “wealth” woven into the landscape. But fortunately, “Something” is consistently – patiently – setting reminders before and around us, such as how certain plants can arise in an area where the people could benefit from their healing properties. Do they notice them?
If we pay attention, each of us can find our paths peppered with this “Something’s” subtle messaging. What about that flyer on the bulletin board at Earth Fare? Was it for me? Who knows – but I did pause and turn.
“Thoughts” could be said to work in like manner. They bombard us constantly, many exhausting repeats echoing from insatiable egos, but at times, there are surely unique ones that strive for our focus. And some of those, even if rejected, do press for return.
Just about the time the Herbal program was winding up, a simple thought came – of finding someone who did Reflexology. Mind you, I had never experienced this form of therapy before, but I knew about it. In fact, I had a sense it was as important, if not more, than traditional massage. After all, it was addressing our physical foundation. This thought had indeed come before and was set aside, but I seized upon it this time and began my search. My efforts never did yield a reflexologist, but did guide me to a weekend retreat on "Integrative Reflexology,” which proved to be the catalyst that led me to seek out and complete a 200 hour certification course in NC under the guidance of Tacy Apostolik. The name of that course? “East Meets West - Western Reflexology and TCM. The Perfect Match.” It almost seems like this whole sequence was mapped out, eh?
And so, in a rather short period of time, the three legs of this practice were set in place, building one upon the other. Any one of them would take a lifetime of focus to master and so I approach each opportunity to share with humility - and continue reaching into those opportunities to learn more, in turn preparing myself for the next.
Stephen Biggs
ARCB #B01724 - RYT-200