Body-Mind Integration and the Chalice

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* * MIND-BODY INTEGRATION * *
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* THE CHALICE *
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I N T E G R A T I N G D I V I N I T Y

Realizing the Chalice - the Host of Presence & Purpose in the Body-Mind

A bold title you say? If you will read the following paragraphs, considering the information in each one and then in context with the information in the others, you may be less skeptical. I base much of the following on the belief that, although the body vibrates at a lower frequency than does the mind, it communicates a measure of the Soul's energy all the same. And a primary purpose of the body is to tell us, point-blank and in its own language, what we often have not otherwise percieved. Learning to listen to this "Body-Mind" is likely the most highly efficient path for preventative health maintenance. It is also a primary means for reclaiming one's original essence and soul-infused Presence and "grounding" that via meaningful action on the earth plane. Why, or How ? The body performs this service not just in spite of, but largely by it's very design, storing previously-buried personal memories (and their associated resources), until percieved *safe* and/or *ready* to remember. The "chalice" aspect refers to the nature of our body as a vessel for transmutation of our "lower elements" into Light via life's dualistic predicaments. I'll say more on that in the last paragraph of this section.
Based on visitors reports, many links on this page may lead you to related topic matter on other pages at this site
(some of which can be fairly technical/analytical) with more links to still more pages here, leading to feeling spread too thin
on this site's very broad matrix <grin> -- I suggest scanning the whole page before chancing a tangent.
Let me clarify in regard to the resources that, what is also recovered, are the *means of access to* *inner* resources. And as any business person knows, access and opportunity are everything. In that light you may find interesting the charts in "Achievement of Goals, Attainment, & the Role of Inner Work - A Flow Chart of of the Human Psyche in Growth Facilitation"How long an individual actually takes to begin "re-membering" one's whole self, when someone is "supposed" to delve into the mines of the unconscious, or even why one needs to store any particular memory, not to mention how, are some of those juicy conundrums that have inspired many students of psychology and spirituality. Could we be wondering somehow if it is through such ponderings that we may come to reveal depth and meaning to all aspects of our lives and to all life, to embody our ideals, to "re-enter-connect" one's whole Being ? And what really is "Whole" ? Related to that question is the essay, "A Gestalt Perspective" and "Seven Phases of Personal Growth." May not divine opportunities exist in any earnest striving for truth ? The below "Class Questions" are quite basic, on the other hand (in no way implying "easy" however), and are designed to help us look further into our own internal mind-body-spirit relationships.

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A term coming of age is "Body-Memory," and relates to how, when, where, and why experience on any and every level of awareness is stored in the body, accessed and expressed - consciously and/or unconsciously. A semi-technical explanation of that can be found in "Body-Mind Integration in the Personal Growth Process" - The basic how's and why's of psycho-emotional storage in the body-mind. For a highly technical view on that, you may want to check out a "A ...Fascial-based Emotional Memory Storage System...") How this correlates functionally to one's anatomy, emotionality, mental routines, psycho-spiritual awareness, path, purpose and integration, is not only facinating, but actually describes an individual in a very practical way.
Few people in "modern society" survived childhood feeling safe to truely feel life from within their bodies. Result: we learn a mentally and emotionally armored, semi-defensive relationship with our bodies and our environment, yet strive to feel "the connection" with others. The musculature of the body can be "read" in terms of how it has been held and moved in response to ones environment. From this one can assess the connectedness among coping strategies, challenges, and gifts, the mind, the body, and the emotions, and the path of one's self-knowledge, self-healing, and self-transformation, as elaborated in "The Body Pattern Assessment/Reading and Understanding the Pattern Triad."
Considering all these aspects, one might say that all our conditions --- being based on events, one's *past* subjective perception of them, and how one reacted to them on the various levels -- is "psycho-somatic." On the other hand, we also have the capacity to learn to respond -- with conscious "response-ability" -- to lifes challenges. One question I have toyed with is the relationship of aging to the effects of storing psycho-somatic material in the body over time. And there is the question of whether or not there is also built into these [mind-body-spirit relationships and related systems] an incentive to deal with the issues as we are given opportunities to clear that up. Perhaps the dynamic of 'pain' is related to this question (and perhaps the following essay <grin>: "WHY PAIN? Notes on Pain, Awareness & Denial" (Physical and other levels) -- Aspects in Developing a Practical Approach with Compassion
And speaking of incentives... Mind-Body Awareness -- as the bottom line of preventative health maintenance -- is one of the most simple, efficacious, & cost effective forms of health insurance there can possibly be! And such focused awareness to the body, which occurs naturally in massage therapy, brings circulation (of blood, nerve, Ki or Chi, and bio-magnetic energies), and thereby all of one's natural healing capacities to the cells. If you want any cell system to heal, improving the circulation to, around it, and through it (with regard to radient bio magnetism) is basic and essential. And in very few cases is found complaining cells where circulation is plentiful near everywhere it's needed. Circulation improves where caring attention is directed -- on whatever level of focus and whether the attention is from external or internal sources.
Like kids, cells do best if we keep them fed, clean, and feeling loved. And as we learn to give them healthy messages and especially to just listen to them, they will tell us what changes need attending to. And, like kids, they will adapt and find a way to cope -- if at all possible, under most any condition, if you tell them they have to. But how would you like the results of getting used to living underfed and unclean? "Used to" means adapting just as inner-city kids have. (e.g.: They are not always the most easy to get along with, cooperative, or happy kids you've ever known, I suspect.) It works the same for the cells in the body. So how do we remedy such a situation? Well, of course, first fix the supply system and take care of those basics. Secondly, remedy the attitude that got them that way or they will never feel they can drop the coping mechanisms and learn what a happy communicative, sharing lifestyle is about. Maybe some hints might be found at "My Cells - My Children" & other metaphorical prose for the 'Body-Parenting' Approach to Mind-Body Integration
Likewise, cell systems will adjust based on our messages to them, even those that are counter to long-term health. They can actually maintain those adjustments for a whole lifetime if they don't get a corrective message. I.E.: If we, as infants, often needed to tense ("armor up") various muscles for emotional or physical protection (when adults around us acted insensitively or worse), we most likely continued through adulthood to hold various muscles in an overly tense state. Muscles need to know what relaxation is, as well as what intense work is, in order to have an appropriately full range of tonicity/contractedness, and to find the right tone for any given condition.
With body-awareness, we enhance our senses naturally, as well as provide opportunity for our self-healing mechanisms to be turned back on, and thereby give the cells the corrective messages about tonicity, circulation, function, etc. Sometimes we will receive insight about a corrective action we must take; i.e.: by newly feeling the need to adjust our posture or some kind of bodily movement, or even due to reviving memories (that were previously suppressed). Details of these processes are explained in the essay, "Body-Mind Integration in the Personal Growth Process" - The basic how's and why's of psycho-emotional storage in the body-mind

If it is true that "God helps those who help themselves," or that "the door to the heart opens from the inside," and if it is true that humans learn by exercising free will and making adjustments based on the results, ... then it most probably follows that the amount of God's healing energy flowing into our cells (and lives in general) depends on how much we allow -- via our conscious or unconscious messages to our cells. And might the doors to the cells be on the inside too? And if such considerations have merit, might it not follow that such circulation of energies (via our thought, feeling, and action) is the only thing that does heal a cell, organ, system, living organism, situation, etc? And if that were true, what could be more effective than focused awareness on our cells, which massage therapy naturally encourages ? (And yes, so do various self-applications such as Tai Chi, Chi Gong, and yoga, including "Tensing Yoga").
To the body-mind, cells are the most basic source of reproduction, instruction (DNA), and metabolic energy. Each cell is a *nucear-powered* cottage industry, that no human technology has even come close to matching in energy production efficiency. It provides alchemical transmutation capacities as well as highly specialized function. They are the physiological basis for each living organism, therefore for life itself. Is it conceivable that each living cell is a living bridge, a Chalice, by which the Father aspect of God has joined with the Mother aspect of God in order to create life on earth ? What would make this bridging connection stronger; what would open further the cell's doors to the Divine ? How about certain kinds of thoughts and feelings of unconditional love (or prayer, meditation, imagery, or some activity that encourages a similar focus) ? Some ideas on that: "Notes on Beliefs, Healing, and Prayer" -- practical considerations and a little science to boot.)

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(c) 1993 Chris Pringer

Related Question-based Techniques

   "The Use of Questions in Effective Affirmation Therapy"
Theory & Examples for Practical Application.
Theory section explains how this (PRQ) system compares to other affirmation techniques and therapies
- how and why they work, advantages of PRQ's, etc. Includes Lots of Sample PRQ's (Positive Response Questions)
for learning and affirming any desired knowledge, Simple How-To's in developing Pragmatic use of "the right question"
-- from a test situation and/or from regular affirmations. Works well for the intangibles (Personal Growth oriented)
which many would say has to come before you can truly enjoy the rest anyway. © `94 _«T»_

   "Using Affirmations to Uncover & Transform Negative Beliefs & Attitudes,"
by Douglas Bloch, Nov.'98 -- Theory & Example;
Basic and very useful Self Help psychology in therapeutic use of affirmations. _«T»_

"Q's Prayer 4 World Peace" World Healing Prayers with Sacred Geometry Graphics
One is more specific to World Economy related concerns, another to the Communications Media of the United States. And there's one for "The Great Invocation" (with many faithful users of this prayer since 1935). The web page includes an introduction, notes on the Sacred Geometry background and suggestions for use, and helpnotes for printing.

Broad Spectrum World Healing Prayer
"World Economy Prayer"

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Author / Artist / Editor Information

Body-Mind Integration
and Fascia Memory Research

Christopher Pringer
Reiki Master, Ordained Minister
Chalice Bridging Ministries
Body-Mind-Soul Integration for a Healthy Planet
Bridging Theology, Consciousness,
and Practical Emotional Intelligence
Organization Chart

   Body Mind Integrative Awareness (Brochure)
Individualized Approach and Training
for High Performance, Awareness, and Integral Being

Body-Mind Integration and Chalice Productions
(Home Pages) Writing, Artwork, Resources

Fascia Memory Research Project
Mind-Body Memory and the Future of Preventative Medicine

4C-Publishing
Chalice Creations and Concept Charting (Desktop Publishing)
for Vibrant Greeting Cards, Logos, Mandala & Prayer Cards,
Display Ads, Promotional Presentations, Charts & Web Books
"Synthesis" Mandala Shirts

By Appointment Only
206-286-0899 / chaliser@iinet.com
Guest Book & Web Site Support System Page

for Chalice/Grail Artwork
and 4C-Publishing

COPYRIGHT REGULATIONS/POLICY & DISCLAIMER:
REPRODUCTION: I welcome my writing/artwork being reproduced, provided that it is in it's original and complete form (or an editing or excerpt by agreement with the author), and contact info are intact and readable ("Chris Pringer, Chris.pringer@chalicebridge.com, www.chalicebridge.com"), and so long as the following conditions are applied:

a) Hardcopy reproduction is ok so long as it is for personal or non-profit organizational use only; b) Distribution and posting on web pages, blogs, and forums with my permission (mostly because I want to know where it's been put, and I'd be most honored to be asked). c) Any distribution of my writings or artwork must be w/o charge unless with prior agreement in writing with the author. d) The only exception to that regards the World Healing Prayers, which I encourage people to make all the copies they think will be used effectively without obligation to get my permission or even contact me. By the way, I have yet to ever sell -or give permission for anyone else to sell- any of my artwork on E-Bay or anywhere else. [noted 12/27/07]

DISCLAIMER: None of my writing, chalice art, or PolyPsyArt is intended to be, to replace, or discourage the appropriate use of, medical attention and/or treatment, but as educationally informative for the purpose of overall health enhancement and preventative maintenance. So far as I know, I have not quoted any other person without saying so. I have emulated a number of writers and teachers, so I wouldn't be surprised if many of my statements have very similar words and meanings as they. In any case, I have always tried to say what I believed. If you find that I have plagiarized anyone to any degree, please let me know -- by noting the complete published reference, and including the full quote and a few sentences of text before and after). This given, I will duly correct the writing.

AUTHORSHIP: Unless otherwise noted under the titles, all essays, artwork, prayers, pages at this site and sub-directories (as at my previous site at AOL), and with exception of some of the solid color and cloudy-sky color backgrounds and logo/headers for others' sites as noted) has been composed, rendered, and/or web-authored (c) by myself, Christopher Pringer, a member of Veteran's for Peace, ch.92 and of the "Seattle 12," practitioner in Body-Mind-Energy Integration Therapies since 1984, since 1984, and ordained minister (Chalice-Bridging Ministries) since 1987. Most of the personal health-oriented essays at this site were written in the early 90's, as compared to the social/political health oriented pages since 1997.

ABOUT THE ART: The symbols for the "Chalice" - or Holy Grail - that I often use are drawn essentially from ancient archetypes. Here, the Chalice is essentially a "cauldron" for the balancing and integrating of Humanity with the Divine - individually and communally. And just to forestall any hasty categorization, I should say that these archetypes pre-date the Jewish faith by many centuries. They have their own rich meanings as related to the spiritual dilemma or paradox, balancing or synthesis of qualities (such as Yin & Yang), and healing transformation. The "Chalice-Star" over the three traveling magi is used in my Solstice or Christmas Card design to represent our quest - in this earthly dimension of body, mind, and spirit - for the inner-most Source of one's spirit and faith -- whether that would be the Inner Christ, Inner Buddha, Inner Mohammed, or the Divine Mother's Spirit connecting All Life, etc.

That disclaimer said, you may find out the actual origens of my relationship with these archetypes at Home Page for Body-Mind-Chalice Integration (and related artwork). (see description in above section.) If you feel well served by what you found here, I would certainly appreciate your support. Although there is virtually 3 large books (and probably over a thousand hours) worth of written material and artwork here, nothing has ever been sold at this site (although I do promote my therapy practice and desktop publishing skills). In any case, IF YOU FEEL SO INCLINED TO SUPPORT THIS WORK (there are also ways besides donating money), please check out the Chalice Bridging Ministries / PolyPsyArts Support System.

COMMENTARY/Feedback is MOST APPRECIATED via the Guest Book or directly via Chaliser@iinet.com. I Hope you have found this page useful. Please let me know if it (or any parts of it, or other pages here) do not make sense to you, or don't seem consistent, etc. Extra points given for being specific. <grin> It's nice to hear from visitors in any case. I will probably reply. Here is to your continuing to recieve the benefits of your drive to discover you. --Chris Click here to see the Organization Chart
and "How and Why this Site Is Different"
A study in Cross-Discipline Knowledge Sharing, Utilization, and a much needed integration of diverse talent.
And how that relates to *Chalice-Bridging* and to healing.
(And the full-size graphic!)

Professional Bio & Quotes

Chris, 1984

Chris, 2008 I began my studies in multi-level self-healing when in the service, in Thailand in the Winter of '73. The focus then was on self-help psychology, consciousness, and eastern and western mystical perspectives. This continued through my university studies in Norman, OK '74-'79. 1980 took me into naturopathic studies, primarily nutrition and herbology when I lived in Oklahoma City. Not seeing the naturopathic doctor route as affordable at the time, I found direction via a five-evening massage course, Fall '83. That led to a six month professional practice, followed up with the training in Sante Fe, NM, '84-'85 (described in the next paragraph).
Since then I have practiced massage and/or healing facilitation for others, initially in Santa Fe, NM (during/after my training), then San Louis Obispo, CA, and Seattle, WA. This includes exploring personal challenges and self-healing methodology. A session may include various energy work modalities, Body/Energy-Awareness based Preventative Health Maintenance Instruction, or only Reiki or relaxation work in total silence. A client chooses based on whatever stress, pain, or concerns are present at that session. A client may request a "Body Pattern Reading," as well as various massage/bodywork therapies, all of which techniques are listed & described in my brochure. Individual, program, and 3-6 week interval-based rates are available.

My interests have primarily centered in three areas:
1) Body-Centered Psycho-Spiritual Process (as in "Hakomi" style of) counseling and bodywork, including as assessing an individual for the most efficient means of addressing connective tissue injury, short and long term, and the most efficient application of the results of that assessment (on physical and/or emotional levels);
2) in The Basic How's And Why's Of Psycho-Emotional Storage In The Body-Mind, and in the related fascia memory storage dynamics - referring to the technical aspects of neuro-physical interface between connective tissue, emotion, and the brain);
3) "Chalice-Bridging" style chakra balancing - based in the perspective that the chalice, far more than just a cup in this interpretation, is about the human embodiment of Spirit into the three "lower bodies" (mental, emotional, and physical) which compose the "Body-Mind". Which is also a "cauldron" for the balancing and integrating of Humanity with the Divine - individually and communally.

My training includes over 1370 hours of classes and practicum, including with the New Mexico Academy of Massage and Advanced Healing Arts in Santa Fe, NM (1984-85), and with various accredited bodywork and therapy workshops (`86-present), as well as 100 hours training with the Alchemical Hypnotherapy Institute (1989), over 100+ hrs apprenticeship with healing practitioner Robert "Mitra" (`85-`86), and 150 hours apprenticeship with Silena Heron in Herbal Studies (`83-`84). For the detailed version my training, you may go to the latter half of my Reiki Therapy Practice Brochure. Which also includes (and relates context for) links to essays elaborating on aspects of imbalance and injury, assessment, and healing.

Personal Quotes on Body-Mind Awareness [ cp, 12'07 ]

BODY-MIND AWARENESS, at the core of preventive health awareness, is one of the most simple, efficacious, & cost-effective forms of HEALTH INSURANCE there can be. Hence, massage is far from just "a luxury item," and bodywork therapies can be indispensable for the healing of certain conditions.

MUSCLES RELATE TO ATTACHMENTS - to what we use to take our stance, to hold our place, to perceive and respond to our environment, and to extend who we are and/or want to be. Or used to be (in too many cases, perhaps).
That speaks not only to the body's condition and function, but to how it communicates awareness of where one is along one's path (of becoming who one truly is).

THE BODY IS . . . among other amazing things, a unique communications system -- intimately linked with one's TOTALITY.
Establishing rapport with one's body can be a PATH to self realization.

ONE OF MY DREAMS is a society where/in all children are taught how to feel/see/read their own body-mind communications such that preventive health maintenance eventually becomes second nature. And actually, for the most part, they would be encouraged to re-awaken and build upon what I believe to be a NATURAL INCLINATION - conscious self-healing and continuous expansion of awareness.

And the above goes FOR ALL OTHER ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, to the degree that one utilizes them to improve such awareness and causative/pro-active connection with one's body-mind, and to employ the most effective tools for maintaining/improving one's health under any given condition or circumstance.

WHY DOES BODY AWARENESS = OPTIMUM HEALTH INSURANCE ?

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Since being at it's own domain (Chalicebridge.com, June'06) this site has come to average
Over 60 *Visits*, Over 112 *Pages*, and over 1000 *Hits* Per DAY. (Here, the 'Hits' stat includes all graphics on a page.)
Interesting that at AOL (Sep'97 to May'06), "LE FastCounter" listed an average of 75 *hits* per day during 2005. -- cp, 12'07

(c) 1997 to Present, Chris Pringer