EMOTION and MOTIVATION on the PATH and in HEALING

Self-motivation & Motivation of Others
Reward & Punishment, Justice, & Change;
Emotion, Intention, & Levels of Motivation/Detachment
An Analogy of one's Body-mind "Vehicle" to an Automobile;

A number of considerations are given below from a Humanistic Gestalt Psychology perspective as well as from the Metaphysical/Spiritual;

     Lets get down to the basics - in terms of action on the earth plane - at least according to the particular school of thought that I go by: Emotion is necessary for motivation if one also includes love, joy, and will to good as emotions. For those who require a more stringent and limiting structure in order to limit destructive behavior, lower emotions such as fear, anger, and guilt may be the only useful motivators in the earlier stages of learning the lessons of life. These, attached to thoughts, form beliefs, which our ego uses to establish identity, place, direction, and purpose. Emotion relates directly to our desires as well as to our ideals. Here we get to define values in establishing the difference between our desires and our needs -- the latter of which relate to the Will of God. Hence our ideals and intentions should be established as directly related to (our clearest perception/belief of) what the Will of God for one's Being is. These learning processes involve trial and error. More pain to one degree or another, whether it may be so mild sometimes we laugh our way through it, or so intense we go into some form of shock and suppress the memory of it. The latter is more common to infants and children than most people realize, and is part of what I call the initial "setup" or "karmic induction" [ref: essays, "The Alignment of Beliefs, Desires, and Needs...," "A Concept of Healing," and "To Structure or Not" by the author]

     Hence, The more evolved the personality is, the more the personality relies on "higher" Intention levels of motivation for self and others (e.g.: love, empathy, purpose, etc., as compared to guilt, fear, anger, etc.).

Awareness of Vehicles on the Path, Fuel Efficiency, and Drive:

     The body-mind can be compared to a vehicle in order to illustrate a relationship we can have with our feelings and emotions (motivation) or "drive". The body-mind is our vehicle for getting from where we are to where we want to be; it takes in fuel (needs and desires translate to motivation, or to fuel in this case). If it's your average junker it runs on low to medium octane and pollutes the air badly (uses fuel like fear and anger). If it's a souped up standard, it might run on higher octane but it still pollutes (ie: like guilt), though maybe not as much. A cleaner fuel might be the lead-free gas (ie: obligation and then responsibility), and then we eventually come to using more and more of the high octane lead free fuel (ie: love). At about this point we start using systems and devices that require the higher octane fuels, do not pollute, and the fuels are the most efficient of all (like straight joy and unconditional love).
     Also important to consider, in the trunk is baggage (old hurts and judgements on/for self and/or others that one hasn't forgiven if even brought to conscious awareness) most likely, which requires that more fuel be used to pull the vehicle. As we are becoming more sensitized to the cleaner fuels and more efficient operation of the engine, we also notice more acutely the drag-effect that the baggage creates, and its effect on overall efficiency of the vehicle. And we become more and more motivated to clear the baggage out. There are various methods and techniques are for checking into the engine's efficiency (for gaining self-knowledge) and for improving it - through re-aligning our systems with the high performance standards (with one' higher guidance/"blueprint") and loosening ones baggage for more efficient travel.
     We have to get our hands into the grease some in order to get the gummy stuff out. With cars we might pay someone else to do the work. Body-minds tend to be much more self-innovated and incomprehensible to others in the finer operating systems. Even with some overall guidance and practice assistance, we generally have to do a great deal of the detail work ourselves. And, in any case, that darnned baggage just won't fall out by itself usually. That's where this analogy fails the most, since body-minds tend to become addicted to the baggage to the point where it can be quite painful to let go of the baggage.
      In the end, the re-alignment makes the fuel more efficient, but only the knowledge from hard-earned experience can re-design the engine, fuel delivery, and baggage handling systems in order to maintain and continually improve the capacity to use the higher octane fuels.

Reward, Punishment, and Change:

     The only purpose for MOTIVATING OTHERS is to get the job done. It only needs to do that - pain is Not a necessity UNLESS that’s the only way to get done just what has to be done. There are many ways to motivate. This implies that children, prisoners, nations, etc. do not need necessarily to experience pain in order to conform to appropriate standards. First try love, challenge, compassion, etc. and appeal to their higher nature. Then try mediation, compromise, or reward. Then try guilt or manipulation, etc. if absolutely necessary -- if nothing else works, in other words (when the objective is critical - otherwise the losses and karma would be greater for All concerned).

     You can’t beat, separate, or condemn someone (or some part of yourself) into healing or even changing. Under those conditions more feelings of rebellion and resistance to change are created. At best you create a fear- and pain-motivated person, society, or country that trains its offspring, its body, to be likewise motivated - which ends up cycling back to what you originally fought and denied and then acted as if there was no reason for. Acting as if there IS reason for a condition puts us in charge - gets us to the root of the need that the destructive behavior was created to fulfill. Then Healing can BEGIN. It seems to me that God wouldn't have said, "Be a nice and willing victim for awhile and then I’ll reward you," But more likely S/he would have said something like, "Learn how to be all you can be - YOU have to discover your options, make decisions, and take risks and I’ll help you when/if you listen."

     We need new motivators, based on love and acceptance. The back and forth karmic cycle of abuser and abused is supposed to wake us up to need for new behavior and ways to transition us to it. It is not supposed to provide another justification for added insult and injury, more punishment and reward syndrome reinforcement, all of which maintains the attitudes that produce the abuse cycle in the 1^st place. The cycle has to stop somewhere - revenge does not cure addiction! Revenge has become much of the motivation behind the systems we have created to provide justice - via reward and punishment.

     If I believe my "victimizers" cannot heal, then how can I believe that I can heal - considering the laws of metaphysics? This implies that revenge is not applicable in the guise of justice or any other vehicle. Justice, then is taking into consideration the Present and all it implies, not focusing on feelings of the past; but on what the true needs for learning (by All concerned) are - not on how much punishment can be mustered out based on fixed laws and the various expectations of society. If I am to heal through personal resolution of my own issues, how much and what kind of focus can I engage in as regards the healing of my brother, my "victimizers"? How critical is this question to my own healing ?

     So what other ways can we develop to transition us from where are now to where we want to be? It will happen -and likely take a few hundred years, but it has to be approached like there is faith in this or it won’t happen. It has begun, so what’s the next step? What’s the end product - what does that feel like, what would look like? I believe that God is not going to rob us of our learning process by "saving" us. God wants to be able to give US the credit, so we’ll feel good about being with God.

Motivation and Detachment:

     Many that identify with the "new age" belief systems have apparently misinterpreted Richard Bach’s statement "Argue for your limitations and they’re yours." One shouldn’t have to convince another (especially a friend) that his/her pain is real - or felt as real. Claiming one’s pain - for what it is as a subjective feeling, whether or not it can be described as rational, justified, or accurately associated, etc - is the first step to letting go of limitations. It is true that the act of claiming/owning one’s pain may enforce limitation(s) for a time, depending on the (unconscious or even conscious) need to identify with the victim experience. Yet, it is denial that much more enforces limitations since (as perhaps the major point of this whole section) one doesn't process feelings that one doesn't feel. I admit that I've just been amazed at the degree of belief in a few "new age" self-healing techniques that refute or ignore that basic premise.

     There is no real challenge to releasing illusion from one’s awareness, depending on how one defines illusion and reality, of course. If someone needs a certain amount of structure (ie: "Religious leaders and corporate advertisers determine my values and needs") to learn in for a period of time, then s/he must believe in the reality of that structure to a certain degree. And letting go of the associated emotionally charged beliefs and perceptions would then be a considerable challenge. But once one acknowledges that one is "attached to" a reality and related mental, emotional, and physical material, then one can begin to let go of it. I like the sayings, "If you can feel it, you can heal it," and "one has to have an ego before one can transcend it."

     And regarding ego nature: I believe most all of us have areas that can use a little ego building and a few areas where the ego is doing a *necessary* job of maintaining individuality and position in one's environment. Where the (true/actual) needs are felt as not having been taken care of is where the ego will try to protect in some way. This is where the addictions and other coping mechanisms come in. Therefore, upstaging or bragging, for instance, is not a sign of too *much* ego, but of protecting where there is too little. It's the very healthy ego that can be transcended, because at the level of full ego transcendance, the person is pretty much beyond any need for a body, position, or individuality anyway. (And I don't know that I've ever even met anyone of that caliber, by the way.)

More personally speaking:

     No, I do not have all this "down" yet. I believe we are ALL in some kind of pain on some level, most of us appear unconscious of it or incredibly great actors, or both. But that seems to be part of how we are trained. It goes along with the codependent-required unconscious beliefs that a good person can't tell another's pain from one's own, that sympathy is good yet one isn't to feel sorry for oneself, that martyrdom is godly but losers and victims are mostly just manipulating, yet that pain is God's message that one has been bad or wrong. (Phew!) Under the scourge of such contradictory beliefs, many in society have felt this perception as safer, kinder, and more productive (!?!) and have pretended pain is just not happening within one's realm of influence. So in the name of national financial priorities we have too often ignored the crucial needs of our elderly and youth, our teachers and our progeny.

     I believe pains are also like handicaps, challenges, and gifts. Everyone has them, some folks are just more adept at hiding them - from themselves and/or from others. And all four are highly related. Sister Theresa had her own pain just like the rest of us, but she had learned to have compassion for pain (perhaps her greatest gift - to others since she worked hard for it) without making herself or anyone else wrong for having/feeling/expressing it. Well that's my take on it. And Buddha and Jesus is still hanging out with the folks on earth, so what's keeping Them from moving on? Maybe These Folks could be 'out of here' and away from us but apparently They're not. It's also taught that even They are still continuing Their (spiritual) growth thing, and that part of Their responsibility is working with us. So, I think "it's not over 'til it's over," and that we cross a major hurdle when we just stop making wrong the fact that we are in pain. [ref: essays, "Notes on Pain, Awareness & Denial," and "Victims, Compassion, & Responsibility -- Notes on The Emotional-Body, Denial of Pain, & Easy Answers," by the author]

Chris Pringer, LMP, RH, Reiki Master, '92-'97

To TOP  of PAGE 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 Site Map & 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 similar words and meanings as they.   Transition Mandala w/ Transformg Heart Overlay - cp, 2008             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 © 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, 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 SYMBOLIC ART: The symbols for the "Chalice" - or Holy Grail - that I often use are drawn essentially from ancient archetypes - including the symbol(s) composing what is known as "The Star of David," which actually pre-date(s) the Jewish faith by many centuries or more. They all 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. Here, the Chalice is essentially a "cauldron" for the balancing and integrating of Humanity with the Divine - individually and communally. 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 origins of my relationship with these archetypes at Home Page for Body-Mind-Chalice Integration (and related artwork). 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.   "Chalice Forming" ©2008 [Description] 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. Thank you. --Chris Pringer     Click here to see the Organization Chart / Site Map (New 9'08), as well as "How and Why this Site Is Different - A study in Cross-Discipline Knowledge Sharing and Utilization." About the critical challenge of, and our potential for, optimal integration of diverse perspectives, talents, and capabilities. And to see how that relates to *Chalice-Bridging* - and to personal, community, and planetary healing. (And the full-size graphic!)   Professional Bio & Training Chris, 2005 Chris w/beard, 2001 Chris, 1984               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 the Body-Mind Integration Therapies Brochure. Individual, program, and 3-6 week interval-based rates are available. My professional 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 hows & whys related to the storage & release of tension and "body memory" in the muscles and fascia. 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), 150 hours apprenticeship with Silena Heron in Herbal Studies (`83-`84), Training, Certification, & Empowerment as Reiki Master (3rd Degree Johrei, 1991; Kundalini Reiki to 9th Level w/Gtunmo & Devic Template, 2004). For the detailed version my training, you may go to the latter half of the Body-Mind Integration Therapies 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 ? To TOP  of PAGE (c) 1997 to Present, Chris Pringer