Thursday, May 24, 2012

Healing ourselves and others...

Healing is something I continue to be moved by. All forms...emotionally, physically, and intellectually learning about the variety of ways to heal ourselves as human beings. At home, my technical work title is "Living Skills Clinician", but I also dabble with the 8 kids I individually work with, by using yoga, reiki, art, outdoor adventure, music, conversation, and writing into their therapeutic plans of care. Being here in Kolkata on my second trip with MOVE, I am reminded again, that we are all constantly healing, being healed, and able to heal each individual we interact with in some way; socially, emotionally, or physically.
It has been beautiful, to say the least, to be able to share and witness healing unfold in my first few days here...personally, and for the other. I pretty much white-knuckled Beth and Kirsten's hands on the airplane in order to overcome my fear of take off and landing. John has poison ivy and I was able to give him some Reiki yesterday at the breakfast table in hopes of settling it down. Anna and I stayed back today to recoup and I have been able to check her temps, check in on how she is, share in conversation, and bring her some food/fluids. My service site placement is at the part of Shanti Dan for physically and mentally handicapped girls aged 8-25. We were asked on the first day if anyone had massage or physical therapy experience, I immediately jumped on it. I enjoy reading about holistic health practice and alternative medicine approaches such ad massage, while having my first reiki training under my belt. My Mom has done so much physical therapy on me over the years, I figured I could wing this request to be the "therapist" for the next 3 weeks! So I have.
From 8-12:30, I try to treat as many girls as I can on the lime green pads thrown down in a back room of the complex. The Massi's in the room I share space with dance, play instruments, and sing with the girls in wheelchairs waiting for their therapy. All of the girls I have massaged and done physical therapy with so far have, a minimum, cerebral palsy, while most are also quadrapalegic. They come into the room curled up in their wheelchair and are lifted by Ashley, the massis, and myself onto the mat. I begin with gentle massage and simple relaxation techniques as many of them have no joint range of motion and their muscles are spastic (high tone, tensing). Each girl receives a 30 minute session. It has been powerful to witness the gentle relaxation of a muscle, slow uncurl of a frail leg, and many eyes closing into utter relaxation mode.
I was touched deeply by Tiya. Tiya has multiple diagnoses, some being CP, circulation, and an auditory disability. As I began to work oil into Tiya's neck, I closed my eyes and began to pray gently over her tight, unaligned, weak body. Her eyes gently closed with me and I felt something coming close to my face as my eyes remained closed. Tiya, being non-verbal can only make noises and smile, but this day she communicated in a way I will never forget. She gently put her frail, weak fingers into my messy and extremely sweaty long, straight hair and began massaging my scalp. I continued working her allignment from her neck down to her hips while she reciprocated this touch back to me. I was moved and naturally teared up instantly, seeing such beauty in this non-verbal, cross-cultural interaction that is so essential to all living things and beings; to be touched and cared for with such sweetness.
Be well,
Meghan

14 comments:

  1. That is incredible Meg... Such a powerful post and a perfect position for you!! Keep up the great work, all of you! Know that you are making a difference in so many lives. I'm thinking of you all.

    -Heather

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful post...thank you

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a powerful moment you had with, Tiya. My eyes teared up so much while reading I couldn't see my computer screen. So incredibly special! You are a natural healer, Meg. So glad the women at Shanti Dan get to have your love and presence for three weeks!
    Sending you SO much love and healing thoughts. XO
    Love,
    Katie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Donnobad, Meghan, and I have to echo Katie's sentiments about the teary screen -- I teared up just seeing your name on the blog knowing what was to come! I can just picture you there with these amazing women and the full circle of massage and human kindness -- all in 120 degree heat. I can see the green mats, smell (everything!), hear the women's voices -- thank you for sharing your gifts with Shanti Dan and with us!

    Take good care,
    Anne (Kolkata 2010, 2011)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Meghan,
    Great to hear about all you are doing in Kolkata. We know your kind and healing touch/work will continue to give those who you are working with comfort. We are very proud of you and know this is an amazing experience for all of you.

    "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa

    You're in our thoughts and prayers
    Love, Mom Dad Kait and Tom

    ReplyDelete
  6. Meghan,

    What a beautiful testament to the power of human connection! I had goose bumps reading your post--the power to truly see and be seen by another--the purest form of healing that exists! I admire your ability to allow the people you are working with into your heart, your kindness and compassion will surely not be forgotten by those you are interacting with. I have been thinking of you and the other members of the group daily; thank you for sharing your experience and letting us readers back at home live through it.

    xo
    Em

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for sharing........................................................

    Hi your blog is very nice! Keep your post.your images are beautiful and goodCall Girls in Goa
    Goa Call Girls

    Escorts in goa
    Goa Escorts
    independentgoaescorts.in/call-girls-in-goa/
    http://independentgoaescorts.in/escorts-in-goa/

    Looking gor best Call Girls services in goa & Escort services in goa. We are providing call girl services & female escort services.For more detailas Contact us:09967541580

    ReplyDelete

  8. Goa Escorts
    Stressful days are troubling you? Then Goa entertainment is must in your life.
    Goa Escorts
    Want to build up your life to pleasant and fun loving then entertainment is must required in your life. And above all Goa is the best place to chill and for the entertaining fun. Goa is full fun package for everyone and other than this Goa tour will come under your pocket, it will be way cheaper than other city.
    Goa Escorts
    Cheering up yourself has become big task these days. Life is full of stress flutter restlessness and trauma. Every person is moving here and there on their own animated life to make money. And yet you have no time to relax your body and let off your tiredness. After working all day night you usually forget life’s backrest thing you forget how you used to enjoy your life. And then slowly you start getting frustrated of having trouble with your busy and dull scheduled life. So fun and entertainments in life are necessary these days to avoid your stress and traumas from your life. Dude what is use of earning and making so much of money if you are not satisfied from your life. So you should take little break from your scheduled life.
    Goa Escorts
    And after keeping everything in mind Goa is the best place for the vacation and to refresh your mood and your mind. Goa is appropriate for everything you need for an entertainment and for all those things you are interested in. There is not a single thing in Goa that you didn’t get. From adventures to fun you will get every existing thing related to entertainment over in Goa. Especially Goa is prevalent for night life parties, casinos, beaches and many more uncountable things. In the matter of company Goa is the place where you can hang out not only with your friends group but also with your family Goa is that level of awesome place to be.
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts

    ReplyDelete

  9. Goa Escorts
    Stressful days are troubling you? Then Goa entertainment is must in your life.
    Goa Escorts
    Want to build up your life to pleasant and fun loving then entertainment is must required in your life. And above all Goa is the best place to chill and for the entertaining fun. Goa is full fun package for everyone and other than this Goa tour will come under your pocket, it will be way cheaper than other city.
    Goa Escorts
    Cheering up yourself has become big task these days. Life is full of stress flutter restlessness and trauma. Every person is moving here and there on their own animated life to make money. And yet you have no time to relax your body and let off your tiredness. After working all day night you usually forget life’s backrest thing you forget how you used to enjoy your life. And then slowly you start getting frustrated of having trouble with your busy and dull scheduled life. So fun and entertainments in life are necessary these days to avoid your stress and traumas from your life. Dude what is use of earning and making so much of money if you are not satisfied from your life. So you should take little break from your scheduled life.
    Goa Escorts
    And after keeping everything in mind Goa is the best place for the vacation and to refresh your mood and your mind. Goa is appropriate for everything you need for an entertainment and for all those things you are interested in. There is not a single thing in Goa that you didn’t get. From adventures to fun you will get every existing thing related to entertainment over in Goa. Especially Goa is prevalent for night life parties, casinos, beaches and many more uncountable things. In the matter of company Goa is the place where you can hang out not only with your friends group but also with your family Goa is that level of awesome place to be.
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts

    ReplyDelete

  10. Goa Escorts
    Stressful days are troubling you? Then Goa entertainment is must in your life.
    Goa Escorts
    Want to build up your life to pleasant and fun loving then entertainment is must required in your life. And above all Goa is the best place to chill and for the entertaining fun. Goa is full fun package for everyone and other than this Goa tour will come under your pocket, it will be way cheaper than other city.
    Goa Escorts
    Cheering up yourself has become big task these days. Life is full of stress flutter restlessness and trauma. Every person is moving here and there on their own animated life to make money. And yet you have no time to relax your body and let off your tiredness. After working all day night you usually forget life’s backrest thing you forget how you used to enjoy your life. And then slowly you start getting frustrated of having trouble with your busy and dull scheduled life. So fun and entertainments in life are necessary these days to avoid your stress and traumas from your life. Dude what is use of earning and making so much of money if you are not satisfied from your life. So you should take little break from your scheduled life.
    Goa Escorts
    And after keeping everything in mind Goa is the best place for the vacation and to refresh your mood and your mind. Goa is appropriate for everything you need for an entertainment and for all those things you are interested in. There is not a single thing in Goa that you didn’t get. From adventures to fun you will get every existing thing related to entertainment over in Goa. Especially Goa is prevalent for night life parties, casinos, beaches and many more uncountable things. In the matter of company Goa is the place where you can hang out not only with your friends group but also with your family Goa is that level of awesome place to be.
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts

    ReplyDelete

  11. Goa Escorts
    Stressful days are troubling you? Then Goa entertainment is must in your life.
    Goa Escorts
    Want to build up your life to pleasant and fun loving then entertainment is must required in your life. And above all Goa is the best place to chill and for the entertaining fun. Goa is full fun package for everyone and other than this Goa tour will come under your pocket, it will be way cheaper than other city.
    Goa Escorts
    Cheering up yourself has become big task these days. Life is full of stress flutter restlessness and trauma. Every person is moving here and there on their own animated life to make money. And yet you have no time to relax your body and let off your tiredness. After working all day night you usually forget life’s backrest thing you forget how you used to enjoy your life. And then slowly you start getting frustrated of having trouble with your busy and dull scheduled life. So fun and entertainments in life are necessary these days to avoid your stress and traumas from your life. Dude what is use of earning and making so much of money if you are not satisfied from your life. So you should take little break from your scheduled life.
    Goa Escorts
    And after keeping everything in mind Goa is the best place for the vacation and to refresh your mood and your mind. Goa is appropriate for everything you need for an entertainment and for all those things you are interested in. There is not a single thing in Goa that you didn’t get. From adventures to fun you will get every existing thing related to entertainment over in Goa. Especially Goa is prevalent for night life parties, casinos, beaches and many more uncountable things. In the matter of company Goa is the place where you can hang out not only with your friends group but also with your family Goa is that level of awesome place to be.
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts
    Goa Escorts

    ReplyDelete
  12. its nice to see your blog...we provide charming Goa Call Girls at our Goa Escorts
    Escorts in Goa
    Goa Call Girls
    Call Girls in Goa
    Goa Escorts

    ReplyDelete
  13. Haryana HSSC Steno Typist Recruitment 2016

    I appreciate you sharing this post. Really thank you! Want more....

    ReplyDelete
  14. Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam Tradesman Skilled Recruitment 2016

    Thanks for the marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you are a great author....

    ReplyDelete