I work there 3 days, roughly 20 hours a week. And I've been there for 2.5 years! My first day was Dec 5th, 2006. Almost as long as I've been in NYC--fantastique. I remember the first time I stepped foot into the office space, it felt like I was a snowman whose snow slowly and finally started to melt off and drop away. I remember taking a deep breath and smiling in my insides. There was an embracing glow about the place. I distinctly remember the plants by the huge window and a certain stillness I was desperately seeking from the moment I arrived to the city. I met the doctor and the office manager who immediately felt like my new family and knew that not only would I work there but that the job itself would be a gift.
For the most part I assist. I ensure the two are comfortable and supported in their daily tasks and for our 'clients' I smile a lot and give LOTS of hugs! A few days ago, I bumped into one of our clients on the street. She's 81 years old and could have been one of my neighbors in Augusta Georgia where I grew up. She's sweet and southern and amazing. She travels an hour by subway to make it into our office twice a week. So we bump into each other and she starts congratulating me about the wedding. I thank her and ask how she is and she begins to talk about one of her most recent Buddhist retreats. She practices Zen buddhism and loves the quiet meditation and the philosophical enquiry. So I listen to her experiences and realizations, at 81, and am filled with an immense sense of gratitude for the simple fact that I can stand on a street corner in New York City sharing in a moment of truth with this exquisite being. We hug tightly and then go on our ways. Simply spectacular and then this is my job 3 days a week.
In the office, clients come in not really to share their life so much but to journey somewhere within themselves and then ultimately give back to their world. They go into a beautiful room (the one with the plants and huge windows!) position themselves tummy down on a chiropractic table, community style with 5 other people doing the same thing, then depending on each person's timing, dive into their own abyss. Personally speaking, I once experienced myself dancing on a beach right at the ocean's edge. Happy and joyful being in my body and dancing! My interpretation of this session was that I need to bring my dancing spirit to my everyday activities like going to the post office and buying groceries. Instead of just saving it for a dance class, when leading a presentation, or basically when I know I'm in front of 'an audience'.
The technique is called Network Spinal Analysis and the doctor serves as a guide to help each person treat their own symptoms, be they headaches, back pain, muscle tension and even cancer, depression and spiritual unrest. The idea is that symptoms arise when daily actions do not coincide with the body's needs. For me, I go into a depressive state when I cop out of an opportunity to fully express myself, vocally and through my actions. Somehow, when I was little I learned self-expression was not always socially acceptable and that I should always censor myself. Yikes!--and my body says "girl u betta get it OUT or Ima mess u up--" haha, but seriously in my body there's an old black woman who sits on the porch and TELLS me things. Her name is Agatha. Always letting me know what's up. Oh yeah, I'm from the SOUF. Thanks for everything Miss Aggie!
But seriously, again, I'm grateful to work at a place that's purposefully dedicated to healing individuals and communities, a mission very much in line with my SGI activities!
Infinity Wellness and beyond! Yay!
(I would add our website link, but after almost 3 years, it's still not finished! haha, Go fig. But you can go here to learn more about Network Spinal Analysis: www.wiseworldseminars.com or come in for a looksee. We are located 27 W 20th St. 10011)
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