We Found Our Aliveness in Tulsa! May 28-30, 2010

[Flowen]

Country song?...or psychiatric workshop? This last Memorial Day week-end, May 28-30, it was “Finding Your Aliveness,” a special Bioenergetics workshop at the Parkside Psychiatric Clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

About 20 people from the US, Europe, and South America, long-experienced and first timers, clients and professionals (it was a great group!) had an opportunity to observe and work with Drs. Frank Hladky and Heiner Steckel, two strong long-time practitioners and proponents of Bioenergetics. While both Frank and Heiner have worked extensively with Al Lowen, Heiner also credits Frank as his mentor, making it a special event for everyone. I had described it as a rare opportunity, I had no idea how rare: this was Heiner’s first workshop in the US.

Working in the mornings, Dr. Hladky worked with the simplicity, wisdom, and effectiveness that only comes with great experience and serious inquiry. After introductions and a brief discussion of what it is to “Find Your Aliveness,” Frank began the workshop with a woman who had no experience and little knowledge of Bioenergetics, in part, to demonstrate introducing a client to Bioenergetics. Working with new and familiar people, Frank guided and/or supported their connection with the life in their bodies. One participant used the setting (the psychiatric clinic) and Frank’s past role as medical director there, to feel and express their fear of insanity.

Dr. Steckel brought a new style to the group. Although I have known Heiner for decades, I have never seen him work, and I don’t believe anyone else had either, including Frank. Combining humor, the un-expected, and a toolbox of techniques and experience, Heiner demonstrated how effective Bioenergetics and bodywork can be for the master psychotherapist. Whether engaging childhood trauma, or working directly with a “frozen” body, Heiner demonstrated for everyone how Bioenergetics enables people to feel better. Feeling better in a real way is a body experience, not a state of mind; whether the feelings are pleasant or not, feeling better comes from feeling more.
More feeling = Better feelings = Feeling better.

Combined with two great exercise classes led by Drs. Elizabeth King and Pamela Bell Saturday and Sunday (just right for 50 minutes at 8 AM), the workshop group gained body experience and insight into the value of Bioenergetic work for oneself, and one’s clients.

Despite my concerns for the workshop setting at a psychiatric clinic, it didn’t bother anyone but the one participant who used it to advantage. In fact, if people’s high comfort level was any indication, it turned out to be a superb facility. Contributing to that comfort level was the support, lunches, and snacks provided by Judy Wilder and other Tulsa people.

For those of us staying at the Tulsa Doubletree Downtown, I think we were all pleased with the hotel facilities, service, setting, and for the opportunity to be together.

I look forward to more Alexander Lowen Foundation Bioenergetic and related workshops with the good people in Tulsa. Along with the good feelings the good company created a really good workshop, and a great week-end. We all found at least a little piece of, and made a little progress towards, finding our aliveness, in Tulsa.