|
In biofeedback sessions, conversations frequently focus on interesting notions of relaxing. I have come to appreciate that some aspects of relaxation have very much to do with being in control. Individuals who come with headaches, muscle spasm or anxiety are seeking relief and control of one sort or another.
During biofeedback training, I propose, relief arises as one explores available ranges of physiological arousal and rest and establishes or re-establishes an ability to locate oneself, to choose, the place of greatest ease and comfort. In theory, this may seem a mysterious and ambitious proposal. In practice, people discover very ordinary and simple strategies to promote ease and comfort.
Our use of biofeedback instrumentation and monitoring, to facilitate discovery and reinforce learning, brings a gentle kind of efficiency to this process. Physical, emotional or psychological distress tends to take "front and center" in our awareness and perception. If we do not feel immediate relief when we practice a technique or strategy, we wonder if we are doing anything useful or worthwhile. The biofeedback instruments can show us that we indeed are promoting appropriate change; when relief will appear and in what guise varies from person to person. The difficult work is practicing over time. The changes shown in a biofeedback session must be tended and encouraged in daily life to bear their greatest fruit.
|
