FROM HAMSA:
Mukundaji,
I have to tell you that your suggestions (in the SYT manual, and in the trainings & private sessions), regarding taking on a different role when working with v, p or k clients, is extraordinarily helpful. I am seeing far more profound interactions as I use this approach. I must admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first read this in the manual two years ago. But the more I work with this information in mind, the more effective the work is.
I especially find the insights valuable for two types of interactions:
- being very clear, directive and authoritative with clients who need this
kind of surety and anchoring.
This helps establish that someone knows what to do – I see that
this can be very
comforting and reassuring to insecure types who are “all over the
place;” they need someone to establish "rules of conduct."
I am finding that for many, it is very soothing to know that an
authority figure who knows what to do will give them clear
directions, and a clear boundary / schedule / regimen, routine to
follow … this takes the vata-ness out of their lives to some degree
and lets them settle down and do some really good work.
MUKUNDA RESPONSE:
Indeed a boundary is needed for them to become safe enough to work well.
HAMSA:
-
being respectful of pitta’s need to not be confronted/aggravated
through just such an approach … but rather, engaging the pitta mind
and personality and turning these qualities into assets and allies.For the pittas, I’m seeing how engaging them in their healing
process more, using their creative, problem-solving minds to see
their issues in a different way, and showing them that they have
some leeway regarding how to work, helps them understand
that they are being respected … no one is challenging them … and
their minds settle down. They dig into their problems and are very
creative when they can bounce ideas around and be active in finding
their solutions. Giving them active "pitta’ meditations adds to the
effectiveness of the work we can do together.
MUKUNDA RESPONSE:
Agree good insights.
HAMSA:
-
your suggestions regarding understanding that kapha’s deep desire is to love, to be devotional, are also well-taken.
As I understand this better and work with it more, I can see how
well kaphas respond to this acceptance of their essential nature.
They respond to guidance that steers them toward a devotional
sadhana with great joy. I see some clients discovering their
religious/or spiritual selves once again … or finding a new way
toward a spiritual truth.They also are responsive to the idea of volunteering (to do hospital
visitations, for example, or volunteer to read for someone); this
kind of giving seems to fulfill the kapha heart’s deep desire.
Even though being the authority figure has not been a problem for me, I now understand better why that role works well for some clients, and not for others (ah, those pitta folks). I now can be more clear as I choose the role I need to be for each client - and it makes the work so much more effective all-around.
Often, your method requires a delicate but clear hand as we set the right relationship teacher-to-student; healthy and appropriate boundary-setting – which differs for each student based on ayurvedic understanding – and are clear about our role, and the role that the student has. We are able to take on responsibility, while making students accountable for their healing, through our own clarity around whose job it is to be doing the ‘healing’ (theirs, not ours); we are the facilitators, guides; good for us to be clear about this, so that students can do the work they need to do.
With your suggestions throughout the training, and in the manual, more firmly in my grasp now, I am seeing all my students deepen their journey toward self-understanding and healing … even as I see myself doing the same thing … moving toward greater wholeness and oneness.
Thank you, again and again.
Blessings,
Hamsa