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Being a Master is not
about higher learning. Being a Master is about learning a lesson,
learning each lesson, as if it was being taught for the first time.
Every time the Master interacts with his student, the lesson is
new and the outcome is unique.
Being a Master is not
about teaching. Being a Master is about guiding the student toward
knowledge through example, thought, and empowerment. The Master
takes the student where self-discovery is the next and only logical
step.
This paraphrasing of
a traditional eastern way of thought comes from Gary Zukav's book,
"The Dancing Wu Li Masters". In it Zukav defines a Master as
one who "teaches essence. When the essence is perceived, he teaches
what is necessary to expand the perception." By learning the fundamental
nature of a problem, the student is able to make the logical step
toward understanding. John Barnes has the ability to teach essence.
The contributions of
John F. Barnes, PT, to the world of rehabilitation over the past
forty years are well documented. The work that John and his staff
perform at his Myofascial Release Treatment
Centers in Paoli, Pennsylvania and Sedona, Arizona have helped
countless individuals from around the world, return to a pain free
life, many of whom were trapped in long term chronic pain situations.
He has personally trained over 40,000 health professionals through
his nationwide Myofascial Release Seminars.
Those therapists, in turn, have turned their skills toward a wider
patient population, which easily numbers into the millions. The
range of John's influence is astounding in its magnitude.
John has brought practical
relevance to the now popular "mind-body" concept. Using well established
medical, physiological, and neurophysiological principles as a base,
John has combined his own unique treatment methods and interaction
style to produce results that are the envy of his many contemporaries.
His beliefs and teachings were not without controversy and skepticism,
but the Myofascial Release treatment principles
have proven to be one of the most effective, cost-conscious, and
altruistic methods for dealing with complicated chronic pain situations.
John's previous book.
"Myofascial Release: The Search for
Excellence", well documented the basis in theory and practice
for John's work. It provided a synopsis of techniques and their
applications in a variety of settings and with a wide range of clientele.
It offered itself as "a wonderful beginning into a whole new world
of evaluation and treatment that is intelligent, humane, and effective.
"Healing Ancient Wounds: The Renegade's Wisdom" continues this
journey.
While attending one of
John's seminars, one cannot help but be impressed by the manner
in which he presents his topic. While the specific Myofascial Release
techniques at first appear to be at the forefront of his discussion,
one quickly learns that they are only a small part of the knowledge
which is available to you. When faced with the task of teaching
a beginning and quite possibly skeptical, student to "feel" the
essence of a release for the first time, John magically draws his
audience into quieting their minds and softening their bodies so
that then can truly experience the sensations available to them.
One learns to maintain oneself in this feeling state during both
evaluation and treatment, trusting intuition as well as knowledge
and observation.
The students learn as
much about themselves as they do their patient. Herein lies the
true value of John's teachings; his ability to first give value
to one's own feelings and insight, and then empower the student
to trust their intuition in applying the Myofascial Release techniques.
Everyone is capable of mastery, in both therapy and life, and John
empowers you through his teachings and his trust. The purpose of
this book is to bring to print the message behind the techniques.
Use is as a work reference, a source of regeneration, as words of
inspiration, or as a reminder of just how powerful you can be.
To the patient and public,
do not let the talk of technique and training deter you; the message
in this work is strongest for you. It is you for whom this work
is intended. Read "Healing Ancient
Wounds: The Renegade's Wisdom," to deepen your participation
in the treatment process and hasten the achievement of your recovery.
In the process, you will discover a profound understanding of who
you are and how you got to where you are today. Through other people's
stories, you will see that you are not alone in your struggle. There
is hope, just ask for help.
As an instructing assistant
at many of John's seminars, I have had the privilege to see him
interact with many an audience, to approach a new patient like a
curious cat, and finally to see him pursue a patient's needs and
goals through treatment. While watching him, one is struck by the
parallels of his treatment approach to a beautifully crafted dance.
The audience and the patient are willing and eager participants,
as John's goals for his dance are for the greater good of all.
There is a grace and
ease of movement which one notes as soon as John enters the treatment
space. This is the grace of a Master. This grace puts the patient
completely at ease, allowing the two of them to meld together while
flowing towards a common goal. That grace is passed on to his students
as well. It is this grace, which separates John and his students
from the many other teachers, and practitioners from which the public
must choose. I am thankful to be one of his students. I am thankful
to be learning the dance.
Walt Fritz, PT, Naples,
New York
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