Discover Sophrology! The European Stress-Resilient Method
Meet guest author Veronique Benoit, Stress Management Coach with many years of experience working in Europe, where her services were valued and paid by medical insurance. She’s bringing a unique methodology called Sophrology to the US. As I was curious I signed up for some sessions and can attest to the power of relaxation in this method – it’s definitely added some depths to my meditation practice! And of course, I love the translation – studying the harmony of my spirit; or the science of consciousness in harmony, as Veronique puts it.
What is sophrology?
“Have you ever heard about Sophrology?” That is the question I often ask people when they are wondering what I did in Europe for a living. Most of the people look at me in a curious way and ask me to talk more about this strange word.
Well, here is it.
Sophrology, comes from the Greek. Sos (harmony), phren (spirit) and logos (study of) and literally means the science of consciousness in harmony. Also referred to as a dynamic relaxation program, a stress resilience program and even a self-development method.
What makes this method different?
Well, let me go back in time a little bit.
It all started in the sixties, with the Columbian neuropsychiatrist Prof. Dr. Alfonso Caycedo who was looking for a method to heal his patients who were suffering mentally. He did not agree with the typical treatments used in that time and he therefor devoted practically his whole life looking for another natural way. For 40 years, he traveled the world from the West to the East, lived in Ashrams, studied Zen, Jacobson’s progressive relaxation, Buddhism, Philosophy, Schultz autogenetic training, therapeutic hypnosis, Yoga, and a lot more. Out of every method he took what he believed could work for his patients and created his own structural scientifically proven methodology and named it Sophrology.
Therefore, when you practice this method you will experience that it is a blend of mindful movements, breathing, visualization, relaxation, and meditation. All the good stuff blend in one unique method.
How does that work practically?
Step by step we focus the attention to the body through movement, breathing, and visualization. Then we lead people to a certain state of relaxation called the sophro-liminal state, a state of consciousness that you are in control, your body is relaxed, and your mind is sharp and clear. A state that is more awake than a hypnotic state. From there we dive into the inner world and reprogram our self-image, beliefs about the future, … in a positive, non-judgmental, and objective way.
Where is Sophrology used?
In the seventies, it was initially used in the medical world.
Because of the far-reaching health benefits, it quickly spread out over Europe.
Nowadays it is used in stress-management, self-development, birth-preparation, and preparation for high performance but still mostly in Europe and the Eastern world. I want to contribute in implementing this unique technique in the USA.
Why isn’t it know in the USA?
Well, the biggest issue is the distance and language barrier. To become a Master Specialist, I studied this method for 4 years in Spain so you can imagine what a commitment this is to travel abroad for such a long period and study at the University founded by Prof. Dr. Alfonso Caycedo. Virtual classrooms might become a solution but then the other problem was the language. Courses were given in French. I am so honored that I have studied and been coached by the creator himself and I am proud to share his lifework with the rest of the world and make an impact and positive change in the lives of people.
If you are interested to learn more feel free to reach out and check www.yourtrueliferocks.com
Walking in Beauty is another way to study the harmony of our spirit. Read more
