Our faces are generally the first thing people see when they look at us. They allow us to ‘face the world,’ as we go ‘face to face’  with whatever is in front of us. I was invited to do that while lying comfortably on a massage table in the office of Debra Troy who is a multi-faceted practitioner of various modalities that include hypnotherapy, counseling, health education, foot reflexology and face reflexology. She is becoming certified in a Facial Reflex Therapy practice called Sorensensistem™ that was created by Danish reflexologist Lone Sorensen. Debra a.k.a. Deva, invited me to embark on a ten week experience of the modality, keeping track of my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual sensations. It took me less than 30 seconds to give a heart-felt affirmative to her offer.

As soon as I was prone on the table, I could feel an immediate sense of relaxation overtake me. I think it is a conditioned response, since that occurs whenever I receive massage. Deva explained the method behind the modality, showing me charts with various energy meridians connected to facial structures. She put on soothing music and the session began with her hands expertly visiting those spots. I was aware of a lightness in my body and a heaviness and what I would describe as ‘buzzing’ my hands as if they were weighted down to the table and I was unable to move them. I also felt a tingling in my left forehead and scalp. I likened it to the ‘shingles tingles’ I had a year and a half ago when the neurological/immune system condition came to call.

I had an awareness of let-go into trust. I knew that this time on the table would have residual effects that would ripple out into other areas of my life. I was certain that it would open doors to emotional healing that was much needed as I had also faced two deaths in the past week; one of the partner of a long time friend and the other of a dear friend/teacher/mother figure.  Both were expected, but as is true of all of the passings I have encountered, we are never prepared.

During the session, Deva elaborated on the identifying factors of the areas that were calling for more attention. Not a surprise that they included my heart, since I am recovering from a heart attack that occurred a year ago; as well as the immune system and adrenals. I was told last summer by a doc that I was experiencing adrenal fatigue and needed to slow my pace lest I run out of steam. Since then, I have moderated my activities, saying no more often to requests when I feel called in other directions, lounging luxuriously, taking vacay time, napping when needed, eating more healthfully, receiving monthly massage, and maintaining a fitness routine that includes workouts at the gym, walking and swimming.

I will be taking you on the journey with me, with a weekly update on how I feel as a result of surrendering to the process, so that I need not ‘face the music’ in terms of consequences that are part and parcel of neglecting my health as I had for so long.

Healer, heal thyself.