"We dedicate our practice to the cultivation of peace and kinship among all human beings..."
-- All Motherhand Society graduates
For the past ten years, the Motherhand Society graduation ceremony has included reading the three principles that guide our practice. The third principle states "Human beings are currently in the position of guardians of the planet we live on and all of the life sustained by it." The initiates respond by saying " We devote our practice to the guardianship of the planet and all of life on earth. We dedicate our practice to creating peace and kinship among all human beings." Prior to September 11, 2001 this may have seemed a nice sentiment to hold in our hearts. Since September 11, the statement has become poignant.
After the initial shock of that horrible day, we were left to reconcile a wide array of feelings with the fact that there was little we could do. Such a horrific act of violence against us impelled us to act in response, but our efforts seemed futile at best. Lighting candles, waving American flags, even protesting the war all seemed merely symbolic.
This particular statement in our ceremony serves as a reminder that we are all One, and that our strength lies in kinship. Motherhand shiatsu is a peacemaking tool. This means that shiatsu itself will not make peace. It is a tool for us to use, as conscious beings. Every time we give shiatsu we are making a contribution to peace in the world. We are taking away some of the pain, the isolation, and confusion that human beings create. We make a conscious effort to let go of judgements and opinions, dissolving tension, anger and fear, so that the actions we take in our lives are not the actions of anger, grief, horror or shame. We want to create a response that is compelled by hara, that place in our being where heaven and earth meet to create life. Not to destroy life.
This statement made in every graduation ceremony, repeated by every graduating student reminds us of why we practice shiatsu and why it is important that we continue to do so. Now, in response to September 11th, as we walk into the year 2002, it is my most earnest wish that all certified Motherhands renew their promise. Renew the conscious commitment to use the tool of Motherhand shiatsu as your means of peacemaking.
Motherhand Society Study Group
Jan. 20, 2002 3 - 6 pm open to all certified motherhands
for info call Amy 212-529-0645 or Joan 845-265-5506
Congratulations to the class of 2001!
Carmen Hutchinson (class asst), Lora Dibner, Valerie Candela, Nancy Chelchowski, and Joan Forlow, Valerio Silva, Jean Gilles Lopez, Antonio Aragona We had a spectacular retreat, culminating in their graduation ceremony, October14, 2001. See a picture of the graduating class by clicking here!
11th Annual Autumn Retreat
Mark your calendar now!! Oct. 18-20, 2002 $300 includes room, board and classes ($270/MhS members). By the way, anyone can be a member!! Information is available here, or ask Marianne or a class assistant. See pictures from previous retreats here.
MhS Email Bulletin Board
To get on the Motherhand Society email bulletin board, email [email protected]
Site Map
Home - What is Shiatsu? - The Motherhand Society
Current Class and Workshop Schedule - Membership Information - The Meridian Newsletter
Annual Retreat - About Us: Instructors
Volunteers Program - Photo Galleries - E-mail Us