Marion Stone - How I decided to become a practitioner of Structural Integration


	Why I became a Practitioner



				I was first introduced to the work of Structural Integration in 1995 through my parents Genie and Bob Stone. At the time, my father was living with Renal Cell Carcinoma (kidney cancer). Renal Cell Carcinoma is a particularly aggressive type of cancer, and both of my parents were exploring all possible therapies available, both traditional and alternative. Soon after relocating to the mountains of North Carolina, they discovered Structural Integration.

						Both Genie and Bob underwent the ten series process and experienced tremendous changes. Whenever I would go home for a visit, they would share with me the changes they could feel in their bodies as a result of Structural Integration.


	I was able to see and feel their changes on many levels. Physically, I would see my father recovering his strength and energy and structural alignment very quickly after the various surgeries required for treating the cancer. On the emotional and spiritual levels, I felt both parents become much more open and aware. Their appearance was more energetic and alive!


	My mother was so enthused by her positive changes and what she was learning that she chose to receive the training to become a practitioner herself. While she was in school in Boulder, I went out to visit her and had the opportunity to sit in on one of her classes. The instructor, Emmett Hutchins, was working with a young man whose sternum/breastbone dipped way down into his rib cage - what I have always heard described as "pigeon chested". As I watched the session, I was amazed to see this young man's chest open and expand before my eyes! His sternum lifted about an inch, creating a tremendous expansion in his chest cavity. Needless to say, I was impressed and very curious about this work. It was this experience that first led me to wonder about becoming a practitioner myself.

	It was actually experiencing the work that finalized my decision. I returned to North Carolina and began the Ten series process. During each session I would feel my body begin to lengthen and open. I felt shifts in my movement patterns that gave me more fluidity in movement, and often increased my range of motion. I had not even realized that I had restrictions in my movement patterns until I felt them release!


	At that period of my life, I was at a crossroads -- I was considering a change of career, and was operating at a very low energy level. I had been working in a very emotionally and physically demanding job, and I felt empty -- like I had nothing left to give.


	As I moved through the ten series process, I gradually felt my body becoming recharged. I felt lighter, much more energetic, and I began to approach my life with a more positive and less fearful outlook. The thought of completely changing careers became less overwhelming and scary, and I began to approach this change with more excitement and an adventurous spirit.

	It had never occurred to me that my low energy and somewhat depressed attitude were related to the structure of my body, or my relationship to the field of gravity! As my body moved towards a more balanced and secure state, emotionally I began to feel more confident and comfortable with myself.

	I felt so much better and learned so much throughout the process that I decided I must learn how to share it with others. A few months later I headed out to Boulder Colorado to begin my training. The work of Structural Integration has truly been a gift in my life and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to share it with the community in Asheville and in other areas.


	Credit: *1 Photo from page 169 Rolfing-Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well Being, 1977, Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D.


SM

Marion S. Stone
Rolf Method of Structural Integration

Asheville, North Carolina, USA

(828) 232-0167

Call for appointments

Email marion@structuralintegration.com


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