In the 1980’s, Sylvester Stallone became famous for Rambo, a movie character who was the ultimate warrior. Many men and young boys, including myself at the time, idolized Rambo. I even had his posters on my wall as a kid thinking that’s who I want to be one day. But even Rambo has a breaking point!
Growing up to be “strong” and not show weak emotions was ingrained in me and many other men because that’s just the way most men operated and were educated. Since I became a therapist 15 years ago I, myself had to grow to a point of redefining what It means to be a ‘strong man’ in today’s world. My father gave me some good building blocks and foundational pieces that have served me and worked for me in my life, but there was more that I needed and craved.
Being naturally sensitive I chose a path as a Shiatsu therapist. It was the best thing I could have done for myself. Practicing Shiatsu therapy I was given the opportunity with the tools and language to exercise and channel my sensitivity, which was very empowering. I felt strength that was real and tangible. It has benefitted me and enabled me to help others. Being in the so called “lab of life” through my practice I have come to realise certain truths about what men today are experiencing and feeling. How many of us suffer so much; quietly, secretly with guilt, shame, and regret. I call them the 3 poisons.
It does not matter how strong and put together one seems on the outside, everyone has a breaking point. Recently a man came to see me who was no ordinary man, he was the real Rambo! He physically looked like Rambo, talked like him, even had a look that would send chills down your back. He was the ultimate soldier, groomed by his retired General father to excel in the Israeli army and was later selected to the top special forces unit of the National Army. He was involved in covert operations in some of the most dangerous areas in the world. He could survive anywhere, anyplace no matter how extreme.
This man was taught and trained not to feel pain, not to fear anything. He lived like this for years, until he reached a breaking point and was in front of me. He explained how he was terrified of the pain he felt inside…
“You can drop me in any war zone, stab me in the leg with a knife and dig it into me and I won’t feel any pain. But the kind of pain I feel inside of me from the traumas I’ve seen is frightening me.”
After his treatment, I discovered within him someone who saw more to life than what he was trained and molded to be. He was actually a poet, a believer, and a lover. His essence and what he was trained for were in conflict and turmoil. That’s why he was here, to run away from everything, to our Canadian woods and mountains where he thought he could hide from the pain inside him.
What he discovered in treatment was that there was another way. The seeds of a NEW LIFE were planted.
About the Author:
Mihael is a Master Shiatsu therapist who focuses on reconnecting the communication between the mind and body. Since becoming a Shiatsu Therapist in 2001, he has helped clients change and transform through his treatments which look at the complete person. He has evolved his approach and methodology, creating a unique blend of Eastern and Western manual techniques. Developing strong palpation skills through 15 years of bodywork and 20 years of mindbody studies, he has a gift to understand and translate what your body is trying to communicate. Read more about him or book an appointment with Mihael, here.
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