𝐌𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐝'𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐛𝐨𝐱

 

That there my Dad's toolbox.

My Father was a Factory Worker. During WWII he worked at the Chrysler Corporation Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant [DATP] in Warren, Michigan; it's located just north of to Detroit. Then, at Dodge Main in Hamtramck in the metal stamping department.

That's his toolbox. It was originally brush painted silver and lived sitting all alone in a basement storage area at our home; loaded with an assortment of heavy duty tools, mostly not used much at all any more. I would examine those tools often ... a monkey wrench, a blunt hammer, a hand drill, a folding ruler; heavy duty, for to building a tank. Those tools are long gone, but the toolbox is still in my safe keeping. And, memories.

Like I said, the toolbox is empty. And, I intend to keep it that way. 

The emptiness speaks to me. Not that I myself haven't acquired useful tools. Many like the kind you grab with your hands. But I also have other tools. My professional tools are my hands themselves.

My profession is called Dr. Ida P. Rolf Method Structural Integration. The idea is that the Human body — the Human being — is designed for living in basic architectural balance with the force of Gravity. Hands are used sculpturally, taking advantage of the natural plasticity of the body and gradually transforming the palpable arrangement to line up vertically and symmetrically according to the demands of Gravity. "Palpable" ... you feel it! Such balance, it feels GOOD! 

That's still news for most people; what do you think?

The interesting thing about my work is how the originator, Dr. Ida P. Rolf, stated: "Gravity is the tool."

Also, even more interesting is how such work is accomplished with "empty" hands. "Less is more" kind of thing. There's an innate wisdom instilled in the body. It is engineered by design toward balance. The "empty hand" doesn't so much lead, it follows. It's a dance. Just like using any proper tool properly.

Isn't it interesting how Dr. Ida P. Rolf, the originator, asserted "Gravity is the tool". That's right. A lot to unpack there, huh? Short take, again from Dr. Rolf: “This is the gospel of Rolfing: When the body gets working appropriately, the forces of gravity can flow through. Then, spontaneously, the body heals itself.” How about that for "tools". 

Speaking of "Empty Hands" ...

Emptiness is of the inner dimension. Going within. I've also acquired many tools for going in that direction as well. "Empty mind."

And, like I've said, simply sitting relaxed and letting Gravity do its work is something anyone can do. "Gravity is the tool."

The thing is also the "tools" of my Father's essence are also in me. You have your own inheritance too. The trick isn't to list them; but to go to that forgotten corner in the storage room and get those tools, dust them off, oil them well ... then, go use them. Put them to some good use.

Comments/Questions welcome ...