I have started up a small group for TRE and The Work, and it has inspired me to look at some of the connections – and differences – between the two.
TRE is a good preparation for inquiry. It helps me “get in the body”. After TRE, I am more relaxed, more in touch with sensations, and less caught up in stories.
And longer term, I see that TRE releases tension which is the “fuel” for beliefs. With more chronic tension in the body, it’s easier to be caught up in stories. Tension also fuels any symptom such stress, anxiety, depression, physical pain and so on.
Conversely, The Work releases beliefs – and beliefs are the “fuel” for tension. Without taking stories as true, no tension.
So there is a beautiful dance here. TRE invites tension and trauma to release through the body, which in turn gives less fuel for beliefs. And The Work invites beliefs to release, which in turn reduces tension and trauma.
In addition, both practices are very simple. You can get started right away, especially if you have someone to guide you (even that is not strictly necessary, but can be helpful). They are free (although workshops are available and may be helpful to get started and deepen in the process). And both are potential “folk movements”, passed on from one person to the next.
For more on Trauma and Tension Release Exercises (TRE) see Trauma Prevention and David Berceli’s YouTube channel.
For more on The Work, see the The Work of Byron Katie and Byron Katie’s YouTube channel.
Note: I find it very helpful to bring a specific stressful situation/thought to mind while shaking/trembling. It seems to release stress and tension out of it.
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– tre first, helps “get in the body” – more relaxed, in touch with sensations, less caught up in stories etc.
– tre release tension, the “fuel” for beliefs (escape from fear)
– the work, release beliefs, the “fuel” for tension
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And longer term, I see that TRE releases tension which is the “fuel” for beliefs. Tension fuels any symptom – stress, anxiety, depression, and it also fuels being caught up in stories (which is a – or the – pathway for how tension fuels symptoms). Conversely, The Work releases beliefs – and beliefs are the “fuel” for tension.
Beautiful!!!