Stage Seven - Resolution

What most people consider as sickness is usually the body trying, through discharge, to release something it does not want in order to achieve a new level of health. Discharge is natural, requires no conscious thought, and it’s something we often take for granted. Stage Seven resolves the buildup of tension experienced in Stage Six. The result is resolution.

As good as it feels to discharge something that’s unwanted in our bodies, the relief that comes after releasing an excess buildup of physical and emotional tension can be just as great. Examples of emotional discharge include crying, screaming, or even hitting an object (such as a pillow) to release anger, frustration, or other kinds of emotional tension. Discharge can even be expressed as a fit of laughter, a big smile, or a long sigh of relief. By reaching a state of resolution—which comes as a result of discharge—we feel calm, accomplished, successful, and we may even enjoy a sense of freedom or peace.

Fever

Whenever our temperature rises one or two degrees above “normal” we’ve been conditioned to consult a doctor or take a drug designed to lower it. Ironically, though, with a fever above 98.6 degrees, the opportunity for viruses and bacteria to survive dramatically decreases. Fevers also force our bodies to produce larger quantities of interferon (a powerful anti-virus protein). By interfering with the natural rhythm of the discharge process, we often create more of what our bodies are trying to eliminate. Such it is with the example of suppressing a fever; our interference permits microbes and toxins to proliferate.

Healing: An “Out of Control” Response

Our society supports the control of phenomena like discharge in order to make us feel more comfortable. If we feel out of control (with a back spasm, fever, vomiting, or full of emotions like fear or rage) we consider ourselves “sick” and are most often advised to seek professional help. But by doing this, resolution cannot occur. So the question becomes, “What does this have to do with healing?” What we have to remember is that the process of healing involves being out of control. After all, discharge is an out-of-control response. All of this is necessary in order to reconnect to our internal, infinite healing power.

The Dangers of Discharge

It’s also important to note that discharge is only safe when the body is capable of recovery. The inability of the body to fully discharge a toxic event—”discharge without resolution”—can be dangerous or even fatal. The distinction between a safe discharge and a dangerous discharge is clearly seen when viewing our stage of suffering. Discharge in the suffering stage (Stage One) leaves us feeling helpless, trapped, and like something is really wrong; we are incapable of further initiating the healing process. If discharge comes, however, in the resolution stage (Stage Seven) we have a sense of being an observer to the process rather than a victim; suffering comes at a time when our nervous system is flexible enough to recover from it.

There are five major attitudes that may appear during the discharge process, but they are not associated with resolution. These attitudes are: Fear, resentment, violation (feeling like a victim), loneliness, and guilt. If we experience any of these attitudes for more than a brief moment, the discharge process is likely occurring in a stage other than Stage Seven. It is always advisable to seek help when you feel the need. The more we heal, the more we will be sensitive to whether or not we need help. During discharge we can choose a healing system that will help us move forward in the journey. If your inner voice says you should go through a therapeutic intervention, by all means do it. But don’t confuse treatment or cure with healing. Lack of needed discharge equals lack of health.

Judgment

Our movement through the rhythms of the previous six stages teaches us to trust in this process. This implies naturally relinquishing the judgment that it is wrong or right to discharge. After we have achieved resolution, we may become aware of what changes we may need to make so that our body can move ahead to a new state of awareness and peace when we enter Stage Eight.

Stage Seven Exercise

Standing, sitting, or lying down comfortably, breathe in through your nose and hold it for a moment. Squeeze the breath into your abdomen by contracting your abdominal muscles. Now slowly, and with cheeks puffed out, exhale the breath rhythmically, letting out a little air at a time, yet with a strong final exhale. Repeat. Close your hands into fists, bend your arms over your head (as if you were doing curls with a barbell) and forcibly bring your arms, then your hands to your thighs as if you were punching them. If it feels more appropriate to stand, bring your arms over your head, make fists, and forcibly bring your arms down and back, as if you were engaged in downhill skiing. Shouting, crying, or laughing are common as the body integrates with the breath at this stage.

There’s Magic In A Healthy Spine!