E12 - Zen Mind, Healing Body: How Alex Greene Integrates Eastern Wisdom into Trauma Healing

Red Beard Embodiment Podcast

In this episode of the Red Beard Embodiment Podcast, host Alex Greene shares his personal journey and how his background with Zen meditation has influenced his work as a bodyworker and trauma therapist.

Alex's transformative journey, which he explores in this episode, highlights the connections between Zen, bodywork, and trauma therapy.

- At the age of 19, Alex questioned the limitations of his intellectual pursuits and turned to his father, who was deeply involved in Zen training, for guidance. Encouraged by his father, Alex spent a summer in Hawaii immersing himself in Zen meditation and martial arts training, which had a profound impact on him. After graduating from college, he went on to complete a 3-year formal monastic training at the same temple in Hawaii.
- During his Zen training, Alex underwent rigorous physical training, emphasizing the development of a centered and integrated body.

- Within Alex's Zen community, he encountered William ‘Dub’ Leigh, a bodyworker who integrated Zen principles into his practice. Dub's approach, known as Zen Bodytherapy, combined various techniques with Zen meditation and an understanding of Ki (vital energy). This encounter deeply influenced Alex's perspective on the body-mind connection. Alex realized the potential of integrating embodiment practices into trauma therapy.

- A chance encounter with Everett Ogawa, a master bodyworker and one of Dub’s primary students, further shaped Alex's path. Under Everett's guidance, Alex learned Zen bodywork, discovering the value of these practices in stripping away tension patterns and opening a door to deep connection with the body.

- As Alex delved deeper into his bodywork training, he recognized the synergy between Zen and martial arts principles and therapeutic practices. He seamlessly integrates a Zen approach to his work, infusing each session with presence, concentration, and a commitment to becoming one with the client and the therapeutic process.

Central to Alex's approach is the therapeutic relationship itself, characterized by this ‘becoming one with’ via the co-regulation of nervous systems. Drawing from Zen teachings, he views this connection as an opportunity to show up for his clients in the deepest sense, creating an environment for growth and change.

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:33 Welcome
00:55 Share the early influences that have shaped your journey as a bodyworker & trauma therapist.
13:19 Could you walk us through your transition from studying Zen to becoming a bodyworker?
30:35 What initially sparked your interest in working specifically with trauma?
33:28 What insights can we gain from Zen teachings about our humanity and the wisdom inherent in our bodies?
39:50 Outro
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Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Welcome (00:00:33)

3. Share the early influences that have shaped your journey as a bodyworker & trauma therapist. (00:00:55)

4. Could you walk us through your transition from studying Zen to becoming a bodyworker? (00:13:19)

5. What initially sparked your interest in working specifically with trauma? (00:30:35)

6. What insights can we gain from Zen teachings about our humanity and the wisdom inherent in our bodies? (00:33:28)

7. Outro (00:39:50)