BY KAREN DUFFY
My father inspired my siblings and me with the importance of self-care habits. “If you don’t take care of your body, where are you going to live?” is one of his most repeated quotes. For over twenty years I have been living in a body that has the double burden of a rare chronic illness called sarcoidosis of the central nervous system and complex regional pain syndrome, also known as the “suicide disease.” These complex disorders have created a dysfunction in my central nervous system. Due to the injury of the nerves in my spinal column, I endure a constant burning sensation called allodynia, where normal, everyday skin contact ignites a high-level pain response. One of the great lessons I’ve learned from illness is that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Living with a degenerative disease is like living next door to a bully: you never know when he’s going to ring your bell and knock you on your keister. These chronic conditions are a part of my life, and I’m doing my best to peacefully cohabitate with them. I try to keep the pain-to-fun ratio tilted in my favor—I take my prescribed medication, I look for purpose in every day, and I practice the self-care art of Jin Shin. One of my favorite quotes is from Lord Byron, who advised: “Always laugh when you can; it is cheap medicine.”
I was introduced to the Art of Jin Shin through my mother-in-law. I witnessed her enthusiasm for the practice, and her radiance was incandescent. She has been devoted to Jin Shin for several years, and I’m so grateful she shared it with me. What I love about Jin Shin is its simplicity. You have the power of self-care in your hands—it’s literally right at your fingertips.
The belief that we can help ourselves is essential to the Art of Jin Shin. The gentleness of the holds opens up the opportunity to reflect and integrate our body, mind, and spirit. The relief from the grip of pain was noticeable after my very first session. Jin Shin is restorative and energizing. Our bodies are meant to be discovered, not conquered. The discovery of Jin Shin has illuminated my life; I am now a devoted practitioner. Every morning I do a series of flows, and throughout the day, I rely on Jin Shin holds to energize and reawaken my mind and body.
Alexis Brink has written a vivid, personal guide to Jin Shin. Her book is an invitation to the wise, practical, and self-directed world of this ancient art. The most powerful tools for healing are our minds and our hands. I’m lucky to live in New York City, where I can meet with Alexis for her transcendent sessions and workshops. We’re all lucky that Alexis has shared her gifts and deep knowledge of Jin Shin within this book. It is a treasury you will return to again and again.
For me, it is the life-changing magic of Jin Shin!