Working with the Nourishment Barrier

In learning to notice our barriers to receiving positive energy, by working with the Nourishment
Barrier or Upper Limits problem, it is important to move the energy and to get grounded, to
connect with the earth, through gardening or just walking barefoot or putting our hands into
the soil. Moving our bodies through walking, running and dancing are helpful ways of working
with one’s Upper Limits (Hendricks, 1992).
As we become aware of our Nourishment Barrier, it is essential that we remember to engage in
a loving kindness mindfulness practice.
A common reaction to a fear-provoking situation is for our breath to become constricted, which
only makes the fear stronger. But if we can take a few minutes to breathe deeply, we can
transform that fear into calmness (Hendricks, 2009).
In Lowen terms is the oral character structure and in Hakomi is the Dependent/Endearing
strategy.
“The oral character needs to learn to trust in the abundance of the universe and reverse the
process of grabbing. He needs to give. He needs to give up the role of the victim and to
acknowledge what he does get. He needs to face his fear of being alone” and find nourishment
in the inner life and in relationships with others (Brennan, 1988, p. 117).
“Digestion is the process of taking in and using that which can be included as part of the” body-
mind self. We can experience nourishment “through touching and being touched as well as
through eating” (Teeguarden, 1987, p. 67). Also, reminiscing can be a way to compensate for a
lack of present time nourishment, by remembering a more nurturing time in our past. As we
learn to nourish ourselves more, we can let go of seeking approval from others (Teeguarden,
1987).
“A healthy, functioning system of personal boundaries is essential for productive living. People
with poor boundaries often make life decisions damaging to themselves and those around
them. They find themselves trapped in unintended repetitions of destructive patterns,
repetitions that baffle them” (Whitehead, 1995, p. 34).
 References

Brennan, B. (1988). Hands of Light. New York: Bantam.

Brennan, B. (1993). Light Emerging. New York: Bantam.
Hendricks, G. & K. (1992). Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment. New York:
Bantam Books.
Hendricks, G. (2009). The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next
Level. New York: HarperOne.
Kurtz, R. S. (1990). Body-centered psychotherapy: the Hakomi Method. Mendocino, CA:
Liferhythm Press.
Teeguarden, I. (1987). The Joy of Feeling. New York: Japan Publications.
Whitehead, T. (1995). Boundaries and Psychotherapy Part II: Healing Damaged
Boundaries. Hakomi Forum, 11, 34-46.