Leibarbeit

The term "Leibarbeit" is met with some irritation by most people. "Leib" is usually interpreted as an antiquated synonym for "body," so is it a kind of bodywork? Yes and no.

Karlfried Graf Dürkheim distinguished between the "body we have" and the "body we are." The body thus encompasses the physical body but transcends it. It could perhaps be expressed as the unity of body, psyche, and consciousness, as is rooted in the ancient meaning of the word "Leib" (= life). In Leibarbeit, we direct our attention to the innermost being of the person, and this being speaks to the practitioner. In this encounter without intention, it can feel addressed in its entirety and express its desires in order to "become as it is meant to be."

In practice, the treatment often takes the form of physical touch, but it can also involve mental or emotional connection, for example, by sitting next to the patient or even by singing. In any case, the liberating realization arises that everything is allowed. And this experience holds the immense potential for profound transformation on all levels of being.