Lynda Hickman Supporter Homemaker, plumber, carpenter, all around gearhead

Isometric exercise was new to me 50+ years ago & TRE is certainly new to me today. That is why I did a lot of research to see exactly what it is.
I discovered that while TRE is not a form of yoga, many of the proponents of TRE also practice yoga.

The Internet claims TRE was developed by Dr David Berceli, who lists among his credits, a PHD in social work, licensed massage therapist, certified (by whom I ask?) "bioenergetics" therapist & field "traumatologist" & what really caught my eye is his claim to be a "Spiritual Director." 

I am not suggesting that Mr. Berceli is a fake, but while that all sounds impressive, I am suggesting to anyone who considers putting any value in his credentials, to dig deeper for the source of the certifications & licenses. We all know that it is easy to get documentation of education on the Internet!

While it may be true that Berceli developed a way to capitalize on the use of exercises that induce muscle fatigue or neurogenic tremors, we have all experienced these tremors to some degree at one time or another. These tremors help the body return to the natural chemical balance within the muscle tissue (homeostasis) & while everyone seems to agree that homeostasis occurs when 'certain chemicals' that have been stored in the muscles are released (during TRE), I can't find anywhere a list of those chemicals.

TRE is said also to bring peace to the "psyche" which happens to be the Greek word used in the NT for "soul."

Anyone who has had a sudden fright or held for any reason a muscle in tension, has noticed the tremors that begin deep in the muscle. I suggest that these tremors have been a part of the human experience since Adam was told by GOD that he would have to "toil" for his food (Gen 3:17-19). Since GOD created our muscular structure, He certainly put within that structure, processes that will never be totally understood!

Have you ever wondered what Adam looked like? I have, more so than wondering what Jesus looked like!
I mean, Adam was created by GOD to be the overseer of the earth, not to be a farmer. Physical work was not in GOD's plan for Adam. It was only after he & Eve sinned that their lives changed so dramatically. So was Adam muscular & strong, really ripped, or was he just an average sort of guy? 

How do you think Adam dealt with his first days toiling with sweat dripping from his brow as he tilled the soil & worked to provide for his wife & sons? I suspect that like farmers everywhere, his days began very early & were long. I also suspect that when he laid down at the end of that long day, he was bone tired, totally tuckered out! I suspect too that he experienced muscle tremors.

In Daniel 5:5-6, we read where Belshazzar, son of Nebuchadnezzar, experienced neurogenic tremors when he was overcome by fear. So it's true that there is nothing new under the sun! Ec 1:9 

All exercise has some benefit as long as we don't allow it to become a god!

In my youth, I became obsessed with exercise. I devoted several hours a day to a routine that eventually took a severe toll on me. My exercise schedule pushed aside my time spent doing everything else, until one day I realized I was addicted. I saw how empty I was mentally & spiritually. 

While the Apostle Paul makes two important statements (1 Tim 4:7-8) about exercise, saying that bodily exercise profits little & the one exercise we should concentrate on is the "exercise toward godliness," he is not suggesting that we all become couch potatoes. In fact, he clearly states that we are GOD's temple (1 Cor 3:16-17) & should treat it with respect. 

I would say that there would be no harm in trying some of the exercises at home, but I certainly would be wary of any connection that might raise it's head linking the exercises to yoga or any visualization techniques. 
And I certainly would not spend a lot of money buying videos.
Any exercise that puts a muscle in tension will accomplish the same thing!

September 17 2015 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report