Fourth Degree Dynamic Relaxation (RDC4)

Overview

The Fourth Degree Dynamic Relaxation (RDC4) is the culmination of the fundamental cycle of Caycedian sophrology. Alfonso Caycedo developed it as an original synthesis, integrating the achievements of the three previous degrees into an experience of "totalization." Where the 1st degree explored the body (yogic inspiration), the 2nd degree the mental image (Tibetan inspiration), and the 3rd degree reflective meditation (Zen inspiration), the 4th degree aims at the unification of all these dimensions into a global consciousness of existence.

RDC4 is also known as the degree of "existential value of being." It was formalized in the 1980s and represents an important threshold: after the 4th degree, practitioners access higher degrees (5 to 12) that constitute the "radical cycle" and "existential cycle" of sophrology.

Core Principles

The fourth degree is based on the principle of totalization, which transcends and includes the concentration, contemplation, and meditation of previous degrees. Its key mechanisms are:

• Existential totalization: simultaneous awareness of body, mind, emotions, and values as an indivisible whole
• Exploration of universal values: humanity, fraternity, harmony, transcendence — beyond the individual values of the 3rd degree
• Phronic consciousness (from Greek phronêsis, "practical wisdom"): development of inner wisdom that guides life choices
• Openness to the world: the practitioner transcends self-awareness to open up to awareness of others and the world
• Phronic vivance: particular state of consciousness where the practitioner fully lives their condition of being-in-the-world

Main Indications

• Deepening an advanced sophrological journey
• Support for serious or chronic illnesses
• Palliative care and end-of-life support
• Deep existential crises
• Post-burnout: rebuilding meaning and priorities
• Secular spiritual development
• Sophrologist training (required degree for teaching)
• Preparation for parenthood or fundamental life changes

Session Structure

An RDC4 session is the longest of the fundamental cycle, lasting between 1h15 and 1h30:

1. Welcome and pre-sophronic dialogue (10 min): in-depth exchange about the practitioner's existential journey
2. Totalizing sophronization (15 min): progressive integration of the three previous degrees — body perception (RDC1), visual contemplation (RDC2), reflective meditation (RDC3) — into a single fluid sequence
3. Fourth degree dynamic stimulations (10 min): exercises simultaneously integrating body, breathing, visualization, and intention in a global harmonious movement
4. Totalizing meditation (25 min): deep meditation on the whole of existence — past, present, future — connected with a universal value. The practitioner explores how this value is embodied in their body, relationships, projects, and worldview
5. Desophronization (5 min): very gradual return, maintaining the expanded state of consciousness as long as possible
6. In-depth phenodescription (15 min): free and detailed expression of the lived experience, often accompanied by strong emotions

Variations and Adaptations

RDC4 is often practiced during residential sophrology retreats, allowing total immersion over several days. Some sophrologists offer "totalization marathons" combining all four degrees in an intensive day. In clinical settings, RDC4 is adapted for palliative care patients through shorter sessions focused on inner peace and acceptance. Caycedo himself recommended practicing the 4th degree in nature, facing a vast landscape, to facilitate the opening of consciousness to the world.

Contraindications

• All contraindications from previous degrees
• Lack of regular practice of degrees 1 to 3 (totalization requires solid foundations)
• Dissociative identity disorder
• Unaccompanied psychological fragility (the depth of experience can destabilize without an appropriate framework)