Third Degree Dynamic Relaxation (RDC3)

Overview

The Third Degree Dynamic Relaxation (RDC3) represents the third stage of the fundamental cycle of Caycedian sophrology. Inspired by Japanese Zen and zazen practice, this technique was developed by Alfonso Caycedo following his stay in Japan, where he studied with Zen masters in monasteries. RDC3 introduces the dimension of reflective meditation: the practitioner no longer simply perceives (1st degree) or contemplates (2nd degree) the body, but meditates on the union between body and mind.

This degree is often considered the culmination of the fundamental cycle as it provides access to a deeper understanding of self. The practitioner discovers what Caycedo calls the "encounter with the totality of being," a unifying experience between physical, mental, and emotional dimensions.

Core Principles

The third degree is based on the principle of meditation, a deeper level of consciousness than contemplation. The fundamental mechanisms are:

• Reflective meditation: deep reflection on the connections between body, mind, and personal values
• Body-mind integration: transcending Cartesian duality to experience psycho-corporeal unity
• Encounter with existential values: freedom, responsibility, dignity, authenticity
• Sophrological walking: walking meditation inherited from Zen kinhin, integrating consciousness into action
• Third degree posture: upright seated position inspired by zazen, symbolizing grounding and openness

RDC3 works with three temporalities: meditation on the past (acceptance and integration), the present (awareness of the moment), and the future (serene projection).

Main Indications

• Search for meaning and existential questioning
• Burnout and professional exhaustion
• Major life transitions (career change, retirement, separation)
• In-depth personal development
• Palliative care support
• Chronic stress and existential anxiety management
• Preparation for important decisions
• Psychological resilience building

Session Structure

An RDC3 session lasts approximately 1 hour to 1h15 and includes specific phases:

1. Welcome and sharing (5 min): exchange on current state and ongoing reflections
2. Progressive sophronization (10 min): integration of degrees 1 and 2 to reach a deep sophroliminal level
3. Sophrological walking (10 min): slow, conscious walking through the space, eyes half-closed, paying attention to each step, each movement, each breath — directly inspired by Zen kinhin
4. Third degree dynamic stimulations (10 min): exercises integrating verticality and grounding, with rooting movements
5. Guided reflective meditation (20 min): deep meditation on an existential value (freedom, dignity, responsibility), exploring its manifestation in the body and in life
6. Desophronization (5 min): return to ordinary consciousness
7. Phenodescription (10 min): in-depth sharing of reflections and insights

Variations and Adaptations

RDC3 is particularly well-suited to group practice, where the meditative dimension is reinforced by collective energy. In hospital settings and palliative care, reflective meditation is adapted to support patients in exploring the meaning of their life and accepting their situation. Some sophrologists integrate elements of philosophy (Kierkegaard, Heidegger, the existentialists) to enrich the reflective dimension. Sophrological walking can be practiced outdoors, in nature, to strengthen the connection with the environment.

Contraindications

• Active or decompensated psychosis
• Severe depressive state with intense rumination (the reflective dimension may amplify rumination)
• Borderline personality disorder in crisis phase
• Person who has not acquired the fundamentals of degrees 1 and 2