Break out variables from $content

Creating faux-Panels functionality by using 'CCK Blocks' to move a 'Node Reference' field into a block region so we can add sidebars from inside a node.

Want to use Block Theme's tpl.php files for theming. But can't figure out how to access and print the variables (body and CCK fields). Kinda new to theming and I just can't get my head around it.

Thanks!