Confessions from the Massage Table

By the way, I took your advice and brought my cozy clothes and slippers to change into after my massage with you today. The last session, when you subtly suggested that I do so after our intake conversation, got me thinking. 

First off, I remember the response I gave you when you suggested I bring my cozy clothes to change into afterward. I gave you an excuse of not finding the time to pack an additional bag before my already crazy workday. I remember looking at you and thinking that you had no idea what my life was like or what my workday consisted of. And I remember my last thought before I drifted off to relaxation in that session - that the whole cozy thing was out the window. 

Well, Shannon, here I am, ready to relax and get into my cozies afterwards.

Your gentle words reminded me that it's not just the massage that I'm paying for and carving out time for, instead it's the entire experience you provide for me to relax into; the soft music, the conversation guiding me back into my body, the knowledge that I don't need to be anywhere, answer to anybody, or make any decisions. Most importantly, it's you bringing me around to the understanding that yes, everything else can be busy and chaotic, but this time and everything that goes into this time right now with you; that is priceless, and the fact that you got me to walk in here with a bag packed says a lot about your skill. 

Thank you for giving me permission to sink into me. 

My client said these words to me yesterday during our pre-conversation. She did not hold back and was very forthcoming, which, in all honesty, is what I want and am looking for from my clients. Open conversation that leads my clients to a place where they pause for themselves, probably and maybe for the first time in their lives. 

It's part of what I offer in my 60-, 90-, and 120-minute sessions with clients: great massage and bodywork, listening, holding space, and intuitively providing guidance and awareness that bring them back to their body, their wisdom, and their knowing. 

The best part? There's no homework for my clients. No self-care exercises, stretches, or other. My role is to bring that awareness back to you, and through one client at a time, it is working.