Giving the mind a direction

Recently a Massage Mate that has not been in for some time came for a session. They had much to say about the stresses they were facing, and how that was presenting in their body using very descriptive words and gestures. (My kind of communicating for sure!) Insomnia was a big factor bringing them into the studio.

Quite a few reasons lined up for them to not only need some bodywork, but to also feel anxious about how they might respond on the table. I listened intently.  One statement they made that stuck out to me was, “I am nervous about what will happen if I let myself release the stress I’m holding while on the table.”

Here is where setting an intention can be extremely helpful for some Massage Mates. Giving the mind a direction reduces the opportunities for it to veer off course, and helps guide it towards the desired outcome.

I suggested that this session should focus on building a stronger foundation; that we visualize fortifying the body with the nutrients, materials, and energy it needs to be the support to carry them through the challenges that were up ahead.

Predictability can lend way to safety. We used the same side-lying positioning on the table as we had used every other session. I used the same strokes, the same lighting, the same cream, yet, it still felt different than in previous massages.

Afterwards, Massage Mate said they felt really wonderful - they were even able to fall asleep for a period of time while on the table. They imagined strong visuals of solid foundation-building objects like marble and mountains. When they left, they were much more empowered to be present with the challenges they were about to face because their body felt more primed to support them.