Again! Again!

Last week, as I was putting together an appreciation package deal for my current clients, I was thinking about what makes some of them regular clients, what keeps them coming back?  Yes, some of it is that they like my massage, they like me - we're a good match for each other, but other people have said they like my massage, but they still don't come regularly.  What is the difference then?  So I asked a few of my clients why they take the time out of their busy lives to come here and get a massage regularly, some even weekly, even for a 2 hour massage!


Following are some of the responses.

• After a massage I see how life's many challenges and aggravations have so much less power to cause anxiety and stress. 
• I feel peaceful during and after and that carries over into my stressful business dealings.
• I know its good for me and I've come to realize that I'm important!
• It's easier to set a goal and to see the progress towards that goal.  
• It keeps the stress at bay, doesn't let it take over.  
• For me? it prevents sustained tension and possible injury. I've found that my muscles tighten and if they stay tense not only will I have pain, but I'm more apt to injure myself.  
• I get massage weekly because it helps me to maintain a healthy balance emotionally.  It also frees me from chronic stiffness and discomfort. 
• I'm more productive when I am not in pain.
• It reduces the need for seeking medical attention and so I save money. 

Some of this reminded me of "put on your own oxygen mask first."  Take care of yourself first, then you're in better shape to care for what's important to you.  


So, is it just a matter of different perspectives - maintenance and prevention for some and "if it isn't broken don't fix it" for others?   prevent issues vs. fixing issues?  Hmm and now I think I need to ask people why they do not get regular massage!


Do you get massage regularly?  Why or why not?

a challenge! and I am ready!

Hello!  Today, August 3, 2012, I am coming back to the blog.  I've been meaning to get back to it, I certainly have plenty of ideas and topics to write about.  And now a challenge has recently been issued, so I am taking it.

The challenge is 31 in 31, to write a blog post every day for 31 days.  I certainly can do that right? about the subject I love? massage, the body, movement...  I do want to thank Kelli Wise who I only know of through facebook and mutual friends, and Allissa Haines, and Eric Brown for the spreading the word about the challenge because I have been planning to do this for quite some time and a challenge is just what I needed to get going.   So, count me in!

Enough about my blogging challenge though.  Now something for you. another challenge!  I've been thinking a great deal lately about massage and how it impacts a person's life, especially when they make a regular appointment, every week, every 2 weeks or every month.  These people have made a commitment.  Not just to the schedule, but to their bodies, their selves, their well-being.  They are committed to caring for themselves, recognizing the importance of doing something just for them. Now I challenge all of you to make some commitment to doing something for you.  It could be 10 minutes of meditation every day.  It could be a walk every day or going to the gym, doing yoga once a week.  When you do this though, don't think of it as a chore or routine, "I have to do this everyday" but embrace it as the thing you do to recognize you are important.  Find the thing that works for you.  Commit to it and share it here!

I will be getting on the mat on the floor every day for a couple of stretches and some time to pay attention to my body.  What are you going to do?  Or, if you already do something regularly, please share!