Eight months is a long time to go without a massage, especially for someone who practices bodywork for a living. I fell into a trap of unworthiness, hidden behind the mental smoke screen of “too busy, not enough money, or who’s going to give me that deep massage that I want?”
In truth, I didn’t believe I was worth it.
A core massage client, who has seen me every two weeks for years, surprised me with this question, “And when was YOUR last massage?” I was ashamed beyond belief to admit that it had been eight months. I invited her to be my accountability partner. She was free to ask, at any time, about my last massage. It motivated me to book an appointment, for myself, regularly.
I shared this experience with my massage students because I gained such a valuable insight. Take a chef, for example. No one accuses her of being selfish if she tastes the dish during the preparation and cooking process. We appreciate the fact that she wants the dish to be well-seasoned and fully cooked, before she serves it.
Massage is a similar thing, for those who practice it. We must be familiar with the sensations, pressure and rhythm of bodywork as recipients. I receive bodywork on my massage table, in my space, when possible; to have nearly as many experiences of giving as receiving bodywork, in that space.
My clients seem more comfortable with their own decision to practice self-care, if I tell them that I was on that same massage table a few hours ago, or that I am looking forward to my next massage in a few days.
RJR Self-Care 