Category Archives: Massage

From Massage to Self-Care

Posted on August 15, 2014 by RJR Self-Care

How did my practice expand from massage to self-care support, since my training and certifications are in bodywork? This came gradually, through the needs of my clients.(Some of whom have been part of my practice for over a decade.) We … Continue reading →

Posted in Enlightened Eating, Functional Fitness, Massage, Self-Care | Leave a comment

The Healing Power of the Ocean

Posted on May 8, 2014 by RJR Self-Care

This photo is from 1972. I’m in the baseball cap, with my brother and cousins, and it reminds me that my grandfather, and his 10 siblings, had a deep spiritual connection to the ocean. He spent his whole life a short … Continue reading →

Posted in Connections, Massage, Self-Care | 4 Comments

Layers of Body Awareness

Posted on April 19, 2014 by RJR Self-Care

One of my clients describes her experience of receiving bodywork, during this time of intense grief, as working through “layers.” With her breath, as a constant guide, she is able to experience a completely different internal process, during each session. I’m looking forward … Continue reading →

Posted in Breath, Connections, Massage, Self-Care | Leave a comment

The Labyrinth

Posted on March 29, 2014 by RJR Self-Care

A beautiful outdoor labyrinth walk, with a friend, gave me an insight into bodywork. The labyrinth is on a huge terrace, in the hills above San Anselmo. Walking it feels like floating, suspended above the trees. For those who have … Continue reading →

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Breathe your way to rest

Posted on February 21, 2014 by RJR Self-Care

Conscious breathing, during a massage, usually results in a quieting of the mind and relaxation of the body’s muscular system. One of my clients fights against this, saying she “doesn’t want to miss the massage, by dozing off.” Is fighting to … Continue reading →

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You get what you deserve

Posted on October 3, 2013 by RJR Self-Care

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 … Continue reading →

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Safe place

Posted on September 28, 2013 by RJR Self-Care

For several years, a sweet lady would occasionally walk her two tiny dogs past my office and say hello. “One of these days, I’m going to book an appointment with you!” And one day, she did. That began a journey … Continue reading →

Posted in Connections, Massage, PTSD, Self-Care, Trauma Resolution | Leave a comment

High tech vs. High touch

Posted on September 28, 2013 by RJR Self-Care

One day, I was telling a client about the luxury of taking a nap on my own massage table between clients using an eye pillow. She thought I was talking about an application CALLED iPillow and was wondering what it did so … Continue reading →

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Stillpoint

Posted on September 28, 2013 by RJR Self-Care

After thousands of massage therapy sessions, I’ve noticed something. When the client’s breath is established, the mind gets quiet and the body relaxes. The breath is foundational.  A quiet mind and relaxed body appear in whatever order, after that. The … Continue reading →

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A Memory From WW II Shared in Trust

Posted on September 28, 2013 by RJR Self-Care

J.M. was a WW II veteran, my first paying client, and I considered him a surrogate grandfather until the day he died. His wife spoke to me, at the local YMCA, and thought massage would help him deal with physical … Continue reading →

Posted in Bodyworkers, Connections, Massage, PTSD, Self-Care, Trauma Resolution | Leave a comment