In one of the discussion groups I belong to one of the members had a client ask them a question – “how has doing massage changed you?”
For me being a massage therapist for 20 years has been my path to self awareness and awakening. From the beginning just getting the massage myself has helped me heal and helped me grow as a person. It has helped me grow up in many ways.
The first half of my career I would say I was probably fixing people too much – always giving my advice and always thinking I know best. With the help of participating in peer supervision to help me discover my real reasons for helping, I have learned to be a better listener. I don’t assume anything not even the idea that massage can assist people in healing.
When I first started out in massage, I started because I thought it would be a career where I could help people and it would be more meaningful to be a part of people’s healing process. Making money was no where on my mind. I had read a book called “Do what you love and the money will follow” by Marsha Sinetar. So, I was doing what I loved. I also didn’t need much money back then or want much else except the freedom to set my own schedule and work for myself.
I now know it isn’t about taking care of people. It is taking care of myself so that I can be present with others on their path- whatever that may be – living with pain, stress, ill health and happiness. The more I learned to take care of myself by setting boundaries around money, my time and my massage business, the more successful I became. The more I set boundaries around cancellation policies (making people pay the full price when they missed a session), dual relationships, selling products to massage clients, becoming friends with clients and even dating clients (which used to be allowed and more of acceptable) the happier I became in my life and in my massage practice.
I now write about what I have learned and share it with others. I often write for my own healing and I still am learning how to write for my readers.
What have you learned from being a massage therapist?
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This was a great article. It made me think of the wonderful path that has lead me toward becoming a massage therapist. For me, it is a deeply spiritual one.
All the best,
Jonathan Winn, LMBT
http://www.breathe-bodywork.com
Julie,
Thanks again for your openness and sharing your process. I have a similar path to yours, 20 years in the field, increasing use of boundaries and communication skills, etc.
What I’ve learned: one can succeed as a male in this biz. I have marketed myself to MDs, PTs, DCs, DOs, etc. I have had great success with doing personal work on myself and strengthening my adult reality. I have read many books by David Richo, attended his lectures and worked hard on my self-care. I agree that all the above has really helped my practice. I am so much more secure in my skin and finally have a sense of my contribution to the world.
I really think that people come to us to be supported and witnessed in their healing. What a wonderful life.
Namaste’
Jody H.
Hi there, thanks for sharing so openly, you are unique in your kind and it really helps me to read through your site -I am a new massage therapist who created a blog page recently, if you get a chance to look at it http://www.amatouch.blogspot.com and leave me a message – I hope you agree with me making link from my posts to your web page – I love your mind and your articles!