Meditation for Massage Therapists
Starting and maintaining a regular practice of meditation can
enhance your practice and your life.
Meditation is a practice of looking
within, quieting the mind, connecting with the your inner self and allowing the
authentic self, higher self or inner guide (or whatever you may call this sense)
to arise and flourish. When you incorporate this into a practice of
massage or bodywork, you will be able to access all parts of yourself that are
necessary for your healing and that of your clients. You will be able to feel
more and experience more. You will be able to see things in clients you
never thought possible.
As you meditate more and connect with your inner guide you will
begin to learn things about yourself and your relationships with others.
As you quiet your mind, you will find yourself with more energy and new
ideas. As you learn to work from your center, you hands will access deeper
realms of healing.
I have been told by many teachers, "You can only take a
client as far as you are willing to go". I often thought that just
meant you must be able to face your physical pain to work more efficiently with
clients healing. It means much more than that. Your mental,
emotional, spiritual bodies must go farther along with your physical body.
There are many types of meditation styles and forms.
-
gazing into a persons eyes or inanimate object like a candle
flame
-
focusing on the breath and breathing
-
guided meditation involving verbal directions
-
walking or movement based
-
saying/repeating a mantra or chant
-
quieting the mind/thoughts
-
sitting in a certain posture (cross-legged/lotus) with hand
in certain positions
It is good to experiment with the many kinds and experience what
works best for you. You can find a group and study intensively with them or take
many different classes to experience different energies and practices.
Developing a support group also can be beneficial. Often the
instructors or teachers don't take the time to talk about how you feel when
meditating. What are you feeling? What are you resistant to? Is is easy
some days and more difficult on others? When you begin sharing your experiences
with others, you will find that others have the same issues. It is not
just you. It is normal to have resistance and excuses for not
meditating. Just notice them and go on.
