Issue link: http://www.bodysensemagazinedigital.com/i/233919
When we stop (or slow down) the incoming stream of life, we can begin to process what has already happened. " is not taking much away from muscle manipulation, and it gives clients support in doing something we all need to do on a regular basis: completely stopping. Clients walk away from the massage with a little more bodily knowledge of what it feels like to be still, and this knowledge will support them later. A CHANCE TO CATCH UP On some Sundays, to completely stop, I will sleep as late as my body chooses and then spend the rest of my day at home in my pajamas. I usually do some cooking and cleaning. I might take a bath and get dressed. But I don't pressure myself to do anything besides relax and do only what I truly feel like doing. I know this might feel impossible to some of you. Perhaps you have a family that makes constant demands on your time and energy. Maybe you can all have a day together to completely stop. Turn off your cell phones, the computer, and the television. Make pancakes, take a nap, play a board game, take a walk. Observe a cat and try to be as catlike as possible. Stretch, yawn, eat, sleep, repeat. If this sounds too hard to do as a family, maybe you can send your kids to sleepovers on a Friday night and hang out at home by yourself or with your spouse. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT When we completely stop, we give our bodies a chance to catch up. The mind stops bringing in new information and the body stops bringing in sensory stimuli. From this quiet point, we are more aware of our spirits and better able to hear the whispers of intuition. When we stop (or slow down) the incoming stream of life, we can begin to process what has already happened. We find more clarity because we can hear what our inner voice is saying without all the unnecessary chatter and distraction. It is a huge gift to completely stop in this day and age of hectic, fast-paced life. Give this gift to yourself by practicing silence during your next massage (or during any time of the day). Bring yourself into your body; descend into your body. Completely stop. Close your eyes. Listen to the breath moving S in and out of your torso. Listen to the birds and life outside. Sigh. B Jennie Hastings Stancu, LMT, is the author of The Inspired Massage Therapist (Massage Blossom Books, 2012). She lives in Portland, Maine, where she practices massage, yoga, and coaching with clients. Body Sense 7