A gentle reminder that there’s nothing high maintenance about wanting to feel good in your body – think of this as part of our strategy towards a good, easeful life, not the reward. Over the years, I’ve realised one of my favourite things about my work is seeing how people’s faces, bodies and minds soften after a massage/yoga. Watching in real time how physiological and emotional shifts happen when we remember how to fully relax, receive and rest. Here’s a few slightly humorous takes on my different tribes of massage clients:
Get me on that massage couch
Loyal regulars who have been coming for YEARS – some since I first trained back in 2012. They know I know their body, trust me fully and they have their shirt half unbuttoned as they walk in. Asleep within minutes or have a good cry, feeling fully safe to let it all go. They have their regular appointments booked weeks ahead and relish the time looking forward to it.
The chatters/confessionals
Sometimes a sign of a regular – updating me on their body, family, life. Sometimes a sign of a nervous newbie, unsure of how to what they’re ‘supposed to do’. Sometimes a sign that this is a place where someone finally feels safe and needs to get things ‘off their chest’. If it helps you relax, do chat away. If you’re comfortable not to, I find most people get the most benefit from sinking deeply into the soft sheets and floating away in quiet.
The “I’m not a high maintenance kind of person, I don’t do massage but my shoulder (etc) hurts”
Usually pleasantly surprised. My work isn’t about being high or low maintenance. It’s about feeling good in your body and mind. At ease. Feeling heard – what you say and what your body tells me, and how amazing it can feel when that is heard and supported.
The clenchers
Struggle to relax in body and mind. One of the reasons I offer a footbath and tea on arrival is to begin the relaxation process before you even get on the massage couch. A way to help your nervous system feel safer. These lovely ladies often don’t know where they are holding tension until I put my hands there and then they book regularly after experiencing the benefits.
The sleep-deprived new Mums
Infrequent visitors as childcare is limited but always so grateful and almost always fall asleep. Can’t remember how it felt to be looked after in this way and usually shed a tear or two of gratitude and recognition of how much they needed this. I was you for so many years. My experiences of this life-stage inform so much of how I work to nurture and nourish you.
The “I’m so stressed”/”too busy”
Rarely seen as they’re too busy and can’t see how a massage could benefit them at this time with all their responsibilities and deadlines. When they do come, they realise that slowing down actually gives them greater clarity and creativity, ability to focus and prioritise.
Whoever you are, your body and mind will thank you for taking a little time to replenish in your chosen way. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment and get the dates/times you want!