What we do is highly driven by WHY we do it. My intention in my massage practice, my business and, ultimately, my life is to be rooted in purpose. That said, here are the reasons why I started and continue to practice massage therapy.
1. Massage therapy has supported me in my own healing journey
Quite frankly, what has kept me so interested and passionate about alternative healing methods over the years is because I have felt firsthand in my body and spirit how much healing is possible through them. By receiving work from other practitioners, I have learned to be present and grounded, to trust my body, to release what doesn’t serve me. I have recovered from injury, begun the journey of trauma resolution and supported my overall health and vitality. I have felt love, tenderness, cared for and seen by other therapists. All these experiences have forged a deep and authentic love for this work and made me want to provide this kind of care for others. 2. It helps people
The hippie in me just wants peace and love, man. Massage therapy is a career path that simply and purely helps people. It brings peace by helping people relax and relieving pain. It shows love through individualized time and attention. At the end of even the hardest days, I rest knowing at the very least I showed up to support others. I’m not saving the world, but I am in some form helping people. And in this I find peace. 3. Resilient individuals build resilient communities
One can get easily overwhelmed when pondering the problems of this world. It can be hard to know how to make a difference as just one person. Yet each individual contributes to the greater whole in ways more meaningful that we often acknowledge. In my work as a massage therapist, I work with one person at a time, one problem at a time. I work with a broad range of people all living different types of lives. By supporting each individual in their health journey, I believe I am helping them contribute more fully to their communities. Balanced and resilient individuals form balanced and resilient communities. 4. Conscious healing as an act of rebellion
In a society that values material wealth and profits over people, perpetuates body dysmorphia, creates disembodied workaholics and breeds mistrust of other people, I view conscious healing as an act of rebellion. This practice creates embodiment, teaches us to listen to our bodies, to value our health, to trust other people. I am a healthcare worker outside of the medical system. I chose to forge my own path to healing through alternative methods to that of our current western view of healthcare. I say no to profits over people. I say no to body dysmorphia, to dissociation, to distrust. I help folks take their health into their own hands and advocate for what they want and need. In doing so, I rebel against the current standard and place my faith in the inherent ability to heal within all of us. 5)There is so much to learn and the pathways are endless
After massage school, students are sent out into the field to build their practice with a basic level of information. From there, they can stick with the basics or do what I’ve done and take continuing education classes to expand knowledge and skill sets. The field of massage and manual therapy is broad and deep. I can take it in any direction I choose with however much specificity I choose. I view my massage therapy practice as having endless potential. Part of why I continue to be so invested in my work is because I have full autonomy over what I do and how I do it. If I ever choose to pivot into new modalities, I can do that no questions asked. I get excited about learning and growing and my career as an MT provides this constantly.
Staying rooted in my purpose not only keeps me in alignment with my values but allows me to provide quality care to others through intentional practice. The "why" paves the way for the "what". I'm so grateful for this work and to all who have supported me in the process.
Thanks for reading and much love,
-D
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