Here are a few of the ways I am mindful when giving a massage.
Intention: what are we trying to achieve – what is my intention?
I intentionally prepare myself, and our space, to resonate with the energies of peace, calm, acceptance, flow, willingness, satisfaction, trust, openness, love, care, enjoyment, clarity, and others along the same vein. I do my best to hold these energies throughout our time together.
Boundaries: firm boundaries ensure appropriate conduct and safety and allow for comfort, clarity, enjoyment, openness, vulnerability, and transformation.
Comfort: it is prioritized. Massage is not always glamorous. Sometimes I am guided to areas that might, at first, feel uncomfortable to the person on the table. Like your armpits! Sweaty, hairy, smelly? Others have hang-ups about their tummy, or their feet… This work is grounded in compassion, and it is my strong desire that you feel wholly accepted and comfortable. Which brings us to…
Communication: if you are feeling uncomfortable I want to know so I can respond. If I am not responding to your discomfort, I need an overt message. Verbal messages are most clear.
Centring: I actively attempt to shift into a place of deep peace and stillness. When I tune into this place there is a sense of unity, timelessness, quietude, alertness, flow, clarity and mystery. It is also a space for gentle inquiry, as well as profound and transformative compassion. Centring is a skill and a practice, that still requires mental effort, and thus, mindfulness.
Thank you for reading about some of the ways I connect to the concept of Mindfulness.