This is ostensibly about abdominal self-massage (it even includes 5 different techniques!), but it’s really about getting back into the therapeutic headspace.

As you might imagine, I made this one for myself. I haven’t started back yet thanks to some resurgence here in the South, but every time I get back to the planning phase I think, “do I even know how to do massage any more? Where would I start?” In my head I try to play back a whole massage all at once, along with all the techniques and draping and communication that requires, and it feels overwhelming.

But then I remember this: It all starts with one touch. If I can do that, then the rest follows. Trying to game out every moment, or imagine everything that could go wrong, those are barriers that we put up to flow. The essence of massage is self-sustaining and self-guiding, with the interplay of hand and body showing you the way. If we simply make that first contact and then get out of the way, the rest can easily follow.

In this video I talk about providing a place of sanctuary for the body under your hands. Just realize that your massage office can be a place of sanctuary for you as well — a place where you don’t have to prove anything, or live up to impossible standards. Where, as long as you’re providing conscientious contact, you are doing it right. All the other expectations we pile on top of that (e.g., doing the “right” techniques, saying just the right words, having the right emotions, providing the perfect atmosphere) can just end up getting in the way. Sure, seek excellence, but realize how striving can be self-defeating. Instead, set your intention, make that first contact, and allow everything else to follow.

Thanks to everyone who sticks around during my long absences. This has been a hard time for most of us, but we’re making it.

Let me know what you think!