Developing and being conditioned as we have been in a culture which is excessively goal oriented, known...
Developing and being conditioned as we have been in a culture which is excessively goal oriented, known in yogic traditions as (cause and effect/action and reaction mentality), our massage sessions are oftentimes tainted and negatively affected in the same way.
Being present in a mood (rasa) of service (seva) and unconditional loving kindness (metta) is the most desirable temperament and charm to proceed with. Any artist’s value is in their presence. Of secondary importance is the training and credentials, etc.
To explain further, please consider the imagery behind the expression ‘It is not where we are going… but the quality of how we get there that is important’. When we are being perpetually unconscious of the oppressive mentality of always having to achieve an impressive goal, then our most vital ingredient of ‘self’ becomes usurped. Cause/effect or action/reaction (karma yoga) while offering a treatment, devoid of the presence of self and soul, allows for the vital component of natural therapeutic elegance (an essential medicine) to escape. Losing this inherent nature of the massage arts is not desirable.
The Release
Massage artists must not neglect to become aware of the messages being transmitted during the release from a stretch or a compression. Furthering our development into the realm of expertise, a very exquisite sensation is available to us when we sensitize our awareness to the unique ‘space’ between the ‘applications’.
In addition we benefit more because this ‘space’ will also open us to perfecting our sense of intuition, particularly when we relinquish the habitual and dull routines that have imposed themselves upon our bodywork style. Trust in the reality that a spirit of good intention is always sourced by and immersed in an atmosphere of universal support. This is nature’s way. Assuming a spirit of childlike innocence is fundamental to medical massage’s success.
Orthodox massage training practice, which follows a set routine of linear, spellbinding and inflexible procedural sequences, diminishes effective therapy. And speculating exclusively on the analytical dimension of bodywork therapy is only a partial education of the art.
An exotic constitution has always run parallel to the clinical bodywork protocols. By definition we are both exotic and mundane. So let us choose the exotic light too? Pondering the inexplicable and mysterious infinite healing intelligence permeating each of our cells is a recommended meditation to use during a session. Have your treatment be arcane and enigmatic in effect and experience.
Upon releasing from any asana’s fully expressed stretch, breathe in deep and slow the refreshing prana of the moment. Feel your ‘bio-computer’ become empty in that instant! Savor for a time the ‘not-knowing and the directionlessness’ facet of yourself. Actually, with deep, conscientious, surcharged breathing, this is who WE are.
With this conscientious breathing technique, you have transcended self judgment and critique momentarily to experience the ambrosia or nectar (amrita), which is a Tibetan medical term describing the ultimate healing essence. Tibetan medicine claims this ambrosic consequence to be the cure/healing/rejuvenation.
It can be customary among massage therapists that while becoming absorbed in their session’s procedure the tendency develops to become ‘un-present’ and even worse to be one or even more steps ahead mentally of their present physical position. This is the antithesis of our art. Being present is the only alternative. Each millimeter is a temple. In other words “Our value is in our presence.” must always remain tantamount.