Mindful Massage

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Mind full, or Mindful?

What is it to be mindful? The dictionary says it's an adjective meaning: attentive, aware or careful; conscious or aware of somethi

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Is your mind full? Or are you mindful today?

What is it to be mindful? The dictionary says it's an adjective meaning: attentive, aware or careful; conscious or aware of something. Others say:

“Mindfulness practice means that we commit fully in each moment to be present; inviting ourselves to interface in this moment with full awareness, with the intention to embody as best we can an orientation of calmness, mindfulness, and equanimity right here and right now.” ~Jon Kabat-Zinn
"Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different." ~James Baraz
"Being mindful is taking control of what we focus our attention on in the present moment - whether is it an emotion, a thought, a belief, an impulse, a sensation, or something in our surrounding environment. Being mindful is approaching that "thing" with a curious, open, and accepting attitude." ~www.ViAcharacter.org


So what is a Mindful Massage?

From the Therapists' perspective, it means to be continuously aware of the everything in the room; this includes the clients' comfort levels (the location of the bolster and head rest, too cold/hot, are they relaxing into the massage, and pressure), clients' requests, music level, temperature of the room, techniques their using, flow, and connectivity with the client. Are you giving the client what they need/requested without being judgemental and being present in the moment?

From the clients' perspective, it means to be aware of your own comfort levels (temperature of the room, pressure from the therapist, how far to dress down, and where the bolster and head rest are), whether the therapist is listening to you and giving you what you discussed, music level, your breathing, and whether or not you can relax into the massage - get the brain out of the way! Are you able to be in the moment and allow your body to fully receive the therapy?

A great massage ... is a truly Mindful Massage!