Massage Reflections

Tonight I had my last massage for 2007. It was lovely. This morning in the staff room, many teachers were complaining of sore backs and shoulders from long hours hunched over the computer, writing reports. I went to the chiropractor last night. Two other teachers had been there before me. I feel great, even though I had a pretty busy and demanding day.

I was chatting to the masseur tonight about the many courses I have done in my life. I love learning new things and she does too. She was commenting on how people sometimes think you are crazy to be learning all the time or doing more courses. I have usually done some kind of study at most times of my life. Even when I am not formally attending a school, I have been focused on learning some new skill or practising something new.

Blogging would be in that category. I don't know everything there is to know about blogging, but I know enough to do it to the level I want to, with ease. I expect to learn more over time, yet at a more gradual pace now. One of my friends commented to me last night, after checking out my blog that I must put a lot of time into it. I have in the past, yet I don't really now. I would spend around half an hour on a post usually. Occasionally I spend a couple of hours when I want to rearrange or shuffle things about, or have something I really want to write properly about.

What's the connection between massaging, blogging and learning? Well I realised today that I do all that learning to make the things I want to do quicker and easier. Short term pain, long term gain. I think you are crazy if you don't try to make your life easier and more effective! Learning is the fastest route I know of.

Massage Course - Day Two

Today was the final day of the introductory massage course. I feel confident to give massage to my nearest and dearest now. I purchased a table as I can see that having one will enable me to give a better massage, for longer, without tiring or injuring myself.

I was pleased with the course I have participated in. I was surprised how quickly the breaks came. I never felt bored or restless for a second. That is unusual for me in a course. This was very hands on and I think it's a great way to learn a practical skill.

The instructors were very professional and knowledgeable. They presented well and created a very safe learning environment. Their instructions were clear and the course was well structured. I was more relaxed and comfortable today. Yesterday it was all very new to me. It's amazing to feel such progress in learning.

I initially intended only to complete this introductory module, yet feel it is quite likely that I will complete the certificate or perhaps even the diploma. Whilst I don't see any likelihood of becoming a professional, I think it is an awesome skill for a number of reasons. I might tell you about them another time, because I have plenty to catch up on around here!!

Massage Course - Day one

With my trimmed fingernails and numerous towels I headed off this morning for day one of the course. I called into my closest polling booth to vote and was totally dismayed by the long line. I couldn't wait as I knew I would be late. I was early then and surprised there was no polling booth nearby. I was a bit stuck on that concern, I think I was nervous about doing the course. I found one at lunchtime with no line, and there was no problems.

It was a bit confronting to me, the thought of massaging people I don't know. I had no problem receiving massages from strangers though. I think for some of the participants it may have been the other way around. I love getting massages though.

It was interesting being a learner again. It's been a little while since I've taken a class or course. I enjoyed it. It was a little uncomfortable for me to massage strangers to be honest and I am looking forward to practicing what I have learnt on my family and close friends. I have learnt ways to position myself so I won't be as tired. I have a new understanding of the routines of massage and the reasons for doing things. I am looking forward to learning more tomorrow. The other participants won't be strangers by then!

I have also purchased a table that looks great and after researching it, the deal they offered was great. I can really feel the difference in giving a massage on a table and know it will allow me to feel less strained and tired, whilst giving this great experience to the people I love.

I am really glad I committed to this course because I wouldn't have made it this weekend, without having committed to it a while ago when all that I have on my plate right now, wasn't in my face!

24th November 2007 -Full Moon in Gemini

This Full Moon has all sorts of interesting things going for it. Mystic Medusa in the Tasmanian Mercury:Bad News Rising predicts some surprises for us on election day in Australia. The moon will be full tomorrow night in Australia.

I am participating in a massage course this weekend. It is an introductory course and I have been looking forward to it for a while now, even though I knew it would come at a busy time in the school year. I have been correcting essays all week in preparation. I think I will manage it though. We have a short week next week and a local public holiday for the show on Friday, which helps.

Nanowrimo and exercise

I still haven't written any more, I've been too busy. I do have an idea that has reinspired me though. I'm looking forward to spending the weekend writing up all the notes I've been jotting down, in between this and that. I can keep what I have already started too, which I'm pleased about. At one stage I was contemplating starting from scratch. Still not sure if I'll make it, but I am going to give it one last good go.

This weekend is the main time I am going to have to work on it. I am booked to do a massage course the weekend after and reports are starting to whisper to me. I have some corrections to attend to also.

My sister visited last night and it was great to see her. She makes me laugh so much. I hadn't seen her for ages and it was great to catch up.

My stepper is broken at the moment so I've had to go to my parents house to do my half hour aerobic exercise on their treadmill. I find the treadmill doesn't allow me to get my heartrate up as much because I get shin pains. I think it has more impact on me. I prefer my own machine and it's being attended to today so I hope it's all better by tonight. I have finally reached the point in exercising where I look forward to that half hour and feel quite bereft if it doesn't come around. I never thought I'd see that day!

New Moon in Scorpio 2007

I have just returned from my massage and feel quite deliciously relaxed and refreshed. I was fit to scream this afternoon. Cranky, overtired and I felt like waiting up for my massage was intolerable. I wasn't sure if I would go to sleep or cry on the table tonight, but I just sank into the deepest relaxation whilst all the troubles in my mind whirled around and eventually evaporated. I feel good now.

For all the astrological snippets on the New Moon in Scorpio arriving Saturday afternoon in Australia (east coast) About.com can fill you in on what a Scorpio new moon is about. One of my favourite Aussie astrologers Yasmin Boland's Sagittarius weekly outlook for the new moon is eerily accurate for me. I do have a few mysteries on my plate at present, and I am not sure if I'm brave enough to know the truth yet. I don't think I'll be digging into anything in the near future. I would rather remain relaxed and do the meditating part!

Moments of Pleasure

Tonight is massage night. I have been having a massage once a month since July. I have enjoyed every one of them and am looking forward to tonight's pleasure.

My Kate Bush CD came in the mail today. I now have all her CD's and this latest one, "Never For Ever" was the first Kate Bush album I bought so I am enjoying it and flashing back to being 16. I worked in a record shop and would listen to Kate Bush as frequently as I could. My favourite tracks were "The Wedding List", "Army Dreamers" and "Breathing". I loved them all in the end after hearing them over and over!
The title of this blog is a Kate Bush song as shown in this YouTube video. So after my earlier post this month on the imitations, here is the real thing. Enjoy!

I am up to season 5 in 'The Gilmour Girls'. Last night I watched episode 11, when Luke created an ice-skating rink on Lorelai's front lawn to reconcile her with snow. Such a romantic moment. I am loving their relationship.

So whilst I am missing Andy,(Postman Pat in Hobart), I am filling my life with some simple pleasures.

I like this New Moon!

Today has been great for me! It's a good start to the lunar month I must say.
I have received another gorgeous, hand picked from the garden, bunch of tulips. They are multi-coloured and absolutely lovely. This time the student was brave enough to bring them to the office for me himself and coped very well with all the extra attention he got for being so thoughtful.
Two tulips have bloomed in my own little Andy planted patch.
My best friend Rhonda has brought in piles of chocolates every day because her son sent her a large box. He's working in a chocolate factory.
Tonight I had my monthly massage and I was intending making it every 6 weeks to save money. It was so divine, I spontaneously booked another for 4 weeks from today! Surely there is something else I could go without :-)

Navigating Midlife:women becoming themselves

Middle Age

Navigating Midlife:women becoming themselves by Robyn Vickers-Willis has sidetracked me from all my intentions this week. I think it has been a long overdue personal stocktake. My wonderful new masseur lent me a copy of the book. I must admit it took me a little time to accept that I am in midlife, or middle aged. Denial! I guess writing the post about turning 30 also caused me to reflect on age related matters. Not that I will ever accept that the number of years defines who you are or how you are to behave, yet it was an interesting realisation and the book provided much needed reflection.

Personal Growth

There was nothing shattering or new to me in this book. I began doing personal growth courses and reading when I was in my early 20s. I think it was a little too early to be honest. Intellectually, I could understand much of what I read and experienced, but I had little real life experience to apply it to. I haven't really focussed as much on personal growth the past 10 years or so. I have occassionally read a book, watched a DVD, read a few blogs and just stuck with the practises I have found most helpful, meditating, exercising, journalling and have picked up and put down other tools as needs arose.

Useful Tools

This book reminded me of the stages and growth times and allowed me to focus on my current stage. I enjoyed it and feel I will reflect on it for some time. I particularly enjoyed the second half of the book that focussed on the many ways we can become more ourselves.

Australian Difference

The other thing I really loved about this book, is the author was an Australian woman. I could identify with her experience. Many books I have read in my life have been written by international authors and whilst it's really no big deal, it's great to really know the society and environment the author is speaking from. I always appreciate Australian things for this reason. Perhaps it's because when I was growing up there were so few Australian authors or films I was exposed to.

Massaged and Loving It

Highly Recommend Massage
If you have never had a massage in your life, as so many people tell me they haven't, commit to getting one today. I've been having around 4 massages a year for the last 20 years. I'm about to start having one a month though, life is too short!
Shop Around
In this time I have probably had a couple that weren't satisfying because I paid too much and received too little, yet on the whole, the massages I have received have been little hours of bliss in life. At times I've had to try different people for all kinds of reasons. It's a bit like hairdressers, sometimes you have to shop around to find the one that is just right for you.
Finding the ONE
I tried a new masseur yesterday. I have to say I was thrilled with her service. Excellent pressure, clean, tranquil space, warm towels, great price and a very positive and professional lady. The massage was a pleasure to receive. She used the quality essential oils that I prefer and a fabulous blend. Later in the day I felt a little tender, which always is the sign of a beneficial massage to me, much like those muscular pains after have a great workout at the gym. Yet during the massage, there was no pain, only relief and relaxation.
Affordable Proactive Care
Massage relieves stress, which is a big cause of disease. It improves your circulation and elimination. There are many types of therapeutic massage yet even relaxation massage is beneficial. Having a regular massage, whilst seemingly indulgent, could arguably be a saving due to the health benefits. Preventing disease has to be better than treating it. When I was struggling financially, I was fortunate enough to have friends who were studying massage and I was the crash test dummy for them, so got my massages for little or nothing. There really is no excuse to go without the health and well being benefits. Ask around to find a good reasonably priced person in your area. I have found people working from their homes are cheaper and usually just as well set up.
Massage Exchange
I massage my family and friends but I am not professional and I conk out pretty quickly. When they reciprocate it is a similar experience, they don't last long enough! Whilst I think it is a lovely nurturing thing to do this for one another, it is no substitute for paying for and receiving an hour or more in a beautiful candle lit room, scented with essential oils, wrapped in a warm towel, in well trained hands.
How to Spot a Great Service
Short fingernails is a must. Many beauticians have long nails and whilst they create a great environment and have lots of other elements in place, can't really apply pressure as well as trim nailed counterparts. Cleanliness and warmth are vital as I find it difficult to relax in other circumstances. Discuss price up front. Around $50 an hour is what I have generally found is a fair price.

Patience

I received an amazing complement today. My masseur told me she thought I was a very patient person. She was surprised because I was having difficulty with a meridian that related to lack of patience. I knew it was true, but she was surprised. She used to work with me and found me to be a really patient person.
I am delighted that I have learnt to hide my impatience so well. I am amused that my body has given away the truth.
My massage was terrific though and I am feeling quite at ease in my body.
Perhaps I have become patient....
Anyway, that word keeps cropping up tonight. I'm seeing it everywhere, yet have no clue why.
In the spirit of it here are some quotes about patience, that are helping me to think it through.

Massage - Just do it

I had a massage tonight. It was the best. I don't understand why anyone would spend money on any other stress relief. A massage is the best. I have been having massages for probably 20 years. At some times I have had only one or two a year, now I have at least 4 a year. I feel it has really improved my health and helped me a lot. I love to massage the people I love but can rarely sustain the effort for more than half an hour. It is really great to pay for a massage, as I did tonight and enjoy over an hour of total attention to your needs. It is amazing. I feel great. Just do it. You will never look back!