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| “HUMBLE” |
At
the age of nine when I first read this tale, I didn’t know what this
declaration meant. I was curious about the word that a little spider chose to
save the life of a precious friend, Wilbur the pig. Why would one adjective
spun in a web capture the attention and hearts of passers-by? I think it was because
being humble imbues a certain unworldliness or innocence, an appreciation and
respect for others. It allowed the characters to stop and remember the parts of
themselves that are unassuming,
down-to-earth, unpretentious, and modest.
Being
a Massage Therapist, for me, is humbling. I never said I wanted to be a Massage
Therapist. It seemed to just sort of fall my way after becoming a Jin Shin
Jyutsu student and practitioner. I spent a year of weekends and countless hours
of study for Massage School. We covered ethical conundrums, legalities, and
growing a business. Most of all, though, and the main reason, I believe, that I
personally was called to be there, was to practice
being present: over and over again. If you don’t pay attention to what’s
happening each moment, it makes a difference to the person on the table.
The
qualities of humbleness allow me to be fully present with my client, to stay in
the moment, and adjust to changes in the energetic flow and physical
metamorphoses in their body tissues. Each time I become aware of being in the
present moment is a new gift that provides the opportunity to increase
self-awareness and self-understanding. I learn that I know less than I thought
I did, yet somehow I understand that I know far more than anything I was ever
formally taught. I am able to use the skills and knowledge I learned in school,
and to bring my unique life experience to the table as well. I come to
understand that this culmination of using my senses, knowledge, intuitive
abilities, feelings, creativity, and intellect, is what Mary Burmeister meant
when she said Jin Shin Jyutsu is an art, not a technique (energy bodywork). I’ve
discovered it’s likewise with tissue-manipulation bodywork.
My
intention is to provide what clients tell me they are there for: a respite from
pain, to release a specific area; to offer a relaxing atmosphere and therapeutic
touch for stress relief in the body and mind. Safe, professional and ethical
conduct. Yet, at the beginning of a session, I know nothing. After more than
600 hours of learning about muscles, bones, movement, and techniques to help
people be more at ease in their bodies, I am still ignorant. Ignorant of what
is to unfold, moment-by-moment, ignorant of the outcome.
Humble
After
spending so much time I’m ignorant
Beginner’s
mind, all over again.
I
do not know what will happen
They
trust
Vulnerable
I
sink into the tissues as I place my hands on the body and field of energy.
I
am present: sensing, feeling, being
No
labeling, analyzing, diagnosing, or fixing anything.
Curious:
where is the spaciousness, or room for movement, in the structure?
What
does the energy want to be doing?
I
ask the energy to move, please move in the way and to where you wish to move. I
am willing to meet your there, providing support for this container.
Thank
you for providing this opportunity to be of service, to guide this individual
in feeling and freeing their Chi.
I
use certain points, massage along traditional pathways, feeling the sinews,
muscles and bones.
I
move, stretch, or hold limbs with care and no particular agenda, except to be
of gentle, powerful service.
I
am in awe. It is all so mysterious how it works.
HUMBLE.
