Massage As Mindfulness

by Louise Rosenberg, LMT, NCTMB

The word "Mindfulness" is everywhere these days. Its origin lies in Sanskrit smṛti meaning "right" or "correct" mind and refers to a calm and focused awareness of ones own body, emotions and mind or consciousness. All of which are connected to and impact each other.

Not sure if your body and mind/awareness are linked? Try this experiment: You can do this with your imagination or physically. Take note of your posture. If your are like most people your shoulders may be up towards your ears and rounded forward and your head and neck are probably forward and pointed a bit downward. Our muscles develop habits which reinforces their position. Take this a step further, imagine your outside taking a walk. Where is your gaze? Who and what do you see?

Let’s shift your perspective, if you are comfortable, try to bring your shoulders down and back. Now, bring your shoulder blades closer together and bring your neck back and un-tuck your chin. Feel better?

With this shift in your body, what is different in your awareness? Does this change your experience of yourself and the world around you?

Now let’s bring body work into the picture. A good massage opens the door to work with intention to change your body and change the muscle memory. It also allows you to be in touch with your mind and emotions at the same time. Receiving regular massage is a commitment to spend time on you , i.e., a physical act of healing and compassion.

Ways to Enhance Your Massage Session

At the start of your session or just after your massage, choose to meditate by following your breath in and out. When you first lay down on the massage table you may find it helpful to take a few deeps breaths. After that, simply return to regular breathing. Your mind will likely wonder from your breathing. Thoughts are the work of the mind. Just note that you are thinking then gently without judgment return to focusing on your breath. Whenever you become aware of your thinking, you are in touch with your deepest self — the observer that is you. You are cultivating bit by bit greater awareness.

You may choose to focus your attention on breathing for a short while and then move your attention to your body. Developing body awareness can take time. This will allow you to discover new places that you didn’t know were tense. You may develop awareness of the differences between right and left sides of your body. While massage works directly with the muscles you may also notice feelings that are more internal. After your massage is a perfect time to sit and just be. Your are more in touch with your genuine core self. The you, that is always there and available with each present moment and with each breath.

Louise Rosenberg, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and Meditation Instructor, brings compassion, mindfulness, and maturity to her massage work. She creates a safe place for decreasing stress and reconnecting with your body, healing both physical and emotional pain. Her therapeutic massage work provides deep relaxation, as well as relief from pain. Specialties include working with people living with fibromyalgia, chronic pain, as well as survivors of trauma.

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www.EvanstonMassage.com