How Fragile We Are

So, in light of all that is going on in our pretty crazy world, I have the chorus of an old pop song playing in my mind, some of you might know it:

On and on the rain will fall

Like tears from a star

Like tears from a star

On and on the rain will say

How fragile we are

How fragile we are

I remember those same words playing in my mind right after 9/11. Only at that time, although the whole world was set aghast and involved in what was going on, it didn’t necessarily pose a direct threat to their own environment or cause an immediate change in their daily lives, (and it didn’t mean they couldn’t be together).

I do believe the feeling was the same though, how precarious our time is here, how uncertain any turn of events can be, and how little control we really have over anything. All of which could be really great news! I don’t know about you, but me being in charge of how things go feels like a whole lot of work, with no guaranteed results. Hard as it may feel to stay open and let things unfold not according to my plans, it’s also a huge burden lifted, (and offers a far greater number of possibilities).

I can honestly and often do say, the greatest things that have ever happened and that have truly altered my path were totally not my idea, let alone even on my radar.

So, maybe all that is stuff you’ve heard before, but I wanted to share the beauty and simplicity I have experienced in knowing a Source of strength, power, protection, guidance, abundance, and Love that far exceeds anything I will ever be able to conjure up on my own, or find in this world. In fact, there is no comparison to the grandeur of Life that we are offered when we are willing to surrender what we think we need, and find out that all we could ever hope for is already here.

All we have to do is get really quiet, still and open to hear whatever may come into our hearts. To cry out for help when we feel totally helpless, and to let ourselves feel the pain of that. Sometimes that’s incredibly hard, and sometimes it can be incredibly comforting.

I hope this time isn't wasted by taking our busyness or even our leisurely time and bringing it inside our homes rather than out in the world. Instead, I pray it be a time for us all to turn to God, for those who've never believed, and those who already do. To ask to be shown and abide in the truth.

A.

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,” is the one will, and one hunger, that feeds the soul with the life-giving bread of heaven. This will is always fulfilled, it cannot possibly be sent empty away, for God’s kingdom must manifest itself with all its riches in that soul, which wills nothing else; it never was, nor can be lost, but by the will, that seeks something else.

-William Law

The grass withers, the flower fades,

But the word of our God stands forever.

Isaiah 40:8

Quiet Beauty

Some have wondered and others have asked if people usually talk during their massage. I would say some do and some don't. The important thing to remember is that this time is all about relaxing and enjoying the experience in whatever way is best. One thing I've come to realize in my own experience of taking time daily to sit and be still is that quiet on the outside can sometimes make me more aware of the chatter that goes on inside. I get to hear all my thoughts and other things that may be whirling around in my heart. What I've also found though, is that when I give it some time and turn from the clutter, it eventually settles down.

Being quiet during a massage however can be different than that. It's a time to "hear" what's going on in my body and be aware of what it's asking for. My ideal state in that time is to be conscious enough to feel everything that's being done, but also be somewhere in a dreamy drifting state....kind of like sweetly falling asleep. I can get pulled away from this peaceful place when a therapist is talking to me about things other than what we are there for.

I realize of course that not everyone experiences that in the same way, and some find conversation to be relaxing. By all means, I want to respect each person's preferences, and do appreciate the chance to know my clients better.

From my perspective as a therapist, I can say that sometimes it's a little harder to focus on what I'm doing when someone is talking to me, (especially if they are facedown and I'm straining to hear them). It's easier for me to get in-tune with each stroke and the muscle beneath it when I'm able to "listen" to the person's body.

The most important thing is that there are times when it is important to speak up. If ever I am doing anything that makes someone uncomfortable I want to know right away! If the pressure isn't right, if it's too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, the music too loud or too soft, etc. Certainly any questions someone may have during the massage or feedback they want to give about how it is feeling is more than welcome.

My hope is for each woman to get what she needs in whatever way I can provide it.

I by no means want to discourage anyone in asking for what suits them best, and I will do my very best to offer that back. Communication is the key to getting a great massage, and quiet listening can be part of the beauty of it!

Now Is The Time

Welcome to Calming Comfort Massage Therapy, I am happy to be here with you and hope that I can serve you well. After practicing massage for 30 years, working for some wonderful people in their various businesses, now is the time for me to open a space of my own. I’m grateful to have found a beautiful location in downtown Barberton, Ohio at the Alexander Commons Building, just one block away from Lake Anna. My studio provides a place for women of all ages who are seeking to relax, rest and find relief from the daily array of stress and strains, both physically and mentally. My work is both therapeutic and soothing, meant to not only ease pain, but to pamper tired and achy bodies.

This blog page is here to share with you any useful and interesting information I can find, that will help to support you in taking the very best care of yourself. I realize there’s a vast sea of articles and suggestions available at our fingertips these days, so I’d like to be able to narrow down the search by featuring whatever comes my way that may be pertinent to every woman’s well-being.

Whatever phase of life we are in, now is the time to pay attention to our health and do the best we can to nurture our bodies.

Massage is a great addition to any healthcare regimen. It’s way more that just a luxury, for many of us it’s truly a necessity. The proven benefits affect every system of our body, as well as giving our mind and soul a place to slow down. I feel so blessed to have been given this work to do and look forward to the opportunity to bring some more calming comfort into this world. Now is the time for us all.