A few minutes after sliding off the massage table, I notice I can breathe again. I feel in touch with my body. I feel lighter, happier, deeper.
It has been months since I’ve received a massage and I had no idea how much I needed this touch. COVID-19 came to our doorsteps in February imposing in a most frightful way, upending everything familiar to us. Its presence forced us to temporarily close our doors in March and left us to figure it out on our own.
Everything was happening on a surreal learning curve, and it was obvious as I lay on the massage table my body had taken in more of the tension and anxiety than I had thought. Images of HAZMAT suits, sick and dying people on gurneys, exhausted doctors and nurses begging for help were stuck in my mind. Worries of the economy and our business swirled. And it all landed somewhere in my body, mind, and heart.
Then it was time for a massage.
It takes the skilled, gentle touch of a massage therapist to begin the unraveling of layers of the unknown. The table was warm and comfortable, the music was beautiful and put my mind at ease, and when the massage therapist placed their hands on my back I felt myself slip into a world of familiar trust. And quiet.
I became aware of my tight breathing and the tenderness of taut muscles. I focused on the comfort of the touch and let my mind and heart rest in the moment. After months of holding on, it felt so good to let go. It felt so good to relax and watch the breath go deeper and the heart become lighter.
I slipped off the massage table feeling my feet firmly planted on the floor, standing a bit more upright, feeling the breath flow fluidly around and into my heart. I am so glad I took the time to do this.
It’s time for massage.
Cecile Martin
1 comment. Leave new
That is really what I thought and felt when I received my first massage when allowed to come back! I felt a great weight lifted from my spirit!