I begin the adventure of writing this journal, and sharing with you my thoughts as a massage therapist and wellness educator, by telling you about my early experiences cross country skiing in the 1970s in Wyoming.
In those days I would go with friends into the high country around Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Often we were the first, and sometimes, the only ones to arrive at a trailhead in the national forest. We would take turns leading, the first one tromping on the freshly fallen snow, sinking several inches into the powdery snow with every step of the skis. The second person had an easier time, as the trail began to take shape. The third skier could really enjoy the easy glide possible once the trail had been broken. After the trip to the top of the mountain and time to enjoy the view, we headed down, happily gliding on our own well-earned trails. When the hill was steep enough we could ski off the trail, letting gravity take us for a ride through the glistening powdery snow.
When I think about the work I have done in my life, this image of breaking trails comes to mind. So many times I have let my inspiration and intuition be the guide that pulled me along the path. Sometimes I followed others, but then I would take a turn and lead the way. I have always appreciated the others who have led the way for me, and now I hope that others can find the way easier, because of the trails I have broken along the way. Today as more and more people are inspired to travel these paths I know and love, they can find much good company along the trail, and find the pathway a little smoother and easier to follow.
When I first began to study massage in the late-1970s, there were few massage schools in the U.S. Many early programs of training in massage grew out of the human potential movement, and developing holistic health movement. Many of us were exploring new paradigms for healing, often looking to ancient cultures for treasures of knowledge that could make our lives healthier and more meaningful. It was a time of experimentation, breaking trails that eventually led to the current profession of massage therapy, with hundreds of schools and training programs across the country.
My own interests in Asian bodywork, integrative massage and advocacy for the needs of the elderly and the ill have developed into a modality called Comfort Touch. I have learned from many teachers and clients over the years, wonderful people who have broken the trail for me, or pointed out the direction I needed to go. And now I ask you to come along with me. In these upcoming entries I promise to share with you what I have learned so that you can lead the way.
