Posted under General & Marketing Massage for Special Populations & Massage for Elders
Julies 10/22 post prompted me to write today about a similar observation I have made. Because I teach massage therapists about working in eldercare or hospice, the therapists I mostly interact with are interested in truly serving others. Most are acutely aware of the sacred and personal nature of working with this special population. And many struggle with the concept of charging for their services.
Over the years, I’ve heard comments like, “I feel bad having people pay me to sit with them just to touch them.” Or “This is such sacred work– I think I should just volunteer my time.” The underlying belief in both statements goes something like this: If what I’m doing is service that include sacred caregiving, then I should be willing to just do it for the good of the world. Or put more simply: Sacred work good; money bad.
Since when did we get so sideways with our attitude about what deserves monitary compensation? I invite you to ponder this and explore how you think and feel about this issue. If the idea of charging for your services makes you squirm a little, I’d like to ask you to consider a different viewpoint.
You are a skilled professional. Touch therapies stand on a foundation that acknowledges a sacred or spiritual nature. I believe it is the most valuable aspect of massage therapy that has the power of bringing about healing in it’s many forms. We live in a world where skilled professionals are acknowledged and rewarded for their services by being paid for them. Of course there are the inherent rewards in the work itself and the deep satisfaction that results in making a difference for another person.
I’ve never known of any other group of professionals who question their value as much as massage therapists. As I write this, I’m watching a group of men roof a neighbor’s house. They are providing a valuable service- giving that family a secure and comfortable home. The dry cleaner who presses a man’s suit is contributing to how that man feels about himself as he goes to that important meeting. A speech therapist helps a woman who suffered a stroke be able to communicate again. All of our work, no matter what it is contributes to the quality of life of others. It seems to me that the service we provide our world is extremely valuable at this point in time. Giving our clients a moment of sacred silence; alleviating pain and discomfort; and uplifting their sense of well-being is service that is deserving of financial reward.
I welcome your comments and wish you an abundant day!
Ann