Thanks for the welcome. It's great to be back. 

Module 2:

I'm loving this course and I'm very happy to get back to rocking movements especially with my forearms and feet. It's been awhile since I've used my feet (or practiced yoga) so this has been a wonderful "retraining" and re coordinating of my body. I knew that I missed bodywork, but not how much until I began again. It feels like coming back to a part of myself that I've neglected. 

As always, I love the intuitive approach of these courses and how, while there is that foundation in anatomy and technique, so much is about what is felt while working within the body's rhythm. I believe that this is so much more relaxing for the receiver, but it's relaxing to me too. I'm not sure how I forgot how very much bodywork feels like a moving meditation that does wonders for me as well. 

I also appreciated the clear communication regarding genitalia and comfort for male clients. It reminded me of an unfortunate incident way back in massage school when I wasn't yet comfortable being that direct with clients.  No one was injured, but my lack of clarity caused embarrassment for both of us. Luckily he was compassionate and otherwise enjoyed the work we did together. He ended up being a long-term client, but that's a lesson I'll never forget. 

Module 3

Apologies for my delayed return. I've been caring for a child with a virus.

This was a nice return to the course with the reminder of the power of gentleness. I feel that I've spent an incredible amount of time over the years with both massage therapists and clients regarding "deep tissue massage." There is this frequent misconception of "no pain no gain" and I disagree. I often question why body workers choose to fight the body rather than listen to and coax it. I often ask people to give me the chance to work with them in such a way that they will remain relaxed, ultimately allowing for that "deep" result that they want without causing them undue pain pushing through tension.

Like you, I believe that we are moving energy and our mindset and intentions while we work have a significant impact on what we accomplish together.

Module 4

Thanks, Shama. I'm grateful to learn from you.

I find this concept of the hip pie is very useful as a holistic, natural, flowing process. By not scrambling around jumping from muscle to muscle, it feels more thorough but also relaxing. I've also found that the most flexible of yogis can be a bit more difficult to reach the depth of stretch they crave without traction. But, as you've shared, they love the traction because it's something they cannot achieve on their own. 

On the topic of blood stops, I feel comfortable providing them. However, I still find myself struggling to receive them when I receive Thai massage. I think it's a matter of trust and anxiety. 

It's helpful to know that I'm not the only therapist that has experienced anxiety as a receiver. I think I haven't found a therapist that I full trust to provide this experience for me, but I'll remain open to the journey. 🙂

Module 5: I'm enjoying going back through this course and having the time to focus on the sensitivity of touch and breathe, much like in yoga, to channel energy and improve the practice. I also appreciated the way you described how powerful thumbs can be for diagnosis, but not as work tools. I know many therapists that have "chronic use injuries" in their thumb joints. I don't want to end up in that situation. 

Module 6

I appreciate how much work you've done to design courses that care for both givers and receivers. I experienced a thumb injury during yoga many years ago. I was distracted in conversation as I lifted myself up from lotus into a split. And, that neglect caused some instability in my thumb joint. I thought it healed, but began to notice pain after a few years of table massage. I type all that to say that it's wonderful to have so many options that don't overwork that joint. 

I can see how the rocking motions are relaxing for receivers, but I find they also create an ease of motion for me. It also seems to result in more impactful work without strain on either side. 

It's also helpful that you explore the considerations and alterations needed for male or female clients. I have participated in Thai massage classes elsewhere where these concerns were not noted. You always give multiple options for various bodies and it's very helpful to explore variations. 

Module 7

This was a great module to try with my yoga teacher. He really enjoyed it, but it was very clear that how powerful the stretches are and that some (many) clients will benefit from the more gentle approach. I'll definitely be spending time working on the forearm techniques later in the video. They were really impactful even with my currently less than smooth delivery. 😅

Module 8

The receiver loved this position and techniques. They were seriously amazed by the relief achieved and kept talking to other people about it. I told them they could suggest this course to their partner for at home care. 🙂

Module 9: I had a fun time working with all these tools even though there was some clumsiness with the knee. Myself and my partner kept a lightheadedness to it. It was soothing and impactful even when everything wasn't smooth.