News: May 2020

Self-compassion with self-massage during the COVID-19 crisis

These are challenging times for everyone. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we've had to suddenly adjust to a new and unfamiliar way of living. I believe something we all desperately need right now is self-compassion. Many of us are feeling like failures, like we're not up to the task. We're trying to hold onto our jobs, and those of us who can't are suffering financial hardships. We're trying to be good parents, but we don't know how to work, homeschool, and entertain young children at the same time. In trying times like these, we tend to judge ourselves harshly. We self-shame, telling ourselves things like, "I'm no good," "I'm stupid," "I'm a disappointment."

This kind of negative self-talk creates patterns in the brain that reinforce those thoughts, and we find ourselves stuck in a self-destructive cycle of shame. We begin to see the world through a lens of anxiety and despair. Over time, this can have serious negative physical and mental health consequences. In this video, we will start to challenge that negative self-talk.

Neuroplasticity means that the brain is able to change and form new neural connections. Neurons that fire together, wire together. If we change the conversation in our heads, we will begin to form new neural pathways. If we practice self-compassion, overtime it will eventually become second nature. It's the same as breaking any old bad habit and replacing it with one that's healthier and more constructive.

So begin telling yourself that you are special, that you are doing the best you can in a challenging situation, and that you deserve love and compassion. If you find this difficult, think about a loved one. Now imagine that person is hurting or struggling. Your heart will probably overflow with compassion. Now take that compassion, and turn it onto yourself. Go one step further, and follow along with me as we practice self-compassion through self-massage and deep breathing.

I hope this video brings you some relief during this challenging time. Try doing your favorite techniques daily for lasting benefits.

Your virtual massage therapy is here!

As you probably know, I am unable to practice massage therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic, just like so many other businesses. I fully intend to reopen my practice as soon as it is safe to do so, but in the meantime, I want to continue helping anyone who is experiencing pain, tension, or anxiety - any way I can. So, I'm going to start offering virtual massages, and I invite you to join me.

During this isolation, we need all the help and care we can get. Touch deprivation, lack of social interaction, loss of work, financial hardships, staying indoors, lack of exercise, and an unknown future all contribute to high anxiety, depression, and physical pain.

I would love to help you and your family stay healthy during this challenging time. We will meet on a video call for a consultation, treatment, and self-care plan. Who is doing the treatment? You are! I will teach you customized self-massage techniques, stretches, and corrective exercises all tailored to your own individual needs. I can also teach you massage techniques that you and your family can use to help one another.

Let's work together to remain healthy and strong, so that we feel better in the present, and are better equipped for the future. Call, e-mail, or text me to schedule a virtual massage. You can find my contact info on my website. In the meantime, I'm sending you all a big virtual hug!

What's new with me ...

Sienna and I spend our days writing comic books and stories, making videos, playing school (Sienna is the teacher of course), playing creative games on the iPad, and baking cookies. Jesse joins in on the weekends.

I made little masks for Sienna's dolls, in case we take them out for a short walk. You can never be too careful :)