Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/57427
muscles tighter, which only made matters worse. Somehow, she knew I was clenching, and asked me about the level of pressure. When I mentioned it was a little too intense, she thanked me for communicating with her and lightened her touch. A new life skill was taught to me in this moment of need. Against the peaceful background music, she breathed loudly and slowly through her mouth as if to say, "You need to breathe like this." I followed her lead—with each stroke I exhaled and submitted to her touch. The pain drifted away. The elbow would go deep into my muscles, as I would breathe deeply and submit to the moment. This was something I hadn't experienced before; there was something mystical about it. A DIFFERENT STATE She worked the back of my neck, my upper back, and my tender lower back. During this time, a phenomenon happened which must be explained. I shut my eyes, and my mind drifted. The pressure intensified, but after learning to control my breath, I fell into what can only be described as a deep sleep that was filled with conscious thoughts. For some reason, I found myself analyzing my day: things I did well, things I wanted to do, and things I could do better. All of the problems I faced in the classroom seemed to melt away. For the first time in a long while, I was focusing on myself. Once my thoughts became sorted, I found myself on the verge of sleep, but before I could nod off she lifted the sheet on the opposite side high enough to avert her eyes and asked me to turn over on my back. I obliged, and she proceeded to cover me again and start work on my feet. The final stage of the massage was the back of my head, ears, and face. I remember this part vaguely, only because I was nearly asleep. It was a state of relaxation I hadn't felt before. At the end of this experience, she placed a hand on my forehead and one on my chest and simply remained still for a few moments, which she later explained was a way to help my body discover its chi, or vital energy. I've heard stories about people coming out of a massage and feeling immediately revitalized. I didn't find that to be true. When I came to, I felt tired, and my muscles felt similar to the way they do after I've been lifting weights. In all actuality, it was a day or two later before I felt the real benefits of the massage. Mentally, I felt resilient. Students even commented on the glow I emitted. My mind was sharp, and the lesson plans I constructed were masterpieces. For these two reasons alone, I took Kathleen up on implementing a consistent monthly regimen of massage. A NEW HEALTH-CARE REGIMEN The benefits of a professional massage cannot accurately be put into words, and to experience it, one obviously has to purchase the service. Too often, we choose not to invest in our bodies, instead investing in what we think are necessities. In my case, there was also the fear of this unknown experience that kept me from ever considering a massage. It always seemed like there were other, more important things to do. I've found that massage is not the self-indulgent activity that spas often advertise. While there is a degree of physical pleasure with massage, the euphoria that follows for weeks makes a person more diligent and aware of his surroundings—that's why I've made it a regular part of my health-care strategy. Taking the time to step away from everything isn't self-indulgence or a luxury; rather, it is more like a tool of peace, which allows people to focus on their vision of the world they live in and their place within it. B S Sam Tudor is a high school English teacher, an aspiring writer, and a father of two amazing kids. He lives in beautiful Bigfork, Montana. After a Massage or Bodywork Session Most people feel very relaxed after a massage or bodywork appointment. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days. Body Sense 7