Navigating Transitions
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 04:41PM Over the past couple of weeks, I've noticed a similarity of experience in a few of my shiatsu clients.
A number of my people are moms, and, being the time of year that it is, they are dealing with the end of the school year mayhem with their young 'uns.
Between the plethora of activities that spring up like summer weeds, and the impending changes in scheduling, there's a lot going on.
Even if we're looking forward to a break in the routine and to the activities (or lack thereof) the summer will bring, it's still a matter of transition and I think we underestimate the impact this can have on our well-being.
At least three of these moms, having been absent from their regularly scheduled sessions with me because of all that's going on for them, were surprised to find themselves so tight and tender, even after only skipping a week or too.
This tells me that there's a possibility that the bodywork was needed even more during this time. (Sadly and ironically, we always need it more at the times when we are least able to get to it.)
I've written elsewhere about navigating transitions.
Times in which our routines are changing, or the seasons, or our internal rhythms... these are times in which it's important to really focus on the physical body, as it represents our 'ground of being', and giving our bodies some attention will provide us with a greater sense of stability and centeredness.
Exercise, proper eating and, of course, bodywork, can help you to stay grounded during times of external chaos. Hara (abdominal) massage can be particularly centering as it consolidates your energy within your core.
Can't get in for an appointment? Try this simple shiatsu self-massage routine!
(Gina Loree Marks is the shiatsu practitioner at the Lionville Holistic Health Center. She can be reached for an appointment at 610-304-5120, or you can visit her website for more information.)
