- Stillness
- Presence:
- present moment
- awareness
- Non attachment
- nonresistance
- non-judgment
- Beginner's Mind
- Acceptance
- Inspiration
- Responsibility
- Kindness Quotient
Present MomentDo you live in the present? Or do you spend more time in the past or future? While on your morning commute are you paying attention to the traffic around you? or dwelling on the argument you had with someone the night before? or are you thinking about what you need to do at work that day? Multitasking has it's benefits; one of which is to save time so that you can live in the present moment. While having dinner with your family are you intent on the conversation and interacting with them?
The only reality that we function in is the present moment. To be fully present with what is occurring at this moment leads to clarity of understanding, choices, and actions. All life exists in the present moment. Our past has been altered by our changing memories; even the original perceptions may have been skewed to protect our ego. What is real is what is happening only in the moment. Therefore, it is by being present in this moment that we can effect change in our lives. How is your mastery of being fully present in the moment? -- John Kroneck
As a therapist are you in the present moment with your client? Do you feel when the tension leaves their body? Do you notice from their body language when you hit a tender area even if they don't tell you? Or do you let your mind wander away from the present? Are you thinking of what to wear to dinner later instead of how you are draping your client?
As a massage client do you stay in the present moment during your massage? Do you give feed back to your therapist? Or do you let your mind drift?
I invite everyone to leave comments answering how well you live in the present moment and what things can we all do to focus on the present moment?
We lead such busy lives that I think it is hard for most of us to slow down and live in the present moment. Massage gives us that opportunity. We relax and are told to put our worries aside. As a massage therapist it is important for me to be in the present moment while working with a client. I need to check in with them to ensure I am giving them the pressure needed and in the right location. This can be done with body language as well as verbal communication. I have always had the policy that if a client answers their phone, I stop massaging. I find that if we are chatting about other things it is important for me to bring the client back to their body. This can be done by asking a question or simply changing the technique I am using at the time.
ReplyDeleteTo help keep myself in the present moment I separate things and remove distractions. Turning the television off is a great conversation starter. Not allowing toys or cell phones at the dinner table (or just eating at the dinner table) helps to focus on the meal and the people sharing it. Finishing one thing before starting another can also help in staying in the present moment.