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Let Go & Breathe

On a recent trip to Chicago I found myself repeating, “Let go & breathe.” Those words became my mantra. Every client, friend or family member whom I shared time with heard those words. Personally, they helped me as well. We tend to repeat what we need to hear ourselves.

My first day consisted of driving to the far western suburbs to see my nieces new home. I remember the area as farmland. Today, beautiful homes have replaced cornfields. Next stop, I welcomed a new generation of Turcich into the family. Born the week prior to my arrival, it was so nice to embrace him and to see his parents for a bit. What a joy!

Off to the races, quite literally, the Kentucky Derby. My deceased brother-in-law is associated with the derby so my sister and her boys were all into the two minutes of heart pounding drama. Being a track player, my father likes that day as well. I placed my friendly bet at my brother’s house and proceeded to happily lose. A friend of my nephew won which was just fine by me.

We gathered to wish my nephew a fond farewell as he was headed out the next day for MP training and then off to Afghanistan. Glasses of champagne were raised several times as people continued to walk into the kitchen. You can’t have too many well wishes. A party at a bar rounded off the evening. Day one of my ten day stay... Aunt Nanc was done.

Every moment that I was alone I found myself letting go and breathing. Sometimes I even did so while talking with someone. As my busy week progressed, I repeated my mantra out loud. In class, in therapy sessions, while speaking to my nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, mom, dad, friends.... “Let go and breathe.”

Human beings tend to hold on and breathe shallowly. This tendency goes unnoticed. When I brought it to others attention, they took a full breath, probably for the first time in a long time. I enjoyed saying “let go and breathe” because it was like saying peace... just follow the peace. Letting go sounds easy, but most of us have no idea how to get there. We need tools, guidance, maybe even permission. In my book*, “Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life,” I supply many of the tools needed to assist in the letting go process.

All I can say is, “Let Go & Breathe.” You’ll be glad you did. Be well... Nancy T.

* To purchase a copy of “Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life,” please go to http://www.naturalmassagetherapy.com/books.html

Travel


Many say, “You sure love to travel.” I correct them and state, “I love to explore all that the world has to offer.”

I used to travel for fun and to escape issues in my life. Of course, nothing changed, but I did get a reprieve from my normal routine for awhile. I took in new scenes, ate different food, saw interesting people, and experienced city or island life.

My old friends, Bob & Carol used to say, “Do it while you can.” Since they were forty years my senior, I figured they knew best. I also noticed that they would have liked to travel, but health issues got in the way.

Experiencing a change of scenery is something I really cherish. When I head to BIG cities I immediately notice the pace increase. I remember sitting in a restaurant eating breakfast and people were rushing to and fro. It was if they couldn’t slow down for fear of being run over.... and that was certainly a possibility.

In the Caribbean, the attitude is “No problem mon!” I became used to the slow pace mon. Returning from the islands was truly a culture shock. I recall standing in a store in Chicago and seeing so many choices that I had no idea what to do. People were shouting, “CAN I HELP YOU?” I stood there and shook my head.... I don’t know was all I thought. Islanders are like, “I heard you mon, I’ll get to it... sometime.”

The environment is a place I love to explore. Whether I am in the forest in Prescott or the Caribbean Sea... I love nature. Nature brings so many senses to life that I relate better to the world. It's my connection to the world on many levels.

I love to explore the world. I wish all of you safe travels. Be well.... Nancy T.

Trauma Release

The last few weeks my Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement (ATM class has given me some wonderful insights into my ribcage and my spine. Each movement awakened parts in me that were sleeping. I continue to be amazed by the intensity of micro-movements and how deeply and profoundly they touch me.

Last Thursday, I was following the instructions in my ATM® class. I felt quivers run through my body and I heard small whimpers escape my lips. My legs jumped as my body folded into the fetal position. Eventually, I resumed a relaxed posture and I continued to take long, deep breathes. Trauma from 30 years past jumped to the forefront of my mind. Nothing outrageous surfaced, nor did I freak out by what I was experiencing on a cellular level. Yet, I continue to be amazed when old trauma revisits. A part of me thinks that residuals from my fall are over and done with. Then remnants float to the surface of my body’s cellular ocean.

Trauma release occurs for years. Specific time frames escape me. Although thirty years seems like a long time, it also feels like only yesterday. Stored bits and pieces of my past continue to reveal themselves in their time. I am grateful for the gems that sparkle in the process.

Many people find it difficult to wrap their head around trauma. They tend to think the past is the past. Although it would be lovely to quickly and easily release trauma, that’s not how it works. Just as things take time and energy to enter, the same is true for the exit.

Trauma release is nothing to be scared of. In fact, it can be a real blessing. My ribs changed, my shoulders relaxed and my breath calmed. It was a great series of lessons. Be well... Nancy T.

Space

Wide open spaces... that is the west. Traveling from Arizona to California, you can’t help but take in all of the wide open spaces. In certain areas, it feels as though the land goes on forever. With green and brown scattered about, the mountains come and go. Rock... rock... dirt... dirt.... bush... bush... sky... sky... sky....

To truly understand space is difficult. We all live in space, move through space, and exist in space. Yet, we take space for granted.

Establishing suitable space is a notion that escapes many people. I was talking to a “close-talker” the other day. She was oblivious to my personal space. It made me wonder, “How do we create proper space without giving someone too much space?” That is a neat trick. In “Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life*,” I speak about appropriate “therapeutic” space and how to find it.

Space is all around us. There is more space than form, yet we attach to form. It’s funny how that happens.

Today, I had a nicely spaced day. Some time with friends over a wonderful breakfast, sun by the pool, cool water spilling over my head, and a very “spacey” nap in the car traveling home. Each day is a new day, full of space. See how you fill in the spaces and enjoy it all. Be well... Nancy T.

* Visit www.naturalmassagetherapy.com for your copy of “Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life.”

Seasonal Waves

The seasons are nature’s way of showing us how to “be” at certain times of year. Generally, humans lose touch with the natural rhythm of Mother Earth. However, Mother Nature seems to be out of synch as of late.
 
Last weekend, Prescott was covered in over a foot of snow. It was beautiful and the moisture was appreciated. At this time of year, I knew the snow could not hold its ground against the Arizona sun, a powerhouse at 5,000 feet. Although, I have to admit, it was strange to hear that the weather on St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago was over 70˚.... how could nature be so off kilter?

No matter, I feel the waves of seasonal change dancing on air. My attitude has definitely improved with spring. Attending a few classes has helped the process as well. Longer days assist in my productivity. The currents of spring deliver greater accomplishments.

Summer is just around the corner. For most people, their energy fires up even more. Summer is the season for being out and about. I tend to travel at that time of year. It is a time to reconnect with family and friends. The warm temps make swimming a part of my daily routine and that brings a smile to my face.

This spring, plant seeds that nourish you. Stop and smell the roses. Because the truth is... it’s the moment that counts. Whatever nature bears, enjoy riding the spring/summer wave for as long as it lasts. I know I will. Be well.... Nancy T.

BIG decisions

I’ve heard it said, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s all small stuff.”

Well, that certainly sounds good, but when “in the moment”, BIG decisions don’t feel very small.

Recently, my BIG decision was the purchase of a new vehicle. No matter how I worked on the deal... getting prices online, negotiating what I was told by one dealer with another, extras, out the door pricing... removing the guesswork was next to impossible. Even after the purchase I wondered–what just happened, how did the numbers not add up, why did I freeze in the signing process??? Wasn’t driving away in a new car supposed to be F U N ?

My mind leapt to my deceased brother Ronald. I recalled how he viewed all of his “BIG decisions” and how he bashed himself for choices that he made. And that’s when it all hit me. As I wrote in my book, “One of Eight*–my perspective on our brother’s suicide,” “One thing I know for sure: you have to live with your decisions, good or bad! Going through that process may not be easy, but it could be if we didn’t continue to put ourselves down for the decisions we make.”

With thoughts of Ronald in my heart and mind, I chose to release my inner critic and enjoy my choice. Picking apart each detail of the deal would do me no good. I was putting too much energy into my BIG decision. As stated in One of Eight*, “I knew the lesson masked within this incident was acceptance—learning “to live” with my decisions—good or bad!” For my own sake, it was imperative to release my judgements and move on.

The next morning, I quickly sold my used car and suddenly my “BIG decision” to purchase a new vehicle became an exceptionally good choice.

To this day, it doesn’t feel like small stuff, but with acceptance and self-love it’s getting there. Be well... Nancy T.

* Please visit www.naturalmassagetherapy.com for a copy of “One of Eight*–my perspective on our brother’s suicide.”

Quote by NMT

“Don’t expect others to change until you are ready to change yourself.”

"If the body is a record, a therapist gently touches every groove to fully hear the tune it is playing."

“Take a pause whenever and wherever you need it.”

“By the grace of day, I will find my way.”

“Don’t step on her/his spirit.”

“What I want for others, I will focus upon for myself.”

"When trauma is being released it is as if the tissue is taking a breath for the first time after holding it for soooo long...  AHHH!"

"Go along with life, let it flow.”

Be well... Nancy T.  (aka NMT)

An Invitation

A few weeks ago, I thought about taking a deeper look at my thought patterns. I procrastinated until recently. Finally, I jotted down all of my present thoughts on a piece of paper. Repetition leaped from the page. The theme–seeing what I’m not doing, what is not happening. Below the repetitious thoughts, I created a list of new thoughts. While gazing at the new list, I quickly felt uplifted and supported.

What jumped off the page was how much I want to share with the world. Many times I feel like I am spinning my wheels, not making an impact. Then I run into someone or I see an old client and I am reminded of what I love to do.... share with people. It instantly brings a smile to my face.

After reflecting upon my thoughts, I imagined it would be so easy to write them down. I’d actually been rehashing them for weeks. Yet, as I sat with the sheet of red paper in front of me, I was slightly stumped. I stuck with the process and, eventually, the thoughts rose from the depths of my brain.

I decided to grasp the new thoughts and allow them to become my new repetitive pattern. After-all, they support me much more and that bears repeating. In addition, I added lists on the opposite side of the page. The lists contained things that I have learned, statements that support me, what makes me unique, what I want to share and how I plan to do so. It was empowering. Revisiting it daily is a good practice–it stimulates the new pattern.

I invite you to spread out a blank page in front of you and see what appears. This is not an exercise* based on judgement... just honesty. If we can’t be honest with ourselves then what is the point? In the end, we may come upon words that support us and take us on a path that we hadn’t considered. Enjoy the journey. Be well... Nancy T.

* For more visit www.naturalmassagetherapy.com ~ Rock Your World program.

A walk in AZ.

The pines lined the road as I weaved my way down the back roads of Prescott. The scene changed as the ridge-line of the Sierra Prieta splayed out in front of me. After I passed under the railroad tracks, Skull Valley’s giant cottonwood trees came into view. A post office, local restaurant/bar and school materialized in Kirkland. Ranch after ranch, vast land emerged on either side of the road. I settled into the landscape with cruise control propelling me down Hwy. 96. Thoughts of time spent with friends in Skull Valley & Kirkland dislodged pleasant memories of wandering the land and absorbing the beauty of the southwest.

Last Friday, a client invited me to his land near Bagdad, AZ. The invitation brought a smile to my face. Being south of Prescott for the day sounded like just what the doctor ordered. I missed the vast land and open sky.

Although it is January, at 2,500 ft., it was warm enough to walk in a tee-shirt. The Arizona sun was high in the sky, warming my skin. It felt good to be caressed by natural light. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Military jets flew high overhead doing maneuvers. At times, you could hear them but they escaped a visual.

We started down an old dirt road that had previously been the highway. It twisted and turned between the mountains. Saguaro stood at attention along the path. My camera clicked away. We bushwhacked through the mesquite, trees, sand, and rock, eventually taking a rest at a wash. When we arrived, a brown and white cow headed for the hills. A conversation ensued. Both of us were happy to be out on such a glorious day. It was easy to just hang out and enjoy the view. A hawk was gliding through the air in the distance– we named them “Grace”. Grace was elegance in action.

After a brief rest, we went to see the petroglyphs. Making our way passed a creek bed, we scrambled over boulders and through some water. Along a wall of rock petroglyphs popped. Of course my camera snapped, capturing some of the ancient symbols. I love the spirals and the animal figures.

Taking a walk always helps to clear my mind. I enjoyed this jaunt to the land that always gives me peace. My client said that he was sharing his land in appreciation* for what I have done for him. I think we both found relaxation and peace that day as we shared a walk.

Do yourself a favor... take a walk, let go, absorb, observe and enjoy. Be well... Nancy T. 

* To schedule an appointment, contact Nancy at nmt1@naturalmassagetherapy.com

Refresh & Renew

The other day I went to see my acupuncturist, Traeger. While we were talking, he said, “So why are you here?”

I explained my craving for sweets after the holidays. I said, “I just wanted to check in for the new year, to see what my body is doing?”

Most people go to see a doctor, therapist, acupuncturist when something is wrong–when their system is way out of balance. What I’ve learned over the years is that going for a session when I feel good is extremely beneficial.
 
After taking my pulses, Traeger, knowing that I enjoy back treatments, decided to work with my yin organs. He placed needles down my back, going from one side to the other as he made his way down my spine. Traeger explained that some redness occurred around my liver and spleen. After being in wine country over Christmas, and eating plenty of sugary foods, I was not surprised. He left me alone for awhile to allow the points to clear. As relaxing music played in the background, I let my mind wander.

When Traeger returned, he said, “The points cleared completely.” Thankfully, my system is excellent at finding balance given some guidance.

As we continued with the session and my pulses became stronger, Traeger said, “Your body really likes acupuncture.”

I smiled and said, “I know, that’s why I am here.”

It is nice to know what works for you. In many therapy sessions, I tell my clients that I push their reset button. By showing the body where it is holding and how it can let go, it resets itself. This brings about a sense of renewal. It’s not always an immediate response, but usually within a day or two, the system feels refreshed. Balance is restored and they go on with their lives, in a better state of mind, body and spirit. Refresh & Renew–sounds good to me. Be well... Nancy T.

* To Refresh & Renew yourself, contact Nancy @ www.naturalmassagetherapy.com

**
“Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life” (2nd edition & eBook) contains more information about acupuncture.



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