NMTBLOG.NATURALMASSAGETHERAPY.COM

Rock Your World

Nancy T's blog — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT

NMT is here to “ROCK YOUR WORLD” (RYW)... gently or vibrantly... it’s up to YOU!!!

I coined the phrase RYW quite awhile ago. I felt it appropriate for the work being done here at Natural Massage Therapy. When I saw how people were entering and exiting my treatment room, RYW was born.

Although RYW may sound heavy, “it ain’t necessarily so”.... Sometimes, a gentle nudge is all it takes for your world to rock because it has been teetering for ages. Other times, it is like a rock concert... the sounds, the screams and the squeals that are evoked would make a passerby think quite a show is in progress. AND IT IS.

It is truly amazing what can happen in a treatment. I sit back in awe as I watch people “find their way.” It is nothing short of a miracle. All of the pieces simply fit together in a beautiful tapestry. I have been brought to tears on occasion... it’s that powerful!!!

Many people wonder how massage therapy can alleviate depression, anxiety, loss. I understand their questioning the impact upon such grand issues. Most people look at massage and other forms of bodywork as simply a physical act of rubbing tissue... moving things around. Yet, within that simple act, there is an inner stirring that awakens all of the memories that have been hidden in the muscles, bones, nerves, and cells. It’s like the ON switch has been activated and people see things that have been hidden from sight for years. The lights have come on and they are home... HOME within themselves.

Recently at Pat Benatar’s book signing she wrote, “YOU ROCK!” and I thought... "how does she know?" But it is true.. I love to RYW.
Be well... Nancy T.

* NMT can RYW in person or at a distance. For more information on NMT please visit www.naturalmassagetherapy.com. To read personal accounts and to watch a video go to http://www.naturalmassagetherapy.com/ryw.html.

Front Porch

Nancy T's blog — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Sitting on the front porch is one of my favorite things to do. I find myself surrounded by love here and it is easy to get lost in the bliss of it all.

With a pot of green tea by my side, I sit and look out into the cloudless blue hue of the Arizona sky. The green willow tree with it dead branches stick out, landing pads for the birds to absorb the view, forms a nice contrast. The sound of the birds talking away lets me know that I am not alone. Wind chimes sing to me, songs as unique as the individuals who gifted them to me. My chime-less shell wind chimes spin and flutter in the breeze reminding me of the beaches of the Caribbean and Mexico from whence they came... aaahhhh the memories!

A new mobile catches my eye. She has been a long time in the making... with innards from a Caribbean palm tree collected years ago. The sticks look like the crooked fingers of an old woman pointing to the Earth... in what direction is anyone’s guess.

Flowers, plants, rocks, candles... all the things that bring me pleasure surround this place... this solitude.

I have taken to sitting on the front porch to talk with clients. It quickly brings a sense of peace in times of stress. The breeze seems to say... “Let me take that burden from you, you no longer need to carry it.” The cicadas agree as they chime in.

The front porch is the place to be. Where is your “front porch” and don’t you just love it??? Be well.... Nancy T.

Meaning

Nancy T's blog — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT

The BIG questions pass through my mind periodically ... What am I doing here? What’s the point of life? What’s my purpose? What can I do to help in this world? If I’m not my body, why take care of it? If I’m not my mind, why does it occupy my thoughts?

These questions can overwhelm. Mostly because the answers can vary day to day or there are no answers that really satisfy our curiosity.

After one of my talks someone said to me, “So this (speaking* about healing) is your purpose?” I said, “I’m not sure what my purpose is but talking to people makes me feel purposeful.”

When the big questions lurk, the thing that helps me most is living in the moment. I have no idea what this life is really about. I’m not sure I ever really will, but when I fully engage in the moment... with all of my senses, I am taking in life. To hear the birds, to feel the wind, to taste the sweetness of a ripe piece of fruit, to smell rain approaching... all of these things and so much more generate L I F E.

Now, what is the meaning of life? I suppose that is up for interpretation. I do know that we are here to experience life, whatever form that it takes for the individual.

When the BIG questions arise, do your best to experience life and maybe your answers will appear. If not, at least you had a “life experience”... you lived in the moment. Enjoy... Nancy T.

* To view Nancy’s videos go to www.naturalmassagetherapy.com

In the blink of an eye

Nancy T's blog — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:00:00 GMT

In the blink of an eye our whole world can change. We all know this, yet we live our lives as if nothing will change all that quickly. I recently had a client say... “I don’t expect a miracle”.... and I thought... “why not?”

This is new thinking for me. I have to admit, I used to think things took a great deal of time to change. Now, I realize that things can change in the blink of an eye... as easily and simply as we allow.

Why is it that we feel it takes sooooo long for change? I myself have written articles on patterns and how we hold tight to routine. Life is full of opportunities to change... to make a difference... to adjust our course.. to try something NEW.

Life is about change. Why not make it easy? In the blink of an eye, life can be different. Take time today to see what is working and what is not working for you and then step forward. New experiences are available in the blink of an eye. Be well...Nancy T.

To read Nancy's articles please visit www.naturalmassagetherapy.com

A day at the beach...

Nancy T's blog — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:14:00 GMT

Beach chair: check, umbrella; check, towel; check, grapes; check, cornbread; check, boogie board; check...

Water Conditions:

Friday July 2, 2010

High Tides 12:50 p.m. Low Tides: 6:38 p.m.

Winds NNW Ocean Temp: 62º

Sunrise 5:32 a.m. Sunset 8:27 p.m.

UV 8 Warning Flag: Yellow

Mostly Sunny 80º

The tide is rolling in– waves crest as the ocean floor churns to shore. Young girls body surf while others squeal as the cool water crashes over them. A Cape May lifeguard slowly paddles his rowboat – red oars rise from the blue crests and troughs. An ocean rescue boat cruises by for a look-see. Mother and child pose for a photo with Mother Ocean as a backdrop while Dad captures the memory forever.

Cape May, NJ– a sweet place to be. It has it all... white sand, miles of beach, yummy food, plenty of unique shops, bicycles, horse drawn carriages, history.

Layers of color appear as I gaze south: white sand turns tan in the moisture, aqua green, pockets of deep blue leading to pale blue sky which gradually becomes speckled with puffs of white clouds.

Dolphin and other sea creatures are hidden from sight, but I know they are alive under the sea. For days I have observed pods of dolphin jump, flip and fill their bellies. I have never witnessed so much activity while kicking back on the beach.

The sound of the ocean makes my eyelids grow heavy. As they close, the rustle of the waves pass from left to right as they meet the shore. The volume increases at varying intervals. Sea gulls "baulk" overhead.

A yellow flag flaps in the wind. The tide approaches as if to say "Hello". I watch it tumble and roll. They say no two waves are alike and I believe them... unique properties are the only consistency.

It's changed into a cloudless day. The bright warm sun keeps me under the umbrella. It feels wonderful to be here.

My compadres join me, huddled in a family circle, sharing memories. I sit in silence and eat my chicken gyros and stare into the sea. A few dolphin make an appearance and brighten an already perfect day.

It's time for a nap. I sprawl out onto the sand and use it to cradle my body. I drift away. When I awake I warm my bones in the sun before taking a plunge in the icy ocean. The sea is calm. I approach the water... brrrrr.... 1st response. Ummmmm... 2nd response. Ahhhhhhh..... 3rd response. The cold feels good on my face... my body is numb.

The day ends with champagne at sunset. We toast to many memories that have graced us throughout the week. Laughter fills the air and joins with the sound of seagulls... gratitude all around.

A day at the beach... I recommend it. Be well.... NMT

P.S. Happy 4th of July one and all.

Just Ask

Nancy T's blog — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:34:00 GMT

I was recently reading from my first book, One Of Eight–my perspective on our brother’s suicide*, when I came across the following words... “Asking is important.” As the words registered, I realized how significant asking can be to fulfill my desires.

Many people “think” that others should know what they want or need. After-all, they have been together for X-amount of years. But, why assume someone should know what you need or want... they have their own lives to live.

Personally, I have difficulty knowing what I fancy all of the time. It takes me awhile to figure out my own thoughts and desires. If I had to calculate everything for everyone in my life I would be exhausted. Plus, I would only be guessing what I “think” they want. Taking the guess work out of a relationship is imperative to healthy growth.

I have to admit that asking is not always easy. In the dream that brought asking to the surface in my book, I found that when I asked I was not alone in life... that help was near.... that love surrounded me. A message like that makes asking much easier. Simplify life... ask for what you need. Be well... Nancy T.

* To purchase books please visit www.naturalmassagetherapy.com

Stillness

Nancy T's blog — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 05:46:00 GMT

Stillness within chaos is probably the most difficult thing to obtain, but it is a noble goal. To be still and peaceful in a mellow environment is equally as beautiful but not quite as challenging.

I’ve just spent the last few weeks in a rather chaotic state, especially compared to my life in Prescott. I’ve recently returned from the WINDY CITY, Chi-town, Chicago! Talk about a change of pace. "GO HAWKS!!!"

Travel alone is enough to rock anyone’s world. Normally, it is a state of “hurry up” and “wait”. This trip it was wait, wait, wait... get off my plane, try again tomorrow. Although travel is time consuming, I have learned how to do it in a relative state of peace. I send peace ahead of me once my plans are in order to pave the way. And then I sit back, make myself as comfortable as possible and "let go". What else can you do?

The energy in a BIG city is quite different than in a small town. There is a frenzy that comes with more people... it reminds me of watching ants on a newly exposed hill... scurrying everywhere to rebuild and protect what is theirs.

In the past, I sat back and watched the masses. I had small interactions, but I kept my space and my place on the edge of the crowd. Little by little the ants surrounded me. It was time to join the colony or remain an outsider. I joined in and felt my heart accelerate with each step. This trip I had to colonize quickly after losing a day due to a cancelled flight... there were people to see, places to go. Fortunately, it wasn’t all a blur.

Alone in the morning and late at night, I took measures to put my unwinding expertise into play. I felt my heart settle and my breath calm... I was home with myself. That is stillness to me... a sense of home. It’s never too far away.

Being surrounded by family and friends is a gift as well as a strain. It’s never easy to fit in all of the people, places, and things I’d like to accomplish. I’ve learned to do what feels good to me, to see who I need to see, to be where I need to be and the rest just falls into place. That takes the pressure off and it makes room for stillness to seep in. Joy and love replace the feelings of chaos as I embrace all that I have and all that I am.

It’s not easy to be still in chaos, but it is possible. Time for my hammock. Be well... Nancy T.

Change

Nancy T's blog — Sun, 23 May 2010 22:14:00 GMT

Do you ever wonder why we want change so bad but we do little to create change?

I think fear gets in the way. We’d rather hang on (sometimes for dear life) to what we know, to what we have, then take any steps toward change. Yet, we know that it is INSANE to do the same thing over and over again and expect different results.

It has taken me years and years to change certain patterns*. The patterns were so deep that they just kept reappearing and I’d be sort of surprised... “like, what are you doing here?” But, of course, we were old friends. The patterns aren’t gone, I just choose not to follow them any longer. I have found a new leader so to speak.

Sometimes we need to move across country and leave everything behind to obtain change. That works to a certain extent because we are no longer in the same environment doing the same thing day after day, week after week. On the other hand, no matter where we go “we” are still there. And eighty percent of our thoughts are thoughts that we had previously.

Change takes persistence. Each time an old pattern is recognized it becomes an opportunity to change. We may need to physically take our bodies and do something completely different. The key to success is stepping out and facing the fear and doubt.

To create change we need to change... it’s that simple.

As Einstein said, “I must be willing to give up what I am in order to become what I will be.”

Cha, Cha, Cha, Changes.... give em’ a whirl. Be well... Nancy T.

* Patterns and Holistic Therapy can be found at www.naturalmassagetherapy.com – Articles ~ Art of Therapy.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Nancy T's blog — Sun, 09 May 2010 04:50:00 GMT

Although I am not a “mother” in the traditional sense, I surely have done plenty of mothering in my life. Mostly, I mother myself, but mothering is far-reaching.

When I think of mothering the first word that comes to mind is CARING. At least that is what my mother showed me, even when I didn’t deserve her love and care. She continued to care for me in good times and in bad. In recent years, when I have apologized for my poor, immature behavior she chuckled and said, “You were hurting, I just wanted you to feel better.” That statement alone shows how much my mother has shouldered for my sake.

I thought of being a mother. When I didn’t actually birth a child, I looked at what I did give birth to and my books* immediately came to mind. They are my children, the things I value and want to share with the world. I long for them to reach out to people and show them all of their goodness, all that they have to give.

Similar to raising children, I have to be patient, aware, look for opportunities, open my eyes to new ideas, and learn from my mistakes in how I present myself around them (lord knows how parents can embarrass you). Eventually, I have to let them go out into the world and see where they land. To see what adventures they can experience, what opportunities are waiting for them.

Mothering is a tough job. I honor every mother out there for taking part in caring and loving their children... human or otherwise.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!! Be well... Nancy T.

* For more information on my babies please visit www.naturalmassagetherapy.com.

Bodywork

Nancy T's blog — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 06:39:00 GMT

When I say that I am a “bodyworker” I have gotten some strange looks. I feel my statement is clear, but I see confusion register on other’s brow. One person said, “Like you work on bodies?” I said, “Exactly.”

I guess I figure people are familiar with bodywork because I feel everyone should receive it on a regular basis. I myself have recently made a personal contract to get bodywork every month. My muscles need to be worked, my tissues need to be awakened, my head needs to be given some space, and I need to be on the table instead of over it. It is a great commitment to myself. I know that the money will be there and the right therapist will appear at the moment I need them.

It’s bizarre how we treat our bodies. We respect so many “things” over our body AND we spend more on things than ourselves. Yet, the body is our home and transportation 24/7. It is what we live in, breath in, occupy; it takes us where we want to go, it pumps blood to let us do what we need, it provides a computer like none other that is programmed to regulate our temperature, keep us balanced, allow us to think (sometimes)... on and on. And most of us ignore all of it.... until it stops doing something OR we hurt it. Then, watch out because we whine like little babies.

Sometimes injury or illness force us to look at the body. Our eyes become clear and focused because we want what is missing. For myself, when I broke my right arm my world was turned upside down... how the heck do you brush your teeth with your left arm much less write a sentence?

Bodywork, working the body in a pleasant atmosphere, with loving touch, feeling the tissue that remembers everything is nothing short of AWESOME.

Some people wait until they hurt or something is bothering them. I used to be one of them. Then I had a session when I had no complaints. What happened surprised me... I went deeper within, I found more of me and I felt terrific.

Money seems to be the biggest thing that keeps people from bodywork, but it is just one of many excuses. Heck, if we felt good money might be easier to come by. When we feel good everything is simpler. Take away your health and really watch your money go out the window.

Recently a client, who was feeling incredible after a session, stated, “Just think of how many treatments I could get for the money I will spend on a medical test.” Well, since tests are in the thousands I’d say PLENTY. We shall see where he puts his dollars and sense.... ha,ha!

Bodywork... it’s good for the body and great for the soul. Do yourself a favor... call your favorite therapist and make your day. Be well... Nancy T.

Writing for your HEALTH

Nancy T's blog — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 03:54:00 GMT

Recently I’ve been thinking about gathering people to write... for their health. This morning I thought, why not open this avenue to people online? So here it is... writing for your health.

As an author, writing is something that I do. It feeds me, it gives me a place to express myself, it reveals hidden thoughts, it helps me to explore haunting thoughts, it has opened countless doors. Writing takes things from the internal world (my mind) and brings them to the external world (physical realm).

I have been in the company of many people who find writing a chore. Mostly, they feel this way because they think that their words need to be perfect. The thing they fail to realize is that words are always perfect when they come from your heart.

The head has many things to share as well, and sometimes we don’t want to hear it. Usually, these are the things that we need to clear so that our hearts can be heard. Heady thoughts are typically circular.... they go round and round and never seem to end. I call it record player head... a generational term.

The record that plays has an unpleasant tune.... usually it goes like this... you should, you could, you didn’t... blah, blah, blah! This is where the meat is... where we can grow and change. It’s rare that the record plays a beautiful, supportive song... but I love when it does.

My most recent record spun a melody of FEAR... frightening and ugly. I discovered an old family pattern... that is through writing about it and exploring it. I not only separated from others, I separated from myself and then bashed the F out of me. Writing helped me to uncover the mess of unpleasant thoughts and feelings. In turn, I was able to feel what I was feeling and release what was NOT working for me. Writing gave me a place to see what was spinning in my head. Once it was out in the physical realm I could read it, I could see the lies that were twirling around on my internal album. The thoughts no longer spun in the grooves of my skull, the notes appeared on the pages in front of me.

So, there it is, writing for my health. It has worked for me time and time again. I encourage clients to do this all the time but fear of what might come out keeps them from it. At this time, I am opening the door to all of you... to write for your health. What you write does not need to be shared, however, what you learn, your struggles as well as your triumphs, are certainly welcome to be shared.

Take a moment in the next week or so to write down a few of your thoughts. See what your mind is telling you, feel what your heart has to say, understand what your soul really needs. If you have something to share please feel free to write to me at 4therapy@naturalmassagetherapy.com... you’ll be glad you did. Be well... Nancy T.

Speak Up

Nancy T's blog — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 04:36:00 GMT

In the last two weeks I have done two speaking engagements. Although that may not seem like a lot, they both affected me deeply.

When I was working on my memoir, Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life,* it felt as though every word was etched into my brain. Each and every period and comma sizzled my gray matter like bacon on a griddle. Once the book was complete, I put it down and didn’t really look back until recently... approximately six months later. I can’t say that I forgot what was there, but it surely changed. Plus, there was no longer a select few reading about my life’s journey, the entire world had access.

Even after writing and publishing two books,* identifying myself as an author is a bit strange. Prior to the publication of books being the goal, I wrote only for me. To allow personal details to spread throughout the world unlocked many doors. Suddenly people had questions and made comments about my life and my journey. Since my ultimate goal is to educate people, to shift our present health care model, answering questions is a part of the gig.

Speaking engagements, readings and/or talks, has added a new twist. As I mentioned earlier, I knew my material well. The surprises came when I read aloud from my book. All of the sudden I was like an outsider reading my story while simultaneous RELIVING my life. It was like... wow, I really hurt myself!

Reading the first page of chapter one to my audience captures the crowd immediately... it is a BIG “grab” so to speak. Having lived it and reading the powerful words that describe it literally took my voice away. My throat became scratchy, my chest ached and I went inward. I’m still dealing with the after effects.

Although this has been a real drag, the gift it has given me is the knowledge that this is not some story that has NO effect on me, it deeply moves me to this day. Don’t get me wrong, I am not reliving my past, rehashing all of the trauma and drama. I am seeing and feeling, witnessing and observing, expressing and churning around my life. I am FINALLY feeling how big my fall was, how far I have come, how many people have loved and supported me, how awesome my body heals, how rich I truly am in my life. Presently, it’s overwhelming.

At the Professional Writers of Prescott (PWP) meeting last Wednesday I read to the group. Although I have attended meetings for over a year, that reading allowed many members and audience participants to know me on a whole other level. The feedback was incredible, and it felt wonderful. Ironically, my mom was there. It felt almost poetic. I took the opportunity to lock into her eyes and acknowledge her and all that she did for me. Tears welled in her eyes. Her strength and unending love is the foundation in which I based my recovery. I didn’t know that then, but I certainly know it NOW!

Speaking up is not an easy thing to do. Public speaking is no cake-walk for me either. And yet, the gifts keep coming as I stand up and tell my story, as I share my life with others, as I open my heart and breathe in all that I have, all that I am and all that is waiting for me. It inspires me to keep speaking up. Be well... Nancy T.

P.S. Keep an eye out for You Tube videos of the events.

* To learn more or to purchase Nancy’s book go to www.naturalmassagetherapy.com.

Health care ~ A non-political view

Nancy T's blog — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:18:00 GMT

Health care... to me these are two separate words that have been united in society incorrectly. We bunch so much into what we call health care that there is little care in our health programs.

I care for my health each and every day. I do things that support my care and well-being. I meditate, I swim, I write, I work out, I hike, I do therapy, I eat well, I release my emotions, I clear my mind... I care for my health.

To me, this is the most precious gift. It feels wonderful and it lifts me up so that I can participate in this world to my greatest ability. I have often said, “It doesn’t matter how long I live as long as I live fully and graciously.”

It is such a gift to have great genes (not blue jeans) that contribute to terrific health. I feel blessed by the health that I feel each and every day. Back in 1982, I tested my body. After busting it apart, I had the opportunity to put it back together in a way that supports me and the way I choose to live. Not everyone has had a similar opportunity, and I wouldn’t recommend falling off a cliff any time soon, but it has worked for me. Losing my nervous system and feeling again has given me a deeper understanding of care from so many angles.

I do feel health care is a personal responsibility, however, we all need help from another now and then. In my practice, I see and feel many things in people that do not support health, so I do my best to guide them toward it. Health is the greatest gift that we have.... watch worlds crumble without it. To care about it is even greater. It spreads the love and makes us want to be here quite a bit more than dis-ease.

Health care is AWESOME, when we care enough to be healthy. Be well.... Nancy T.

P.S. Please feel free to share your views on health care here or as a fan of Natural Massage Therapy on Facebook. No politics... PLEASE.

Acceptance... a long word for a reason.

Nancy T's blog — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:39:00 GMT

It takes a l o n g time to accept some things in life. I have been focused on acceptance a great deal these days. Some times, things are easy to accept... some things take time to accept.

Personally, my greatest challenge is SELF acceptance. Playing with that one is a huge process for me. Yet each time that I accept a part of me, it is like calling pieces home, which makes me feel whole. In turn, my personal power increases and I am better able to accept whatever challenges life presents.

Expectations stand in the way of acceptance. When I expect something from someone and they don’t live up to my expectation, I am disappointed. Of course, I would like every situation or relationship to play out the way it feels right to me. But, deep down I know there is no room for growth there. Challenges present an opportunity to expand my acceptance of life... to step outside of my comfort zone.

Acceptance is to receive what is offered. To accept me is to receive me. All of me, the good, the bad and the ugly. For the most part, I am a good person. I’m a better person when I accept all of me. I make a conscious effort to step into my day with gratitude and acceptance. It doesn’t always stay with me throughout my day, but I reflect upon acceptance and what might be keeping me from it. I was born a strong-minded person, an independent person. Sometimes that separates me from others. Yet my mind is what brings me back to situations, to reexamine what happened and to see where acceptance fits in for me.

Not all of life is received favorably. It is tough to accept some things. In those times, we must accept what we cannot change or change our attitude toward it. To accept what is offered is not always easy. I feel we need to look inside to see if it takes more energy to hold on to it, or if it is best to simply let it go... to accept what is. Either way, we will have an answer for ourselves.

A C C E P T A N C E... it’s only as long as we make it. NMT

L O V E is in the AIR...

Nancy T's blog — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:59:00 GMT

I love LOVE. I remember when I was growing up and I’d say... I love my bike or I love that TV show or I love playing basketball. Each time that I would express my love for something my dad would say, “You LOVE it?” I’d backdown and say, “Ok, maybe I REALLY like it... but now I know it was L O V E.

Love comes in many forms. My dad seems to think that love is reserved for people only, but I disagree. I love so many things in life... absorbing the sun, catching the yellow hue of the full moon, gazing at the stars, listening to the ocean, swimming in the Caribbean Sea, hiking in the forest, watching the flowers blossom, taking in blue Arizona skies, being with friends and family, sitting on the porch and feeling the heat of the sun on my skin in the middle of winter... on and on! I do love it all and so much more.

Love is an intense feeling. I have fully experienced love and the intensity of it from all of the above mentioned forms. What a gift.

Of course there is also romantic love. Tis’ the season... Happy Valentine’s Day!

My valentine tradition is to step beyond chocolates and flowers, to feel the love that I have in my life. It feels good to feel LOVE. My heart sings as love titillates all of my cells. What could be better?

P.S. I L O V E getting cards... thanks Patty, Ma and Dad.

FUN

Nancy T's blog — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 01:17:00 GMT

     Have you had any FUN lately? If not, what's stopping you?
     Personally, I had a fun afternoon. I met my friends, Audrey & Dana, for lunch. Dana asked for a date to talk about my books.* The fun began as I sat and listened to how my words were fully absorbed by my friend. Dana reflected upon the depth of my book regarding my brother’s death. Each of us shared how writing has impacted our lives. Eventually, Dana aimed his questions in the direction of Polarity Therapy and Unwinding Therapy.* Stories and examples poured forth. I truly enjoyed (in joy) having an audience who was interested in my stories and touched by them.
     My fun continued with some therapy. A client called yesterday in a great deal of pain. We worked out a time and we had a great session together. I love to play with therapy. I listened to her history and then I dove into the story her body longed to communicate. Sometimes the stories match, other times they tell two tales. Work is play for me and I feel so fortunate to have fun with my work.
    A walk in the neighborhood with Beth completed my day of fun. Just as we were headed for home Beth pointed to the sky and said, “Look.” There it was, a HUGE yellow moon... taking that in was a fun way to end the day.
     Last week, after a few major snow storms, I had fun walking around in the snow. Our first trip around the neighborhood was extremely wet as water gushed through the streets. The creek at the end of the road overflowed near the run-off. Beth asked, “Where’s the bridge, wait, we must be in the wrong place?” I said, “It’s right there under all of those tree branches and water.” I pointed out a small section of the bridge displaying its wooden construct. It was fun to see water in Arizona; flowing and changing the landscape.
     Two days later, with bright blue skies, people were out and about. The melting stage had begun. We decided to walk into town for lunch. Without a sidewalk to keep us safe, we only made it to the Mexican restaurant down the street. Both of us were happy to be safe, warm, and well fed. As we made our way home we smiled when we saw two adults having fun making a snowman. Great packing snow was the consensus. The white stuff can bring out the kid in all of us.
     Fun comes in many forms. The thing is to notice fun and play in your life. That makes life worth living. If you aren’t the happiest kid in the park, go out there and have some FUN. Be well... Nancy T.

* Books & therapy information available at www.naturalmassagetherapy.com

Life or Death

Nancy T's blog — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:43:00 GMT

Do you want to live? Are you living your life to the fullest? If not, what is keeping you from having the life you deserve?

These are some BIG questions. I recently had a client who said, “For the first time in my life I feel like I want to live. I have been going through life without that desire for over sixty years.”

This may seem odd to some people and familiar to others. How do you go through life NOT wanting to live... NOT wanting to be here? Look around, I’m sure you will notice the difference between the two groups in faces surrounding you now.

As I have matured, I reflect upon life more fully. I see that I never really thought about wanting to live, I just went through my days as they unfolded. In high times, life felt “worth living”; in low times, I questioned my existence and felt that I could “off” myself at anytime. (That’s a little Chicago talk).

Many people walk this earth waiting to leave. They do not tend to stop and smell the roses nor do they really care to do so. Life is hard, life is a burden, and so it is. I’ve had client’s talk about suicide*, but karma keeps them from pulling the trigger and blowing away the gift of life.

On the flip side of the coin we have those begging to live... who would give anything to have more quality time on this planet.

Today I choose life. I’m grateful for my choice and for what this day will bring to me and for what I will contribute as well. We’ve all heard the saying, “Life is short.” I know that no matter how long or how short my life is I will live it as fully as possible. I will step up to the challenges presented to me and I will experience life through my bodily sensations because that is what my spirit deems necessary and what I am here to do.... to feel life, to taste life, to smell life, to hear life, to touch life.

No matter which side of the coin you fall on, make today a day worth living and then see what tomorrow brings. Be well.... Nancy T.

* One Of Eight–my perspective on our brother’s suicide available at www.naturalmassagetherapy.com

Gratitude

Nancy T's blog — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Wow, 20 -10... Happy New Year!!!

Closed out 2009 in a mellow fashion, yet I am filled with gratitude for the year, for what I accomplished in 2009... namely publishing my second book... Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life. Although my excitement was short lived (with marketing taking precedence), I have experienced the richness of my initial glee and a deep gratitude for finally getting my words, my story out to the world. I'm grateful for continued book sales that allow me to make a sizable donation to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

In December I visited my cousin Jackie (JJ) who is the person who really taught me about gratitude. JJ is 28 years my senior, yet we connect on many levels. When she was in a terrible car wreck in 1993 I decided to move out west to help her recover. In that time, I found gratitude.

JJ is a person who sees beauty in nearly everything. She sees the grace in a southwestern sunset, the awe of Yosemite, the bliss in a child’s face. When our paths first crossed I thought, “She’s kidding right, how can she think that everything is great?” But the more time we spent together, the more I gave things a second look. I paused to see the sky and the stars and the mountains and people. And I became grateful for the experience.

Gratitude is something that changes my ATTITUDE. My friend Ozzie used to say, “You have a bad attitude!” He was right. In my youth, I was so angry and frustrated that I didn’t see nor allow myself to feel gratitude.

Presently, I find that when I feel gratitude in my day my attitude takes on a warm quality. My day progresses in an easy fashion. I talk to people from my heart and not my head. I communicate with life. I am grateful to be here. With gratitude I drop the “attitude” and life simply flows. AND for that I am so grateful.... Nancy T.

Visit www.naturalmassagetherapy.com to purchase books, read articles, and obtain therapy or class information.

Welcome

Nancy T's blog — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:34:05 GMT

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.