A River Between

I took some time today to order all the books I needed for classes for which I’m registered. Being in a very non-traditional graduate program, I’m really enjoying the freedom I have to explore a range of topics, and then synthesize them into learning projects and experiences.

In all, I think I’m on an interesting and evolving path with my graduate program in Human Development at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. I’m beginning to see how I would like to integrate the “whole” of my studies. A large part of me wishes to teach, and to “plant seeds” within our current educational structures. So much of the Self-Discovery and finding of our unique purpose in this life is missing from education at all levels. I feel that we’re relegated to questions as “What kind of job can I get with this training?” , when the bigger questions of “How can I find my abundant and fulfilling purpose in this world?” are never considered.

Anyway, here’s a peek for you all at my “Reading List” for the next 8 months.

Recovering the Sacred: The Power of Naming and Claiming, by Winona LaDuke

Permaculure: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability, by David Holmgren

Under a Flaming Sky: The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894
by Daniel James Brown

Teaching Toward Freedom, by William Ayers

Real Lives: Eleven Teenagers Who Don’t Go to School Tell Their Stories, by Grace Llewellyn

The Teenage Liberation Handbook, by Grace Llewellyn

Teacher, by Sylvia Ashton-Warner

Walden by Henry David Thoreau

Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau

The Spirit’s Terrain by Christopher Childs

The Legacy of Luna by Julia Butterfly Hill

Loaves and Fishes by Dorothy Day

Over the weekend, Michael and I went to his family’s cabin area near Sandstone, MN. This has been a great retreat for us this year, and every time we go there, the scenery changes. This time, when we arrived, Michael’s mother was busy creating a labyrinth.

This was a great culmination, since back in May, I went on a labyrinth tour as part of a conference. As well, just a few weeks ago, Michael and his mom went on their own labyrinth tour around the twin cities. This was enough to spark interest in building one at “the farm”. With everyone pitching in, we were able to complete this small, four-circuit labyrinth in one day.

I’ve posted photos and a little tutorial on “How to build a labyrinth” on my Flickr photo space. Enjoy!

Now that fall is here, and I’m not riding my bike as much, I thought it would be appropriate to catch people up on what’s happening in life in general.

About a month ago, I started sharing an office space with a couple other massage therapists in the Uptown area of Minneapolis. It was a bold move, but I have to say that it’s going well. I’m there on Wednesdays all day. I’ve also been seeing quite a few people in my space at home, as well as traveling out on occasion to give massages. One of the great ways I’ve found to find new clients is to post ads on Craig’s List. What I usually do is offer a small discount for times during the late morning and early afternoon, as those times are the toughest to fill for massage therapists, as many people want evening appointments. Plus, to get your name out and people to walk in your door, I think that you have to be creative, and you have to be willing to GIVE as well as receive. Not everyone can afford a massage all of the time. I’d rather find a way to keep a client coming back at an affordable price than to only insist that everyone pay me $60 or more an hour.

So what is my approach to massage and bodywork?

I get asked that question a lot, and I love to answer it! I’m seeing a lot of the massage industry leaning toward more medical and retail models, which doesn’t necessarily please me. I believe that you need to treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. People come as they are, and they shouldn’t encounter yet another person wishing to impose “treatment plans” or sell them the latest and greatest product. They should feel nurtured, and their relaxation should unfold naturally. It should never be forced. My approach to massage can probably be most correlated with that of Esalen Massage. I use long and integrating strokes, connecting the body as a whole, incorporating elements of Acupressure and Reiki (a hands on energy technique) throughout the massage. I can use deep or light pressure, and often do both when giving a massage.

To learn more, go to my massage website - A Peaceful Touch.