Abstain From Fear

Meditation

March 8th, 2022

Photo Credit: Jason Randolph

A “sort-of” guide for getting the most out of your mediation while raising tiny humans.

As parents, we don’t exactly get much quiet time. Especially with active toddlers around. That can make sticking to mediation routines difficult.

Meditation, in my experience, is not a one size fits all. It can be easy to get caught up with what you think should be happening during meditation, instead of accepting your position in your journey as it is.

Here are 3 big things that help me try to stay on track with my mental status while staying at home with an active 4 year old. 🤪

1. Find small times to stay in the moment.

• Alot of meditation is becoming completely aware of what is happening inside yourself and outside of your body.

• Staying aware in a moment can be very healing. Take advantage of some of the more mundane tasks such as, washing your hands. Think to yourself, how does the water feel, how does the soap smell, wonder how any tiny bubbles are in the suds.

Small moments like this matter! Getting your brain to focus on one thing is healthy. If your mind still wanders, that’s OK too! Remember there is no “right” way to meditate or stay in the moment. It’s customizable!

2. Accept thoughts you have, and let them go!

• Try not to beat yourself up about any thoughts you have. Because they are just that, thoughts. Think about it. Who is listening to those thoughts? 🤔

• It is okay to let thoughts come in and then politely let them leave. Thinking to yourself, “Thank you for that, you can go now”.

3. If you don’t do anything else, focus on your breath!

• Breathwork is incredibly healing. Controlling your breath, listening to the sound of air entering and leaving your body can have profound effects on your mood.

• There are tons of free guided meditations all over the internet! Pick a voice you like and set a timer. There aren’t any rules about how long you should meditate.

It seems these days, in our busy lives, the small moments are something we have to take advantage of!

I hope your next meditation is what ever you felt it should be!

Disclaimer: I am not meditation coach. These are just some of the practices that have worked for me.

-Kylie
Massage Therapy Pt. 2

March 5th, 2022

Photo credit: Jason Randolph

Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Doing for others makes humans feel good.

It should also be noted that giving too much of your energy away can be bad for your mental and physical health. Reserving your energy for things that are important is necessary.

Controversially, energy is a very useful tool in the massage world. But, even if you aren’t doing energy work in your sessions, you are still using up your physical and emotional bank. You are giving full attention to healing the body and soul you are working with.

Most clients that get massage are in for regular “maintenance”. Those are your weekly clients who are very active in their lives. Yoga instructors, physical therapists, doctors, nurses, and many other active professions.

You also get the clients that have their one day off for the month and just want to relax. Everyone who is on your table is seeking some sort of healing, even if it is just an hour break from their kids at home. It’s very important to listen to your client before the session and even more so, listen to their body during.

My favorite clients were the ones who fell asleep during the massage. To me that meant I was able to put them at ease and earn their trust enough that they were able to rest body and mind. Huge compliment to me!

Massage sessions were healing for me too. Oftentimes you give the advice you need to hear. At the end of every clients massage I would give recommendations for life in between massages. Drink water, stretch, rest and practice self care.

Early in my massage career I pushed myself further than I should have. I didn’t listen to my own advice. Some days I would block my schedule and pump out 8-9 massages a day. In school the instructors tell you to never do that! I quickly noticed what I was doing to my body and emptying my emotional bank. Most massage therapist don’t work past year 3. They blow out their thumbs, shoulders, backs, etc. Think of working out all day with limited breaks. I had to give my body a break. My massages were beginning to feel like work instead of helping a client to heal.

Well the universe listened and answered for sure. 2020 I received my “break”. The pandemic forced me to again, rethink my career. My daughters school closed and I had to make a choice.

Now I am a stay at home mom. My kiddo(s) are everything to me. I hope one day I can go back to massage. I miss it so much. But for now I will cherish the time I have with my little one.

Comment your favorite massage experience!

-Kylie
Massage Therapy Pt.1

March 4th, 2022

I used to be a massage therapist. I once thought it was the only thing I wanted to do with my life. Sometimes I still think it is my calling.

For years before I met my husband and had my daughter, I worked for a well known chain coffee shop. I worked the opening shift mostly as a shift supervisor. Mornings in the coffee industry can be hectic, rarely giving time to breathe, much less think. I adored my regular customers. Those customers, honestly are what kept me in coffee so long. I loved having their drinks ready before they even walked through the doors. Some of these customers became like family to me.

I was able to make their mornings easier and give them one constant they could look forward to. Coffee is a very religious act for many. Some had been drinking a morning cup of joe for as long as I had been alive.

Giving people a stress free coffee experience made me realize I loved seeing weight lifted from people.

I started to rethink my coffee career. I started to research and found one thing that spoke to me. Massage.

The idea of being in a serene, quiet environment sounded great after years of the chaotic coffee shop mornings.

I started to ask myself serious questions about if massage was for me. Could I stand touching other people all day? Was I strong enough? How would my body react?

I scheduled a tour for a school close to me hoping to get more info.

The school was small and the staff seemed amazing. I was in my element. I knew I was about to start my healing journey and I couldn’t wait to see what the future held for me.

To be continued..

-Kylie

Meditation

Massage Therapy Pt. 2

Massage Therapy Pt.1