My First Blog

"Why blog?" I ask myself. I honestly have no idea. I rarely even read other people's blogs. But lately I've been telling myself that it would be a good thing to start writing down my thoughts. I have this vague idea that someday I might like to write a book -- only I don't really have any clue right now what that book might be about. Fiction? Doubtful. Non-fiction is more likely...but on what subject? I don't know right now, but maybe if I just start writing about stuff, something will emerge. Maybe. You never know unless you try, right?

Anyway, I recently became a licensed massage therapist in Texas and am in the process of building a business so that I can eventually be fully and happily (?) self-employed. Though I'm technically new to the business, I have actually been giving massages for more than 10 years -- I just didn't get paid for it. My partner, Troy, with whom I have spent almost 10 glorious (and occasionally dramatic) years, has in many ways been my best teacher as he has consistently been my most challenging client. Troy has dealt with quite a number of chronic physical issues over the years, including spinal surgery on both his cervical and lumbar regions.

In addition to his various and competing physical symptoms, which I won't discuss here in any detail, he is also blessed (or perhaps cursed) with extremely dense muscle and fascia, which makes the deep massage work he likes so much a real challenge for me. In order to provide him with the pain relief he seeks, I have been continually challenged over the years to find ways to use my body to get to the deepest layers of muscle and fascia while also protecting my hands and body from burnout. I am happy to say that he now considers me his favorite massage therapist (and he's not just saying that because I'd kill him if he didn't!).

For me, this has resulted in developing very strong hands and a fine attention to technique, while also deepening my knowledge and understanding of the body and how everything works together.

I could go on and on about this...and perhaps I will, as I now have a blog! Suffice it to say, I am so excited about doing massage, and I look forward to taking all the continuing education classes I can possibly afford. There is really nothing right now that gives me greater joy and satisfaction, and I really hope that my clientele will build quickly. I love connecting with people on this kind of intimate level (and professional massage IS intimate, so don't read anything nasty into that, please!), I enjoy the feeling of using my body to help heal another body, and I get really excited about deepening my understanding of anatomy and physiology. Sometimes think maybe I should have gone into medicine from the start....

I am constantly surprised at how much I love doing what I do. Surprised, I guess, because for many years I studied to be a professional opera singer (perhaps I'll discuss more about that later on), so you would think that I would really miss the music, the applause, the spotlight, etc. And sometimes I do. But the truth is, I never really LOVED performing. To me, performing was a necessary evil -- and extremely anxiety producing. What I really enjoyed about it (aside from the music itself -- Wagner rules!) was the rehearsing. That may sound strange, until you realize that most of the creativity happened (at least for me) in the rehearsal studio. I loved working with a partner or ensemble and sharing energy back and forth. So, in an odd way, massage gives me that feeling of creativity and energetic sharing without the strain and anxiety of performing in front of an audience.

Again, don't get me started, or this first blog may just turn into that book I was talking about! I may continue this discussion on other days, or may just post random thoughts, musings, shockingly shoddy attempts at poetry, or whatever. No matter what it is, though, it's going to be a view into me -- where I am in that moment -- and it will be as honest as possible. Will anyone care? I can't imagine why they would. But I'm going to do it anyway. Maybe I'll be surprised.

Oh, and please check out my Web site if you have a chance. I do business out of my home studio under the name Your Body in Harmony [conveniently also the title of this blog ;-) ]. And if you're in Houston or plan to visit and would like a fantastic massage, drop me a line!

In harmony,

Joseph