Practice Mindfulness During a Massage

"Mindfulness" is not just a hype. It is necessary to be grounded in our fast and uncertain world. I encourage my clients to practice mindfulness during a massage.

What is being "Mindful"?

It is to be in the present moment, not the past, not the future. Just this moment. Now. You might have heard of Zazen - sitting meditation. That's what it is for. It is actually extremely difficult only to focus on the present moment. Your mind easily wanders off to thoughts of something like chores you have to do later.

How does it help?

If you are mindful during a massage, you will appreciate deeper relaxation because you're not distracted by your thoughts. It also provides insight about your own body such as tension and posture, and you become more aware of how comfortable or uncomfortable your body is before developing into chronic conditions.

It also helps you to reduce anxiety and stress and overcome with a sense of urgency that you have to do something immediately.

How can I be mindful?

When you get a massage, do NOT talk with your therapist unless you have to give them feedback on what they are doing. Then, just focus on the sensations you feel from a massage. You don't have to question or judge. Simply accept what it is, like warm, tingling, tension, tenderness. If you experience some pain (within your comfort), you can let the therapist know, but accept it as it is. Pain isn't good or bad. If you start thinking about something else, try to get your attention back to the sensation again.

You can also practice mindfulness anywhere. When you go for a walk, do not check your phone or listen to music. Instead, look around you. Notice shapes and colors of the trees, the smell of the air, the sound of birds, water, and wind, and the warmth of the sun. You are now in the moment.

Being mindful doesn't come naturally, so you have to learn to be mindful. Use a massage session as an opportunity to practice. You will be rewarded.