Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/969285
C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 79 direction. Part of what motivated me was my own bodyworker's willingness to hear every detail of what I was experiencing, offer me resources to learn more, and help me realize that even with limitations, I could have a fulfilling life with less pain if I would make some adjustments and commit to disciplined healing practices. HEALING THROUGH EMPATHY Empathy, the ability to encourage, listen to, and imagine the feelings and experiences of another, is powerful medicine. Sometimes people who are in pain don't look like they are in pain. When a person has been in pain for such a long time, they adapt and the pain becomes the norm. It can be tolerated by lack of attention to it and/or compensation around it, and everything appears just fine. I've had my story glossed over, because from the outside, I look fine. If someone tells you they are in pain, believe them. Take them seriously. Ask to hear their story. The story matters not only to your treatment and support of them, but also to the depth their own healing efforts can reach when they feel like someone understands. Ask them to describe their pain, as well as if, and how, it limits them. When and how did it start? What helps it feel better? What makes it hurt the most? Pay attention to their details as they report to you, and to how they express themselves. People can sense when another is paying attention to them, which opens a great pathway to honest communication and understanding. OUR UNIQUE OFFERING I'll be frank. We can't fix these challenges for our clients. While I believe in the body's ability to heal, I also accept that some damage can't be undone and some chronic pain never subsides completely. But it can be managed through a disciplined self-care effort. What we are able to uniquely provide as massage therapists and bodyworkers is a combination of in-depth knowledge of how the body works (especially the nervous system and its regulation of physical, mental, and emotional processes), an educated and compassionate human touch, an empathetic ear, and encouragement toward self-care practices. As I near the 10-year anniversary of this event that changed my life, I feel more gratitude than sorrow. It brought me to where I am now. My idea of adventure has changed, and when I do take part in shorter versions of previously enjoyed adventures, I know what to do before and after to keep pain at a manageable level. I only see a few massage clients, but it is an honor and privilege to offer a safe and sacred space for the few I am able to work with and help. I like to think my work reaches further now, because I educate on a large platform about the power of the roles of massage therapists, bodyworkers, and yoga practitioners to support people in pain. Together, we get to make a big difference to the health and well-being of those around us. These are beautiful gifts I will cherish forever, and I expect they will continue to evolve as they present themselves to me in new ways over time. My hope is to inspire you as others have taken the time to inspire me. I welcome your stories too! Cindy Williams, LMT, is a graduate support liaison for ABMP and has been actively involved in the massage profession since 2000 as a practitioner, school administrator, instructor, curriculum developer, and mentor. She maintains a private practice as a massage and yoga instructor. Contact her at cynthialynn@massagetherapy.com. The author says her yoga mat was a safe space to process both injuries and emotions during her recovery.