Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1276187
"Have you heard?" she asked. "There was a bombing in London today, just about an hour ago." She sat down in a chair facing the television, and it was clear we were not going to start the session right away, as her attention was completely on the unfolding scene in London. I sat down as well, and we both watched in silence. Several minutes passed. "I just performed there two weeks ago," she said, breaking the silence. "I love London; it's a home away from home for me. It is painful to see such suffering in a city I love so much. This is so sad." We sat in silence for several minutes until she spoke again. "This is such a helpless feeling. With this level of suffering and inhumanity in the world right now, going to sing some songs for people tonight hardly seems important at a time like this. I wish I could do something to make more of a difference." With that, she turned off the television and I set up my table. She described to me her musculoskeletal discomfort and together we problem-solved an appropriate treatment strategy. After the work began, there was a long period of silence as I was focused on the work and she was in a quiet place of interoception. She happened to be lying supine and at one point I could see her facial expression completely change. It was as though she had suddenly awakened from a dream. "You know what?" she said. "The world needs the arts now more than ever. If I can bring a sense of humanity, a celebration of the human spirit into the world this evening, that is the way I can contribute best. Even if it is for just this one group of people—for just one evening—it is still bringing some good into the world in the best way I know how. You have to be there this evening. This concert is going to be very special." It was indeed a special and moving evening. For me personally, it was an amazing feeling to sit in the audience and witness her deep commitment in the ability of her art form to affect people in a positive manner. It was made all the more powerful having witnessed her doubt and personal struggle earlier that very same day. Before her encore, she made reference to the bombing and the value of the arts in times like these, and for one brief moment, we made eye contact. I walked out of the concert, surrounded by smiling people who were inspired and uplifted. In a world that too often seems in turmoil, massage therapy can foster peace, goodness, and caring humanity. In the massage therapy room, therapist and client are immersed in a safe space that fosters a celebration of the human spirit, a very special shared experience. The world could use a lot more of it. Douglas Nelson is the founder and principal instructor for Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars, president of the 16-therapist clinic BodyWork Associates in Champaign, Illinois, and president of the Massage Therapy Foundation. His clinic, seminars, and research endeavors explore the science behind this work. Visit www.nmtmidwest.com, or email him at doug@nmtmidwest.com. C h e c k o u t A B M P P o c k e t P a t h o l o g y a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / a b m p - p o c k e t - p a t h o l o g y - a p p . 21 TABLE LESSONS In a world that too often seems in turmoil, massage therapy can foster peace, goodness, and caring humanity.