Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/329694
I t p a y s t o b e A B M P C e r t i f i e d : w w w. a b m p . c o m / g o / c e r t i f i e d c e n t r a l 87 healing experiences, where they can feel their emotions without reacting to yours. However, I also believe that if we are to fully understand massage and bodywork, we have to recognize there are two human beings involved in the process—two parties working toward a common goal. This duality means the therapist's emotions are also valid. You cannot remove them from your own being. A facet of emotional fitness is being aware that you bring your emotions with you into the therapeutic environment. Being aware of, and controlling, your own emotions is key. It is not our job to help clients feel positive emotions. It is far more productive to be present, aware, and emotionally fit enough to be able to allow clients to have their own experience, while you have yours. Certainly, it does not hurt to approach your client from an emotional state of connection, peace, gratitude, or joy. It does not mean you have failed if your client does not reach a similar state. Your positive vibration will be felt regardless of anything you say or do. Remember, it is not your job to fix anyone emotionally. All you have to do is be with them and hold space for them. Emotional fitness allows you to be aware of where you are in your own self so you can make good decisions about how to approach your client. Simply being able to tell the difference between which emotions are coming from you, and which emotions are your client's, will help you better serve your client. DAILY EMOTIONAL FITNESS PRACTICES There are many ways to stay emotionally fit. The particular recipe for each individual will be slightly different. Following are some ways to get started. Create a Gratitude Journal The daily practice I find the most useful is keeping a gratitude journal. I have a little memo pad in my kitchen, and every day I write the date on the top of a page and make a list of at least three things I am grateful for that day. It's like a vitamin pill for my soul. Gratitude is one of the quickest ways to increase emotional fitness. Work Toward Physical Fitness Another thing that keeps me emotionally fit is physical movement. I love practicing yoga, walking, dancing, or doing a 20-minute session on the elliptical machine. Movement, connected with breathing, is naturally stress- relieving and helps get me out of my head and into my body. Staying physically healthy is important for emotional fitness because the body is the vehicle for our emotions. Imagine how much easier it is to maintain positive emotion in a body that is healthy and functioning well, compared to a body in pain or disease. This is one of the reasons massage therapy is so beneficial. As our bodies begin to feel better and we release physical pain, the easier it is for us to get in touch with our true emotions of joy and happiness.