Hello Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers. I wanted to reach out to you with regard to what is happening to our profession in the wake of the Corona Virus. I know this is a scary time and you have had to make some really tough decisions. I know there has been confusion and a great deal of stress.

I know that you have a home to keep going, and that you have kids, pets, rent, groceries, student loans, medical bills, car payments, insurance etc. to pay for, and being without your income is devastating and scary.

I understand that many of you have had to negotiate ethical dilemmas because your clients or employers wanted you to continue but you knew that the potential to do harm was real, and you had to disappoint others who did not understand and that some of you had to risk losing your job because your employer had sketchy ethics and greed.

I know you are trying to figure out how to make ends meet for the next however long it will be to make your life work. I’m so sorry that you have to go through this difficulty.

What I want to shine a light on for you is that your career will be stronger than ever once we make it through this challenging time. This pandemic which is forcing people not to touch one another is clearly showing the entire world the crucial power of, and need for touch. I know this clarity will prove to empower our ability to serve in a much greater capacity than ever before once we arrive to our new world post Covid-19.

Take heart. You are one of the best people because you chose a career of service to your fellow human beings. You chose to touch people for a living. You chose to hold space for people so that they have a chance to practice self-care and come back to themselves. You chose to learn and embody the knowledge of the organization of the body. You chose to learn how to make people feel safe enough to be completely vulnerable with you. You chose to honor all people and offer unconditional positive regard for them. You chose a righteous profession and one where you are not alone but part of a larger community of encouraging helpers and positive wavemakers.  Your heart and hands are pure gold.

It is going to be okay. Put your house in order the best way you can. Ask for help as you need it. Rest well. Take care of you and yours. Offer the compassion that you offer to your clients to yourself in this time of waiting and please, practice self care because you will be on the front lines of the chronic stages of recovery from the pandemic for the masses. You are going to be needed so much in a short while…more than ever before. And so, be creative in the face of adversity and do what you know best… breathe.