Rotator release!

This weekend I attended a class on releasing the rotator cuff.  A weakness in one of these muscles can cause pain in other areas of the shoulder, neck, arm or wrist.  To learn this subject, students practiced on each other.  We focused on locating each muscle and rocking the upper body to help relax the tight spots.  I was amazed at my shoulder's improved range of motion and how much better it felt after just one practice treatment.  If you experience pain around your shoulder, a few rotator cuff treatments might be beneficial; and to sweeten the deal, I will give you %30 off your first one!

Staying Sane this Season

This time of year, the to-do list just seems to get longer and longer!  How do we stay ahead of the game and  keep a calm attitude to enjoy the holiday cheer?  One day at a time.  Work on a little bit every day and remember to take care of yourself.  If you are worn out and trying to help others, how effective will you be?  Take some time to shut your eyes and clear your mind with a few deep breaths throughout the day.  Go to your special place.  You deserve it!

it's all about choices

Drama.  An event familiar to me growing up with four sisters.  There was never a moment when one of us wasn't creating it and sweeping the rest of us up with them.  When emotions are tender, things seem more personal and life feels upside down.  Recently, a friend posted Facebook: "Can't life just be drama free?"  I commented "yes."  Of course you can live drama free!  Choose to refuse drama.  People can ruin their lives by taking everything personally.  You can choose to take things personally, or you can choose to shrug it off, send out blessings for a good day, and carry on.  We all have choices in life, and living drama free is one of them.

when all else fails, forgive

I carry guilt about the way I've treated two of my oldest friends. 
With one, we have overcome how mean we were to each other and have moved on.  We still have our drama moments, but many times we both end up apologizing about it.  

The relationship with my other friend is still tender even into our thirties.  When emotionally challenged by the other, we fall into the same roles we had as teenagers.  When this happens, I feel  ashamed.  My intent was to approach the situation with compassion and love, but I end up sounding pushy and frustrated.  I want to tell her I'm on her side but the more I try to vocalize that, the more I get shut out.  The more I get shut out, the guiltier I feel about my inability to give her what she needs.

I try my best to make things right when maybe I don't need to make any thing.  Maybe I need to forgive myself and let the cards lay where they fall.  

When forgiveness occurs, there is room created for positive change.

Holistic Mission: to play

Just recently I learned how to hula hoop.  When I finally got that hoop to stay up above my hips I was all smiles!  I wanted to share this playful experience with others, so last night Moon Valley Therapy hosted a hula hoop making party.  When the hoops were assembled and taped, we went out and hooped on Broadway.  A lot of people were downtown, so we let passers by borrow hoops and we hooped all over the sidewalk and stood on the planter boxes on the corner.  People were honking and waving as they drove by with big smiles on their faces.  It was a great way to interact with people and spread some good clean fun!

Happy Birthday Moon!

A year ago today, Moon Valley Massage became a reality!  During this year, I worked two jobs, gradually putting more time into massage and less time into the City.  Yesterday was my last day working for the City of Columbia.  I am so grateful to have been a temporary employee with no benefits and a flexible schedule!  This allowed me to get used to paying for my own insurance, holidays and sick days.  It also allowed me to come and go as my massage business grew.  I look forward to advancing my skills and having regular hours at the massage studio:
Mon - Thurs  10:30 am - 6:00 pm
Fri/Sat  by appointment
In honor of Moon's one year birthday, I'm offering 30% off for the month of October.  Come celebrate with me!

BIG Heart for YOU!

I had a conversation the other day with a theologian. As you could guess, many of our conversation topics turn towards religion. Although I'm not a religious fanatic, we have enlivening discussions because we are both patient listeners. The topic this time was: "Love your neighbor as you would love yourself." I posed the question, "how many people do you know love themselves?" It was thought provoking. If you don't love yourself how can you love anyone else? Loving oneself is different than having a huge ego. Loving yourself is having compassion for your own faults and taking time to nurture and take care of your own needs.
It took me a while to learn this, sometimes I still give to everyone else before I realize, "hey Girl, its time to take a break and let yourself relax."
It's time to cut ourselves some slack and realize that we are perfect within this moment.  Close your eyes, breathe, smile and allow your heart to get BIG!

bike month, driving day

On my ride home today it was gently raining.  I don't mind riding in the rain, it adds a fun element to my commute.  

I'm using my weekly driving day tomorrow.  I am taking advantage of this day to transport my massage chair to VA Mortgage Center (where I give massages every other Friday), pick up a cold frame I ordered from the hardware store, and go grocery shopping.   With only one driving day, its a necessity to do all the heavy/ bulky errands at the same time.  

Bike Month and Street Murals

I regretfully announce that I had to take two driving days this weekend.  I was working on a street mural Saturday and Sunday.  On Saturday, I drove, just in case the artist needed me to pick up any last minute supplies; she didn't .  Then on Sunday I got a call from the artist wanting some supplies!  I started to drag out my bike trailer from under a pile of things in the garage.  Before I got too into it, I tested the tires... totally flat!  Didn't have time for all that, so I begrudgingly hopped in the car.  GRRR... so much for planning ahead.  That doesn't mean I'm not challenging myself anymore, its only the beginning of the month!

I am helping two neighborhoods in Columbia paint murals on their streets.  I'm grateful to have this opportunity to work with art on a public level.  Last weekend was a great community effort on Ash and St Joseph.  People would be riding their bikes or walking by, and they would stop and comment on our work, or even stop and pitch in for a few minutes... or the rest of the day.  I was so impressed with everyone coming together to create a work of art... ON the street!

Next Saturday we are doing it all over again at another intersection, Windsor and Melborne.
All ages and artistic abilities welcome.  Come participate in an artistic street party and hope for good weather!

Bike Month!

Jacob and I are participating in the Low Car Diet Challenge this month.  All of our trips will be by bicycle, except for one car trip once a week.  Usually we take an average of  7 car trips per week so this will be a challenge, but some extra planning will make it do-able. I did some mid week laundry and will take a few clean sheets with me to the massage studio every day in my panniers.  We also have a bike trailer for our grocery and hardware store shopping.

  

Today is Day 1. its raining, so I've packed an extra pair of pants and will wear a raincoat.  (I'm secretly hoping that by the time I'm ready to leave, the rain will have let up a bit.)

Think POSITIVITY!

"What we think, we become"  -buddha

  

What have you been thinking lately?  

Do you project to others the person you want to be?  

It's hard to be positive ALL the time, but does it hurt to try?

Boone Dawdlein'!

Yesterday Susan Toth Eggener and I volunteered for the Boone Dawdle, a T/F fundraiser!  The Dawdle was a ride from Columbia to Rocheport.  Along the way there were fun surprises; an advice booth, a rolling sangria/beer bar, trolls, and MASSAGES!  Moon Valley Massage Therapy set up a tent at Katfish Katy's (the halfway point on the Katy Trail) and gave free 5-10 min massages to anyone interested.  There were so many great people out there.
Later in the evening, we met fellow Dawdlers at Le Bourgeois Winery for wine, dinner, live music, a movie and a beautiful sunset.  A truly magical event!

Allow good things to happen to you!

Sometimes I get so into the things on my to do list, I forget to welcome spontaneity into my schedule.  Today my Mom stopped by my studio for an appointment.   We just kept on talking,  then decided to skip our session and go get some iced tea.  At first I felt guilty for not doing what I said I was going to do.  But then felt better after I realized Mom and I hadn't had any alone time all summer. We both enjoyed the tea and we both enjoyed a break in the schedule,  it was quality.  

Sisterly Love

My sister Anne is moving to Kazakhstan for a 2 year stint with the Peace Corps.  She's lived in Columbia all her life, and is now moving to the opposite side of the globe.  This morning I was thinking of her leaving and I teared up over my breakfast.  Family and friends are going to miss her very much.
Anne has a blog too!  You should visit it, she's a very eloquent and honest writer.

Listen to yourself and others!

Hearing is something most people have, listening is a trait we could all work on.  Often when I'm "listening" to someone, I find myself distracted by my own inner dialogue.  

 Listening is meditation; a practice in being present.  

In meditation, you concentrate on your breath or a special mantra you say silently over and over again.  If a thought arises during meditation, you gently set it aside and return to your breath.  This practice is a way of honoring oneself.

   This practice can also be effective with listening.  Honor your friends by being  fully present when listening.  Concentrate on what they are saying and how they are saying it.  Recognize when your own thoughts arise, gently set them aside and return to listening/honoring your friend.                                        

Is it any wonder the Buddha has large ears?

Prenatal Massage

It is a delight to massage pregnant mothers!  Its a way for them to be nurtured before a life changing event that will surely keep them busy for several years.  I give side lying massages to help relieve low back and leg pain and increase awareness of the body, allowing a deeper connection between mother and child.   I like to think the baby feels the benefits of the mother relaxing as well.  Some benefits can include, improving sleep and lowering anxiety.  Even after the baby is born, new mom's benefit from any kind of massage to help the body's natural healing abilities after giving birth.  Do you have someone in your life who's pregnant or just had a baby?  Honor them with the gift of massage!

epsom salt and sore muscles

As a massage therapist many people come to me seeking relief for their sore muscles. In addition to getting regular massages, taking epsom salt baths are a great way to unwind after a serious workout.  Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate; a mineral that aids in the release of lactic acid that builds up in muscles during strenuous use.  Taking a mineral soak can relieve stress and help muscles recover quickly. After your next workout,  enjoy an epsom salt bath and feel your aches melt away!

You can find Epsom Salts at you local grocery store or pharmacy.

COLORS Alliance! Independents Week

July 1 -7 is Independents week in Columbia MO.  This event is sponsored by COLORS Alliance, a group of people in Boone County dedicated to supporting the local community by shopping at and supporting local businesses.  Come celebrate Independents Week 2010 (appointments available July 5, 6 & 7) with a massage from me and get 25% off if you’re currently a member or become a member of COLORS!

Slow Motion

So, my Sister's wedding is on the forefront of my mind this week and I'm remembering how Dad helped me stay sane during the day of my wedding with just one saying, "SloMo".

It was my mantra for the day,
getting my hair done, slomo.
putting on my dress, slomo.
walking down the asile, slomo.
first dance.... well you get the idea.

It really helped me stay in the present moment throughout the whole day.  Writing about it is inspiring me to weave it back into my life.  Thanks Dad!

Flexible Expectations

My sister is getting married this weekend and the whole family is excited for the big day!  There is nothing like a large family wedding to give folks something to talk about for weeks, sometimes even years!  Milestone events like weddings bring expectations of gigantic proportions.  Usually there is disappointment if something doesn't go the way we think it "should" go.  I urge you to let go of your shoulds and create a more flexible attitude to the things that happen around you.  Go with the flow and be open to the experience of what is happening at the present moment.  Are you angry?  How come?  It is one of those pesky "shoulds" popping up again?

Please take a deep breath and tell that should that you don't need it anymore.  Then go back to enjoying a "should-free" life!

Simple explanation of Craniosacral therapy

There's a rhythm in the body that is separate from the heart and breathing rate; by placing your hands gently on the body you can feel it anywhere.  Therapists use this technique to discover a lack of rhythm.  By treating those areas that lack rhythm, therapists can address the source of problems rather than just the symptoms.

This therapy has successfully been used to treat headaches, neck and back pain, TMJ, chronic fatigue, motor coordination difficulties, eye problems and central nervous system disorders. 

discovery!

  All week while near Kansas City, I was searching for the local flavor.  I ended up in Zona Rosa one night, which proved to be a nice area to walk around outside, and a small park with fountains and live Jazz music.   All the shops I found were mega chains though, which wasn't quite what I was looking for.  The next night I went out to a different area and found mega chains, but no park.
  Finally on my last night I was on my way back to the State Park where I was staying and saw signs for a winery in Weston.  Only 2 miles away!  Drove to Weston and had a glass of Norton at the Pirtle Winery in their wine garden.  Walked through the historic downtown to some antique stores, got a kick out of the Mantique Store for Old Geezers, it wasn't open but there was a "display" of cast iron bathtubs, old tools, wagon wheels and picket fences in the front yard.  Weston also has Weston Brewing Company.  There was live music on the patio so I tasted their  IPAand sat on the patio.  The bar is down in the original lager cellar (built in 1842) with a vaulted limestone ceiling.  It was quite impressive and I felt lucky to have stumbled upon this town....  not a mega store in sight!
  If you like history and old towns, you would probably like Weston.

Craniosacral Day 1

  I write this post at a fancy italian restaurant somewhere near Kansas City.  I hope no one minds if I just order a glass of wine. :)

  My personal goal for this workshop is to broaden my massage practice to include children, the elderly and those who need a gentler touch than the deep tissue massages I currently offer; and clients can leave their clothes on, which appeals to some people as well.  I would also like to correct the imbalances I find in people who keep coming back to me with the same problem.

  Today I had a conversation with one woman who was finds it difficult to take care of herself as a massage therapy student, she claims she just doesn't have the time.  It reminded me of the many therapists and caregivers who end up with health problems of their own because they care for everyone but themselves.  I believe its important to take care of yourself early on, and continue to take care of yourself.  Not only is self care good for a caregiver, it also sets a good example for others; care givers and care receivers alike.  My friend Klara has started writing about this exact topic, I hope her efforts manifest into a book some day ... I want to read it!

More tomorrow!

Craniosacral workshop this weekend

This weekend (Thurs-Sun) I will be attending a craniosacral workshop in Kansas City.  Craniosacral is a passive therapeutic approach used to correct imbalances in the body.  The therapist feels the body’s rhythm and addresses the imbalances by applying subtle movements to the cranial and sacral structures that allow the client’s body to realign itself.


I hope to document what goes on in class on this blog every night for the duration of the workshop, so stay tuned!  
Let's learn together!

'Tis the season for painting your house.

This weekend I've taken on the task of painting the entryway to our house.  I want to give a BIG Thank You!  to my sister Anne for volunteering to come over and help me.   The green-grey goes well with the unfinished wood on the front of the house, and will look stellar with the deep red I plan on painting the door.
While painting, I was reminded of how hard it is on one's shoulders.  Painting with my non-dominant right hand was difficult, if not impossible.  I tried my best to use both arms evenly, but found myself subconsciously using my left hand most of the time. 
So all, if you are painting your house this season, inside or out, I would like to offer you 25% off your next massage with me!  (That's $15 off!)

Love and light!

something free

A couple of years ago, someone told me "do something that makes you feel free".
I was reminded of this over the weekend when I relaxed in a river in the Ozarks, and took a walk around my neighborhood when I got home.  These are two things I enjoy, but don't really take time to do often.  It felt good.  And so dear readers, I pass along this quote to you.  Do something that makes you feel free today!

relaxing gifts for busy people

The other day the PTSA of Columbia (MO) public schools bought a gift certificate of several massages for one of their members who "retired" this month after many years of service.  This person, they told me, is very involved with the public schools and keeps busy all the time.  They wanted to do something nice and rewarding, so they pooled their money and gave this person the gift of relaxation!  I thought this was a wonderful idea.  Honoring a busy person with the gift of relaxation, what could be better?

by the way.... Yoga Sol's new website is up and running!

Finding my Yoga

For several years I've been sticking to my own private yoga practice because I haven't been turned on by the studios here in town.  Having a home practice is nice, but its easy to stick to the same routine and do easy stuff.  A few months ago I discovered a new yoga studio in town with dynamic and challenging sequences that are really inspiring.  Yoga Sol!  Unfortunately they don't have a website yet, but if you want to check it out call Polly, she is awesome.
Another urge churning in my heart is the desire to have a class again.  I've been teaching here and there, I'll teach anywhere; let me know if you and your friends want to learn some poses!  But in the future I intend to set my roots down and have a regular place at a regular time with regular yogis.  Soon I think!

Reiki is FREE!

Visited a friend in the assisted living home today.  She broke her ankle and is having a frustrating time.  Everyone staying in those places hopes it is only a temporary arrangement.  I am confident its only temporary for my friend.  But when she gets out, many changes will have to be made, like moving into an apartment with an elevator or on the ground floor.

I taught her Reiki to help her realize her own healing potential.

It seems like a necessary knowledge to be able to listen to your body and send healing to where its most needed.

Reiki is a simple technique to learn and an empowering way to improve your wellbeing.
I don't believe in charging money for it.  This knowledge should be free for everyone.

Love the rain!

All the plants have been growing fast since it's been raining non stop for three days!  The Columbine have started blooming, and the strawberry plants seem to have doubled in quantity.  

Over the weekend a friend gave me some bleeding heart plants.  

I planted one in a container for the front door of my massage studio, adding something living and lovely to the studio entrance.

The other two I will plant in our woodland garden when the ground dries up a bit. 

Living in the Land of Art

Me and fellow Moon Valley Therapists have a booth at the Artlandish Art Mart this weekend.  Last night, we had a blast.  HUGE success with the chair massage, and there were tons of cool people around!  One photographer brought a pony into the basement... don't ask me how it got there!  She was targeting the youngsters and as you can guess, they were going wild!
Our booth is right next to the hula hoop room and I got my hoop on when it was slow... which didn't happen until the end of the night.
Looking forward to another day in the Land of Art!

Bee disappearance!

This morning Jacob and I went out to inspect the beehive and we discovered it was almost empty! :(
It's amazing how fast 3lbs of bees can disappear.  I am really disheartened, and totally baffled at this outcome.  It just goes to show, you can plan and plan and plan for something and then Nature comes up and sticks her tongue out at you.  I will accept this lesson and hope for more luck in the future.  

Welcome!

Hello Internet Explorers!
Welcome to my first post on Moon Valley Musings!  
I'm starting this blog to share with friends some of the cool stuff I encounter throughout my life. 
This past weekend, I became a beekeeper, I picked up 3 lbs of bees from WalkAbout Acres and brought them home to Moon Valley to start my own hive.  That was on Sunday.  Yesterday they looked pretty active. Today I'm unsure of my bee charming abilities.  The hive seems empty!  Reluctant to lift the lid to disturb anything, I put my ear to the hive to hear some buzzing, but it was quiet.  I saw a few bees flying around, but not like yesterday where I saw dozens.  I hope they didn't move away.  I 'm mostly concerned about the Queen.  She keeps everyone in line and if she left, I'll have to order more bees; or wait for someone to report a swarm.