New Student Day

The students arrive, a steady stream of positive energy and excitement filling the hallways. The paperwork is behind them, the admissions process complete. They are ready to touch, heal, serve, help. But...there is more paperwork. Class sign ups, orientation, introductions. Finally, after lunch, they are invited to their practical classroom, where anatomy charts and massage tables line the freshly painted walls. They are greeted by the team of instructors, myself included, and spend the next 3.5 hours doing what PMTIers do best: have fun exploring concepts of touch, bodywork and self-awareness. The movement exercises break the ice, and soon the students find themselves sitting on the floor, back to back, swaying together to the music while concentrating on their partner's breathing. "Massage is like a dance", I say, marveling at the energy in the classroom, "it's about you and your client working together, not about you doing things to your client." Everything they do from now on will be based on that simple concept - approaching every client as a partner, not a project. After a short break, we pull out massage tables, dim the lights and try our hands - literally- at a simple technique called "still touch". There are a few giggles at first, but soon everyone gets settled and enjoys the experience. Again, I find myself humbled by the feeling in the room - what is it? Oh, yeah- I am lucky enough to be in the presence of 25 people who are doing exactly what they are meant to do, and loving it.