Week 3

It's 6:30, and our students are here. We hold hands, and I ask everyone to say one word that describes the way they feel, so I can get a sense of the energy in the room. We hear words "excited', "intrigued", "tired", "blessed". We try to put the frustrations of the day behind us and talk about their first experience with homework. Some people had a blast, some were grateful we talked about creating professional boundaries, as their friends showed up and didn't leave for hours, thinking this was a social visit. A couple of students had practice clients who showed up with expectations of a miraculous healing from chronic back problems. We take a deep breath and role play the dialogue that needs to happen to avoid the pressures of being students vs healers and bodyworkers vs fixers. It's a new concept for many, so we discuss how we can facilitate a healing process, encourage a positive change, but not force it on our clients and their bodies. It's a great discussion, and soon everyone is ready for the demo.
The new stroke for tonight is effleurage, and we finally get to use oil! Two hours later, some students look like they are ready for the deep fryer, but, like everything else, this takes practice. The long, slow strokes of effleurage lull some receivers to sleep, and we have to keep waking them up to ask for feedback. The evening goes by fast, and they leave looking relaxed and peaceful. I can't wait for next week!