Week 5

As I go through the week, I realize that there is a point I need to make during our circle discussion. "It is impossible NOT to communicate,", I say. "Think about it: can you walk into the room with at least one other person in it, and communicate absolutely nothing? Saying nothing could mean you have nothing to say, you don't speak the language, you are mad, you are so distracted you don't notice there is someone there, you don't feel like talking - your silence, along with your body language, can communicate any number of things. Our clients pick up on everything we do, so unless you actively try to communicate something - care, kindness, concern, professionalism etc - you are communicating lack of those things. If you fail to move your client's arm or leg with deliberate care, or carelessly tuck the sheet in and pinch their skin, you are letting them know you don't care. So what can we do to stay present and have our actions translate our best intentions?" We talk for awhile, and later, I notice some subtle changes in the way the students are touching each other during practice. The movements are more careful and meaningful, and the feedback is more specific. That night, I read in one of the homework assignments:"I've received tons of professional massages, and I never knew how much goes into creating a good massage session!" I smile as I remember a comment from a family member years ago, when I first announced my enrollment at PMTI:" Why do you need to go to school to learn how to give a back rub? Aren't there books for that at Border's?" It's Week 5, and I now know 12 more people who can answer that question better than I did.