Massage Educators

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Comment by Jeff Sims on November 3, 2011 at 3:22pm

You've reminded me of similar experiences. My principal, John, listened to me complain that some of the students in one of the classes i audited were not grounded and distracted with cell phones, messaging, etc. in the classroom, and how I felt a lack of reverence & respect for the teacher and their classmates. John described the classroom as a temple. Ever since then I use Fritz Smith's pyramid guided meditation at the beginning of term (or a workshop). We empower the space by putting intentions in the pyramid, such as encouraging insights, or new ideas and holding one another in the highest personal regard. They love it and it really makes a difference. Thanks for re-inspiring me!

Comment by Bonny Donnelly on November 3, 2011 at 2:45pm

Mind you,  we can create the space with only our intention, which is the main ingredient,  but it is lovely  to add whatever personal touch you care to bring in...

Comment by Bonny Donnelly on November 3, 2011 at 2:43pm

Wonderful "ah-ha" Kris, and thank you for bringing this into the light.

We can create that sacred space anyplace indeed!

For each class I teach,  I go in prior to the students- either the night before or in the morning -  sometimes I bring sage ( mind the smoke detectors  folks, they get set off easily!  lol ) and other good things in to clear, balance and charge the room. I also have my aromatherapy blend diffusing, and music on.  When they walk in that door they feel the energy difference in the room immediately.  I invite them to be present and do some breathwork and stretching to bring everyone into focus, and then open all the heart chakras in the group. I encourage my students to always create a sacred space too,  and how to do so. Very  very important!  Namaste'~

Comment by Melissa DeFrancesco on November 3, 2011 at 1:54pm

Thanks for sharing...I think we all get caught up sometimes.

Comment by Susan G. Salvo on November 3, 2011 at 1:28pm

So true.

Comment by Taya Countryman LMT on November 3, 2011 at 1:26pm

Such a good reminder....sometimes we forget.

Comment by Charlene Gaffney on November 3, 2011 at 1:17pm

Thank you so much for sharing this. Nice to know I am not alone here. I have implemented this concept into my classroom over the past few years because of a need to get the student's attention. I teach night students and they come in after a super hectic day of working, caring for children and family, and getting little to no rest at night due to the demands of personal life and school. Balance is just something that becomes a sacrifice for them during their school career. I didn't like seeing them so distraught and often times felt like I was teaching them to create a healing space for their clients when they had NO IDEA how to create a healing space for themselves. Here are a few things I do that help them learn this skill:

1. The first 15 minutes of each class day is set aside for a grounding activity, designed to get them "here" and in the present moment. Some days we just talk it out. I check in and give them an opportunity to share the highlights of their day. Sometimes, I will share mine. Reminds them that I am a real person too. Other days, we do something called a "jumpstart" activity, which may include one or two simple questions they should discuss with a partner about the lesson we are working on. Not a grade, no pressure. Just warms them up and gets them in the right state of mind. I also use journaling as a way to set the pace for the class too.

2. During stressful periods in the curriculum and before they start their clinicals each day, I lead a yoga/breathing/meditation/self care class. They get to put on their "comfy clothes" and take some time for themselves while learning the importance of these exercises for their clients too. (a video will work for this if you do not want to lead the exercises yourself)

3. Listening to music in the classroom when they are working on an independent assignment. 

4. Writing classroom objectives on the board while the students write them with you and then discussing. Sets the tone for the day and helps keep the classroom organized.

I enjoyed reading your comment and sharing these ideas with you! 

Comment by Kris Bour on November 3, 2011 at 1:04pm

I wanted to share with you a huge "ah-ha" moment I had yesterday.  This idea touched my heart deeply and I am curious to see if anyone else has implemented it. 

 

Yesterday we had a Holistic Nurse come in to speak on how healing happens and self care.  It was beyond what I expected and was very moving.  One of the points she touched on is one we as instructors teach our students; grounding before session.  But she took this a step further and talked about how the massage room was "sacred ground".  Well this did make sense to me, but what I heard in my heart right after she said this was "treat your classroom as sacred".  Wow!  That idea had never crossed my mind!  I can get so wrapped up in everything I need to do, teach, & communicate that I had never bothered to even consider that.  So now I am making it a personal goal, to set my intention for each class before I enter the "sacred learning space". 

Comment by Lauriann Greene, CEAS on August 30, 2011 at 1:24pm

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Comment by Jessica Appel on August 23, 2011 at 9:00am

Hello all, I am so happy to be joining this group.  I am very very new to massage professionals but so excited there is something like this out here on the web.

 

I am starting the accreditation process with COMTA and I would love anyones feed back on this issue/process.  I appreciate all thoughts and comments. Thank you!!!

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