Resources
We must cultivate our industry with an abundance mindset. We should live and search for ways to return the light of life to others. Though our opportunities may appear limited they are vast and expansive and the more we give, the greater gifts the universe will bestow upon the world. As massage therapists we are helpers, guides, and mentors. We are lantern bearers to those searching for their own slice of peace. The more we share with others, especially our professional peers, increases the chance we can spread goodness and hope.
The resources we offer are to help you find your way. They are designed to reveal the abundance of our industry, to help you set others free, and smile with glee. These resources are here to help you step away from the four corners of your treatment room, come together as a community, and celebrate the beautiful seconds of life.
The resources offered here run the complete gamut of our industry. We believe there is more to massage than clinical reasoning, just as there is more to massage than spirituality and energy work. It is a melting pot of delicious flavors that when combined will lead us to the greatest era of all time.
DISCOVERING HOPE INITIATIVE
You are bold, brilliant, and unique. Within your eyes is a light that burns brighter than any fire. You are powerful, purposeful, and capable of achieving any goal. You can make a difference. You are not alone. There are others in this world who share your goal. Join us on our journey, discover community, and help others explore the joy of feeling whole. We are the Discovering Hope Initiative. We are a coalition of passionate people who love massage, wellness, and those who live to help others. We are here to help you on your journey, cultivate life-long friendships, and encourage mentorships.
THE VIRTUES OF MASSAGE
Creative expression requires the spark of imagination. It is an energy that pushes your pen against the paper to manifest the images of your mind’s eye. Art may be created without instruction, education, or guidance, but some require training, practice, and support. Massage is similar. Some may possess the natural aptitude to provide an amazing massage experience, but most need guidance. Developing great massage skills requires a solid foundation. This foundation is built from the cornerstones of Creativity, Empathy, and Humility.
MASSAGE ORGANIZATIONS
As massage therapists we need mentors to guide us, communities to help restore our love for life and professional organizations who are willing to hear our plight. Right now we are alone, without a voice and lost in the darkness searching for a guiding light. We need help. We need a hand to guide us, we need someone who understands.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
People are searching for community, knowledge, and connection. We want more than things to do, we want to experience the magic of the moment, and explore our seconds with sensational souls. We want to bring the community together in meaningful ways. We want to unite spirits who are searching for truth, harmony, and a helping hand. Together we can transform our world, we can spread wonder and awe. We can show each other that in every second is a snapshot of infinite beauty.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
This project aims to facilitate continuing education throughout our community. Sometimes finding someone who teaches a particular modality, skill, or specialty can be a difficult endeavor. New massage therapists often lack the network or knowledge necessary to connect with the right people, determine the effectiveness of a program or gauge if the class is right for them. This project aims to help massage therapists determine which continuing education program is right for them.
WHY DID WE BECOME MASSAGE THERAPISTS?
Why did we become massage therapists? We all have an answer. Some of these stories are beautiful and bold, others lack a soul, and many are the same as our profession is old. We have big dreams and want to achieve great things, but each day our goals seem further away. Why? Our industry is in shambles and every shadow seems scary. We hurt and don’t know how to mend our wounds. Every day we limp through life searching for answers about our illness. Sometimes we stumble on a road that looks like it leads to hope, but once we reach a dead end we struggle to find a way to cope. There is only so much of this we can stand, eventually our rubber band breaks after being stretched so thin. It snaps and our story shatters, our life seems ugly and weak, and our spirit loses its golden glow. Our dreams appear impossible, and we begin to believe nothing can be achieved. We lose everything and slip away into a sea of sorrow.
This is the life of many within the massage industry. It hurts to watch, and it breaks my heart to see others hurt and face so much horror. How long can we watch as the things we hold dear crumble and disappear? When do we stop crying so we can rise and fight against defeat? Do we have the strength to channel our hardships into keys that free our brothers and sisters from their misery?