"HOLDING THE SPACE"

Not too long ago I had a day in which everyone I treated had something incredibly life changing happening in their lives.  Whether it was an exciting, happy situation or heartbreaking one, it wasn’t a day much different than others; change happens all the time and clients tell me about it.  But something about that day made me really think.

What is it about that one hour fraction of the day that makes people share emotions, life changes, deepest secrets and treasured memories?   

As I massaged one client’s incredibly tight trapezius muscles, I centered and listened to the person’s story, taking in the essence of each feeling and specific detail of their defining moment as I naturally do. Then it dawned on me…

There’s something sacred and magical about the space in which the massage therapy treatment takes place.  Music is healing, we all know that.  The room is safe, warm and comfortable.  The massage table has been said by many to be “the perfect stomach sleeper bed.” (Their words, not mine…bed and table are two different pieces of furniture)   And the pressure of the touch is therapeutic.  So what else is there?

I am currently reading a book in which the term “holding space” has been tossed around several times.  A holding space requires at least yourself and usually one (or more) other person(s).    

The person “holding the space” is there to allow something to unfold without being an influence.   In order to create that space one has to let go of the ego/self and judgment.   An opening of the heart occurs to be present and allow the other person(s) to experience whatever feelings or thoughts they may be having.  One is there FULLY for the person as they explore the territory of “what is going on” within themselves.

The holding space is a sacred, magical space where healing occurs!  The massage therapist “holds the space” for the client.

During a massage, while that space is being held and one is talking about issues, an amazing thing often occurs:  the body starts to let go of what it’s holding onto.  Is that something I as an RMT did?  I may have assisted those muscles by increasing circulation to them so that nutrients and much needed oxygen gets to them while helping to move built up waste out of the muscles.  But I didn’t tell the body to let go.  The client was better able to let go emotionally or spiritually and therefore physically.  It is all connected – the body, mind, spirit connection.  The holding space is a safe, professional place to relax, renew and restore that allows for healing to occur on all levels.

As a massage therapist I never offer personal advice.  The spectrum of my advice is for your physical well-being only.  I generally give you stretches or strengthening exercises or advise on Epsom salts baths.  I can refer you to a chiropractor, psychotherapist or back to your doctor, but I don’t give personal advice.  It’s not in my educational background and quite honestly, not my forte.

But I can hold the space for you. 

Blessings!
Carrie Creamer RMT
http://carriermt.wix.com/index
follow me on Twitter @CarrieCreamerMT