We Asked: How has being a massage therapist contributed to, or changed, who you are as a human being?

Here is what you told us...

I feel that it's allowed me to be more in control of my life, by allowing me to make my own schedule. I also feel good knowing I'm helping people. I feel that it's a gift that I have. I like knowing people are happy to see me.
Sarah Werner
Rochester, Indiana

Even though being a massage therapist is a physically challenging profession, I also find it to be mentally challenging. Just as I have become physically stronger, I have definitely grown mentally and spiritually as well. In order to give my client the best massage possible, I am constantly learning to be totally present in the moment. I find it very important to listen to the individual in front of me with my hands and mind, and to not judge the person. Sometimes I might not like a particular person, but during my session I leave that felling behind and focus on the needs of my client in a caring, loving and non-judgmental manner. I think that as a massage therapist I am constantly growing, learning new things and evolving as a human being. I also love the mystical aspect of massage, all the energies that are present around us that I become more aware of the longer I am doing this kind of work.
Eva Spindell
Clifton, New Jersey

Becoming a massage therapist has contributed to my being in this world by assisting with healing on many levels. It has enhanced my personhood and growth, and I am so very thankful that I chose to be a massage therapist.
Christina J. Christie
Huntington, New York

It has changed my perspective on the body's great capacity to heal itself. Before I became a massage therapist I always had a sense of what healing was. Now, through seeing others touched and healed by this practice I have become a true believer. Becoming aware of the great capacity of healing I have experienced as a massage therapist has made me a better person.
Erin Sonnier
Grand Junction, Colorado

Being a massage therapist since 1981 has made me more flexible in body, mind, emotions and spirit. I have had to become more trusting, giving, observant and accepting. Standing present with others for extended periods of time requires releasing of personal thoughts and feelings. It has afforded me the gift of getting out of the way so a greater energy can flow through. I have become more silent at times, and more informative at times. I certainly have a much greater intuitive nature from all the meditative work. I can't think of another profession that promotes such personal vigilance.
Cherie Peterson
Evergreen, Colorado