Taproot Bodywork Resource, LLC

Yep, I live in a blue state, and yes, I’m a liberal.  And hell yes, I voted for Obama, and I’d wear his name plastered across my chest if I had the t-shirt. 

 But let me tell you how disgusted I am with the way things are, and why I think we so desperately need change. 

 Too many clients have weird health issues, and no insurance, or really bad insurance.

 Too many clients are losing their shirts in the Dow Jones upheaval.

 Too many of us are too poor to buy a house. 

Too many of us were swindled by mortgage brokers. 

Too many folks are getting paid peanuts for the valuable work they perform.

Too many clients are watching the layoffs at their companies with trepidation.

Too many of us are watching the potential of the great United States be squandered by yahoos with only their own interests in mind.

 I’m tired of corporations, pollution, corruption, cynicism, aggravation, poverty, aggression, partisanism.  I’m tired of not having any hope.  I’m tired of worrying.  I’m tired of watching my clients struggle with their burdens.  We want change.

I voted for Obama because I believe a vote for McCain is a vote for the status quo, and I and my clients just can’t take that anymore.

Get the hell out and vote!

Greetings, folks!

I wanted to tell you of some changes and seasonal transitions in my practice.  Effective November 1^st, when you come in for a session, and schedule your next appointment in advance, you’ll receive $5 off your next session!  As a result, I will no longer be selling 3 packs of massage sessions.  I accept cash and checks only - should you have trouble remembering to bring payment, there is a credit union right next door with an ATM.  Further concerns?  Drop me a line.

Hot stones are once again available!  Stones are such a great complement to any session.  You and your muscles will melt away under their presence and heat.  Give it a try this November!  Stones are normally $10 extra with any session - but are free when you schedule your next appointment in advance, in person.  So many reasons to schedule ahead!

The word is getting out about the Back Massage for Couples Workshop.  You can find reviews at http://www.insiderpages.com/b/15240103752.  I’ll be teaching it on November 23^rd, and December 7^th and 21^st, all Sundays.  The class is limited to 3 couples due to space limitations, so please do register early! 

Wondering where the heck your massage therapist and her monthly emails have been?  Check out www.taprootbodywork.com for an upcoming blog post about making space for wellness.

I hope you are well and dry!

Michelle

The following is from an email I received from the Baraka Institute, a life coaching school here in Portland.  I’m hoping the election will brighten our collective spirits, but my practice has brought me in contact with a lot of people who are really struggling right now.  I hope this helps a few of you…

When all else fails!
How to stay positive when life feels negative
 ~Caitlin Williams, CPC
 

 “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”  –Albert Einstein

Life continually presents us with a complex mix of personal and universal experiences that are not only joyful and deeply satisfying, but on occasion enormously challenging. How might we fortify and renew our optimism and sense of serenity when the “enormously challenging” aspect seems to outweigh the “joyful and deeply satisfying?” How might we redirect our intention to focus on what is working in our lives as opposed to what isn’t working (quite as well)?

Here is what a few of Baraka Institute’s coaches had to share: 
 
“Let yourself have extra long bubble baths. Do physically exertive tasks that give you a visual representation of accomplishment. Give and receive massages. Go out with friends you haven’t seen in awhile. Do fun things you haven’t done since you were in high school. Breathe. Go for longer walks. Take longer times to read books, cook that perfect meal, organize your house, work in your garden, and again, breathe.” ~ David D. Jones, Adult ADHD Life Coach
 
“When life feels overwhelming or negative, the first step is to pause and breathe and realize that this too shall pass. Pause for a moment and imagine that you are a solid, sacred mountain that can withstand even the fiercest storm and that no matter how hard the storm rages around you, you are solid and safe. Look at how you frame reality; how do you describe what you’re experiencing? What lens are you using? Are you only hearing and seeing what is negative around you? Begin by shifting your focus away from what you know to be terrible, and move your focus to the bright spots around you. Turn off the news. Reconnect with nature or spirituality or some other source of deeper connection that helps ground and renew you.”
~ Kim Tally- Life Coach
 
“When feeling overwhelmed or stressed, just Stop.  Breathe, take a pause and ask yourself what’s going on? Listen to get a sense of what your heart is trying to convey. Your innate wisdom is there just waiting to lovingly support you in whatever ways you need. The answer you are seeking is right inside… A hot shower while imagining your stress just melting down the drain or a long walk while noticing the beauty of nature and its renewing impetus–whatever it may be, you know best what’s right for you. Honor that. See yourself through.”
~Corinne Michaels, Life Development/Transitions Coach
 
“Are you leading life or is life leading you? Sometimes asking the right question or seeking to find that question can be the spark that ignites creativity and passion despite a current challenging situation. Practice laughter daily, till it hurts. Consciously choose to surround yourself with vibrant, life-affirming people, rather than those readily attached to negativity and limited thinking.” ~ Feroshia R. Knight, Organizational Leadership Coach
 
Additional activities might involve joining a group with like-minded members that offer what you seek: hiking, cooking, dancing, spirituality, pets… being with others who share your vision, passion and perspective offers comfort, camaraderie, and the sense that we don’t have to struggle alone. Life will toss most of us at some point the occasional curveball; it’s in how we catch it and what we do with it that holds the key to maintaining alignment with what evokes feelings of positivity and deep satisfaction within each of us. As Kim Tally adds, “The yin and yang of life means there is always beauty and joy as well as ugliness and heartache. We don’t need to deny ugliness or heartache; on the contrary, to be healthy they need to be accepted as part of life. But the key is not to dwell there and let it shut out what is beautiful and joyous and meaningful.”