April's Muscle, Levator Scapula and the Winner!

First of all, what a great response to our very first Muscle Of the Month Contest! We received a lot of great guesses. The winner of the 30 minute massage upgrade goes to Karin Edwards! Check out her gift at www.portlandrolfer.com ! Congrats Karin!

The Levator Scapula muscle, aka the levator scap, or just the levator, is the muscle that lifts the shoulder blade up toward the ears. For many of us, it works almost continuously (due to stress, posture etc.), and can become rather sore. Relaxing the levator scapula muscle will allow the shoulders to rest easily and may also reduce this muscle soreness. There are 2 levator scapula muscles, one on either side of the spine.

How do you help it (2nd to coming into Mana Massage of course!)? Check out this site for some great techniques: Lev Scap Stretches

In Honor of my Dear Sweet Orlando

...who fought the fight of his life. With great sadness, his last breath was March 19th. I had the complete honor of spending precious time with my dear friend, embarking on a journey I could never have prepared for. He allowed me to look into myself, explore my heart and my soul while sharing his...While articulating the things that were important to him and dreaming his dreams yet to be realized, I got CLEAR. I got REAL CLEAR. I am blessed that he chose me to be a part of his life for as long as he had it; I know his soul and brightness will continue to lead the way...
Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy...

All I really need to know I learned in Massage School...

be punctual, prepared and keep good notes. Wash your hands. when you are ready, the perfect teacher will arrive. Knowledge of Greek and Latin prefixes is beneficial. Don't panic, tests are for your own growth-if you falter you can, and will, repeat the lesson. Nurture your Self. Strength lies in balance. Receive massage. Eat your vegetables. Drink plenty of water. Be cheerful. Exercise daily. "ohm," "Aah", or just be still. Wear comfortable shoes. Create a peaceful environment. Nourish the senses; aromatic candles, meditative music and cotton flannel sheets. Every body is sacred. Be reverent. Warm your hands. Warm the room. Warm your heart. Talk less, listen more. Live open-minded. Beware of your prejudices. Refuse gossip. Value confidentiality. Be honest. Presence and intention are paramount. Wholeheartedly attend the moment. The lightest touch can heal. Transition with ease and grace. Spirit each move. Individual responses vary. Deep pressure. Gentle rocking. Embrace the difference. Stretch. Don't pretend to be an expert on that which you are not. Never force. Never rush. "How's the pressure?" Care. Pain is subjective. Laughter is healing, so are tears. The body remembers. It's never too late to ice it. Forgive. Forgive yourself. Practice, practice, practice. Challenge rules. Welcome possibilities. There is no routine. Let it flow. Create. Dance. Don't forget to breathe. Deeply. Relax. Shoulders down. Knees loose. Move from your center. Trust intuition. The mind thinks, the heart knows. Believe in others. Believe in yourself and in your profession. Believe in a force greater than yourself. Be gentle, be strong, be willing and the healing power of creation will flow through to benefit all you touch. From atom to universe we are whole and all are connected. Honor all. Judge no one. Offer freely to those in need. Continue to learn. Share your knowledge. Respect. Expect respect. Strive to grow, every day. Be open to prosperity. Accept tips. Be grateful. Follow up and follow through. Success walks a determined step. Clarify aspirations. The path will clear. Dream specifics. Doors will open. Dream big. Thoughts manifest. never give up. Never lose hope. and above all else...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

Dave & Dalai!

I've got an angel looking out for me and connecting me to my Dave Matthews dream every day...this day it's my friend Janice, my Dave connection, my buddy from about 15 years ago, my boss at one stage of my life, my friend in all the others. She called last week and asked if I wanted an extra ticket to see Dave Matthews and the Dalai Lama next week in Seattle. Are you kidding me???? Ask and you shall believe...

REALLY? The BOSS?

Yes, it's true...I got the call to massage the Boss. Seeing that Bruce is a LEGEND, my nerves WERE a bit rattled, dispite my rituals for medition and tranquility. Friday the 28th came and with my Angel's in tow (thank you Brigid and Sarah!), we entered the Rose Garden Arena wide eyed. There is a buzz in the air that only an arena produces. It's an energy that I'm addicted to...aaahhh...memories of the Soul 2 Soul Tour...and thus the trip down memory lane began! Jennifer, backstage coordinator for Bruce-I massaged at Sasquatch Festival last year when she was the wardrobe coordinator for the Beastie Boys; Fred, Road Manager for Bruce-head of Security on the Soul 2 Soul Tour, Gil, Head of Security for Bruce-in charge of Mama Faith for Soul 2 Soul, Chris Eberle-Flame Productions all over the Great NW! Met him at Sasquatch, he called me for Faith, and again for Bruce...and so again, I'll be at Sasquatch! YAHOOOOOOO!!!! Dreams are coming true. Bit by bit by bit. Thought by thought by thought. I am so damn lucky. And to witness the Boss mere feet from the Stage, well, priceless.