by Frank Merillat
While sitting listening to music this morning I happened across the Door’s recording of Light My Fire. Later while out walking my dogs I got to thinking about life, education and what lights my fire. I thought about how my interests and work have changed over the 20 plus years I have been learning about the body and practicing my craft. I realized how blessed I have been to have FSM here and all the wonderful opportunities available to study and grow with the work.
I have had the opportunity to study with some remarkable teachers. Some who have helped shaped me include Paul Linn, Lee Joseph, Michael Loomis, Luann Overmeyer, Kathryn Hansman-Spice and other Trager instructiors. The work with these folks helped me begin to switch from a technical body worker to a more eclectic approach of combining the handwork with the client’s process. As my understanding of the need to meet the whole person as well as caring for myself while working on others grew, my ability to expand my learning also grew. Teachers such as Hugh and Giorgia Milne, Deane Juhan, Gil Hedley and Tom Meyers allowed me to become more skillful as well as able to go deeper into the process of therapeutic relationship.
One of the best things about working with all these outstanding instructors was that they came here to our school to teach. One of the most difficult things about continuing education is the expense involved if travel to attend a class is necessary. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful opportunities right here at the Florida School of Massage. We have nationally recognized folks who come right here to share their knowledge.
We also have some great certification programs associated through our school. Karen Ball offers certification in Reflexology and Vincent Cambrea offers the Integrated Massage And Personal training program. Right now there is a group working with Giorgia Milne for the Biodynamic Craniosacral certification. There is also Ariela’s wonderful Thai Massage certification available. Being certified in a specific modality or approach can be a real practice booster.
I was looking at the upcoming workshop schedule for the rest of the year and note that several of the instructors I have mentioned have classes scheduled. Karen, Giorgia and Ariela have upcoming classes listed. I know I also have two scheduled, “Getting Specific – Low Back and Hip” in June, as well as a class focused on breath in October. It is always a good idea to check the continuing education/workshops listings on the FSM website to see what might interest you.
So what lights your fire? Where is your growing edge? What is the next area that interests you? Who would you like to have the opportunity spend time with? I know that when I check in with fellow instructors and practicing therapists, they are continuously working to further their education. Most take many more hours of continuing education than what is required to keep their license active. Learning something new is essential to keeping the work interesting and myself growing. What would you like to experience to grow both as a practitioner and person? I encourage all of us to have a professional development plan. What is yours?
Please check out the FSM website to see what is being offered in continuing education.
P.S. If you have an interest in either of my upcoming classes, please contact me directly at fmerillat@mac.com or call (352)371-0743.
