By Pete Whitridge
A year has elapsed since COVID-19 brought “life as usual” to a screeching halt for all of us. Last year at this time we were sequestered in our homes, fearful about this unknown and potentially fatal virus, and wondering when and how we would emerge from this pandemic. Our usual routines and relationships were disrupted, work was halted and the future was unknown.
On a personal level, Lee and I were incredibly fortunate. None of our loved ones became seriously ill or perished. Having no children or grandchildren, we did not experience the deprivation of being cut off from important family relationships nor need to conduct business and childcare/homeschooling simultaneously. And being technologically adept, we were able to navigate virtual platforms to maintain contact with family, friends and colleagues. I know that has not been true for a substantial number of people and I want to acknowledge the very real pain of loss that this year has brought to so many.
While Lee and I feel grateful for our personal wellbeing, it was a year of letting go for us as well. My clinical practice location that I loved here in downtown Fort Pierce closed for good last April. One of my regular teaching locations, Asheville School of Massage and Yoga, where I’ve taught Business Skills to every graduating class for many years as well as continuing education to NC therapists, shut its doors in the spring of 2020. COMTA site visits were cancelled and the 2020 teaching schedule disappeared.
What does one do when a professional life and identity are upended? I was a teacher with no students, a therapist with no clients. How to stay in a place of trust when there are only questions and virtually no answers? How to even navigate the terrain when it is utterly unknown?
We stopped; we stayed home, we rested, we took a good look at our lives. I didn’t realize how weary I’d become. As much as I love teaching, the constant travel had taken its toll. Forced to stop, I explored the smaller world of home. I caught up on sleep, worked in the yard, ate home-cooked meals, and spent time in nature and with my sweetheart. In short, I was able to reground and to reconnect with Lee and with myself. This time of loss held a precious jewel at its center. I imagine many of you have had the experience as well, of finding benefit as a byproduct of loss.
The willingness to NOT DO can fuel the restoration of body, mind, and spirit. In the quieting down, there is space to remain more fully in the present moment and to reconnect with one’s personal guidance. My own inner compass led me to become a student again. I read books, watched videos, attended online conferences. I explored the worlds of massage therapy and neuroplasticity, fascia and function. I fell in love with my profession again and feel grateful to have had that spark rekindled.
We’ve been apart, separated in ways that are not natural for most humans. As social beings, we have a need to gather together, to look into each other’s eyes and to experience caring touch. As massage therapists, we know how important positive touch is to health and wellness. It’s been a challenge to navigate the creation of safety in a profession that involves such close personal contact. Kudos to all of you who have contributed to the knowledge of how to create safe spaces for your clients to come relax and heal.
I’m excited to dovetail with the resumption of in-person classes on the FSM campus and to reconnect with my tribe, you, my fellow massage therapists. I’ve scheduled two classes at FSM during the remainder of this renewal period which ends August 31. Both classes will be focused on helping you rest, recharge, and reconnect with your fellow therapists. I can’t wait to share some of the new things that I have learned throughout this challenging time.
The June class will focus on Head, Neck and Shoulder Pain and the late July class targets Low Back and Leg Pain. I hope you’ll join me and your fellow therapists as we reemerge and reconnect. You could probably use a good massage and these classes will offer lots of bodywork and laughter! Register today by emailing bluemoonies@juno.com. Lee will create a Paypal invoice for you! Be well, P>
One more thing we did in 2020 was create online classes for what we affectionately call the Big 3: Ethics, FL Law, and Prevention of Medical Errors (previously available from us only in person). If you’re interested, links are below:
Here is the link to my online Laws and Rules Class
