By Pete Whitridge

Welcome to the new year! Thank you to everyone who attended classes with me throughout the 2021- 2023 renewal period. I always feel energized and rejuvenated when I am in your presence. In-person education feels particularly important in these times of stridency and strife. It’s been so meaningful to spend time together as a group, creating a positive, supportive environment in the company of other massage colleagues.

Lee and I took the opportunity to wander a bit after the August 31st renewal deadline and used our RV as our own personal retreat center. We headed west for some time on the Pacific coast, visiting friends and enjoying the beauty of Northern California. The forests and oceans filled us with awe and appreciation. Redwood trees, sunsets, and good food were our companions as we refueled ourselves after an intense 2023. Last year was a challenging one in which my mom fractured her sacrum, our cabin in the woods had a flood and required major renovation, and our home in Fort Pierce needed a bathroom/bedroom mold mitigation redo. Thankfully things have settled down and we’re looking forward to the new year ahead. I’m planning to teach for the AMTA Schools Summit in February, offer workshops in Gainesville and Sarasota in March, and teach at the Connecticut AMTA chapter’s statewide Spring Event in April.  

Lee and I are also enjoying taking classes and attending events that stimulate and fill us with wonder. That’s why I’m so excited to share, and encourage you to attend, one of Gil Hedley’s Nerve Tour events coming to the East Coast this winter. Gil and Rachel are traveling the country in an RV and upcoming destinations include various cities throughout Florida. (I’ll be attending his class in Jupiter on February 22.) I’ve used Gil’s Integral Anatomy cadaver dissection videos as teaching tools for many years. They’re an excellent way to learn about anatomy and body systems. Gil is an entertaining presenter and an expert in the field of Anatomy. His anatomical skill is enhanced by visuals and stories that will add relevance to your knowledge base. The class is a five-hour exploration of the nervous system, $150, 5 CE hrs. If you’re interested, you can check the schedule by date here: 

https://www.gilhedley.com/thenervetourdates

I’ll be teaching Dynamics of the Breath in Gainesville on March 9-10. This workshop will focus on assisting clients to calm their nervous systems and create greater ease in their ability to breathe. I’ll demonstrate a variety of skills to help soften the diaphragm, which takes pressure off the three vessels that pass through this vital structure. I’ll be using information gleaned from Gil’s workshop to help us better understand the role of the vagus and phrenic nerves in the regulation of sympathetic/parasympathetic states of being. We will also focus on various breathing and relaxation techniques to support rest and repose (and enhance your own well-being). This work is particularly beneficial for alleviating issues from asthma, emphysema, COPD, and post-thoracic surgery. You will receive lots of bodywork and be able to incorporate what you’ve learned during the weekend immediately into your practice. I hope you’ll join us for a useful and restorative weekend. Please get in touch if you have any questions. Pete’s cell: 772-332-6116.