Diary of a Massage Student

A wee bit into Quarter 3

There is this sign in the kitchen at my school that has a funny saying about chocolate not asking silly questions, and for the longest time I thought it was implying a family member or significant other being the asker. Today, after what feels like 3 grueling weeks of learning SOAP charting and health intake, I thought; IT'S THE THERAPIST! The sign is talking about me!

What would it be like to listen to my client's ailments or woahs, then respond with chocolate, and not 30 min of question asking and muscle testing?

And yet...what theraputic improvement could I make for my clients if I don't get a clear idea of what may be going on? Perhaps help them to connect the dots for themselves?

I'm getting in my own way. Cringing and worrying away from the very questions I have to ask. Doubting the asking. Doubting MYSELF and my ability to be a therapist.

I have a feeling quarter 3 is going to be owning my own (growing) professional knowledge. Claiming the space I take up in this world. Accepting the ripples in the water from my choices.

Ok. Woah. I need to go process this more. Preferably with chocolate.

Warmly, Ashlen

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We're SO PROUD of our evening program graduates! Such an intelligent, fun, inquisitive, lively, and personable group! Truly beautiful human beings -- and truly capable therapists!

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Diary of a Massage Student

The End of Quarter Two

Dear Diary,
Here we are, cohort of Fall 2017, in the midst of mid winter break. Where did quarter two go?

Here is a snapshot. In words and pictures (can you match them?)
The time went into getting our hands on muscles, uncovering them and naming them, remembering their actions for tests. The time was filled with study nests for epic anatomy tests, bonding over bones, opening sheep hearts and brains and eyes to make real connections to our learning. It was filled with laughter, wonder, grief, and as many anatomy puns and jokes you could handle. (Heart and Soleus forever will stick with me. Why? Your calf muscles are considered a second heart, their movement pumping blood back to your heart.)

And possibly the most important, we spent this time opening our hearts to each other in each of our most vulnerable, worn down and doubtful learning place.

There are many stories I could tell, but I'll leave here a story of transition:

It was a class with Lisa Nelson, who if you remember was the instigator of our Therapy Thursdays back in quarter 1. When we came into class there was a beautiful red carpet from Afghanistan sitting in the middle of the room. She didn't talk about it till the end. When she did, she told the story of another hand knotted carpet from Persia.
The practice of hand knotting a 6 foot by 5 foot carpet takes months, a circle of carpet makers working together, hundreds of thousands of tiny knots. What happens if a mistake is made in the pattern? Is the knot taken out? The carpet abandoned?
No.
These carpet makers have a mentor that keeps an eye on the progress, and makes suggestions in how to adjust the patten so it fits together, it blends in. Take a closer look. Can you spot the oddity?

This is our work. From here on out, our schooling and learning isn't about studying for tests and filling in the right multiple choice bubble. It's about blending the pieces together. And the mistakes become part of the glorious whole. And we will need to find those who can be our mentors.

Outcome Based Massage! Quarter 3! Here we come! Let the messy learning happen!

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Diary Of A Massage Student
Happy Valentines Day!

It's our Quarter 2 final for MSA comprehensive, which meant knowing details of over 60 muscles. My brain is mush, but I have coffee, and I think I passed.

Have a glorious day!!
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Calling all LMTs! We're on the lookout for professionals willing to receive massage in exchange for quality feedback! Can we count on you? A colleague? (Why not both?)

Two times available: 9:30am and 11:45am on Wed 2/21.

No cost to you, just be willing to give feedback as a client. Sessions will be held in a classroom setting, and supervised by faculty. Click the "Book Now" button and jump ahead to February 21 to reserve your spot.

We need 22 LMTs total, so tell your colleagues and bring a friend!

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