Following on from a recent pondering about life experience, and how important it is to share it professionally my inspiration for this blog comes after a couple of hours training with Spa Therapists - some of my favourite people to work with as they often doubt their strengths, and don't realise their capabilities. My hope is that any interaction I have with this career sector is one of inspiration, and to increase the knowing of their capacity.
As a Therapist in the wellbeing industry since 1996 it's fair to say I have experience under my belt (actually I rarely wear belts let's say 'under my flip flop!') and this 'experience' often goes unspoken and yet time brings forth an experience that is priceless.
Let me put my experience into practice. I'm there to train Therapists in a new self-heating back wrap and as I guide them through the procedure step by step I naturally guide their posture around the couch as I keen see stooping, over-reaching, wonky-leaning, and locked knees. I gently mention ways to improve so that they do not harm their backs or keep repetitive straining their bodies (it appears to be an accepted 'goes with the job' assumption) subtly I'll say bend your knees, pull from the core, move rather than lock, tuck your thumbs in, support your wrist, lower your shoulder etc, etc,. Words that are relevant to each Therapist, that list can be so big as I've worked with Therapists for years. They realise that when they are made aware they self-correct without me having to say anything.
As we move through the procedure they have a 'freestyle' section of massage for 10 minutes, during this time I observe the Therapist's backs who are now clients and can visually see tension that would guide their routines from puffiness in the lower back, to a raised shoulder on one side. The client's agree and say yes that is my pain point, the working Therapist says 'how do you know that?' They wonder how I can see that without even touching the back. It's a moment for me, one of gratitude for the long career I have had that I can now impart with others. Time and life experience have infused a little sparkle into the way I work, and the positive impact I have.
What has your life experience, your work in practice taught you?
Acknowledge it, see its value, feel gratitude for it, share it.
