Over the years I have taken many personality indices and assessments. The Myers-Briggs, the Communications Style, a couple of different "color" surveys, I've even explored my archetypes. Lately it seems that I do not know myself very well. The last couple I've taken, I have found much difficulty in objectively analyzing myself.
The last one I took, which asked me to circle all the words that described how I acted at work, came out very even on all styles. The facilitator said that people who came out that even were "gaming the system." But it got me thinking.
What makes our personality anyway?
I guess people have mused and philosophized about this for millennia, but in turning it on myself I find I wonder. How much is inner wiring, how much is forced behavior from family and society, how much is image fulfillment, and how much is given in grace?
The more I think about it, the freer I feel to not be tied down to "who I am." Because maybe that person has more to it than has been previously allowed to shine.
Monday, February 28, 2011
news + promos
I am working on improving my skills in the Differential Assessment in which I recently completed a course and I need some guinea pigs! Basically, this tool allows us to more thoroughly explore consistent "problem" areas and guide us towards better relief. The work itself is not massage, but more of a consultation and some movement tests (followed by me doing research) which may lead me to discover new courses of treatment options. If you would like to participate, let me know, and we can plan to have you come in early for one of your sessions.
quick tip - massage at home
We use our hands constantly and we often overlook them when we ask for massage. They get shoved aside for a nice foot rub or for attention to our aching necks and backs; but, I have to say, a thorough hand massage is one of my favorites (especially to receive).
To treat someone to a relaxing hand massage try the following:
Find some lotion, cream, or oil (especially at this time of year- skin can be dry and cracked). I usually use all natural products.
Have your person relax. You can sit across from them at a table (you may want to cushion their forearms with a towel or pillow) or have them recline and sit or stand next to them. Let them know to just relax their arm and you will move it as necessary.
You can begin with pressing down on the hand and arm with your palms, just to warm up the area and get the circulation going. Then put some lotion in your hand (and hold it for a sec to warm it) and apply it to their skin. Use long gliding movements with your hands on the forearm and gentle pulls on the hand.
Next use your fingers to massage the palm. Make sure you treat the whole area with special attention to the "meaty" areas below the thumb and pinkie. You can use a combination of vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and circular sweeps. You can also press in with your thumbs if they prefer a lot of pressure. Also work around the wrist.
Then move to the back of the hand. Work the back of the wrist. Then the hand, you can sweep along and in between the bones then across them. Next work up each finger- ending with a gentle tug.
Since the muscles that control the wrist and fingers go all the way up to the elbow, glide and knead the front and back of the forearm. You can end with a few more presses to "set" the work.
Then have them work on you!
To treat someone to a relaxing hand massage try the following:
Find some lotion, cream, or oil (especially at this time of year- skin can be dry and cracked). I usually use all natural products.
Have your person relax. You can sit across from them at a table (you may want to cushion their forearms with a towel or pillow) or have them recline and sit or stand next to them. Let them know to just relax their arm and you will move it as necessary.
You can begin with pressing down on the hand and arm with your palms, just to warm up the area and get the circulation going. Then put some lotion in your hand (and hold it for a sec to warm it) and apply it to their skin. Use long gliding movements with your hands on the forearm and gentle pulls on the hand.
Next use your fingers to massage the palm. Make sure you treat the whole area with special attention to the "meaty" areas below the thumb and pinkie. You can use a combination of vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and circular sweeps. You can also press in with your thumbs if they prefer a lot of pressure. Also work around the wrist.
Then move to the back of the hand. Work the back of the wrist. Then the hand, you can sweep along and in between the bones then across them. Next work up each finger- ending with a gentle tug.
Since the muscles that control the wrist and fingers go all the way up to the elbow, glide and knead the front and back of the forearm. You can end with a few more presses to "set" the work.
Then have them work on you!
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