Mindfulness is the energy of being aware and awake to the present moment. It is the continuous practice of touching life deeply in every moment of daily life. To be mindful is to be truly alive, present, and at one with those around you and with what you are doing. We bring our body and mind into harmony while we are engaged in any active doing or non-doing, especially during the giving of a massage.

Our breathing is a stable solid ground that we can take refuge in. Regardless of our internal weather – our thoughts, emotions and perceptions – our breathing is always with us like a faithful friend. Whenever we feel carried away, or sunken in a deep emotion, or scattered in worries and projects, we return to our breathing to collect and anchor our mind.

We feel the flow of air coming in and going out of our nose. We feel how light and natural, how calm and peaceful our breathing functions. At any time, while we are walking, gardening, or giving massage, we can return to this peaceful source of life.

“Breathing in I know that I am breathing in.
Breathing out I know that I am breathing out.”

We do not need to control our breath. Feel the breath as it actually is. It may be long or short, deep or shallow. With our awareness, it will naturally become slower and deeper. Conscious breathing is the key to uniting body and mind and bringing the energy of mindfulness into each moment of our life.

When we are fully present, and giving massage, the quality of the treatment is the most powerful it can be. It is often said that whatever the technique might be it is this quality of being fully established in the present moment, or letโ€™s say dwelling in the seat of the Self, that gives the massage its healing power. If we can at least learn this powerful tool then we can rest assured that we are able to mindfully listen, mindfully respond and mindfully act in accordance to meet the needs of the person lying down… and therefore have no need to learn or practice anything more than that.