A Podium Finish Is Only Part of the Victory
I work with athletes who know that a podium finish is only part of the victory
If you’re a professional or elite athlete a place on the podium is a BIG, BIG part of your victory. All athletes have invested lots of time, effort and money just to toe the start line. And not everyone can measure that investment by making it to the podium. For every athlete though, that investment can be measured by the expressing of passion and sheer enjoyment of doing whatever it is that you are doing to be that athlete.
Most of the time an athlete comes to me for massage because they are interested in repair and recovery of their physical body as well as some mental down time on the massage table that provides a respite from a hectic and often grueling schedule. A curious thing sometimes happens in the massage room. I provide and hold space for any inquiry, and what is said in the massage room stays in the massage room. At some point my client might wonder out loud, if all their hard work will be worth it.
Once in awhile they confess their hope that they don’t sabotage their efforts on race day as may have happened in the past. Other times they are so worn out that they are on the brink of giving up and wish to go back to a ‘normal’ life. Whatever their inquiry is, it usually is brought up by something we find in the body, such as tension, stiffness or a trigger point. Somatic experiencing helps a person tune in to their body and massage is a good entry point for this process. After we discover a point of interest, we spend time feeling through whatever comes up. Sometimes it is a flash of insight, sometimes an emotion, and other times it is a knowing that is deep and old. For most, there is surprise that such a message has come through the body for them. The conversation that follows generally clears any remaining doubt of understanding this message. They understand the message that their body, mind, emotions and spirit has given them in this session.
Usually this happens only once in a massage session, because the self in its infinite wisdom knows that on this particular day, that’s the most important thing for the client to know. Also, in somatic experiencing it has become well known that we are not given more than we can handle and if we can assimilate one insight at a time in our busy lives, that’s a win.
So a podium win is thrilling and definitely something to strive for, however, there is so much more to be gained in pursuing an activity that feeds your passion, knowing your body completely and sharing your efforts with others no matter how big or little a mark you leave on them. Massage and bodywork can assist you to achieve whatever goals you set. Put your best effort forward by getting a massage today!
Marianne Fitzgerald / 4 Body Wellness / 970.485.4269