Introducing the lovely Brigitte!
Read moreLife in the time of Covid-19
The manic defence. This is the dynamic I have observed most people to be struggling with throughout this pandemic, or rather the potential collapse of the manic defence.
The manic defence is a common psychological defence that many sub-consciously and in some cases consciously act out when faced with uncomfortable thoughts or feelings. This is done to distract the conscious mind through a burst of activity or consistent busy-ness in an effort to produce the opposite thoughts or feelings. However, important processes are avoided or skipped over..
The simple yet sometimes painful task of simply sitting with what is. Ouch.
A few examples: the over-achiever, the workaholic, the shopaholic, the perfectionist, the alcoholic, the good charitable helper, the serial monogamist.
After the panic shopping (which the manic defence so eagerly helped you to do). After the significant, radical and instantaneous major life decisions have been made, cried about and adjusted to.. What I observe most in myself and those around me is the struggle of living a life with more stillness. A slower, more temperate day to day with less measurable "achievements".
For each of us the more intimate and intricate internal struggle will have a different driver. For some, there is the trauma anxiety that won't easily allow you to be still. For others it may be, that when our occupation, productivity and reward has been taken away we may not really know who we are and worse yet, we may not feel self-worth without being productive, receiving income, being helpful or being patted on the back a few times a day. Then there's those of us who spend their time surrounded by other people in a quest to avoid what lies within. Many many more.
So, what are each of us avoiding? To name a few,
Feelings of low self-worth.
Loneliness.
Identity crisis.
Depression.
Anxiety.
Feelings of being forsaken / abandoned.
Feelings of deprivation.
So with all of that said, you can probably now see how unemployment (for some people possibly the first time in their life!), financial ruin, self isolation, sickness, home-schooling and social distancing could potentially be a living nightmare. After all, when was the last time you were mandated to do nothing? How very vulnerable. This is why our homes are being cleaned, culled and organised, our DIY projects are finally getting done, there are no seedlings or seeds left to buy.
I'm not saying not to keep yourself engaged with life with rewarding and satisfying projects. I'm just pointing out, that it's an ideal time to observe what might be driving you...
AND mostly what I'd like to share is that...
It's ok to feel terrified of being alone, "bored", feeling empty, and worried about having nothing "important" to do. It's very normal to feel this way, we've been programmed to be productive but this is an amazing opportunity to just, be.
I promise you, that if you sit with it, cry through it.
It will pass. I promise. Your feelings will pass. This time will pass.
Creativity will be birthed, so much creativity already has!
We can see and make a new way of BEing. Or maybe we'll all just rush back to being in a rush. Ultimately that's up to us.
I miss you & love you all
Lou xx
Newsletter, Summer 2020
Firstly, let's just call a spade a spade and admit it sure has been a while! What happened to the spring newsletter and I apologise that this Summer edition is rather tardy! What can I say.. there’s been a lot going on here (good things) and I am still adjusting to all the changes!
Read moreAn open letter to our clients
I've wanted to write this for a while, but I didn't want to say it wrong.. so I hope it is received with the love that was intended!
Read moreWhat is Remedial Massage?
I've often been asked.. "What is Remedial Massage?" The simple answer is in the name itself. To remedy. As an avid practitioner of body work, I could be accused of sometimes believing a massage can cure almost anything!
Read moreMeet your Nervous System
I recently spent 12 days in Bali, Balangan and Ubud. The purpose of the trip was to totally unwind.
Have you heard of Myofascial Cupping?
Good afternoon! Have you heard of Myofascial cupping? There are several different types of ‘cupping’ methods available in the health and wellness field, each addressing various systems in the body so it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for when you book in for a 'Myofascial Cupping' treatment.
Read moreSelf-care Queen
I truly believe that if you’re going to take good care of people, you NEED to take good care of you. When you receive a massage at Touch Therapy you can be certain that while I’m taking good care of you,
Read moreComorbidity
Did you know that I am also a university qualified counsellor.. Within counselling it is quite common for clients to present with more than one issue.
Read moreLower Back Pain
One of the leading reasons that people seek massage treatment is for Lower Back Pain (LBP). Most episodes of LBP are experienced in the Lumbar region, which is comprised of five vertebrae L1-L5 and the supporting muscles.
Read moreMama’s Day
She dreamed of the day you would arrive.. of course she didn't know what she was getting herself into, not really.
Read moreYou’re never too old
This is the smile of a little girl who is being well loved. A child who has been patiently bathed in her Nanna’s laundry trough.
Read moreSlow down or scream!
While I was on the road yesterday morning I slowed down to read a sign, I didn't notice a truck waiting to pull onto the main road and as I approached the truck I noticed the driver was furious. He was cursing and yelling, face all red and screwed up.
Read moreThe Shoulder
Can you brush your hair without pain in your shoulder? Put your seat belt on pain free? Dog pose pain free? Sleep on your side? Hang the washing? If you answered “no” to any of these questions please read this post
Read moreRomantic Fool
Romantic Fool When I was little, maybe 8yrs old, I would sentimentally and passionately sing along to a mixed tape of loved songs that my mother would play in her car. I would feel every word, every note as though it spoke of my own love, my own pain and experience.
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