3 MASSAGE LESSONS FROM......THE 'OLD MASTER' AND THE 'NEW BROOM'
I could not resist watching bits of the 'Murray vs Federer' tennis semi today (Australian Open). 

What a history the two of them have had! Every time (apart from the olympic final) Fedora wins. My friend Geraldine will testify that I correctly read their body language and announced Murray to be the winner early on in the first set. Nonetheless, I learned so much from just watching them:

On the one hand there was MURRAY, just coming into his prime, looking stronger with more bulk on him and  beginning to display the mental maturity that enables him to take the 'ups' and the 'downs' of a game with real professionalism. You can still see and hear the petulant whine that has characterised Murray's tennis, but now there is a new control that heralds the sort of great wisdom shown by the real pro's like Federer. And then there is Federer himself, still going strong and already a legend almost a decade ago! Possibly the greatest tennis player of all time. 

1. DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO
Before Fedora even started playing, his comments to the interviewer a day or so ago struck me. He told the interviewer that he was looking forward to the game because 'with Andy it always turns into such a tactical game'. Like a chess player he was relishing the opportunity to try out his moves and catch his bright young opponent out. He simply loves playing tennis. I get the feeling that even if he wasn't any good, he would eat, sleep and breathe tennis - even if he had to have a day job to pay for his addiction! If you are doing what you love (as I know so many massage therapists are) then you always 'win'. How can we 'lose' when we do such an amazing therapy as Massage? 

If the treatment does not go well, then there is simply LOADS to learn! If there are not enough clients for your practice, there is simply the chance to find new ways to attract people to your treatments. If your body is tired and you are exhausted, there is just more to learn about health and healing - on yourself! Always something important and valuable to do - always MEANING in your life....

2. THE VERY BEST TAKE RISKS
I was particularly struck by the brilliance of Federer as he launched himself into every opening that Murray gave him - and there were precious few of those. But Federer waited, cat-like until a weak serve arrived and then RISKED EVERYTHING to turn that into a winning opportunity. Neither player did anything 'safe' in this thrilling match. Every shot was 'pushing the envelope' because both knew that ordinary and safe shots would never win the point. What has safety got to do with excellence, I ask myself?

There is nothing 'safe' about building a successful Massage practice. Making good and meaningful connection with each client sometimes involves 'risking' eye contact or a joke or sharing a personal story - to make it 'real'.  Getting new clients often means taking our Massage out into public places, giving talks and being seen by a less than sensitive public. The comments I have overheard regarding my treatments at exhibitions or conferences have ranged from "I wish I was on that table" to "I think that's disgusting!". There is no safety in letting your work be seen....

3. PERSEVERANCE IS THE KEY
At the end of the fourth set, Federer was 2 match points away from losing, and he just kept going - and Murray made two unforced errors! He went on to win the tie break and get through into the fifth set. 

OK, I know he lost the fifth set, but he showed us all just what it takes to be great. For a Massage therapist like me it means that I intend to keep learning more and more about the amazing magic of healing touch until my very last breath on this planet.

Why would we do anything other than 'always keep learning', when we are privileged enough to be doing what we love?

ABOUT GERRY:

Gerry has been a full time Massage therapist and teacher for over 25 years. He also qualified as a UKCP registered Psychotherapist (TA) in 1999.

He is the creator of The NO HANDS Massage Therapy System, which is now one of the most popular Massage approaches in the UK. He has also recently launched the PSYCHOLOGY OF CHANGE, a unique new approach to making lasting change within your life. To learn more about these courses go to www.nohandsmassage.com