In a few weeks, I will start massage school, again. In 1983, at the age of 26, I studied massage therapy at the Institute for Holistic Studies in Santa Barbra, CA. I was one of a few dozen people attending. But the nature of the class made it a very personal experience. One day, the instructor was giving a lecture. I don’t remember what the topic was. But suddenly, he and I were engaged in a conversation, and it seemed as if we were the only two in the room. He would begin to explain something, and I would finish his sentence. Then I would start to expand on the idea, and he would finish my thought. But “finish” isn’t exactly right because our sentences were incomplete. The conversation was fragment to others, and yet we had complete understanding of what was being said because we had a mental connection like I’d never had before. The rest of the class was quiet and seemed confused. Then Phil, the instructor, continued as if nothing unusual had happened.
It was in that brief conversation that I became truly grounded in understanding that we are more than our bodies. There is more to us and to life than what we can touch, see, feel, taste, and hear and we are connected in ways that go beyond the world of five senses. I was introduced to an experience of the metaphysical. That introduction led me to years of giving what might be called psychic massages. I connected with my clients through touch and listened to what their bodies were telling me. I would “hear” their needs and the cause of the struggles they faced, the trauma they had experienced and then provide a massage based on what I’d heard. I spent 15 years doing massage this way. But I added an element to it. After graduation from massage school, I deepened my understanding of metaphysics at the Institute for Psychic Studies and Research. My studies included spiritual anatomy, palmistry, numerology, astrology, and phrenology to name a few classes. The more I studied, the more I was intrigued by the physical and metaphysical universe that is the human being. I developed an intuition that was triggered by touch. There were times when my perspective was from inside the client’s body. We were energetically merged. Then in 1985, I found Reiki.
The late Joyce Morris was the Director of the Reiki Center of Los Angeles and the author of the book “Hands That Heal.” In a two-day workshop, I learned First Degree Reiki. Her method of teaching at the time included two attunements, one on each day. As I drove home from the first day of the workshop, I saw everything bathed in a beautiful purplish-blue light and I felt wrapped in a blanket of love. I don’t remember anything significant from the second day. But the next 7 years of my life were a fast track to wonderful things that I attribute to Reiki being a part of me and my life. I met and married my wonderful, supportive, and loving wife, Cynthia. I worked at some high-profile fitness centers as a massage therapist, working with a few celebrities and boosting my income. I continued my study of Reiki. Cynthia and I started attending a Unity church, which eventually led to us becoming ministers. And we brought our first child, a brilliant, shining light, into the world.
Fast forward 41 years from massages school in Santa Barbara to massage school in Kansas City. I keep thinking, “I’m old enough to be some of these kids’ parent or grandparent.” “Can my body still do this”? and “I’m not carrying my table around to do house calls!” And of course, there’s the excitement. I loved doing massage! I still love doing the few massages I do on friends and family. (No I don’t get paid. That would be illegal). And I feel I was guided to this path. I spent what felt like way too long listening for “what is next for me.” But I think this is the answer. I think this is my next way of being the highest expression of my true nature and being of service to others, humanity, and the world. So, just like most things, I’m starting something new with mixed feelings. But trusting in spiritual guidance and I’m excited for what the future holds as I go back to school.