The concept of Brahmacharya in yoga philosophy can be beautifully applied to massage therapy when we consider it through the lens of moderation. This principle isn’t just about restraint; it’s about balance. Moderation extends to your energy, your time, and even within a massage session itself—how much pressure you use, how deep you go. It’s a delicate balancing act.
I love the phrase “hold something back for yourself” when reflecting on Brahmacharya. The purpose of practicing moderation is so that you always have something left in the tank—not just for yourself, but also for your family, friends, and loved ones.
The Pitfalls of Overextending
A lot of new massage therapists start their careers by overworking themselves: overscheduling, saying yes to every request, and overbooking their days. They often do this until they reach a breaking point where they either burn out or are forced to adapt. Ideally, they learn boundaries and eventually find that elusive “sweet spot.” But even after finding that balance, there’s a deeper lesson in Brahmacharya—the importance of consistently holding something back for yourself.
How often are you still working late, coming in on your day off, or breaking your own rules about limiting the number of clients you see in a day? The root of this behavior usually stems from two main sources, which vary in influence depending on the individual:
1. Financial Scarcity: The fear of not making enough money.
2. People-Pleasing: The desire to keep everyone happy.
These factors can lead us to repeatedly cross our own boundaries, giving and giving until we have nothing left. But constantly pushing beyond your limits will never truly make you happy. Achieving balance requires the discipline of Brahmacharya.
Learning Moderation from Experience
I remember when I first graduated from massage school and started applying for jobs. Nearly every job posting mentioned something like: “We need your first massage to be just as good as your sixth.” This was terrifying for me as a new therapist. I knew I could manage two massages well, but beyond that, I was aware that my pressure and quality would start to decline.
There are many factors that impact your ability to deliver consistent, high-quality massages throughout a workday. Let’s be realistic and say your goal is to provide four high-quality massages in a day. The factors influencing this include:
• Physical Strength and Stamina: Some of this can be developed over time, but it also requires intentional effort to ensure you’re not overextending yourself too quickly.
• Energy Management: If your first client of the day wants deep, intense pressure, it’s crucial that your last client receives just as much quality and attention. It’s your responsibility as a professional to understand the demands of your workday and to pace yourself accordingly.
Moderation: More Than Just Setting Boundaries
Moderation isn’t just a default state; it requires effort. It’s not a passive stance, but an active, conscious practice. It means being aware of how much energy each task takes and knowing when to pull back to conserve your resources.
Establishing boundaries is one thing, but keeping yourself in check and staying true to your own rules is another challenge entirely. It’s about honoring your word to yourself. This takes:
• Self-Awareness: Recognizing when you’re overcommitting and draining yourself.
• Discipline: Saying no when you need to, even when it’s hard.
• Consistency: Maintaining those boundaries so you can show up fully, not only for your clients but also for yourself and your loved ones.
Practicing Brahmacharya is a lifelong journey of learning to honor your limits, reserving enough energy to live a balanced life, and ultimately giving your best to what truly matters.
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