Knowing Oneself: A Journey Through Compassionate, Somatic Curiosity
“Knowing oneself comes from attending with compassionate curiosity to what is happening within.” - Gabor Maté
This profound quote serves as a guiding principle at Bloom Bodywork. In our fast-paced world, we often overlook the importance of self-awareness and inner reflection and how it all ties right into our body’s holding patterns. Massage Therapy at Bloom Bodywork provides a sacred space for this exploration, allowing you to connect deeply with your inner self through mindful touch and somatic guidance.
The Essence of Compassionate Curiosity
Compassionate curiosity involves observing your inner experiences without judgment. It's about understanding your emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations with kindness and openness. Our therapists create a safe, nurturing environment where you can explore what’s happening within your body. And, if you wish to go deeper, we guide you through somatic inquiry. In a “deep” session you are (physically) held as you let your body be the guide. “What would feel supportive to you right now?” is something we often ask clients as they tune into their body with loving awareness. As we hold tension in the body and guide the client to listen, profound emotional and physical unwinding happens. By tuning into their body’s wisdom, clients often experience revelations about their past or present pain. These sessions can be truly transformational and deeply healing.
Massage Therapy: A Path to Self-Knowledge
In Thailand, Thai massage practitioners are considered “Thai Massage Doctors”. In Thai culture, there is no question that massage is a holistic practice that fosters emotional and mental well-being and that the mind and body are not separate. Modalities like Thai massage and craniosacral therapy are particularly effective in promoting self-awareness. These modalities help you tune into your body’s signals, uncovering areas of stress and imbalance that you may not have been consciously aware of.
The Bloom Bodywork Experience
At Bloom Bodywork, each session is designed to be a journey of self-discovery. Our therapists welcome each client into compassionate curiosity, helping you to understand and address the root cause of your discomfort. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, stress, or emotional turmoil, our personalized treatments provide a pathway to deeper self-knowledge and healing.
Practical Tips for Attending to What is Happening Within
Mindful Breathing: Focus on your breath during your massage session. Notice how it feels as it moves through your body, bringing your attention to the present moment. Your therapist will help you do this. If you feel like it’s too much work, allow your breath to “breathe you”
Body Scan: If it feels safe to at the beginning of your session scan your body from head to toe, noting any areas of tension or discomfort. Approach these areas with compassion, acknowledging them without judgment. No “good” or “bad”.
Reflection: After your session, take a few moments to reflect on what you noticed during the massage. Journaling can be a helpful way to process your experience. Continue to honor your body and ask what it needs to feel supported throughout your day.
By attending to what is happening with compassionate curiosity, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and enhance your overall well-being. Your body has answers that your mind does not. We encourage you to continue to attune to your body’s wisdom. At Bloom Bodywork, we are honored to support you on this journey of self-discovery… releasing chronic pain and tension is the cherry on top. We offer virtual somatic inquiry sessions as well as in person craniosacral therapy in Portland, Oregon. Book Online Here
