Massage Therapy Journal Fall 2025

6 • Massage Therapy Journal

Letter from the

President

Keeping My Wonder Alive Happy Summer! It is unfathomable to think that half of my time as the AMTA National President has passed. And yet it feels like in many ways it is just getting started. I have already had so many memorable

therapeutic relationship and providing the optimal environment for health and healing. This practice of seeing and relating to our environment and those within it through fresh eyes keeps our world interesting and can be a remedy to ward away boredom tendencies. It can also serve to mitigate feelings of burnout as well. Join Me At Convention! The next event on my calendar is AMTA’s National Convention, August 21–23 in Dallas, Texas. In my 28 years as an AMTA member, I have attended many conventions. However, each one I attend is a new experience. Every year, I leave with a renewed sense of wonderment because we’re in different locations, with different educational offerings, keynote speakers and exhibitors. Without a doubt, a great deal of the specialness has to do with the energy brought by you, the attendees. You help each convention have a vibe all of its own. August is my birthday month. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than with my AMTA community. I hope you will be there. I’m sure it will be wonder-full! “The word “ NEW ” stands for “ Never Ending Wonder .” It is the enthusiasm from some of the remaining initial giddiness, as well as the excitement from anticipating the experiences and opportunities yet to come.”

experiences, including representing AMTA at the International Massage Therapy Research Conference and other industry meetings. Also, being with you, AMTA members and volunteers, at chapter conferences and Chapter Volunteer Orientation Training (CVOP). And of course, the time spent with the National Board of Directors progressing the AMTA strategic plan. Everything Old Is New Despite six very active months, so much still remains new. As I shared with CVOP attendees, for me the word “NEW” stands for “Never Ending Wonder.” It is the enthusiasm from some of the remaining initial giddiness, as well as the excitement from anticipating the experiences and opportunities yet to come. It’s a perspective I strive to keep in life in general, and one I also seek to bring to my specific day to-day activities, including my massage sessions. Each one presents the chance to be reminded of the magnificent wonder of the body, how it is made and how it functions. It is the very awe that sparked my interest and desire to become a massage therapist. This viewpoint is also effective to bring to each client interaction. No matter if it is their first time with you or if you have been working with them for years. Every time they come to see you, they and their bodies are new. They are different than they were the hour, day or session before. And certainly, they are not the same as any other client. Even if they have similar complaints or request the same modality. Approaching them with healthy curiosity will allow them to know you are meeting them and their bodies’ specific needs, where they are in the present moment, facilitating the

ENGAGE WITH AMTA AMTA’S local chapters are a great place to start getting involved. Find yours at amtamassage.org/ chapters.

Cindy E. Farrar AMTA President

I am because We are.

amtamassage.org/mtj