Massage Therapy Journal Summer 2025

82 • Massage Therapy Journal

Q You say: “You can be both tender-hearted and fierce.” So many people are challenged by the idea that they can be two things at once, especially when those things seem opposed to one another. What would you tell someone who finds that duality challenging? A Navigating the dualities of life is so important, because it helps us find our center … our peace. Can we feel OK even when something painful happens? Can we feel hopeful when we are facing the impossible? Can we retain our gentleness when we have to fight so hard to overcome our challenges? The answer is, yes. After my accident burning alive in a fire, I fought hard for my survival. I was determined to make it, to find a way. That took unwavering grit, strength and courage. Ironically, later, I also had to fight for my innocence to come back— with the same vigor. I refused to become bitter and hardened. So I fought for my softness to return. I fought to see life as beautiful again, to TRUST life again. It took time … but I got it back. It’s about never giving up. It’s about fiercely taking command. It’s about learning to embrace difficulties as opportunities to grow … knowing you can still maintain your softness and gentleness—your loving heart— alongside that incredible strength. Q So many massage therapists come to the profession with empathy. They focus on the care of their clients, sometimes at the expense of their own self-care. Can you suggest some ways massage therapists might better balance this notion of tender-hearted and fierce within their own self-care practices? How can people who aren’t always used to being tender with themselves lean into that idea more firmly?

A

Radical self-care is non-negotiable. Make a decision every day to embrace life, celebrate life— and be gentle with yourself. Be kind—to your body, to your mind and with whatever you are going through. You can be fiercely dedicated to this. Talk sweetly inside your mind to yourself. Slow down just enough to bring attention to that. Imagine how you would treat a beloved family member or friend who is visiting you. Think of the little things you do to show your care for this person. You may prepare their favorite tea, put extra fluffy pillows on the sofa … extra details that will make them feel nurtured and loved. Borrow from that and use those same ideas to care for yourself lovingly. When you sit at your desk, be sure you are really, really comfortable. Put a cozy blanket over your lap. Check that your environment is truly supporting you. Open windows and doors to have fresh air and oxygen circulating in your home. Have a practice of squeezing fresh lemons or oranges into your water in mason jars to make sure you stay hydrated every day. Little things can feel so nourishing and healthy. It is all a form of self-love—of kindness. This is the precise way in which you should treat yourself, talk to yourself, love yourself— with absolute tenderness, and with an absolute commitment to care for your well-being. Q You describe resilience as a quality you need to practice and nurture. Can you speak to that in a little more depth? A I experienced first hand that resilience can absolutely be learned. Resilience isn’t something we’re necessarily born with; it is a skill that we nurture and practice. As long as people have the tools and willingness to do the work, they can absolutely figure it out.

It’s about never giving up. It’s about fiercely taking command. It’s about learning to embrace difficulties as opportunities to grow… knowing you can still maintain your softness and gentleness ― your loving heart ― alongside that incredible strength.

LEARN MORE OR CONTACT ALLISON To learn more about Allison Massari, visit AllisonMassari.com . To inquire about Allison's keynotes, please contact her office at cs@allisonmassari.com .

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