VermontRubs's Personal Masseur Interview

Last Updated: Jan 11, 16:39

- Before every session, I practice my shibashi qigong or Tia Chi and my hara breathing to get myself centered and energized. Then I set my intention for the session to come: May I be what (this person) needs me to be to the best of my abilities and within my boundaries.
It is my hope that every client experiences that fulfillment of that intention.

- A recent therapeutic massage client left me a testimonial:
"I hope Michael keeps doing massage forever."

- OMG, the simple answer is that I had my first sensual massage under the skillful, wonderful hands of Vaughn who is now in Manchester, NH and advertises on this site. Vaughn's touch is engaging and bigger than his hands...his spirit is nurturing and delightful. It was such a revealation to me that one person can touch another and cause such delicious sensations in their bodies - and it wasn't sex!
I was given a gift that day and it is my highest intention to pass that along to each and every one of my clients to the best of my abilities.

- I enjoy walks in my rural part of Vermont. I enjoy the labors associated with simple living in the woods and caring for a family homestead. I make homemade country wines...and drink them, of course!
I meditate, love my partner and my cats, love the earth in company of friends who form a small local environmental group, and practice Tai Chi to maintain my body and spirit in a good flow of energy.

- Very much! The first scary year of covid taught me that not being able to practice massage brought a deep risk of depression into my life. I love both the physical dimension of flowing sensual touch to another person as well as the less tangible flow of energy that goes along with such an intimate connection associated with the act of bringing relief and pleasure to another person.
In another season of my life before massage I was focused on being a professional author and I very much enjoyed writing...however, I found that I could leave that aside for quite some time and not feel any particular regrets or strains. That is simply not the case with my massage practice which I now feel to be my essential vocation. A few days or a week without a client leaves my body missing the exploration of another person's body. My spirit misses the flowing of caring energy.

- Frankly, I do not have a vivid memory of my first paying client. I guess I was simply too nervous to retain the details. I do know I would have visited his home or hotel since I began as a mobile massage practicioner. I'm very grateful that I have my own studio these days where I can maintain a safe space dedicated to the relaxation, restoration and pleasure of the body. Back to that first client...I'm sure despite my nerves that he enjoyed what every client since has found to be my superpower - deep relaxation! Almost everyone comments on the quality of my touch to bring about an ease and lessening of stress very quickly following on my first few strokes. I try to live an uncluttered life so that I can bring a high level of presence into each session and assure my ability to deliver that gift of relaxation.