Memoirs of a Masseur – May/June, 2015
By Todd Pequeen
Connection n. 1) A link or relationship 2) Influential friends or relatives 3) A train, bus, etc. that connects with another.
Often in my daily life I am in awe and excited about the quality of time I just experienced. The situation and stimulus often changes, but the results are the same. I am left with the feeling of an enormous amount of energy. Things around me seem more pronounced. I replay what the root of the connection was again and again in my mind and can’t help but to want more. The energy can be from a variety of sources. A verbal exchange with an old friend, or better yet a new one. A session of bodywork that I know I did my best at, in other words being totally present and in tune. Time spent in the ocean, swimming or surfing. Even something as simple as a healthy meal or a good deed passed on to an unknown person. No matter what the impetus was the important result is the connection made and the benefits attained. Those strengthen my soul and are a foundation for building more.
The roots of this influence begin at birth. Newborns need continued close body contact satisfied by holding, breast feeding, rocking, and being talked to. It is no different with us adults, simple reassurance. As a child matures the more connections established, the better adjusted he or she will become. Friends, families, activities, and the most important link being the relationship with oneself, and the greater universe is essential. The ways and means of accomplishing harmony and positive feedback vary, however once established it is a continual path to a fulfilling life. As adults we prioritize on a daily bases which connections are most important on that given day, sometimes it is a fine line between giving and receiving. Conscious actions versus selfish ones. A healthy flow between the two can be sensed in the ease of your days, when things are ¨going your way¨ you can be reassured that the path is correct.
As the new year unfolds I am trying to maintain that proper flow of contact and sharing everything I can day in and day out. Some of the emptiest times of my life were caused by not connecting to anyone or anything. Isolation may be for monks or hermits, but is not normal for the average human being. The loss of feeling useful, loved, or connected to things that once were important in our lives can be disastrous. Life here in Manuel Antonio can be anything you want it to be. Although relatively small and much different than life in the big cities, this jungle town has the opportunities to make and feel connections everywhere. Friendly locals often surprise visitors with their genuine willingness to help out and to offer advice. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such unique bounty and give thanks for all the connections to come.
Todd Pequeen is a graduate of the N.Y. Institute of Massage and a pioneer of the spa industry here in Manuel Antonio since 2000. He works independently at his home studio or at your location and can be reached at 8830-7727.