Passion and Purpose in a Massage Therapy Career

Many people are called to the massage profession thinking that they will find more meaningful work. Seeking something that you can do with passion and purpose is often what draws people to the massage profession.

While this may be true, there is also another side to the profession. It is that part where there is a high burn out rate, where massage therapist constantly struggle to make ends meet, where massage therapists constantly sacrifice their own health and time thinking it is what they need to do to build a practice.

Purchase Ebook - The Truth About Becoming a Massage Therapist Money Issues Following Your Calling The Call to Help The E-myth and Massage The Search for Freedom Finding your Passion and Purpose Life Purpose Professional Myths Changing Careers The Wounded Healer Healing Touch

The schools are starting to focus on self care, but it really isn't enough yet. After 17 years in the profession, the one thing I can say that got me this far was learning to say no and learning to take care of myself first.

While massage may seem like a great career because it allows for more meaningful connection with others, it usually won't make you rich is what most massage schools will tell you. While it is true that your career in massage is limited by the number of massages you can do in one day or one week you can make decent money and even great money if you have the courage to charge more than others and set boundaries around money. It isn't just about money. It is really just taking care of yourself. And only being able to see one client an hour also limits your income potential. While most claim that being a massage therapist is not about the money the reason for saying this usually has to do with the fact that they don't have any. While money isn't everything it is what is needed to buy freedom and to save others who are less fortunate.

Most massage therapists live a simple life, not wanting much so they choose a career that can give more to others. What really is going on is most people have stopped really dreaming and have forgotten how precious they are. While it may feel noble to live a simple life and not ask for much - there often is an unconscious belief involved. There also is a difference in living a simple life and living a life of poverty.

But the thing about following your passion is that what is attracting you or calling you is also the the thing you have the most to learn about. Doing something that evokes passion which is defined as "suffering" ([12th century. Via French :ecclesiastical Latin passion- "suffering, affection"; Latin pati "feel, suffer"])

Those things we are 'magnetically attracted to' are usually a projection. We are really seeking a deeper connection with ourselves that is usually based on how our early childhood needs were met. We long for the feeling of being whole and precious and search our whole life for it through our passions. When you can find something that you truly love -that you will stand by and do for as many years as it takes or you are so committed to reaching the world through touch, you will do massage for free if that is what it takes...

Passion is usually the thing that will usually teach us the most about ourselves but it won't always be easy.