Bodywork in support of dying

 

The focus of bodywork is often on healing. But what if that’s not an option? What if there is no more healing? What if you’re dying?

 

Everybody dies. But not everyone gets to do so on their own terms. We may not get to choose the circumstances and the cause of our death, but we can choose how we approach it: Angry, afraid, and full of regret, or curious, at peace, and open-hearted – and a thousand or more other permutations of emotions.

 

To die well, or as well as possible, requires trust and letting go, making peace, and processing a lot of thoughts and feelings. Similarly, bodywork requires trust, while at the same time putting your body, mind, and spirit in a state that can facilitate a deeper letting go. The liminal space we may enter once that happens is a place that can be extremely conducive to feeling all those feelings we may not allow ourselves to feel otherwise, and processing all that is, both conscious and subconscious.

 

We’re not taught how to be around death – be it our own or others – and it leaves many people uneasy in its looming presence. In addition to being a licensed massage therapist I’m also a death doula, and I offer a safe, nonjudgemental, compassionate space that offers the opportunity to work with the fact that you’re close to death, or even actively dying, and all that brings up for you. Or, to maybe not for a change, and just relax into the bodywork and feel good.

 

If you’re able to, I would recommend doing this work in my space as it will offer a dedicated time away from everything else, without any external disturbances. However, if you’re physical unable to do so, depending on where you live, an out call may be a possibility.

 

If you’re curious about exploring this deep and meaningful work, please feel free to text me at (347) 693-9340, or email me at help@woodstockmassageworks.com. And if you know this is the work for you, you can book an appointment online.