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Perfect As I Am
RENEW Perfect As I Am “What happens if you know there is nothing you can do to be better? It’s a kind of relief isn’t it? You say, ‘Well, now what do I do?’ When you are freed from being out to improve yourself, your own nature will begin to take over.” —Alan Watts
by Carl Johns, LMT, Mountain Medicine Integrative Wellness Center
As we come into the new year, many of us have engaged in a yearly ritual of selfevaluation or self-criticism and have resolved to improve ourselves, to do better in some way.
This may involve our health or appearance, a new diet or a commitment to exercise more. We may be starting new ventures, wanting to improve our work life or seeking better relationships and a path to more happiness and contentment in our lives.
All worthy goals, and at this time of year they come in the familiar guise of a “New Year’s Resolution.” The envisioning of goals is essential to progressing through life, but somehow we all know that those resolutions we make at the beginning of each year don’t seem to go as planned.
Mr. Watts’ suggestion here is that we are already unique, perfect, and rather than worry about what the rest of the world thinks, we should settle into ourselves and discover our own nature.
Here is a long-time massage therapist’s suggestion for an avenue into doing just that.
Indulge in the best feelgood massage you can possibly find and allow that to become a regular part of your life. When we are truly relaxed in body and mind, we move toward physical and mental health, and we open to insight — the inward vision that inspires our true goals.
Rather than planning based on all of our “shoulds,” we can start opening to our inner wisdom and our true nature.
Over the last three decades, I have seen so many clients and students organically shift toward healthy practices and more fulfilling lives through the awareness and insight that regular massage and bodywork bring. So as the year begins, give yourself the pleasure of regular bodywork, take your time and allow that perfect being within to shine.