Autumn is here, and with it the end of a business year.
Lots has happened in this last year: body& soul turned 5, and moved to a stunning waterfront location. But what was most important: he tangata, he tangata, he tangata - people!

My clients came form all walks of life: Unborn to 91 years old. Women and man. Self-payer and voucher recipients. With loads of massage experience or for their first ever massage. And each one brought his/her unique needs: getting rid of tight shoulders, having some me-time, loosening muscles after a big run, getting rest during a stressful time, maintaining their health, supporting the pregnancy...

Meeting all these different people and finding the best way to meet the individual needs is what I really love about my work.
I hope you could feel that the last time you have seen me for your massage...

Today I have seen a colleague of mine for my own "maintenance" massage. As much as I love giving massages - I really do enjoy getting one, too :-)

For me, massage is not (only!) a treat. It is an important part of my regime to stay healthy and fit. I know I need good health and fitness to be able to do what I love doing: giving a good massage.

Often I come back from my massage not only with less tension, feeling revitalised and de-stressed,
but also with one or the other new idea to implement into my own massage work.
Sometimes it's only a small detail, other times a stroke that felt especially good.

I know that if I want to be one of the best, I will always find something to improve.
And that's what I am stiving for...

"Be an angel to someone else whenever you can, as a way of thanking God for the help your angel has given you." Eileen Elias Freeman

...yes, angels come in all shapes and sizes. I met a few!
It doesn't take a lot to change someone's day:
a smile, a hug, a listening ear, a bunch of flowers picked on the way...

Today is a special day: Time to celebrate 2 birthdays!
One is body & soul's: I opened my studio here in Eastbourne 5 years ago. Looking back, I am so thankful for these last 5 years. Being able to live in such a nice place, growing a business and literally getting 'in touch' with so many people during that time is something, I don't take for granted.

The other birthday today is Adity's! My sponsor child from India also turns 5 today! It is so special to have such a connection to her. And looking at her last photo I can see it wasn't just body & soul that has grown...

I am sorry, that you haven't heard from me for such a long time.
And yes: I do have a reason for it: not only have I been busy with clients, but also with moving house and my massage studio to a new place (still in Eastbouren)!
A while ago, my new studio arrived: on a trailer. I enjoyed having a garden studio so much, that I decided to buy one when we moved here. It wasn't an easy task to get it to the back of my garden, but now it's there, waiting to see its first client on Monday.
The best new feature will surely be the stunning sea view...

Today I visited a client of mine. Last time I saw her she came for a pregnancy massage to my studio. This time I took my portable table and went to her place for a post-natal massage. And Daddy got a massage, too!

To see the little one I have been 'in touch with' while still in mummy's tummy was just awesome! A perfect little wonder!

Moments like these make my job so rewarding...

Just had another pregnant client here. Oh, how I love to work with two people at the same time!!! It's such a privilege to be able to touch the future...

I like to work holistically, and that also means to refer clients. That's why I'm always on the lookout for the good stuff out there, which is sometimes really hard to find! For example an exercise programme specifically for mums-to-be. I spent ages googling, but there was not a lot to find in the Hutt...

As I have my own facebook page running again, I thought I could spend some of my energy in setting up one for all the mums-to-be here in the Hutt! A page created to help them find all the great stuff that is available just for them, here in the Hutt - from childbirth courses to maternity clothes, from photo shoots to exercise programmes... But also to help them find support, should they need it.

So check it out, here is my latest baby:      'Pregnant in the Hutt'

It is cold, it is wet, and it gets dark much too early!
Not a time I want to be outside for too long.
Not a time where I meet a lot of people out there either...

So I used the time to get creative on my facebook page -
another way to connect!

I started it a while ago, but well, it went a bit silent...
Now it is buzzing again and I am keen to use it to keep in touch with you, let you know what is happening here at body & soul, and share information that might be interesting for you.

I will also use it to keep you updated with specials, 'grab-a-massage' slots at discounted prices, and about free stuff to win!!

              Right now you could win a 1-hour massage voucher, worth $75!

And it is pretty easy: Simply 'like' my facebook page before 31.8.2012, and you are in the draw...

Ever wondered how high your personal stress level is? Here is a great tool - the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale. This tool developed by psychiatrists in 1967 helps you measure the stress load you carry, and think about what you could do about it. Obviously the death of a spouse is ranking at the top. But even pregnancy, moving house, and a career step adds a lot of stress to our life. Mostly it is not a single event, but the sum of several at one time, that pushes us 'over the edge'.

                                                                  check your personal stress scale here

Massage is one of the most effective ways to help prevent and manage stress! No wonder, as massage not only reduces muscular tensions, but activates the parasympathetic nervous system ( the 'rest & digest' response) and helps you get back into balance.
So if you score high in the test - maybe it is time to give me a call...