Breathe - Massage Therapy and Reiki

07/08/2026

Today's post might seem a little different from an outward expression, but it is very much in alignment with where I am inwardly.

Today is 8/8, known in spiritual and astrological circles as the Lion's Gate Portal. It is associated with the Sun in Leo, the rising of Sirius and a symbolic alignment between the Earth, Sun and Sirius. For many, it is considered a potent energetic time, a time for reflection, intention and reconnecting with what truly matters.

For me, rather than getting caught up in whether you believe in the energy of it all, I think there is something beautiful in simply using the day as a reminder to pause.

To focus on what is important.
To let go of what no longer serves us.
To listen to that quiet inner voice we sometimes drown out with the noise of everyday life.

To ask ourselves. What do I actually want to carry forward? What can I put down?

So today feels like a good day to set some intentions, release some old ones and trust the journey a little more.

06/08/2026

Hi, I'm Linnette, and I thought it was about time I properly introduced myself as I noticed I have an increase in followers recently 😊

I'm 48 years old and live in Pukekohe with my two teenage children and our two cats, who definitely think they run the house.

Although New Zealand is home, I spent nearly nine years living in England. Those years gave me so many life experiences and played a big part in shaping the person I am today.

I've worked in the wellness industry on and off for the past 28 years, but around 10 years ago I found my way back to massage therapy. That's when Breathe Massage Therapy was born, and I haven't looked back.

I'm also a Reiki Master Teacher. My journey into energy work began back in 1999 when I learnt Qi Gong from a Buddhist monk. That experience opened my eyes to a whole new way of understanding energy and healing, and it's been a path I've continued to follow ever since. In 2023, I became a Reiki Master Teacher, and one of my favourite things is volunteering my time each month to hold Reiki Shares for other practitioners.

These days, I'm also studying towards a Bachelor of Counselling. I'm part-time, so while I'm in my second year of the degree, it's technically my third year of study.

Something I've realised recently is that I've always talked about the connection between the body, mind, and soul, but now I'm getting to understand that connection on a much deeper level myself. Whether it's through massage, reiki, counselling, yoga, walks in the ngahere, spending time with my favourite people or life experience, each piece adds another layer of understanding.

For me, wellness has never been about treating just one part of a person. It's about seeing the whole person and creating a space where they feel heard, supported, and able to reconnect with themselves.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Whether you've been a client, supported me or simply followed along. I really appreciate it. I'm really looking forward to sharing more of what I'm learning along the way, and I hope you'll enjoy being part of the journey. 💚

02/08/2026

I don't know what happened this morning, but my energy was through the roof. So much so that I had to tell Sarah, my personal trainer, to increase the weights I was using... and I NEVER tell her that. 😅

It's taken a while to get here, but it feels so good to consistently show up for myself and see my physical health improving. I genuinely believe so much of that has come from prioritising my mental health.

The biggest change hasn't just been in my body, it's been in my mindset.

It's the way I see myself. It's how I respond to the everyday stresses of life, relationships, finances, study, work... the list goes on. Those things haven't disappeared, but I've changed the way I see them.

Lifting heavier weights today felt like more than physical strength. It felt like tangible proof that I've become mentally stronger too.

Sometimes the strongest muscles we build aren't the ones you can see. 💙

02/08/2026

Six Reasons to Enjoy a Massage This Winter

Winter can be a challenging season for both the mind and body, but a soothing massage could be just what you need to combat the cold-weather blues. Here are six compelling reasons to indulge in a massage during the winter months:

1. Relieves Muscle Stiffness

The colder weather can lead to increased muscle stiffness and tension. A massage helps to relax those tight muscles, making it easier to move and reducing discomfort.

2. Boosts Circulation

Massage therapy enhances blood flow, which is especially beneficial in winter when circulation tends to slow down. Improved circulation can help keep your body warm and your extremities from feeling icy.

3. Supports Immunity

A massage can give your immune system a much-needed boost. By promoting the movement of lymphatic fluid, massage helps your body fend off seasonal illnesses.

4. Nourishes Dry Skin

Winter's dry air can be harsh on your skin. With the use of nourishing Tui Massage Balms, like Orange Spice they help to hydrate and revitalise your skin, leaving it soft and supple.

5. Fights the Winter Blues

The release of serotonin and endorphins during a massage can elevate your mood and combat the winter blues. These feel-good hormones help you feel happier and more relaxed.

6. Improves Sleep

A relaxing massage can lead to better sleep by calming the nervous system and reducing stress. Enjoy a peaceful night's rest, even on the chilliest winter nights.

https://bookeo.com/BreatheMassageNZ to book your appointment. You can even book it tonight whilst tucked up in bed.

30/07/2026

Last night I cried.💙

Not just a few tears, I properly sobbed.

Not because I was sad, but because I'd reached kindness overload. Crazy, right?

It started with a conversation that morning with a truly beautiful soul. This woman has endured so much over the past few years with incredible strength and grace, yet here she was praising me, I felt feeling so empowered and inspired from seeing her. 🩷

Later, a friend messaged because her car battery had gone flat and asked if I could give her a jump start. "Yes, I can!" It might seem like a small thing, but it was another little reminder of capability and connection. Woo hoo, woman power.💜

Then I had a great conversation with my son, who was so supportive of a decision I was making. Anyone raising a teenager knows they often throw you curveballs left, right and centre, so those moments of support are pretty special. 💚

By the end of the day, I was emotionally exhausted. Sometimes when you've experienced so many intense positive emotions, the drop afterwards catches up with you.

But the universe had one more gift waiting.

I picked up a bag that I rarely use, checked what was inside, and my hand brushed against a little velvet pouch.

Inside were tiny messages that Madi had written a few years ago, kept from an Advent calendar she had made me. Small notes of encouragement. Little reminders of love.🤍

That was it.

It tipped me over the edge.

It made me realise just how much kindness I've been surrounded by.

So once again, my message is this.

If you have a little kindness to spare, share it.

If you're the one who needs it, let yourself receive it.

Let's make kindness the norm, not the exception.

You never really know when your words, your time, your encouragement, or even a tiny handwritten note will become the thing that fills someone else's cup... or overflows it in the most beautiful way. 💛

29/07/2026

Sometimes on a Wednesday after class, I will stop in at The Wooden Spoon Cafe for something gluten free. The staff are always so friendly, chatty, and genuinely great at customer service.

Today I was wearing the badge in the photo above, and it sparked a great conversation. One of the younger staff members joined in, and we ended up having a mini trivia quiz about the symbols on it. She got 3 out of 5!

It was such a simple but funny interaction, but it reminded me how much those little moments of positive connection matter. We often underestimate how much a smile, a conversation, or a shared laugh can brighten someone's day.

So, if you've got a little spare bounce today, share it around. You never know who might be having a hard day, and your little bit of positivity might just make their day a little easier. 💛

26/07/2026

Create spaces where our children can thrive.

I've just picked my son up after he volunteered on a Scout expedition, and I'm feeling incredibly grateful for all the adults who give their time to make experiences like this possible for our young people.

There were around 20 Scouts from the Franklin region, supported by seven Scout Leaders and two Venturers, one of them being Hudson.

Hudson started as a Kea with Tuakau Sea Scouts when he was just six years old. Now, at 16, he was able to pack his gear with less than 24 hours' notice and step into a leadership role, supporting both the adult leaders and the younger Scouts.

Over the past 10 years, Scouts has given him countless adventures, challenges, friendships, and life skills that I know will stay with him well into adulthood. Confidence, resilience, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and learning to be comfortable outside his comfort zone are gifts that can't always be taught in a classroom.

To every volunteer who gives up evenings, weekends, and time with their own families, thank you. The impact you have reaches far beyond a weekend expedition. You are helping shape capable, compassionate, and resilient young people.

The photo is from Hudson rafting during 'Venture 2025'

P.s he didn't feel the earthquake 💚

24/07/2026

Hmm, I guess we'll see if my son (16 year old) who is out on a Scout expedition felt this earthquake this morning. He's currently tramping and tenting in a part of the Kaimais, the wet weather would have been enough to put me off.
Just want to say that I'm not concerned for his safety, his leader is a part of FENZ and she is a very experienced leader, they also have other experienced adults as well as carrying devices like personal locator beacons (plb's), in case of an emergency.
It would certainly make for an interesting wake up call.

A strong earthquake jolted the central North Island early on Saturday.

24/07/2026

Something really exciting happened today, and I'd love to know if it's something you'd be interested in.

Today, I ran my very first Life Coaching session.

It actually came about quite naturally and intuitively. A client came in for a massage, and during our conversation shared that she was feeling a little unsure about life and was looking for some advice. So I just said do you want to do a coaching session to which she said yes.

So, I spent some time putting together resources, and today we sat down and explored her goals, identified what was important to her, talked through some of the challenges she was facing, and created practical, achievable steps to move forward.

I absolutely loved it, and I believe she did as well.

Life coaching isn't about having all the answers. It's about having someone alongside you to help you reconnect with yourself, clear out the mind clutter, work out what's important then make some goals and implement how to achieve them.

It's early stages but is this something you think you would benefit from?

If so, drop a 👍 in the comments or send me a message, and I'd love to have a chat about what a Life Coaching session could look like for you. 🌿

22/07/2026

Do you ever just stop for a moment and tell yourself, "Well done. Good job."?

We don't give ourselves enough credit for where we are or what we've achieved. Instead, our minds often go straight to the list of everything we haven't done yet.

So right now, give yourself a pat on the back. Maybe even give yourself a hug, and say, "Well done."

Then I'd love you to go out into the world and spread a few compliments. Tell someone, "I love your shoes," Amazing workout," or "I really appreciate your effort." You never know how much those few words might brighten someone's day, on an otherwise gloomy foggy day.

I actually did this yesterday. A woman was wearing the most amazing long grey faux-fur coat, so I went to tell her. Except what came out was something like, "Love your jacket...coat...ahh" 🤦🏼‍♀️😂

She smiled, said, "Thanks," and we both carried on with our day.

Kindness doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be genuine.

Now... I suppose I should go and do the dishes from last night. 🙃😂