Essential Touch llc

06/04/2026

Spent the morning with the VA Mental Health Summit online.
Excellent speakers, programs, resources, & presentations.
Until we see mental health as akin to physical health, we will all struggle against stigma… knowing that sometimes we need a band-aid, but sometimes we need a splint; at times we need quick triage and outpatient care, others require multiple days and procedures; and yes, we need check-ups, plans for maintenance, and the opportunity to access this easily! Just like our physical health.

Although many presentations discussed community/connection and the importance of physical activity, no one talked about bodywork and massage as means to connect to self, allow the physical body to rest and reset, and to create a space for therapeutic touch to all assist in emotional regulation.

Maybe i am seeing the work i need to do…. 😉

06/04/2026

18 years ago!!!!!
Back when i was still a newbie to massage and a baby in terms of thai massage….
Looking back helps you appreciate where you are, doesn’t it?
Maybe i should do some new photos…. 😉

(And yes, i do miss the wall mural!!!!)

06/03/2026

It was a proper first day back at work!!!!
Still bandaged, gauzed, and gloved, and on a reduced schedule. But it was a good day.

Now to get back up to a regular schedule!!!

06/02/2026

Whether you know someone with PTSD from military service or from civilian life, bringing awareness to the impact (and toll) that PTSD has is important work.
The VA & DOD have been leading research into PTSD & continue to fund on-going research to explore interventions that are successful, treatments that mitigate the damage to individuals, and the long-term impacts of living with PTSD.
VVMF is recognizing the impact of PTSD and bringing light to those who suffer with this.
If you would like? Follow the link to sponsor a candle & bathe The Wall in teal.

On National PTSD Awareness Day – we will bring light to the continuing toll of the war. The Vietnam War may be over, but the battle continues for many Vietnam veterans and their families to this day.

05/30/2026

As the roses start to bloom, i am ‘seeing’ healing happen.
So, the hope is that next week will see me back on the mat, albeit on a limited basis!!!!
Slow but steady!

05/29/2026

When you can’t work offering massage, you let Charlotte lead the walk and play in the flowers!

Hoping this is the last full week without working….

05/27/2026

Instead of accumulating more butterflies on my ZenWord app, i am researching whilst the fingers heal….
Has anyone been to Pompeii (the archaeological site) in Italy RECENTLY (like past 5 years)????
I am headed over in July for the Marillion shows in the amphitheater, but have some time to see Pompeii on the Saturday (Friday will be Herculaneum/Vesuvius and Sunday into Sorrento), but am overwhelmed by the guides, information, etc. I realize Italy has changed access rules (timed tickets and all) as of this year, but i want to be strategic about which gate to enter, what to plan to see, and how long i can expect to be there before the heat saps my life-force. 😉
Suggestions welcomed….

05/25/2026

This morning was a beautiful practice with over 25 lovely humans! Now that the sun has come out, i’ll be chanting a mala over the bowl of names, then reading the heart sutra before burning them and burying the ashes in the garden.
Thank you to Samadhi Yoga Studio for hosting! We have raised over $300 for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and The Wall That Heals. 💜🇺🇸
And to all who are remembering a loved one, thinking of that brother or sister in arms who has been lost, or struggling with heartache this Memorial Day, please know that you are held and supported.