I Believe

 

In 1985, I became a student at the University of Virginia. What I didn’t know before I arrived was that seemingly everyone on Grounds was listening to—and consumed by—R.E.M. Nothing associates you to a time and place or person like music, and in the fall of 1986, it seemed like R.E.M.’s “Lifes Rich Pageant” was playing in my head constantly. That may explain my second–year grades. One of my favorite songs from that album (for younger readers: this is an album) is called “I Believe.” When I was young and full of grace and spirited—a rattlesnake. When I was young and fever fell My spirit, I will not tell You're on your honor not to tell   I believe in coyotes and time as an abstract Explain the change, the difference between What you want and what you need, there's the key, Your adventure for today, what do you do Between the horns of the day?   I believe my shirt is wearing thin And change is what I believe in Recent events in my life (in and out of the massage world) have caused me to reflect on what I believe. I have always believed what my mother had told me—“Things happen for a reason.” I’m starting to realize though that sometimes things just happen. I believe the changes afoot in the massage education world (and in postsecondary education in general) are healthy, and will result in stronger programs and more viable careers for massage therapists, even if things are a bit bumpy along the way. I believe Thomas Jefferson was right: “I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” I believe there are more than two sides to the massage profession. “Health care” and “relaxation” are just two of many paths, and in some cases they aren’t different. I believe life isn’t fair, or unfair—it just is. I believe there is no true definition of “full-time” and “part-time” in massage and bodywork. And those who attempt to marginalize practitioners as “part-time” are missing the point. I believe dogs love you, but cats can only like. I believe the greatest challenge to our profession recently—and perhaps in the future—is from within. I believe a good sandwich on the right bread can be a religious experience. I believe regulation and professional development are different, and I would like to help several state boards and American Massage Therapy Association chapters understand this. And as Bono said, “I believe in love.” Follow Les on Twitter at twitter.com/abmp_les.

Category: 

News

Ohio Adopts Interstate Massage Compact

The Ohio legislature adopted Senate Bill 56 on June 21, becoming the second state to enact the Interstate Massage Compact. Massage therapists will soon be able to obtain a multistate license that will reduce holdups and delays that often occur when moving to a different state.

US Department of Education 150% Rule Update

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction that halts the enforcement of the US Department of Education’s new Bare Minimum Rule, also known as the “100% rule,” until the court takes further action. This is the first step in what could be a lengthy battle to ultimately delay enforcement of the rule, providing schools more time to adjust their programmatic standards, or overturn the rule altogether. Find out more and what your school needs to do to prepare.

Colorado Bill Requires Local Background Checks

Governor Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 24-1371, requiring local government (counties, cities, or municipalities) to conduct periodic criminal background checks for massage establishment operators, owners, and employees.

Blog

Perform Your Best with MassageBook

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MassageBook wants to help you focus on delivering exceptional care to your clients and building the practice of your dreams.

Julie Plachta: Serving the Underserved

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As we get closer to celebrating Massage Is for EveryBody, July 14–20, 2024, we wanted to share more of Julie Plachta’s story, which exemplifies the inclusive values of this campaign.

Benefits

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Hyperice

ABMP members save 10% on all Hyperice percussive and heat/ice technology massage devices, including the Hypervolt, Vyper Vibrating Fitness Roller, and Ice Compression.

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Yomassage

ABMP members receive 20% off Signature Yomassage, Mindful Touch by Yomassage, Barefoot Yomassage, Table Yomassage, and Yomassage Facials certifications.

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