I started practicing yoga in the early to mid “90’s” with all the ego of wanting to twist and bend myself into a pretzel: to be what I thought was the perfect “yogi”. I tried Bikram yoga, Ashtanga and power yoga, anything that I could find, as I seemed to be drawn to all the intense, difficult styles. Though I enjoyed these styles of yoga at the time, I think the stress on my body was what led me to enrolling in massage school.
This vase was made by Carol’s dad who was a talented woodworker. This is one of her favorite pieces that he gave her.
When I finished my massage program in 2002, I attended a Thai-Shiatsu massage workshop in Bennington, VT. I fell in love with this modality, and went on to take more of these workshops, so it became my specialty. It’s amazing to receive a Thai massage, of course, but as a practitioner it has taught me so much about my own body dynamics and alignment, my breath, body weight, allowing me to give a comforting and supportive massage, while being mindful to take care of myself as well. I receive so many benefits by giving this beautiful massage. In my ongoing studies I have had amazing teachers that have instilled in me a wonderful sense of spirituality that I infuse into my treatments, classes and my life.
I went to a talk at a local Buddhist center in ‘2006’ at the recommendation of a friend. My mom had recently passed away, and my marriage was falling apart all at the same time. I was such a mess, and just not dealing with anything very well. After the talk, I continued going to the center, and starting a sitting meditation practice, which has been a major help in my wellbeing. What a great community (sangha) as well (met my divorce lawyer there). My dharma readings and meditation practice have been my most valuable tools ever since. I can actually say that going through the process of taking care of my dad when he was under hospice care at his home was such a beautiful experience. My sisters and I took turns staying with him, and I just treasure those times with him. Great conversations with tears and laughter, I’d massage his feet, we’d listen to music. I know how much my practice helped me to recognize how content and ready my dad was, and I could have joy even though I miss him so much.
In 2013, I went on to take my yoga teacher training in Manchester, NH., and then created my special yoga class that blends gentle yoga and Thai massage with spirituality and a lot of love. I am truly grateful that I am able to share all that I have learned along the way, and I am still learning, and growing, and continuing on this path, so who knows what’s next. I know it will be cool and exciting.
Carol is a nationally certified massage therapist NCBTMB, and licensed in NH. and Maine, practicing since 2002. Her specialty is Thai Massage, a type of Eastern body work that initiates mindful, meditative breathing, assisted stretches and Yoga postures, and compression of the “meridians” or energy paths in the body. It is done on a futon on the floor, wearing loose, comfortable clothing.
This style of massages leaves you feeling balanced, calm and more flexible. She took her 200 hour teacher training in 2013 from Yoga Works, and has created a class blending gentle yoga with Thai massage, emphasizing breath and alignment. She is deeply interested in the Buddhist teachings of mindfulness, compassion and loving kindness, and dedicates herself to seated meditation practice.
