We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Munro recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Positive energy is the driving force in my life and I set the intention every morning to focus on positive energy only in every aspect of my life. Regardless of what path our lives take, I feel it is important to always look for the lesson and trust that everything is unfolding the way it needs to in order for us to learn the lessons that we are on this earth to learn. Its normal to be affected by the ebbs and flows of life and to be honest and authentic about how you’re feeling but its helpful to keep it all in perspective. Toxic positivity where you pretend to be happy and perfect all the time is not healthy but allowing challenges to throw you off course is also detrimental. Life is a balance. Authenticity, honesty and trusting that everything is always working out for the best helps me to stay focused and positive.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a licensed massage therapist I get to work closely with my clients as they allow their bodies to release physical, emotional and spiritual tension. Massage requires trust and willingness to receive touch. To allow your body to relax, receive healing energy and release stress and tension can be a challenge in our busy and stressful society. I am grateful and humbled every single day that my clients allow me to be a part of their healing journeys. Massage is medicine; whether it be specific work to address an acute physical symptom or chronic pain, therapeutic touch to assist in emotional healing or frequent work to maintain health and prevent illness and disease caused by chronic stress and nervous system disregulation. Massage is deeply healing on every level. At Anahata we also offer lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy and salt therapy and coordinate with other practitioners such as acupuncturists and chiropractors in order to truly provide a holistic approach to health.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
It is important to be willing to be a novice. To set aside experience and ego and start at the beginning with openness and curiosity in order to absorb as much information and perspective as possible. Also, be willing to try and to fail. We never know what me may be able to accomplish if we don’t try new things. Lastly, nothing serves us better than hard work. You have to put in the time and energy to accomplish your goals. We truly get what we give and can only receive as much as we’re willing to put in to any goal, relationship or job.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m overwhelmed or stressed out I know its time to pause. meditate and replenish my energy. To continuously over exert yourself is unsustainable. As important as it is to work hard and give 100%, it is equally important to rest and recuperate. Physical and emotional burn out is a serious concern. Stress is the number one cause of illness and we all hear the statistics yet our society tends to romanticize and reward being busy all the time; running from one activity to the next on no sleep. Caring for ourselves properly with proper sleep, healthy food and time to rest and enjoy ourselves not only keeps us physically and emotionally well but allows us to continue to show up and serve our families, clients and communities for the long term. Being healthy and active as we age can be the norm and not the exception if we choose to invest in ourselves and our wellbeing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anahatamassage.com
