Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandi Grayson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brandi, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive through living deeply, expansively, wholeheartedly, and authentically. Creativity isn’t something separate from me; it’s the very force that moves through me, shaping how I experience and express life itself.
The definition of creativity is “the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.” Three words stand out to me: imagination, originality, and artist(ic).
Imagination allows for creativity and resourcefulness. It shapes our realities, expands our perspectives, and invites us to see beyond what is. It is both a sanctuary and a catalyst.
Origin(ality). Origin—where something begins. Creativity, in its purest form, begins within. It cannot be borrowed or replicated because the self is inherently original. Creativity is the act of turning inward, discovering what is true for your Self, and giving it form in the world.
An artist is someone who uses the imagination to convey ideas, emotions, and experiences. But artistic work is not only painting, sculpting, or writing. It is not always tangible, nor is it for an audience or approval. Art is creation for creation’s sake, for connection, for self-expression, for survival. For me, the entirety of life is a work of art. Living is the ultimate creative process and expression.
Creativity is life force energy. It speaks to us—sometimes in whispers, sometimes in an unstoppable current. It flows within us, through us, and all around us. It is the childlike sense of wonder that has been painstakingly preserved and nurtured despite a world that demands we seek validation outside ourselves. “The creative adult is the child who survived.”
Creativity has been a guide through the harshness reality can bring. It has given me meaning, helped me make sense of the world, and allowed me to experience and express both joy and grief and everything in between with depth, grace, and a sense of purpose. For me, creativity is freedom. It is agency. It is choice. It is hope. These things must be kept alive in order to truly thrive.
And so, I keep my creativity alive by living in this knowing and tending to it as one would a sacred fire. I keep it alive by allowing myself to explore, to feel, to imagine, to create tangibly and abstractly— not for perfection or approval, but because I can and must.
“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” – Vincent van Gogh
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a licensed massage therapist and I specialize in trauma-informed compassionate care, massage for grief, and deep relaxation. I like to approach massage as an art. It’s more than technique— it’s a way of listening and creating connection beyond and without words. There’s a rhythm and intuitive flow to it. Each session is unique, shaped by what someone’s body and nervous system need in that moment.
Beyond the physical work, there is artistry in holding space. There’s something deeply co-creative about crafting a grounded, empathetic, quiet, warm space for body-based support where someone feels safe enough to soften, to release, to just be in their process, whatever that looks like or doesn’t look like for them. People often come to me during life’s heavier moments of exhaustion, grief, transition, and loss. I don’t take that lightly. I hold deep reverence for every body who finds the courage to show up and allow themselves to be supported. My perspective is that healing isn’t about fixing, it’s about allowing. It’s about feeling connected, being witnessed, remembering how to come home to yourself, and intentional compassionate touch reminds us that healing isn’t something we have to do alone.
Outside of massage and bodywork, I’m also a writer, an encourager of little joys, and I have a deep love for nature and symbolism. Creativity and compassion moves through everything I do. Whether through touch, words, or energy, my work is about guiding people back to themselves— helping them feel safe, seen, and deeply held.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Courage: Courage, for me, is about trusting the unknown—allowing myself to move forward even when the path is unclear. It’s been essential for navigating challenges, building genuine connections, and sustaining myself through my creative and healing work. It helps me meet uncertainty with curiosity and compassion, trust my intuition, and honor my own rhythms and boundaries. Courage, ultimately, is about trusting self and the unfolding journey—choosing authenticity over certainty and believing that the unknown, just like the body, holds its own wisdom and guidance. For those starting their journey, I would say, “be brave.” Allow courage to be your anchor and move forward with intention, trusting that each step truly matters.
Presence: It is the ability to be deeply attuned and grounded in the moment, both with myself and those I serve. Presence allows me to listen beyond words, feel subtleties, and flow with intention and compassion. Learning to stay present with my own challenging, and even joyful, experiences as a compassionate witness has been invaluable in holding this space for others.
For anyone just beginning their journey, I recommend cultivating presence through mindfulness practices, guided meditation, or inviting moments of stillness and presence into your day to day, especially when you’re in the depths of your own process. You may find that the more you can be with what is, the more authentic and intuitive your work will feel. I would also suggest doing this in community or with the support of a professional if you’re easily overwhelmed.
Connections & Collaborations: As an introvert and someone who struggles with hyper-independence, finding connections and collaborations that resonate has been both a catalyst for growth and a source of deep inspiration. Whether it’s partnering with practitioners who share similar values, finding mentors who offer guidance and support, or engaging with communities that hold similar values and effortlessly speak my language, these relationships have helped expand my vision and refine my work.
For those starting their journey, I would like to highlight that support nurtures confidence. I suggest approaching connections with curiosity, intention, and openness. Seek out mentors and peers who not only want to support your growth but also challenge and encourage you to stay true to your own voice. Collaborate with those who inspire you, and don’t be afraid to initiate conversations or bring up projects and ideas that excite you. Authentic connections built on mutual respect, values, and creativity can be powerful sources of healing, momentum, insight, and inspiration.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who is ready to meet themselves where they are—with courage, curiosity, and a willingness to explore the depth of their own experience. They are individuals who value presence, authenticity, and connection. They may be moving through grief, trauma, creative blocks, or simply seeking a deeper relationship with their own body and inner landscape.
What makes them ideal is their openness to the process—their willingness to be vulnerable, to engage with their own healing and creativity in a genuine and intentional way. They are seekers who honor the journey as much as the destination, who are receptive to integrating mind, body, and spirit in their healing. They appreciate a space where they can bring their fullness, whether that means grief, joy, pain, or inspiration.
My ideal client values collaboration and resonance. They understand that healing is not about fixing and it’s not something I do for them, but something we engage in together—a co-creative process rooted in trust, compassion, and deep listening. They are drawn to my work because it offers permission to be exactly as they are, while also inviting them into new layers of awareness, connection, and transformation.
Contact Info:
- Website: Http://www.Mindbodyknox.com/privatesessions
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandigraysonlmt?igsh=OWliajlzbDBkcHBo
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