"I do hold a special place in my heart for those who endeavor to make the world a better place one body/psyche at a time."
Think of it this way: while we, as human beings or human becomings have considerable innate potential, we also do need to learn many a "how to". We are hardwired to connect on many levels, and, occupying mammalian bodies, we have a need for touch that is probably as essential as food, air, water, shelter. This ability to connect and touch can be enhanced through training at a good massage school.
Think of it this way also: if you are in the economic strata where you have massages on a regular or semi-regular basis, for the cost of maybe 20 massages you can train and learn, during which you will give and receive more than 20 massages. An investment with almost zero downside. Not necessarily as a career, althought it could be, but as a life enhancing experience.
Think of this also: Greatly enhanced relationship; deeper, more pleasurable connection. Obvious?
What makes a good massage school? Your instinct will tell you. How do you pick one? Your instinct. Do you feel comfortable? Is the vibe right? Is the story coherent? You can tell when an instructor is "present" physically and emotionally. Almost anybody can teach technique, but it is a rare and special facilitator who can show how to truly be present, which starts by them being there. One example of a facilitator who gets it right is Mike Antrum at Santa Barbara Body Works.
On the flip side, do the facilities or facilitators engage in manipulative emotional practices (including ones under the guise of "process") as part of the studies? Beware of any kind of power trips, particularly involving groupthink. The understanding of boundaries is important, and a school needs to respect them on all levels. There is a distinction between sensual and sexual, and understanding the appropriateness of such is important. Again, do the facilitators teach this by example and is the place/space one where it is safe and comfortable but not rigidly uptight? The ones that are rigid and uptight are often the ones hiding their shadows in a different way from the blatant or flamboyant ones. True of life in general.
For a beginner, I would recommend that there is a pace of 2 or 3 class days a week that is what one can assimilate, beyond which various forms of overwhelm and fatigue do set in. As enticing as month long intensives at exotic locations may sound, really that is better for advanced studies.
Back to being present. That is really it. Holding the space and being there. Once basic techniques, routines, sub-routines are assimilated, that is the "secret". Being present with a conscious touch. Like water through a streambed. Once you "get it", you are on your way. It will change your life for the better. You will know you have arrived when you consider a massage table to be an essential piece of furniture.
PS: Massage oil: Almond oil with a few drops of Clary Sage per ounce is nice. However, do try Bindi Massage Oil at least once.
PPS: Music: of course do try 33 Bowls Tibetan Singing Bowls. Numerous healing practitioners of various modalities say that their clients love 33 Bowls as background music, that it enhances the healing process.
