One of my dear clients recently wished me a Happy Mother’s Day and gifted me the most delicious cherry danish when she came in for her massage. It was the sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful gesture—and it really got me thinking.
I started thinking about my own son. I remember being pregnant in the heat of a Las Vegas summer, sitting by the pool and watching my stomach move and roll as he shifted inside. It was scary and magical all at once. He was an easy pregnancy, but goodness—he definitely made some permanent changes to my body!
Now, here in North Carolina, my massage practice focuses primarily on relaxation, deep tissue, and Ashiatsu. While prenatal work isn’t my specialty, there was a time when it felt like I was part of a baby boom! I had over ten clients who were either pregnant or whose partners were. It was amazing! The gift they gave me—letting me witness their journeys, the changes in their bodies, the stories of fertility struggles, the fears, and the moments of pure joy—was beyond perfect.
Some of those clients have drifted away with the demands of growing families. Others are still with me, now looking toward baby number two. Time passes so quickly! As their massage therapist through these deeply personal transitions, I became part of one of the most intimate relationships that exist. I’m still in awe of that.
But motherhood shows up in so many forms. There are clients who are now caring for their aging or ailing mothers, some of whom have passed. Others are watching their children grow up, move away, or face their own struggles. I’ve learned so much from these stories—how deeply love and stress can shape our bodies, our breath, and our minds.
This has given me a new perspective on how I can support my clients. I’m grateful to offer a safe, quiet space where people can rest, find peace, and simply be. No expectations, no pressure. Just breath, presence, and care. I listen to what the body is saying, and I understand that sometimes the mind takes longer to catch up. I suggest breathwork, gentle movement, and compassion—for themselves, most of all.
There’s a maternal energy I get to share in my work. And there have absolutely been times when I felt I was the one being nurtured. I can’t imagine doing anything else, and I’m so, so grateful.
So, as a massage therapist and yogi, I hope you’re feeling nurtured today. And if not, I hope you can carve out a little space to offer yourself some care. Whether you mother people, pets, plants, or the earth herself—your love matters. That connection is precious.
I’m grateful for my clients, my child, my mother, and all the loved ones who continue to teach me new ways to express love.
Happy Mother’s Day to you all.