Jessica – Beauty and Massage Therapist
Tell us about yourself Jessica?
I’m a general lover of life! and am passionate about many things , cooking and eating! , reading and learning, Exercising and more …. I enjoy my work , I am a self employed Massage and Beauty therapist and offer lots of different Treatments .
How’s life?
Life is good! And I’m very grateful to be back working now. Through lock down I haven’t worked much as close contact services have been closed , in the main , with glimpses of being Open . Ive had quite a lot challenges lately with grief and loss as some family members have passed away . Meditation has really helped me And has been absolutely invaluable in helping me to cope better. In general though I am feeling positive , life goes on. How many years have you been meditating On and off since I was 18 years old , but I seriously started meditating daily 12 years ago, and this was when I discovered TM meditation. Its the type of meditation that I like the best , having tried lots of other methods of meditating. I am currently very committed to my meditation practice and meditate twice daily.
What drew you to meditation in the first place?
Meditation is always something that fascinated me, even in my teenage years when I practised I felt much calmer. At 18 years old I went to visit a Buddhist monk and he taught me to focus on my breath , a very simple form of meditating. Also my mums partner at the time did yoga and meditated so I was exposed to the practise from a young age.
What first there words come to mind when describing the benefits of meditation?
Peace Re-charging A feeling of coming home to myself
How has it affected you in the work place?
My job is very busy! And pretty physically and mentally demanding. In my massage and beauty treatments I give a lot, listen a lot and It can be quite physically draining sometimes. That being said I love my job and meet some amazing clients but I do need to re-charge My energy so I can do the best job possible. Meditation gives me the deep rest, peace and energy I need at the beginning and end of my day. If you give a lot you need to equally receive A lot and for me meditation is a form of receiving energy, peace, self love and more.
Outside of work has there been many changes ?
Yes! …. I feel more comfortable in my own skin and calmer. In the past I have gone through periods of feeling quite anxious and shy and meditation has helped me with this . Not that I don’t ever now feel anxious as I do! Sometimes ,but it is much less and easier to handle. I am more productive and have gained confidence. I am less tired and have more energy. Also my relationships have improved as I am more peaceful within myself
Why would you recommend meditation to colleagues and friends?
I find committing to regular meditation practice brings a feeling of calmness and helps to balance you on a physical , emotional and spiritual level. If I have a headache I can meditate and 9 times out of 10 it will disappear ! This has happened countless times ! If I’m feeling particularly stressed and have a buzzing mind , just showing up and meditating can help to calm me down. I have also found meditating Has an accumulative effect and I can very quickly relax myself much quicker these days than I ever could. I have become less intense! Which has a wider Effect on my relationships which is a great bonus too! I am more trusting , intuitive and generally go more with the flow of life!
Finally , anything you’d like to add?
If you have been thinking about trying meditation then give it go , for me it has been life changing and an invaluable daily tool to use.
