For my birthday, I got a giftcard to the Stillwater Spa located in the Park Hyatt, Toronto. I was quite excited as I’ve heard that the massage there is quite incredible.
I decided to save my massage for a day in the middle of winter, when I’m depressed due to S.A.D. and just need a quick getaway. Massage date finally came yesterday! I got there a bit early, not sure what to expect, and was very impressed with the ladies lounge. Gorgeous jacuzzi, cute private saunas and all the flavoured tea a girl can enjoy. I threw on my robe and sandals and enjoyed myself. There’s something about walking in public, in a robe that just makes me feel free, I really wish I could do it more often.
I met Dimitry, my masseuse. This was the first time I’ve had a male masseuse, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, if his level of normal pressure would be the same as that of a woman and so on. He was excellent and even gave me a “that’s what she he said” moment: “Would you like me to go deeper?” Of course he was referring to the amount of pressure I wanted. I splurge for the warm booties and heated neck pillow during my massage which made it all the better.
My only problem was (and I do this everytime), whenever I’m offered scented oils I say, “Ooh, yes. Please tell me what you have available.” I know better than to get scented oils, scented oils give me headaches. Alas, I opted for a citrus oil and of course, upon completion of massage, I stood up and felt this terrible headache.
One thing I did realize though is that I have a hard time relaxing. I am just naturally tense. Dimitry pointed this out to me yesterday, if my shoulders weren’t tense, then my jaw was clenched, if my fingers weren’t in a fist, then my toes were curled up. I had this same problem when I was doing yoga, I had to quit after a while as my jaw was clenched so hard during class that it brought on headaches. Maybe the best way for me to relax is during an intensely competitive game. I think I feel most relaxed then. Strange? I think so. I need to learn to relax when it’s due, otherwise, I’m out $200, still tense and with a scented oil induced headache.
Great blog,
Have you tried a game of competitive meditation to relax.
Ok I just made it up after reading your blog but it might work.
You and a friend could count your breaths and see who doesn’t reach 100 breaths first. The key is the slower the better.
Good luck.
Hmmm… This could work. I may need to give yoga another shot. Although, I don’t think I should let me competition know its a competition.
I have some awesome jaw tension release moves I can show you from voice class. Believe it or not but MUCH of my acting training include how to alleviate tension (they believe that less tension frees up your involuntary expression and THUS makes you a better actor). We will go over this later–in depth.
Yay soon-to-be-neighbour! Can’t wait. This could be one of our new neighbour-type things to do.