"To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to."
- Kahlil Gibran
About Balance Bodywork and Kathy Talley:
Hello!
Thank you for your interest in my practice, and me personally. Source,Spirit, God, The Universe - however you choose to look at the non-physical extension of us all - has blessed me with an abundant life.
I am 43 years young, with a fantastic life partner, Eric; a beautifully mischievous 15 year old son - the light of my life - Nick; a 5 year old Doberman, Karma, that thinks she is the queen of the house; a smart and sassy (let's hope the apple didn't fall far from the tree) Mom, Maggie who's heart is full and generous; and an extended community of people that touch my world every day. Life is grand!
This information is shared to give you a feeling of the gratitude that I feel every day! I honestly hope that each of you that reads this looks for, and finds, the positivity in your daily life and relationships. Seek Joy,
-Kathy
My bodywork career started when I was about 10, when my older sister used to ask me to "rub her back." My formal massage training started in 1998, at Seattle Massage School. After graduation, and a fifth term stint with Clinical Treatment Training, I worked with a group of Chiropractors that taught me so much more about structure and function of the human anatomy. One of the best things I learned through this busy practice, was that injury teaches you many things. Compassion and empathy for others in their pain, the reality of rehabilitation is shaped by your perspective, and ways to find strength and stability. This is where Yoga came in. A good friend of mine, Mrs. Karen Schwisow, took me to a Yoga class taught in Browns Point by none other than Mrs. Jeni Martinez. Isn't it a small world? When the student is ready...that was nine years ago. Since then, I've completed Thai Yoga bodywork training through Eric Spivack in Seattle. An amazingly humble man, who's calling is to teach. I completed Yoga Teacher Training through Pacific Yoga Teacher Training. I'd highly recommend the course for personal growth from a Yogic perspective, even if teaching Yoga is not on the agenda for you. Starting in May of 2010, I began my Structural Yoga Teacher Training through Mukunda Stiles in Boulder, CO. Working with both form based and function based yoga, I have changed my own body's form and function.
Energy work always calls to me. So, I completed my level 1 & 2 Reiki certifications. Not long after, A new path opened up in front of me in the form of Craniosacral Therapy, through personal treatment and classes. Silke Miller, my wonderful friend, has shown me a gentler touch often has tremendous effects. I've begun the process/journey of classes through Upledger Institute, and have been reminded of the fact that the power of intention creates results. Then came Advanced Bowen Therapy/N.S.T. - Neurostructural Integration Technique. My teachers, first Linda Craig and Ron Phalen of Australia, are gifted practitioners in their own right. N.S.T. is a phenomenal form of bodywork that effects structure and function of the body in many ways. As we are all made up of vibration/energy, these forms of bodywork seem to resonate well with everyone, of any age. I've incorporated both CranioSacral Therapy and NeuroStructural Integration Technique into my bodywork. I've integrated these modalities into my work because EVERY 'BODY' IS UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT, and to facilitate wellness can take integration of multiple modalities. We each respond to bodywork in our own best way. Our body knows: It knows how to heal, from the first division of cells in our mothers womb to the last breath and beat of our heart. Let your body astound you! Treat it with love, kindness, and compassion, and it will honor you in a way that can only be called 'a miracle'.
Many blessings to you,
Kathy
We all walk - or run - our own journey, and often it's a winding road that leads us to where we stand today. This Massage Practitioner's path is no exception!
When the doors to Balance Bodywork opened in January of 2000, I had a portable table, some oils, linens, and the idea that healing touch would save the world.
Over the past several years I've learned a few things:
1. The world isn't in need of saving, just loving kindness and compassion.
2. Creating positive roots and traditions builds beautiful communities.
3. Healing travels through the practitioners' intentional touch, but thrives in the body that inately understands it's own healing ability.
4. Life is a process. You're never done, and you can't possibly get it wrong if you keep looking forward with loving kindness, and a curious spirit.
Oh, and of course one of the biggest realizations for me is that to make the difference that I wanted way back in 2000 (and quite honestly, for as long as I can remember), I had to start from within myself.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Gandhi; "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Yoga, and the practice of it, has been a blessing and a beacon for me. I'm talking not only of the Asana(postures), but the essence of walking a daily path, a daily process, that embraces the present. I've found a place to be(my true self), to challenge old beliefs and open up to new ideas, to let go of competition and judgement; as well as a safe place to rest when I'm weary.
I invite you to join me, somewhere on the path that you're traveling, for some sacred relaxation in the silence that resides within our own internal landscape.