Transformation Artist, Ephraim Mallery, helps people discover their true joy and explore the art of everyday ecstasy. Learn about archetypes, spiritual practice, breath, movement, love and more. Ephraim is a spiritual guide and massage therapist in Denver, CO.
There is a reason, on airplanes, when those oxygen masks fall, that you put yours on first. Before your spouse, your kids, your newfound lover. That bit of oxygen, once you put it on, allows you to stay alive long enough to help anyone and everyone around you stay alive too.
I talk with so many people, completely depleted, riddled with guilt, who give all their attention to their families, friends, work – anything and anyone but themselves. They feel guilty just being in my office, guilty about the money and time they are spending on an indulgence like massage or finding joy.
And then, the miraculous happens. They relax and become invigorated. Their blood gets moving, their muscles become more fluid, their heads gets clearer, they sleep better. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen big inspiration strike on a massage table, how clear life becomes when stress fades away. That clarity revitalizes their passion for life, and it spreads like a wave into everyone they meet, everyone they love. I’ve even seen those feelings of self assurance blossom into new romance.
Aliveness isn’t just something to consider when death or depression comes knocking. Aliveness is the vitality to move strongly in the world, to create, to offer our own compassion again and again, at home, at work. Everywhere that it matters. We need to recharge and give ourselves a small gift of appreciation and love. Every day. And then indulge in some serious pampering once a month. Once a week is even better.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be a massage. Perhaps it’s a walk in the mountains, a few moments of meditation, listening to your favorite music, reading a good book.
Go to a seminar. Talk to a friend. Take a nap. Exercise. Make love. Eat a great meal. Stop and breathe. It’s good to have several possibilities, maybe even written down, so when your head is muddled with life, you can find your way out of the fog.
Self Love for Mind, Body, Spirit: Consider activities that cultivate different aspects of your life. Tease your mind with puzzles or classes. Recharge your body with exercise, stretching, massage. Inspire your soul with laughter, community, religious service (maybe there is a reason for weekly gatherings :) ), communion with the divine. A walk in the woods may help with all of them at once!
Recently, my wife was thrown from her horse, breaking several bones in her back. Nothing threatening to the spinal cord, no permanent injury (thank goodness!), but a long and painful recovery, with constant care for the first couple of weeks. By the end of the day, she and I are both exhausted. But on the days when I’ve taken some time to recharge myself, I have so much more to offer her as she heals.
Go ahead. Give yourself a little love. And discover what that extra vitality can bring.
Recently, I was featured in The Coloradoan, a Northern Colorado newspaper. The weekly column, penned by Jan Waterman, offers thoughts and perspectives designed to explore our spiritual selves. Her questions helped me to rearticulate what I am trying... Read More Topics:
Spiritual Practice ,
Joy ,
Transformation Artist
I was struck the other day when I received this email - starting with a dose of everyday ecstasy and then flowing into a series of intriguing questions:"I sat outside today and watched the cottonwood seeds flow throughout the sky - backlit by the... Read More Topics:
Everyday Ecstasy ,
Being in the Moment ,
Quotes ,
Breath
I loved this video featured by the Online Communities Examiner. Tom Waits' brand of philosophy always inspires my imagination. The excerpt details his planning for his latest tour, following the stars across the country and through Europe. I often... Read More Topics:
Music
They're out there. Hundreds of conversations about the evolution of our planet. The evolution of consciousness really. People confronting the big questions about what it means to be human, to live here. Today. Right now.People want community, peace,... Read More Topics:
Online Communities ,
Ken Wilber
I received this email from my client struggling with West Nile on her Flow Stretching practice (used with permission):"It's amazing to hear the remarkable changes that come from something so simple as flow stretching. I'm a true convert.... Read More Topics:
Everyday Ecstasy ,
Mindfulness ,
Breath ,
Movement ,
Sensuality ,
Stretching
All the finalists for the Modern Love College Essay Contest are officially up (and listed in order below). I find it a fascinating tour. These essays yearn for that connection between people that is deep and filled with passion – desires as old... Read More Topics:
Love ,
Relationships
As essential as it is for maintaining better movement, stretching doesn't often make it into a daily routine. Most people want to...they just don't know which stretch to do and how long and which routine to follow. Sure, getting to a yoga class can be... Read More Topics:
Stress Relief ,
Movement ,
Sensuality ,
Stretching
You're doing it anyway. Every day. Every hour. Every second. You see the colors, the movement. You hear voices, footsteps, wind. You feel the texture of your clothes or the air on your skin. Taste your saliva, the lingering flavors of your last meal.... Read More Topics:
Everyday Ecstasy ,
Being in the Moment ,
Mindfulness ,
Walking ,
Sex ,
Sensuality
Danny Dreyer is a guy who never claimed to be a great runner. But what he teaches is a way to walk and run without risking bodily harm. My past running efforts usually resolved themselves into shin splints and low energy. What’s the point... Read More Topics:
Mindfulness ,
Books ,
Tai Chi ,
Movement ,
Walking