Bodyworker Judah Lyons
Why Become Certified Massage and Bodywork Therapist
It is now my 20th year as a bodyworker. Hard to believe really that it has been that many years since I began the journey of a wearing healer’s robes at the Rolf Institute.
And what a blessed journey it has been to have been able to support my family by helping others with their physical and emotional pain. It’s not easy being human on this Water Planet!
For those of you who might be contemplating this journey I would ask you one question. Can you walk an occupational path of surrender to the Divine, because you will never know who or when people will call for your services.
So, you must be prepared for the ebb and flood tides. Enjoy both the “roasted and toasted” weeks when you do more than you should because you are a compassionate soul, and enjoy those spaces when your client load is quiet. As a matter of fact, you must be grateful to Spirit for those slow times for it is then that you are given a respite to be with yourself and recharge your batteries.
There are many reasons to choose this profession beyond the obvious of helping others. One, the hourly wage is fantastic. At 90 dollars an hour I am handsomely compensated for my skill level. I choose my hours and I answer to no one. If I need to go and visit or vacation I go. That aspect may be more valuable then a great many of the benefits of this occupation.
There are tons of tax right deductions for you as a self-employed individual and that creates some wonderful economic realities. But, remember you must pay for your own health care insurance and social security taxes.
All of your education, which is extremely important to continue for your entire career, is a write off! I have studied continually over the 20 years and have been able to keep the Uncle Sam Wolf at bay in a totally legal fashion. Which reminds me, get an accountant to do your books, it keeps things simple and most importantly legal.
After 20 years, I gather plenty of nuts teaching others what I know, and gaining the satisfaction of having my students tell me they received more than they bargained for. That feels real good. And lastly, being a skilled bodyworker is a wonderful bartering tool, cause we all love being touched!
About Judah Lyons
Judah began his career in body work at the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration in 1989 becoming certified in the techniques of Dr. Ida P. Rolf.
After certification from the Rolf Institute, he continued his studies at The Guild for Structural Integration, The Upledger Institute focusing on CranioSacral Therapy and the British Sports Institute concentrating on sports injuries.
Judah studied the Biodynamic model of Craniosacral Therapy with Franklyn Sills in England at the Karuna Institute for two years. He has also studied Visceral Manipulation with Didier Pratt, D.O. and is a certified practitioner of The Bowen Technique of Australia.
Judah expanded his knowledge with concepts of structure and energy from Dr. Fritz Smith's "Core Zero Balancing," as well as Reiki, the Reconnection and St. John's Neuromuscular Pain Relief (NMT) technique.
Continually searching for ways to assist his clients, he brings a balanced approach to the table when practicing. Judah is an avid horseman and guitarist.
Judah Lyons is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider.
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