She sat across from me, tears brimming her eyes, a rosy flush sweeping across her cheeks.

I had just asked her the $64,000 question I've come to ask all my clients: "How would you like to feel?"

With a courageous breath and a gentle whimper, she replied, "No one has ever asked me that! How do I want to feel?"

We sat quietly for a moment, me holding space in this moment of vulnerability while my client connected with what her heart and her body most wanted to experience.

Her response --"to feel held and be seen"-- became the intention and focus of her massage session with me.

This question is now something she asks herself regularly, despite initially wrestling with old internal storylines that told her she wasn't worthy of choosing what she most needed and wanted.

"How do I want to feel?" is one of the most powerful questions I ask myself on the daily. I receive my heart's answer. Then, I embody that feeling.

For example, if I want to feel unhurried I will sit still for one minute and take a few full breaths. As my ribcage expands and contracts in fluid rhythm, I envision myself moving through my day present to each task, each client, each meal I eat.

Sometimes I want to feel more energized. In those moments I will put on a favorite song and dance or head outside for a brisk walk.

I especially love this practice when I have to have a difficult conversation with another person or work on a project I feel angst about. My brain knows it'll be tough and I can ask myself how I want to feel as I take action.

Remember dear reader, YOU get to decide how you want to feel.

In the words of my coach and friend Lori, "name it and claim it."

Jennifer (she/her)

If you're feeling like it's time for a massage or some gentle movement, you can schedule a time here.