What are we afraid of? It turns out, for most of us, we’re afraid of a lot of things. Fear is among the most powerful of all emotions and often cited as one of the core basic emotions. And since emotions are far more powerful than thoughts, fear can overcome even the strongest parts of our intelligence.
Most of us know fear as the unwanted force that drives phobias, anxieties, unhappiness, and inhibits self-actualization. But it’s not all bad. Fear is the underlying phenomenon that heightens awareness and optimizes physical performance, and can drive ambition, courage, and success. Fear itself can be a positive response to help us respond quickly to different environmental threats, much like our ‘fight or flight’ response.
There is science behind emotions. Emotions first occur in the subcortical areas of the brain such as the amygdala and the ventromedial prefrontal cortices. These areas are responsible for producing biochemical reactions that have a direct impact on your physical state. The amygdala has also been shown to play a role in the release of neurotransmitters that are essential for memory, which is why emotional memories are often stronger and easier to recall.
Emotions have a stronger physical grounding than feelings meaning researchers find them easier to measure objectively through physical cues such as blood flow, heart rate, brain activity, facial expressions, and body language.
Emotions aren’t the same as feelings. Feelings tend to be our reactions to the different emotions we experience. Where emotions can have a more generalized experience across all humans, feelings are more subjective and are influenced by our personal experiences and interpretations of our world based on those experiences.
If we’re not careful, we can paralyze ourselves by conjuring up all the bad things that could happen, or by only remembering the bad results that did occur. It doesn’t matter that the actual facts in front of us, or behind us, paint a far more balanced picture. Fear shades all competing notions with its shadow.
And that’s why you can’t defeat fear with only thoughts. They must be accompanied by another powerful emotion. Contrary to popular thought, this other competing emotion is not courage. Courage is necessary, but it cannot be primary, because it seeks to take fear head on. Courage tries to defeat fear, to overcome it. But this will not work for two reasons. First, fear is too strong and too enduring—it may lose battles but it wins the war eventually. Second, we don’t need defeat fear; we only need to manage it so as to be vitally useful when absolutely necessary.
So, what is the emotion that’s stronger than fear?
- It is the most powerful of all emotions, but it can appear weak to those without it.
- It is the most lasting of all emotions, but it is, in many ways, the slowest to develop.
- It is the most courageous of all emotions, but is the scariest to put into practice.
To start off the new year, let’s recognize our fears and do our best to manage them as we walk our path in 2023. Let’s not be limited by our fears. Let’s choose love.
<Much of this article is sourced from this link.>
Staff Updates
We know you have choices when you want to schedule a massage and of course, strive to be your FIRST choice. Location, cleanliness, professionalism, and a welcoming environment all matter and we are always mindful of these factors every day. But once you get on that massage table, the connection you make with your massage therapist ultimately determines your satisfaction with your visit. We know how important this is and want to help you know the therapists we have at MTC. Each of them are unique, qualified and professional and even if you already have your favorite, it’s good to have other options in case your favorite is not available when you need them.
For this reason, we’re introducing a Therapist Of the Month with each newsletter. We’ll introduce you to a different therapist every month so that you can know them a bit better. This month, we’re introducing David Billingsley LMT.
Therapist of the Month
David Billingsley graduated at the top of his class with honors from the Massage Therapy program at Manatee Technical College in 2019. He started at Massage Therapy Connections as part of the Protégé Program, which only accepts highly recommended and skilled graduates. Upon completion of the Protégé Program, David attended multiple classes with the Science of Massage Institute. Applying that experience, David incorporates Medical Massage knowledge into his Swedish, Deep Tissue and Focus sessions. David is also certified in Bamboo-Fusion Massage; a very versatile technique, utilizing gentle heat and bamboo rods as either a luxurious Swedish style spa treatment or for deep tissue work.
Florida raised, David places a high value on community service, and regularly supports charities, such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He has made his goal in life, “to leave the world better than he found it, one body at a time.” He advocates regular maintenance massages, along with a healthy diet, and creative hobbies to help the body unwind and keep the mind sharp. In early 2022, David began a life-long adventure of powered paragliding and, when not giving massages, can often be found flying around local fields, parks, and beaches.
David is available Sundays thru Thursdays and offers Swedish, Deep Tissue, Focus and Bamboo Fusion Massage.
Celebrate Birthdays
We’ve recognized birthdays for our team for years but with their permission, we’re now letting YOU know who is celebrating their birthdays each month. This month, we congratulate Mary Ann Maloney and David Billingsley!
Feature of the Month
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
By this point, you’ve probably heard of Manual Lymphatic Drainage. While it’s very beneficial for post-surgical recovery, it’s received more exposure for it’s immune-boosting benefits since the advent of Covid.
Symptoms of a sluggish lymphatic system may include:
- Sinus congestion
- Illness
- Skin breakouts
- Premature aging
- Heavy, painful menstrual periods
- Allergies
- Joint pain
If your immune system could use some help, this session is designed to stimulate the collection of and flow of the lymphatic fluid in your body. It’s is a gentle, relaxing form of therapy and there’s a reason it’s not called massage; it won’t feel like your typical massage. However, the rhythmic, repetitive and relaxing techniques provides one of the most de-stressing sessions you’ve ever had.
We highly recommend Manual Lymph Drainage therapy for:
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Migraines
- Overall Body Health and Wellness
We have five therapists who are certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Kellie Sheridan, Duy Steinbock, Misa McCue, Mary Ann Maloney, and Jing McClure.
In Appreciation
New Years is a time to reflect back and look ahead. This year maybe more than most, many of us are tired. The pandemic is still making it’s effect felt – it not with actual illness for you, with all the changes that it’s caused socially, economically and even with the practicality of life. Maybe this year, instead of trying to “be better” we can take a moment to realized that we’re doing the best we can given our circumstances. That we’ve made it through a couple of tough years.
Moments of distress cause us to rethink our typical routines and identify new strategies for coping and living. You may have already made one or more significant changes in your life in the past two years. A friend recently told me he’s “rethinking my life choices” and I don’t think he’s the only one doing that. Challenges often help us discover our strengths – AND weaknesses. This is not a bad thing.
Saying “Happy New Year” can be as trite as “Have A Good Day”. But the wish for all of us to have a happy and health new year is heartfelt. And the best way to spread that spirit is with kindness and love; not just towards others but towards ourselves.
In Appreciation of Your Continued Trust In Us,
Donna Koehnen, Owner
