I didn’t always want to be a massage therapist (even though, deep down, I know I always did). And as I begin my new career in massage, I can’t help but look back at the journey that has brought me here.
As a child, I always valued education. I really didn’t have a choice to tell you the true; my mom stressed the importance of a college education from the time I could read. As such, I went straight out of high school to a local university. I applied as a Psych major but that changed to an Education major before entering my 1st freshman semester. After many hours of fieldwork, I realized before my senior year that I did not want to teach K-5 (the credential I was set to receive), and I graduated from Cal State University Northridge with an B.A. in Liberal Studies and a minor in ASL/Linguistics.
I worked a bunch of odd jobs after college; from coffee shop barista/supervisor to marketing for an active daylighting company, weekly open mic host/producer to executive director of a small non-profit organization. Still nothing satisfied me (except the open mic, of course … and maybe the coffee).
Shortly after finishing college and starting to enjoy the uphill battle known as “college debt,” I looked into a local massage school, National Holistic Institute, even taking a tour and talking to an advisor, but the thought of incurring more debt was a bit overwhelming. It was simply premature.
As a child, I fondly remember helping my single mother with knots and tension in her shoulders and feet after long days of work and night school. Even petting my dogs growing up felt like a sort-of massage, like somehow I was engaging tissue beyond the fur. Even though they couldn’t say it, I think Kodi, Moe, Mattie, and Lexy all enjoyed my petting (I mean, bodywork).
Fast forward to Jason at 30 years old: married, two year old daughter, day job he’s not passionate about, hosting karaoke and his open mic weekly. Something had to change.
Thankfully, I ran into one of my karaoke singers on an off night at the bar and she told me about her current ten year massage career and the success she’s had. If the numbers didn’t sell me, her passion for massage would’ve done the job singlehandedly. The school she attended and highly recommended? National Holistic Institute.
By the end of the week I had an appointment to meet with an admissions advisor, and after reviewing schedules, there was only one for me (with dayjob remaining a priority); nights and weekends. Not only that, but the new 12 month program cycle for that schedule … just started the day before. I could start immediately or wait another 6 months. Plus, I would have to give up my beloved open mic night, which had been running for 10 years at this point. Decisions, decisions.
After consulting my family (cats included), the decision was clear … Start my education immediately; no longer host karaoke; put my open mic night to bed (on the 10 year anniversary); and begin a whole new career path. My entire life until this point was reminiscent of a “jack of all trades, master of none,” and now I was dropping everything to pursue a massage career.
Fast forward one year and I could not be a happier young man. I have learned more about the human body and myself than I could have ever expected. Not only have I been able to alleviate my own chronic muscle and joint tension and pain, but I’ve been able to bring the benefits of massage therapy to many and see the results personally.
As I begin my career, I can’t help but think of and be thankful to all the people who have made this possible. I look forward to delivering mindful muscle manipulation from crown to sole for a long time … and I hope you’re there from the beginning.
Book your 1st massage with me today! Call (818) 875-0585 or email brainbodymassage@gmail.com to schedule your appointment.
Jason Brain
3/22/2017