Hello!
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Get notifications in your inbox every time I write an article, share a story, shoutout other providers, or provide you with meaningful discounts, mutual aid, and events!
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https://healthcoachaera.carrd.co
Thanks so much!
– Aera
Author: Aera Barnette
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Healing Touch in Isolation: The Benefits of a Covid-Safe Massage Therapist
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on all aspects of our lives, including our physical and mental well-being. As we continue to navigate these challenging times, it’s crucial to address the emotional and physical toll that isolation, social distancing, and high stress levels have taken on us. A safe and nurturing solution is Bodywork with Aera, a massage therapy business run by Aera Barnette, LMT. In this blog, we will explore why people still isolating during the pandemic should consider a Covid-safe massage therapist like Aera, and how their unique approach can help alleviate the chronic states of being many individuals face today.
1. A Commitment to a Layered Approach to Airborne Particle Reduction
Aera Barnette, LMT, understands the importance of minimizing the risk of airborne pathogens. Their commitment to safety is evident through the implementation of a layered approach, which includes rigorous sanitation measures, quality air filtration, ventilation, and mandatory mask-wearing. Aera’s dedication to creating a safe environment ensures that you can relax and rejuvenate without worrying about potential exposure.
2. At Bodywork with Aera, your risk of infection is extremely low:
Aera’s strict adherence to COVID-19 safety guidelines guarantees that the risk of viral transmission is minimal. Your peace of mind is paramount, as Aera’s space has been meticulously designed to protect both you and them from potential exposure, enabling you to experience the healing power of touch with confidence.
3. Dedicated to a Scent-Free Space:
Aera’s commitment to your comfort goes beyond safety measures. The clinic is scent-free, which is especially important for those who may have sensitivities or allergies. This ensures that your massage experience is truly relaxing and free from any potential irritants.
4. Located in an Accessible Location:
Bodywork with Aera is conveniently located to serve a wide range of clients. No matter where you are in the area, you can easily access this healing oasis, making it a practical choice for those seeking solace during these challenging times. There are no stairs required to access the space. The space is near major bus lines with 2 hour free parking available right out front.
A female presenting person in a respirator outside in a black puffy jacket. She is leaning over a railing and looks deep in thought or emotional.
Read on to learn even more about how massage therapy can help our Covid-Safe Community
The physical cost of isolation:
People isolating during the pandemic have faced a variety of challenges, including loneliness (community loss, lack of accessible medical services and entertainment), lack of touch (especially when living alone), poor sleep, high cortisol levels, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These chronic states of being can take a significant toll on one’s overall well-being.
Our Covid-Safe community can reduce the Impacts of PTSD by being there for each other:
Regular massage in a Covid-safe space, like Aera’s, can be a powerful tool in managing and reducing the impacts of PTSD brought on by the pandemic. The therapeutic benefits of touch and relaxation can help ease anxiety, stress, and emotional trauma, allowing individuals to find a sense of calm in these turbulent times. We keep ourselves safe and we should continue to make accessible spaces for medical services, other services, entertainment, and essential needs. Business owners like Aera Barnette, LMT understand what it takes to keep themselves (and you!) safer.
Meeting Social Needs:
The absence of physical contact and social interactions has been one of the most challenging aspects of isolation. Aera’s skill in bodywork not only helps alleviate physical tension but also fulfills the essential human need for connection and touch in a safe, low stim, and platonic environment. The sense of safety they provides in the clinic makes it possible to experience the healing power of human contact.
Improving Brain Fog:
With lower activity levels and increased stress, many people have experienced a sense of cognitive fogginess. Regular massage sessions with Aera can boost circulation, reduce cortisol levels, and increase mental clarity, effectively countering brain fog and improving quality of life.
In conclusion; the significance of self-care and healing cannot be overstated. Aera Barnette, LMT, and their business, Bodywork with Aera, offer a sanctuary of safety, healing, and human connection in a community where they are sorely needed. By considering a Covid-safe massage therapist like Aera, you can address the challenges brought on by isolation and find solace, relief, and rejuvenation in their welcoming and secure environment. Take this opportunity to prioritize your well-being and experience the many benefits of therapeutic touch during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can book here through the contact form on the website. We look forward to connecting!
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You are a Garden and Self Care is how you Grow
You are a garden and self care is how you grow!
What the heck do I mean by that? Self care? What is that! I wouldn’t be surprised if that were your reaction.
Many people are dried up and exhausted gardens in today’s world. We do the best we can to nourish ourselves, water ourselves, and get sunlight. To no avail, today’s society is continuously draining us, withering our leaves and causing us to even uproot ourselves and cross the country in hopes of a better environment.
I’ve seen it quite a bit in #Seattle, in both a literal and figurative sense. Metaphors aside, this blog post is going to be about you and I’ll be offering a perspective that will hopefully give you some encouragement.
First let’s look at the picture above:
You’ll see a variety of plants. The most prominent plant is the vibrant one with the pink and green leaves. This plant is an incredibly thirsty one and it will wither dramatically if it doesn’t get water after 3 days. In the white pot is a succulent, this little dude absolutely thrives on neglect and would die if I were to water it just three days apart.
In the lower right corner we see some baby salvia (aloe) leaves, while it thrives on neglect, it needs a little more water than the previous succulent. You can see some leaves and roots for another plant, one that I have had with me for my entirety in Seattle. It needed to be cut up and propagated as it started to die in it’s crowded pot. This would be one of those “magic bamboos” often given as house warming gifts. This particular plant’s name is The Collective of Bilbo and Frodo. At one point there were over 5 stalks in the pot.
I was so sad when it started to die. In fact, I’ve been so sad every time I have lost a plant. Like the Tom Thumb cactus I purchased from someone uprooting themselves and moving away from Seattle. I had that guy for almost 5 years. One week I forgot his watering pattern and I gave him too much, and he grew mold all over and died! He was the Fairy Castle Cactus’s friend (the one pictured above). His name was Fred. I’m sure Frank (his prickly pal) was also so upset.
If you haven’t gathered the intel by now, yes, I name my plants.
I rescued and bought my plants from many different places. The very vibrant drama queen is a Nerve Plant I got from the local #BuyNothingGroup in West Queen Anne! My salvia baby was a trade, where I gave a very spiny little cactus that stung me to another person who felt confident to take care of it in exchange.
We put so much thought and care, and even adventure into our quest to fill up our homes with vibrant and thriving plants. We pour ourselves into our plants. Cry (If you’re like me) when they die, give them as gifts, celebrate each successful propagation, and love them to the very end.
It makes me wonder why we do not treat ourselves this well. Why we don’t put as much thought into ourselves as we do our plants. We panic when we realize we haven’t watered them, for example. When we haven’t been watered? We might shrug and say: “Eh It’s ok”.
That’s right, now we’re in the part of the post where it’s all about you!
See if this resonates:
Plants, Babies, Pets, our Spouses and Siblings, they often get prioritized before us. We eat the crust our toddler won’t touch on their PB&J. We get up before everyone else and we cook a big breakfast and then drive the kids to school. We go back home and clean the house, maybe get a short nap in, then it’s back to the school to pickup.
When our loved ones are in an emotional crises or need some extra support with their children, we step up. Without question we are Givers and Nurturers. We plant seeds in other people’s gardens, water them, nurture them, and continually invest in that cycle.
Yet at the end of the day we are depleted and tired. Perhaps the joy from being a Nurturing Giver is what keeps us going, or maybe it’s the sheer fight or flight patterns we have ingrained into our core. Regardless, we’re the ones laying awake at night wondering about others, or if we did well enough, or did I say the wrong thing earlier, and oh I forgot to turn the heat off at he office (that’s me, to be honest)…. And on and on and on.
Perhaps you barely make plans for yourself. You put your own appointments last. You put yourself last. You set yourself aside and do nothing to nurture yourself. Your garden might look and feel like a wasteland, with a few hopeful sprouts clinging for dear life. You keep going on the bare minimum because you don’t want to disappoint others. You care so much, and yet you can’t direct any of that caring nature towards yourself.
Are you feeling seen yet? Maybe some emotions are stirring up for you. Why don’t you take a big deep breath and settle into your chair, or where you’re standing and get present.
I’d love for you to take this opportunity:
Breathe in through your nose and imagine that you’re pulling up nutrients from the core of the earth into your body and that you’re sprouting new leaves out of your head. Sit with that image for a moment and settle your attention as equally as you can into your body. Continue to take deep breaths through your nose and exhale through your nose in a slow and controlled way. Repeat for at least 4 breath cycles while your leaves sprout and spread all around you.
I’ll wait, take your time with it and take note of any new or forgotten information your body gives you. When you’re ready, I’ve got more to say.
Welcome back!
I want to thank you for giving that mindfulness exercise a try. It’s a way for you to reconnect with yourself when your mind is on everything (and everyone) else.
You’re not alone in this process of coming back to yourself and tending to your own garden. There are so many people working on similar aspects of this quest. You would be surprised who is willing to support your efforts!
Our garden shed tools of Metaphors, Visualization, Movement, Bodywork, and Breathing are all great ways of coming back to your center and to gather data about yourself and your needs. Too often our nervous system is burdened by society. All of your energy is going to other people. Your time is limited and you might feel chronically exhausted. You may even be in chronic pain. I wonder if, while doing the exercise if you felt any pain that you’ve been able to ignore, while focusing on everyone else’s needs?
I’m almost certain of it. Those of us who are Nurturing Givers often ignore our pain signals and continue to approach activities of our daily living that are keeping us in these painful holding patterns. Nurturing and Giving so much to others is a wonderful way of distracting ourselves from our pain. People like us must actively work to build up our internal resources for dealing with the demanding and stressful burdens of society.
Participating in regular self care (and #communitycare!) is really important for us to take care of our own garden. We deserve to thrive just as much as those around us. If you’re like me and you’re crying or having funerals for your dead plants, you need to turn towards yourself and give yourself the same level of love and nurturing. It can be hard to do that. Especially when so much of society emphasizes how productive and giving we are. Our identities get wrapped up in “What am I doing for others? Am I doing enough? How can I be of #service?”
We are meant to support ourselves and each other instead of participating in one-way giving. Our relationships with others are meant to be reciprocal! Water each others’ gardens, exchange seed packets (or ideas!), reach out and ask for what you need and want, and expect that you’ll eventually get it. Clear out the dried and dead underbrush of your garden and get creative with some shaping your own landscape.
Society will always burden us, demand too much of us, and require us to push our limits at times. It’s an unfortunate reality. You do what you can for your garden when you are able. One of the best ways to start doing what you can now is to set boundaries. You’re life is worth participating in. Your life doesn’t have to revolve around what you can do for others all the time. You can be a loving, nurturing, and giving person without sacrificing the time and space you need to thrive in the sunlight.
You’re allowed to think about what you want to do next and make important decisions about how you want to approach your self care. You’re allowed to book a #massage or set up a #spaday for you and your children. Maybe you need a 3 hour nap undisturbed so you’ll ask your spouse to watch the kids at the park.
Having #fun is a regular and healthy aspect of being a human being with a complex nervous system as well. Be silly and dance your heart out or relax with friends over an online game. No one has to do self care in a picture perfect way. Your journey is yours, completely so. Other people can be important party members in your quests, but at the end of the day, this is your own story.
Becoming more #mindful and #present with yourself and your body’s needs can feel daunting. There are people who you can meet on your journey who will help you with that process. No one can simply depend solely on #meditation or #yoga to solve all their problems, either. Tending to your own garden is a nuanced and daily effort that has a variety of tasks involved. There’s quite a bit of adventure and exploration to be had. What you may need any given week could change.
Finding a self care routine that works for you and helps bolster your internal resources for managing #stress, #chronicpain, #emotionaldysregulation and getting more sleep will ultimately allow you to do more impactful things for others. Think of it this way: You get self care and participate in community care so you can more precisely support other people’s gardens.
Ensure your garden is #healing and on it’s way to growing lush leaves so you can inspire others on the same path.
I hope this gave you some good food for thought and that your roots are feeling more encouraged to take hold. You can play with the mindfulness exercise I wrote above anytime you’re feeling overwhelmed or need a moment of rest in your busy day.
Till next time,
Aera Barnette, LMT
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We now have a blog! With a big announcement!
Hi! Welcome to the new #blog! #BodyworkWithAera was meant to be much more than a #service. I wanted to create an #educational #platform as well as participate in #community wide efforts within the #covidsafe crowd!
Aside from being the first #massagetherapist listed on #CleanAirStars in North America and adhering to higher standards for disease control within my clinic, I also want to bring together other covid safe #smallbusinesses in the Pacific Northwest to support one another.
It may come as a shock to you, but I’m way out of my comfort zone with all of this. So I suppose you can say we’re learning and growing together? 🙂
Anyway, creating a blog is a huge step towards finding and bringing together more people in our community. It is a great undertaking, and I’m glad to have you along!
So, you might be wondering, what’s the big announcement? Was it just the blog?
No! I have something else to tell you, and I hope you’ll remain sitting, because it completely goes against what everyone tells you that you should do if you’re a service provider. I dare say it might even get me some flack among my peers, but you know what? I have always followed my heart.
First, before I tell you, I want to share a little bit about me. Are you comfy in your seat? I sure hope so!
Before becoming a massage therapist, I had finished a year #meditation training in #QueenAnne, #Seattle. This was in 2013. I had absolutely no idea that I would end up returning to Queen Anne to work, let alone move here and start my own practice! I had absolutely no direction in my life after I graduated from the program in 2013. I got some support to start looking at career options. Becoming a #spiritualhealer wasn’t my calling, after all. What I learned in the program helped me personally, and I became a much more grounded and insightful (self aware, even!) person. I’m very grateful for my time there.
Alas, I did not feel that my heart was leading me to hold meditation circles. Ultimately I had a pressing instinct to go to massage school. It was like a little voice inside of me was telling me to just go. I was not getting anywhere with the support I had, and my heart wasn’t in the things I was trying.
I was confused by my internal compass. Why massage school? I didn’t know anything about massage, aside from the show #FRIENDS. You know the character Phoebe? Everyone knows Phoebe! She was the singer and song writer for Smelly Cat, afterall!
Whatever led me there, I found so many treasures in massage school. I learned so much more about myself, and I was so grateful to have completed my meditation training before hand. I really needed it, with the kind of traumas that were stored in my body, and how sensitive my #nervoussystem really was. I struggled with everything from body coordination to #dissociation while receiving bodywork.
In spite of all that struggle, I nearly graduated with honors for the year, in 2016. I also took an opportunity to do a massage internship, which was optional, at the Jubilee Women’s Center on Capitol Hill. I started working early with people who found it difficult to receive therapeutic massage due to their own #PTSD or #Neurodivergence.
I found myself very drawn to the work of being a massage therapist. It literally saved my life. I could not imagine doing anything else!
Two years after graduation, I began working in Queen Anne, literally next door to the meditation training house I went to in 2012 to 2013. I walked by that house every day I went to work, and I walked past it again, every time I went home to take the bus. Queen Anne became my second home. I loved having quick access to eat at #SeattleCenter and I got to know some of the employees at the Metropolitan Market.
Everything was going well and was routine, until March 2020.
I took a year off and returned to work in 2021, and found myself needing a change. I was finally ready at all levels (emotional, spiritual, and mental) to have my own practice. I was no longer content working for other employers. Infact, I felt that working for others at this time was now getting in the way of me being able to provide my best care. I could not make all the decisions I wanted (and needed) to make, in order to give my best service.
At some point during that year, I also ended up moving to queen Anne! Now I was at the top of the hill. It made getting to work incredibly easy.
In August of 2022, however, I stopped working for others and I put my deposit down on the space that would soon transform into my first clinic! I signed my first 6 month lease and I went to town outfitting the room and setting up my business. I was always meant to be an #entrepreneur! I had a blast narrowing down how I would communicate my niche, picking out blankets, finding where I would get my supplies. All of it.
All of that work was to help me be anchored so I could provide the best possible service to you. I’m so happy to finally tell you what my big announcement is. Hopefully it won’t be the last!
Now for the big announcement:
I have LOWERED my prices! That’s right, you read that correctly. Read it again and smile!
As a medically-focused #specialist in massage therapy, I have quite a bit of education and experience. I originally priced myself to factor all that in, and to be honest with you, I didn’t feel so great about the prices. We all know the cost of living in #Seattle is high, and I wasn’t sure how it would go my first year in business.
I’m so pleased to be able to lower my rates to make access to my level of care more affordable!
It is very important to me that I destroy barriers of access as much as possible. From having a #scentfree practice within a fairly #accessible building to now lowering my prices you can rest assured I am doing everything possible to provide the best level of service possible.
When I started my practice, my initial visit was $180! Now it’s $160! I was able to lower it by $20. All of my other services have been lowered by $5, and I have added #telehealth options as well with reduced rates.
My #Payitforward program is still in action. We have generated over $600 in gratuities to fund the program in the first 6 months. I am now offering PIF initial visits at 50% off to those in need who are in the #LGBTQIA and #BIPOC #Disability communities.
How wonderful is that? If I could reduce my rates even more, I would. Alas, I must keep my oxygen mask on, so I can continue to be of service.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read a little more about me and I hope you’ll find the rate decrease to make care more accessible to you!
If you would like to learn more about the program and my services, you can go to my website here. Be sure to check out my testimonials on the homepage!
If you’re interested in booking a session with me, you can request an appointment on my contact form.
Take care out there,
Aera Barnette, LMT