About
This page is a pretty complete rant about myself- I hope you can get a feel for the work I do and who I am from this page......
HEALING
My life as a healer began in high school - I was always the one to give massages - always interested in science and always thought I would become a doctor - or a teacher! I ended up studying physiotherapy at Melbourne University - I loved it - mixing biological science with the practicle nature of physio - it was perfect for me at that time. Since graduating, I have worked in various fields of physiotherapy including
Neurological rehabilitation, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Intensive/Critical Care, Special Medical, Outreach home physio, Sports, Orthopedic in and out patients, Hydrotherapy, paediatrics, Gerontology.
I have also been lucky enough to teach physiotherapy students in various settings, to create a Cardiac Rehabilitation program for a private hospital from scratch AND to complete student placements in India and at the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture in Melbourne, Australia. At the moment I am working on Cardiac Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Rehabilitation projects in Community Health in Cairns.
After graduating as a physiotherapist, and as I worked as one, I continued to pursue my interest in alternative health and massage. I studied theraputic massage (including a short course in zen shiatsu) in Melbourne and reiki in Queensland and the UK. I have studied and practised yoga, Iyengar and other styles, with various levels of dedication for the last 8 years. I have also practised some form of meditation (also with varying dedication) for this time. I have learnt so much from my own journey of healing and learning which has encompassed rebirthing, tantra, psychodrama, meditation, reiki, massage, spiritual healing and wiccan practises among many other modalities and spiritual belief systems.
Probably the most wonderful receiving and learning experience I have had has been with the KaHuna work. A massage drawing on ancient Hawaiian massage and shamanic healing techniques. The ritual, power, effectiveness and pure pleasure of this massage resonated with me from the moment I recieved my first 'kahuna'. I completed my first course with Mette Sorensen (Mettes Institute) in 2002, I have been back to High Spirits for further training each year since (or twice a year!), and simply love this form of healing.
As part of Mettes Institute I began running workshops two years ago - teaching massage and creating a day for relaxation, learning and renewal - Drawing on my experience teaching physio students - and all my clients/patients over the years - I was able to create days full of fun and learning. This has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my working life recently - I enjoyed running these workshops in Amsterdam and am looking forward to starting them in Cairns as soon as I can. Check out the Workshops page to keep up to date.
Although the KaHuna and massage work I am doing sometimes seems far removed from my work as a physiotherapist - the experience I have gained working with people in all stages of life - illness and health - and working within the western medical system - has been invaluable and instrumental in shaping my approach to healing now. Just the fact that I have been working with this magical tool called our 'body' for over ten years - gives me confidence and freedom within my work now. I continue to grow and learn every day - and with every session I give - and recieve. In each yoga class, in each meditation - in each massage I give - I move more into my-self - and thus more in tune with the whole.
I love my work - I see my work as empowering, enlightening, and nurturing. I can give people short retreats in their lives - a space in time for reflection and regeneration. I can advise on how to maintain the peace, and freedom after a session too! I love to demystify the body - I love to teach - and I love to share my knowledge. Whether it be during or after a private session, or during a workshop, or in a conversation - if I can help you lighten your load a little, so you can set yourself a little bit freer - then I will!
FAMILY
I am the eldest of 4 children in my family. My Mum and Dad have always supported us in our lives - as individuals, and I believe we have all grown to be truly unique and really exploring life. I have two beautiful sisters and a fantastic brother - they are all characters, totally lovable, totally generous and always fun! My family is spread accross the globe - UK, Europe and Melbourne - I miss them, but thank the goddess for the phone and email and aeroplanes (while we still have them!)
LOVE I live now in Cairns with my love Jurgen Kleykamp. He is always a great source of love, comfort, inspiration, fun and learning. Jurg runs a web design company in Cairns called ZenDesign. I am so proud of what he has achieved here in such a short time - He is so knowledgable about this wierd world we call the internet. Check out his e-card page (Send Wise Cards) for some inspiration to share!
TRAVEL
I was born in Melbourne, Australia. Our family moved to Tewantin, Queensland when I was a child, and then returned to Melbourne when I started high school. After finishing high school and University - I moved myself up north again - to Townsville this time - and I have been on a bit of a tour of the world ever since! My wanderlust has seen me living in Melbourne, OceanGrove, Tewantin, Townsville and Perigian Beach (in Australia); London, Birmingham, Great Yarmouth and Hull (in England); StAsaph (in Wales); Amsterdam (in tyhe Netherlands); and a short stint in Morocco. Travels in between has seen me in various places in Australia, Singapore, China, Malaysia, India, UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Italia, Spain, Morocco, Portugal and USA. I love travelling sooooo much - I love living in different places - I can always find a home, no matter where I am!
ASTROLOGY
I am a cancerian - with a cancer moon, and aquarius rising for those who like to know about these things
MUSIC
I love to sing. play the guitar, flute and try whatever instrument comes my way - I love to listen to music and would love to start writing songs for children to help them hear different languages from an early age - starting with a few simple english songs (and maybe Italian and Dutch if I am brave) . I have a lovely group of mates here in Cairns who all love to get together for a weekly jam session which is always fun.
That's all about me for now - See you in the session room!
love like your life depends on it - because it does (Michael Franti)
ike kala makia manawa aloha mana pono
www.anahata-massage.com
