Clay Bodies and Massage

Clay Body: the word that potters use to describe a particular mixture of clay.  Some examples of clay bodies are stoneware body and porcelain body.  Practice Solutions for Potters 100s of Your Top Questions With 1000s Practical Solutions, Gill Bliss

When potters decide on the type of clay body  they must know about the firing temperature for the clay, will the clay be coarse or fine, will the clay be thrown on a wheel or carved. Understanding the clay body's durability, shrinkage rate, workability must be a factor to the potter.  The clay body  has to match the glazing desires for the finished piece.  From beginning to final process there are so many rules to follow to produce a beautiful work of art. 

Massage is similar. People are different and their needs are different.  When a Massage Therapist has a clear understanding of massage during treatment for cancer, each patient can take from the massage what they need the most.  The intent to help a patient must be balanced with knowledge.  It is only then that the healing art of massage is possible and patients can count on Massage Therapists to offer safe compassionate care.


 

Unbroken Spirit 

 

After beautifully trimming the bottom of my treasured bowl, I tried to pick it up by the thin, delicate top.
And I crushed it.
So sad, I turned my damaged bowl right side up.
The perfect, even and graceful rim was now broken
Unevenly with jagged edges.
I thought, I will glue the little pieces on.
But then, an angel stepped in.
He showed me, among his "perfect" pots,
one pot with a broken edge-
having a place, just as visible as the rest.
The rough edges were uneven and gentle
and added a character to the pot than none others had.
I thought of my imperfect, invaded and scarred body
and feeling like the injured and beautiful pot,
I felt like crying.
It wasn't clear then why.
All I knew was, when I looked at my broken bowl again.
I wanted to keep it, just as it was.


   Wendy Kochenthal,  IN LOVE WITH WORDS &CLAY
   16 Rainbow Ridge Lane, Swannanoa, NC  28778
   e-mail:bellawendia@hotmail.com (printed with permission)


    
   
 We Are All Claybodies
 

Be present:   When I sit at my wheel everything else is out of my mind, but the pot to throw.  Find bliss in the moment and empty your mind of the past and future. 

Find your center:  A ball of clay must spin perfectly on a wheel, not being centered results in a clumsy off kiltered, jolting movement for the potter.  When we aren’t centered in our bodies, with your weight not evenly distributed, it causes an imbalance that has a domino effect felt throughout our bodies.

Know when to stop:  After centering your clay you must open the ball, going down too deep creates a thin bottom, a wasted effort.  Practice does make perfect, haste makes waste and all those other clichés your mom was right about. Similar to focusing on the Serenity Prayer throughout you day.
 
Acknowledge impurities:  The potter must feel for particles in the clay that could cause flaws, create weakness, and damage the end product.  Taking time each day to recognize for signs of muscle tightness and fatigue helps you to know your body. 

Improvise your imperfections:  A damaged pot is just the opportunity to create a unique work of art.  We all come with imperfections that can help us achieve our greatest moments.

Create your dreams:  To design a beautiful pot develops your sense of play and creativity.  Give yourself time to be the best that you can be. Strive to reach your dreams.

Be patient:   Never fire a pot before it is ready.   There are some rules that can be broken and some that can't.  Cause and effect happens. Achieving healthy lifestyle changes take time, effort and lots of patience. 

Recognize beauty:   Fill your world with your creations.  Delight in your works of art for yourself and others. Take time to look around and see all that you have been apart of and celebrate your life.

Glazes are personal choices.  Some people create pots that are rainbows of colors, others love pots that are soft and subdued.  We are all unique with our special talents, thoughts and beliefs.

Balance your life:   A 3-legged stool offers the strongest support.  We must nurture our mind, bodies and spiritual lives to feel that sense of balance we all strive for.

Give thanks to the Fire-God:  When all is done, your pot goes in the kiln and what will be, will be.  Everyday give thanks and gratitude for the god within you.

Celebrate your achievement:  To take a piece of clay and go through the wedging, throwing, designing, glazing and firing process and create a beautiful finished produce is an achievement.  Especially when you consider what can go wrong during the entire process.  So when all is said and done make a difference where you can.  In your heart it feels good when you know it.

 


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