Learning and Growing

Learning (for me) is not a straight line. Sometimes it weaves in and out of my conscious thought and other times I find myself reflecting on my learning in a more intentional way. I find that my learning journey has been a huge meandering back and forth between the spectrum of ‘things I think I need to know’ and ‘things I just feel are super interesting’.

Emma Barrett’s learning spectrum

Some background information on me is that I achieved my undergraduate degree in my 30’s (Social Science BA Hons), my Masters in my 40’s (MA in Charity Management) and whole host of professional qualifications in Digital Leadership, E-learning Design, Project Management throughout my professional working life in the charity sector. I’ve worked for Oxfam GB, the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare and smaller charities too.

So, for me, my initial course in massage (The Diploma in Holistic and Deep Tissue Massage from Jing) was definitely at the spectrum end of ‘things I just feel are super interesting’. But now, I’m moving towards the other pole of ‘Things I need to Know’. The Diploma course covered a fair bit of anatomy, specific types of stance when delivering massage and also types of hand position and grounding. I’m planning a blog series on each of these as my own reflective journal later on, but for now, those key elements combined have enabled me to put together some of my own protocols to allow me to deliver different kinds of relaxation massages to my clients.

I’m now enrolled and actively studying on the Professional Certificate in Advanced Clinical and Sports Massage (ACMT) at Jing. It’s 12 month course, covering all areas of the body and a lot of anatomy and pain management techniques. It’s fascinating and hard work!

More reflections on learning and wellness are coming soon as I progress on my learning journey, I’m a firm believer in lifelong learning and I hope you will join me on this journey.