Jo's Massage Haven

The last few days have felt quite heavy and, if I'm honest, a little intense. It's nearing the school holidays, so the kids are tired and wired.

When I start feeling overwhelmed, my go-to is breathwork and grounding. It helps calm the mental chatter, settle my nervous system, and bring me back to the present moment.

I also love putting some music on and having a dance with the kids. It's amazing how quickly it can shift the energy in the house and lift everyone's mood.

I'm incredibly grateful for these practices that remind me how to return to balance.

What is your go-to when you're feeling a bit overwhelmed?

Help me beat the Facebook algorithm!

What's your letterbox number? (No street name, just the number.)

Mine is 174.

Let's see how many numbers we can collect! 📫

A Little Heads-Up

Over the next month or two, Jo's Massage Haven will be getting a makeover on the outside. There will be painters, builders, and landscapers working around the property as we refresh and enhance the space.

As a result, parking in the driveway may not always be available. If this is the case, please park on the street.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while these improvements are underway. I'm excited to create an even more beautiful and welcoming space for you.

Warmly,
Jo

Today I wanted to share a little story.

My car is two years old and an ex-rental. When I picked it up, it felt amazing.

As the days went on, I noticed a few scratches, but there was one that really bothered me. It's on the back door on the driver's side. Every time I got in the car, I'd look at it and think, I wish that wasn't there.

A few weeks later, I had an appointment. As I was leaving the driveway, I misjudged the corner and clipped a wooden post and went into a slight gutter. I felt it, then looked in the rear-view mirror and saw the post swaying.

I was cross with myself and hoped the person I'd just had an appointment with hadn't heard it. (Well, she'll now know lol 🤣)

Anyway, that was about five weeks ago. I went to the panel beaters the other day and after I got home, I realised...

I got exactly what I'd been focusing on.

That scratch I kept wishing away? Now the whole area is getting repaired.

The power of thought is pretty amazing. Sometimes we're so focused on what we don't want that we end up giving it more attention than what we do want.

A little reminder to be mindful of where our thoughts, energy, and attention are going.

Warmly Jo

Ho’oponopono is something I often quietly weave into my Reiki sessions.

It is a traditional Hawaiian practice centred around forgiveness, reconciliation, gratitude, and restoring harmony. Over time, a simplified modern version became widely known through the four phrases:

I’m sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.

Sometimes during a Reiki session, while working with an area of the body that feels sore, heavy, tense, or like it has been holding onto something for a long time, I softly repeat these words.

I also use this practice in my personal life.

How many of us speak harshly to our bodies when we are in pain?
I know I do at times.

When my jaw is sore from clenching, or my shoulder aches from an old injury, I notice how easy it can be to become frustrated with the body instead of listening to it.

When I become aware of this, I gently place my hand on the area and repeat the prayer.

Not from a place of blame…
but from a place of acknowledgement, compassion, release, and love.

For me, it feels like speaking gently to the body.
Listening to it.
Honouring what it may have carried physically, emotionally, or energetically.

Often our bodies hold onto far more than we realise.

Ho’oponopono is a beautiful reminder that healing does not always need to be forceful.
Sometimes healing begins with softness, presence, and love.

Warmly Jo

My daughter (8 years) had an orthodontist appointment today after being referred by the dentist. She is a late bloomer with her teeth and they are currently averaging around a 5-year-old level development wise.

We found out she appears to be missing around 10–12 adult teeth. The X-rays taken today showed that many of her adult teeth are not present in the gums.

She also has a couple of teeth that are starting to move back up into the gums, so they will likely need to be removed at some point.

Apparently it can be hereditary, but it’s not something either of us are aware of in our families.

Has anyone else had this happen with their child? And if so, can you give some insight?

How Massage, Reiki & Breathwork Can Help

The graphic below shares some of the ways stress can show up throughout the body, along with how these sessions encourage relaxation, balance, and a greater sense of calm.

Massage helps release physical tension while encouraging relaxation and body awareness.

Reiki supports relaxation, grounding, and a calmer state for both body and mind.

Breathwork brings gentle awareness back to the breath, encouraging slower breathing and a greater sense of calm.

Together, these practices create space for the body and mind to slow down and soften.

Real life confession from me today 😅

It’s my son’s birthday this weekend, and he’s having a few friends over for a party.
Because I’m busy with work the next couple of days, today has turned into deep-cleaning mode over here.

And honestly… does anyone else put pressure on themselves when having people over?
Like suddenly the house has to look like no one actually lives there 😂

Meanwhile there’s usually washing somewhere, shoes by the door, and life happening in every corner.

Surely I’m not the only one?

Happy Mother’s Day

To the mums, the grandmothers, the stepmums, the mother figures,
and the women who hold so much for others every single day…

May today bring a moment for you too.
A moment to rest, to breathe, and to feel appreciated for all that you give.

My kids are at an age now where they’re really enjoying making this day feel special for me. I was spoilt with handmade cards and a couple of candles.

Warmly Jo

I offer Massage, Reiki, and Sacred Frequency Massage from my home here in Stratford.

My sessions are created to help you slow down, unwind, and reconnect with yourself — whether you’re feeling physically tense, emotionally overwhelmed, or simply needing time to rest and reset.

I use hypoallergenic grapeseed oil during sessions, which is gentle and nourishing on the skin.

Sacred Frequency Massage is a gentle blend of massage, Reiki, breathwork, and tuning forks designed to support deep relaxation and balance.

All sessions are professional, therapeutic, and held in a safe, comfortable environment.

Call or Message on 021 407 625
Prices are pinned on my business page.