Some things I learned this week.

Three things I learned or was again made aware of about bodywork this week.

1. No matter what the book’s cover looks like, you never really know how someone feels about touch until you dive in! It’s like opening a mystery box—sometimes what you find is surprising, delightful, and completely unexpected. You might spot someone and think, wow, they must be totally at ease in their body, only to find they’re juggling a circus of insecurities. Or, you might dismiss someone with a quick glance, but with one spark of touch, your whole body does a happy dance. Wild, right? It’s a good reminder: the outside rarely tells the whole story, and our minds love to play tricks with snap judgments.

2. Talking is magic! Conscious, clear words are a superpower that body language just can’t always match. If you want a certain kind of touch or sensation, don’t play charades—just say it! I put this theory to the test at my men’s massage group, where my butt was practically singing for some attention. I decided to go silent and rely solely on body language. Four partners in, and finally, I landed on a ballroom dance instructor—of course he caught the hint! Sometimes, it takes a pro to read your moves.

3. Letting go with someone who’s tuned in to your vibe—whether you spell it out or just send the signal—can be pure magic. There’s something thrilling about handing over the reins and letting someone else lead you into surprising, goosebump-worthy territory. That ballroom dancer? He was all in for my butt’s request, took charge, and spun me into a few wild, unexpected, and totally awesome somatic adventures.

So, for this brand-new week, I’m on a mission to feel, learn, express, share, and squeeze every drop of joy out of this one wild, weird, and wonderful body I get to call mine.