Wellness, Shiatsu, and Wellbeing in a Fast-Paced World
Key Takeaways
The Post-COVID Pace: A rapid return to "fast-track mode," fueled by disruptive technologies like AI and crypto, has led to increased FOMO, stress, and anxiety across work and personal life.
Prioritize Slowing Down: Wellness in a fast-paced world requires deliberate personal choices, such as reducing workload, spending time in nature (gardening, walking), and consciously creating moments of downtime.
Shiatsu: A Path to Deep Rest: The practice has shifted from a rigid, point-focused approach to one focused on listening first and prioritizing deep relaxation to help the body recover from elevated stress levels.
Integration is Key: Shiatsu knowledge (e.g., working the Du Mai and Ren Mai meridians) can be integrated into other massage types (like sports massage) to induce profound relaxation, allowing the therapist to work deeper and softer at the same time.
Mindful Transition: Building downtime into the routine (like biking to remote locations 30 minutes early) is crucial for the practitioner to maintain a relaxed mind before and after treatments.
Wellness, Shiatsu, and Wellbeing in a Fast-Paced World
Please find this blog on how I experience wellness, shiatsu, and wellbeing in this fast-paced world.
Everyone with an eye on the news or technology has noticed that after we had the general slowdown of the covid-era, things have sprung into a fast-track mode. There was so much to be addressed, so many parties missed, so much money lost in businesses and around. It all seemed normal to deliver some extra speed and energy. On top, more recently we got several boats which should not be missed showing up as "uninvited guests" disrupting families, teams, and workspaces: getting rich easily with bitcoins or alike and adopting, implementing and enhancing all processes, tools or businesses with the support of AI. Both of these create a lot of "FOMO", stress, anxiety - even if you are having the bitcoins or if you are already working and implementing AI in business processes, there's constantly the thought in your head "is it enough", "can we do better", "what's next" and quite often "what do my competitors-friends-neighbours-family" do?
The Choice to Slow Down
Myself, although following up on the above, over the years I tried to slow down myself. I do have a full-time job in a multinational, have two smaller side professions, being a photographer and a professional massage therapist, and have written two books on management and leadership. Additionally, I was/am a red cross volunteer before and during covid-times but taking a back-seat there now. I felt I needed to slow down somewhere, to make space for myself and my loved ones and so had to prioritize. I've chosen to focus on where I have a bit more impact and where I could add some extra value. But first, slowing down, aside from stopping activities, how could one do that in real life, how to make mini- or macro-moments of downtime, how to start?
When I look back on how my personal slow-down appears, it becomes apparent in the choices I make, I’m not jumping for every customer or every opportunity, I do check if it's feasible within the calendar and if the needs or asks presented are lined up with my skills and capabilities. Secondly by going back to nature, living a bit outside the city centre with a bigger garden, taking the time to keep it up, whilst having several "wilder" spots, it's not pitch-perfect, growing some fruits and vegetables, spending some time with our border collie in the garden. Additionally, by enjoying the woods around our city, where time stops and we go home when the dog and I are happy with what we did: walking, listening, observing what lives and grows there.
Shiatsu: Prioritizing Relaxation Over Energy
This slowing down is also appearing in my Shiatsu and massages. My trainings started off during the financial crises when business trips were suddenly stopped, and remote working became possible. After the basic trainings, started looking for something more in-depth, looking for ancient practices linked up to the acupuncture as already from my younger years i had a bit of interest in what was possible and how people were treating illnesses thousands of years ago in the East. When looking back, also there I’m relaxing a bit more. When a customer comes in, first things first: listen, listen to what the person must tell, what the expectations are and how support could be provided. Originally thinking about all possible meridians and points available for the request, then trying to fit those in the 1-hour treatment time foreseen, which was sometimes too much for the body or soul, and was too much for myself as I was running from point to point, meridian to meridian without taking the time to feel and adjust.
Nowadays, it’s still “listening first”, still thinking about all points and meridians available, but then I prioritize, asking myself and the customer the question: what is really needed? Is it really needed to focus on bringing out extra energy to cope with the elevated stress levels, or would it be better to give the body some time for relaxation, to slow down, to give it a break and let it recover at least a few hours, during and after the treatment?
Integrating Shiatsu for Deep Impact
Nowadays I’m more convinced about the second approach, balancing the body by working on the meridians, and integrating relaxation into the treatment. Additionally, an extra way of bringing myself to slowing down is to bike to my remote working locations, being there 30+ minutes upfront, allowing me to prepare the room and have some downtime myself before starting the massage, then biking back home - combining sports, massage treatment, downtime leading to a more relaxed mind.
When looking at my practice, I have a few customers who ask for pure Shiatsu sessions, however I do integrate the knowledge and practice in every single given, be it a sports massage, a relaxation massage or any combination. For me, when using for example the Du Mai and Ren Mai, I notice extra deep relaxation in my customers coming very quickly, which allows me to work deeper and softer at the same time on the muscles in for example a sports massage. The customers quite often never experienced Shiatsu as such but regularly ask me about what i did and why they feel now so different than before the treatment, more relaxed, however still energized and loosened up. The nice thing I noticed recently is that some of my colleagues are now taking over some of the meridians in their massage treatments, picking up on what I do during duo massage sessions and seeing the value and impact. A win-win.
I wish all of you some “down-time”, some time to relax, meditate, reflect, allowing you to come back to the daily activities with a refreshed mind and body. Take care.
About the Author: Stefan Vanwildemeersch
Stefan Vanwildemeersch is a versatile professional, balancing a corporate career with a passion for holistic well-being. He is a leader with a focus on building high-performing teams, advocating for a win-win approach driven by results and strong relationships. He empowers individuals through coaching, mentoring, and fostering clear communication and intercultural understanding in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.
As an author, Stefan has written two books on management and leadership. Beyond his corporate life, he is a dedicated bodywork professional, practicing Shiatsu and massage therapy, and embracing continuous learning through pursuits like gardening and photography. His spirit of exploration and continuous learning translates into his leadership style, where he encourages experimentation and "embracing the journey."
Connect with Stefan:
Shiatsu Treatments: Shinzui Bodywork
Instagram: DHHnlOBs5VA
YouTube: JeDftC_PG78
Facebook: Shinzuishiatsu
