Give a massage that is about attention

Prepare for comfort

Warm the room, support joints with pillows and keep lubricant within reach. Ask about injuries, sensitivities and areas to avoid. Use slow transitions so touch does not feel abrupt.

Let the whole hand listen

Begin with broad, steady contact and moderate pressure. Notice breathing and muscle response, but verify your interpretation aloud. Avoid pressing directly on the spine, front of the neck or any painful area.

Try this: Set a ten-minute timer and choose one intention—comfort, grounding or anticipation. Do not rush to make it “more.”