About Massage and Honoring Another

I love giving and receiving massage. I believe that it is truly a wonderful gift that one can bestow on another. It is (or at least should be) a direct physical and emotional connection between two or more people, a connection that is not at all like any other connection. I prefer that both parties be nude (not a surprise for anyone who knows me) for I think that creates a much more open, trusting and profound connection between masseur and the massaged. It is more than just the physical manipulation of muscle tissue. I think it should also be equally about the exchange and giving of energy from one to another. In this same vein, I truly believe that one of the most wonderful and intimate ways to honor another is to bathe and massage them--truly paying homage to the temple that embodies their physical, emotional and spiritual selves. In a world that is so disconnected, what could be more beautiful? I recently had the opportunity to swap massage with a new buddy. He had read my blog (on another site) and this entry particular, and after a couple of hours of massage swapping, he asked if I was interested in a bath. To continue the relaxing morning we had shared, it sounded wonderful. We both squeezed into his bathtub for a hot bath, we took turns bathing each other (including washing the massage oil off of each other). It was very sensual, tender and somewhat arousing, though not sexual. We just enjoyed the continued connection and this was such a nice way to "finish off" the mutual massage! Thanks for the most relaxing morning I've had in months!! It was wonderful to feel safe, cared for, and not question or expect anything sexual to happen, but to be comfortable with that level of touch and affirmation.