Marelda Rodrigues, Grief Massage and Wellness

Every summer, as I grow a year older and mark another anniversary of coming to the US, I take stock of what I’ve accomplished.
This helps me cheer myself own (because if I don’t, no one else will), and provides the fuel to keep achieving all that I’m meant to in this life time.
A lot of this boggles my mind, but also shows me what’s possible any time I doubt what I’m capable of.
Came to the US, already a high achiever at 18, by myself and have lived on my own since then. That was 39 years ago. I’ve never looked back, because the adventures are in front of me. If you think that’s a breeze, go to the other side of the planet and immerse deeply in a culture that is unfamiliar to you and start from scratch. It is not for the faint of heart. Or send your child there - to place that takes away and a half for you to physically reach them. I am so blessed to have parents who sacrificed their feelings and step aside from their fears to send me across the planet for my evolution.
I learned leadership through every international student governing role I held in college, and some of it from reading life changing books. I had a couple of amazing mentors. That was it. I am deeply grateful for my intuition and intelligence that have guided me from age 18.
I believe in standards of excellence, and create them in everything I do. Those are my guiding principles. I know when I’m falling short, and I know when I’m touching the stars.
Massage Therapy chose me. I didn’t chose it. But I’ve removed pain and dysfunction from so many bodies with my genius because I was trained by the best. Incidentally, I was mostly trained by doctors. Only 2 genius massage therapists contributed to me becoming a genius in massage therapy. It helps that I’ve been reading about the human body since age 5, feeding my interest in genetics since age 15, and broadening my expertise in neurology and neuroscience for the last 25 years. There is nothing more fascinating than the nervous system in my world.
I am a culinary enthusiast and use my sense of adventure and my imagination to bring all kinds of mouth watering dishes to life. Interestingly, most of my friends remember me for the food I cook. And I only cook for the people I like. If I cook for you, consider it a privilege and an act of deep love.
I lost my mom just before I turned 32. I had a premonition of one of my parent passing. So when the call came, I knew my premonition had become real. I was very close to her. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend her funeral. So I definitely know the many shades of grief. I shared a love of animals with my mom and her mom, and being in the proximity of animals keeps me close to them.
I was trained in NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP) at age 20 and it changed everything for me in the space of human communication based on how the brain speaks and articulates. This means when you speak to me, I can hear your brain’s genius, fears, resistance, and aspirations. I can hear my own bu****it, and I can hear yours. I tear mine to bits and can show you how to use your own brain to tear yours. It’s what Tony Robbins does. Except, I’m prettier and use very little profanity, especially with clients!!
I’ve finally recovered from most of my burnout that happened 17 years ago, where I almost lost my mind. I definitely lost my health, self esteem, and the adventurous spirit. I didn’t know it then, but it came with shame and trauma. It’s taken me all this time to heal and grow.
And now, I thank the Universe for appointing me to teach people about their best side - their emotions, albeit through the most daunting and painful one, grief. But I help people heal through a basic human survival tool - touch. I take beautiful and hurting souls to a place of peace and deep evolution. Because I’ve been there and had to take myself through the journey.
If this stirs something in your to explore your yearning and aspiration to get to a place of deep evolution, drop me a note and we can look at how to get you there.
It takes work, and tireless effort. But you can’t get diamonds without putting pressure on coal.
Let’s talk.

These past 5 years working in the grief space has taught me a lot about who is willing to do the deep soul work to understand and work with the most misunderstood part of health - human emotions.
Sadly, many only start learning about emotional health (completely separate from mental health) when they’re brought to their knees with one of the most daunting emotion of all - grief.
Those whom I’ve been honored to work with have grown leaps and bounds in a very short time in their emotional wellness, which has then elevated their physical, mental, spiritual and energetic health.
Here’s what I have learned about them, and have come to view them as my ideal clients.

🧠 My best clients are highly intelligent who aren’t afraid to admit they don’t have a good handle on emotional wellness from years of pushing their feelings aside to “keep the peace”, “people please”, or “not be like that person”, and want to explore how to solve that for the good of their highest self.

💪🏽⁣⁣They aren’t uncomfortable with the word “grief”; nor do they deny feeling grief and its related emotions, from any number of losses in their lives, including but not limited to bereavement; and want to master transforming grief into growth.

⁣⁣💡 My people understand due diligence and the importance of aligning with the right coach when it comes to specialized support.⁣, and invest readily in that support.

⁣⁣💜 My people know that therapy and mental/emotional support are crucial to their healing and their growth, and are discerning about the value they receive when they invest.

🤑 Flashy marketing, run-of-the-mill services, and trendy words in the media don’t compel them to buy.⁣ Their kind of pain, and their fear of inner gnawing taking over their lives drives them to seek solutions from pioneers and out of the box thinkers.
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⚡️ They know the importance of energetics, recognize shame and guilt rousing triggers around any topic indicate unhealed wounds, have a framework to guide them, and are open to learning what they don’t know no matter the shame, because they recognize shame as wasted energy.
⁣⁣
📈 They play the long game. They don’t go with what’s new today on any media, but are tuned into a mix of short term and long term strategies that bring them to their ultimate sustainable wellness lifestyle.
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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 They think in terms of legacy of their wellness decisions, and plan their wellness in the same way they do with any lifelong investments, not just the limiting options provided by their health insurance.
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I am currently accepting a limited number of private coaching clients. 12 week to 6 month options available. DM to see what kind of magic we can make together! 🔮

**Massage Therapy - Summer Sale!**
🔥 New bonus added 🔥
Do your summer plans include calm and peaceful days just for yourself?
Or are they filled with frenetic activities for everyone but yourself?
For those who want to include their peace of mind and keep personal wellness a priority so they can show up refreshed and energized for all their summer fun, I’ve got a fantastic summer sale going on that won’t last long because I have only 10 spots open.
You can choose from either of the options below:
2-pack Grief Massage (all first time Grief Massage clients) - $200 (reg $250).
OR
3-pack Wellness Massage (TMJ, Mega Stress Buster (head, neck, shoulders, face) OR Therapeutic massage) - $400 (reg $450).
I only have 10 spots available for this offer.
Once those spots are gone, they're gone.
Don't miss out!!
🔥🔥🔥 EXTRA SPECIAL🔥🔥🔥
The first 5 to book their services by 12p CT on Wednesday, 7/10 (either option) get an additional massage added in at no extra cost (reg $165).

My latest podcast interview is out. I'm so grateful to Dr. Sandi Scheibaum and Functional Medicine Coaching Academy Inc. for helping me share my mission and message.
Link to watch or listen is in the comments.

Today, with all the gratitude I feel, I’m inviting you to celebrate with me.

My Grief Massage and Wellness practice turns 5 today!
I myself am in awe and disbelief.

When I started, I had no clue I would be bringing to life a modality that came to me as a message for another world through my hands.

I had absolutely no idea about the depth and breadth of what humans experience as grief.

I didn’t even have the words to speak about grief in a way that is articulate, graceful and eloquent.

All I knew was there was an immense birthing feeling inside me.
Following these messages from my soul through intuition, I developed a massage therapy protocol that did wonders for grieving clients, and gave me a unique teaching platform for fellow massage therapists and the public.

It has been so fulfilling to work with those struggling with any kind of loss, and often suffering silently and helplessly, and watching them evolve into thriving human beings who are living their best lives with happiness and purpose in spite of their losses.

Being a thought leader in Grief Wellness was not even in my conscious horizon, but apparently, it was in my subconscious.
Developing a framework of whole body healing and taking so many through it reinforces my awe and belief in the body’s intelligence to function optimally, given a little but the right support and direction.

Sitting here today, 5 years on, here's what I know to be true about grief about this often misunderstood, yet most resourceful emotion.

1. Grief is an emotion in response to a loss. Nothing more; nothing less. You can tell your story around the loss event, but the response is always the same.

2. Humans learn from pain, not pleasure. Grief is a painful emotion and leaves utter chaos when it shows up. Yet it teaches you the most, and is life changing regardless of the origin story.

3. Humans avoid grief because it is painful. This is reinforced in societal norms that encourage distraction, avoidance and suppression that ultimately do more harm than good and strip you of opportunities of emotional health until suffering is unbearable.

4. Grief lives in your body, specifically your emotional body, not in your mind. It causes a wound that is unseen but must be tended to very much like a visible wound, strategically and caringly.

5. You cannot talk your way out of grief. For this reason, talk therapy as the only way to move through grief has been shown to be unsuccessful. Recovery happens when there is a mind-body-emotion-spirit-energy collaboration within your being.

6. Grief doesn’t discriminate and shows up through the same cues for all humans regardless of status, age, education, or income. It is equally painful but unique in experience.

7. Grief is complex, so when there are multiple losses, they must each be worked through and resolved so as not to have residual or incremental suffering.

8. The more and sooner you grasp a clear framework around moving through grief that addresses all your bodies (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and energetic), the sooner you’ll be able to mourn without suffering.
To celebrate turning 5, this week, I have a couple of special offers for Grief Massage (Chicago only - Wicker Park office) and Grief Wellness Coaching (online).
Send me a message here to let me know if you are interested in learning more, anytime before Sunday June 23, 12p CST.

Today, with all the gratitude I feel, I’m inviting you to celebrate with me.

My Grief Massage and Wellness practice turns 5 today!
I myself am in awe and disbelief.

When I started, I had no clue I would be bringing to life a modality that came to me as a message for another world through my hands.

I had absolutely no idea about the depth and breadth of what humans experience as grief.

I didn’t even have the words to speak about grief in a way that is articulate, graceful and eloquent.

All I knew was there was an immense birthing feeling inside me.

Like I felt when I enrolled in Massage Therapy and Health Coaching.

Like I felt when I knew exactly how I was going to use my graduate degree in adult education and training.

Like I felt when I moved to Atlanta to be a volunteer at the 1996 Olympic Games.

The feelings were so strong that I couldn’t even understand them, much less lay out a well thought out plan and action steps.
Following these messages from my soul through intuition, I developed a massage therapy protocol that did wonders for grieving clients, and gave me a unique teaching platform for fellow massage therapists and the public.

It has been so fulfilling to work with those struggling with loss, and often suffering silently and helplessly, and watching them evolve into thriving human beings who are living their best lives with happiness and purpose in spite of their losses.

Being a thought leader in Grief Wellness was not even in my conscious horizon, but apparently, it was in my subconscious.
Developing a framework of whole body healing and taking so many through it reinforces my awe and belief in the body’s intelligence to function optimally, given a little but the right support and direction.

Sitting here today, 5 years on, here's what I know to be true about grief about this often misunderstood, yet most resourceful emotion.

1. Grief is an emotion in response to a loss. Nothing more; nothing less. You can tell your story around the loss event, but the response is always the same.

2. Humans learn from pain, not pleasure. Grief is a painful emotion and leaves utter chaos when it shows up. Yet it teaches you the most, and is life changing regardless of the origin story.

3. Humans avoid grief because it is painful. This is reinforced in societal norms that encourage distraction, avoidance and suppression that ultimately do more harm than good and strip you of opportunities of emotional health until suffering is unbearable.

4. Grief lives in your body, specifically your emotional body, not in your mind. It causes a wound that is unseen but must be tended to very much like a visible wound, strategically and caringly.

5. You cannot talk your way out of grief. For this reason, talk therapy as the only way to move through grief has been shown to be unsuccessful. Recovery happens when there is a mind-body-emotion-spirit-energy collaboration within your being.

6. Grief doesn’t discriminate and shows up through the same cues for all humans regardless of status, age, education, or income. It is equally painful but unique in experience.

7. Grief is complex, so when there are multiple losses, they must each be worked through and resolved so as not to have residual or incremental suffering.

8. The more and sooner you grasp a clear framework around moving through grief that addresses all your bodies (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and energetic), the sooner you’ll be able to mourn without suffering.
To celebrate turning 5, this week, I have a couple of special offers for Grief Massage (Chicago only) and Grief Wellness Coaching.
Send me a message here to let me know if you are interested in learning more, anytime before Sunday June 23, 12p CST.

In June and July, I'm learning how to support survivors of su***de loss, with my amazing mentor, Amy Wright Glenn, the founder of The Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death.
This is a topic very special to my heart for many reasons.
I feel so sad for those whose sense of despair is so high they're unable to see a way through.
I've had conversations with parents who've lost children, children who've lost parents, clients who've lost besties, the list is endless and so preventable.
This course is open to anyone who has been affected by su***de and/or wants to support other survivors.
I'm sharing the link in the comments for you to enroll or share with someone who may want to enroll.
Amy has so generously discounted this course to reach as many people as possible.
You do not have to be a mental health professional or credentialed in any way to take this course.

~ DOORS ARE OPEN ~

I am delighted to announce that the doors to Thriving After Loss: Transform Grief Into Growth, are now open!

This 12-week group program is transformational (as the name suggests) in getting you out of the pain of past, present and anticipated grief in a safe, easeful way.
Your transformation happens in two key ways:
1. Through guidance from me, and your effort through the modules.
2. By sharing your challenges and mind shifts to be witnessed, and witnessing and holding space for group members as they share theirs.

Thriving After Loss: Transform Grief Into Growth is for you if:
*You want to move out of your foggy brain into sharp thinking and ease of mind.
*You know that the effort you put into your nutrition, sleep, mindset and movement will bring back normalcy to the current chaos.
*You yearn for a space of peace, safety and self trust because the well meaning help from the outside is not exactly serving you.
*You can feel the ceiling that you keep bumping against shatter so you can rise to your potential, fully knowing that your losses don't define you.
*You realize that you're no longer available for suffering, and are open to receiving the support to get to a place that seems far away, and the journey daunting on your own.

This program is the painkiller you’re wishing for daily.

Because when you’re in pain, it takes up your headspace, keeps your wellness teetering on the edge of a downward spiral, and makes you believe you deserve a life of punishment.

Let’s stop the pain, mental chatter and catastrophizing.

This program is not for you if you want to remain in suffering, want to find excuses as to why it’s not possible for you, or even worse, you don’t have the time.

But, if you’re here for it, in just 12 weeks, with guidance from me, and simple modules and action steps, you can move yourself from a place of wishing to a place of peace and hope.
The tension in your body eases, your shoulders aren’t weighed down, your sleep is restful, the deep aches and exhaustion cease, the thoughts stop racing, and the guilt/shame/regret are distant memories
How would you like to be in that body and mind?

Imagine being in that very place that you’re yearning for everyday.
Yes, that can become your reality in a very short time when you guide your efforts in the way your brain understands and changes.

If you’ve decided to heal and want to join the program, book a time on my calendar, and let’s get on a quick call.
The call is intended to ensure that you’re ready for this program, and it is the right step so that you are able to fully engage, learn, heal and grow.
You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions and register.

For those who step up immediately and enroll (complete the call and register) between now and May 20, there is a bonus.
You’ll have an opportunity to be in a 45-minute 1:1 coaching session with me.
This is an excellent way to get laser focus on your progress so you can accelerate further.

Registration continues through May 24 (absolute last day to register).
The program start date is June 3 and goes through Aug 29.

Details and registration link in the comments.

*** LET’S GET SOME HEALING GOING ***

Come join me for this wellness challenge to rev up your energy and lift up your whole being!

Ever wondered what a wellness plan actually looks like, and how it works to create changes in a body struggling with the effects of loss and extreme stress?
Or where to even start with feeling better when your loss and all the accompanying stress feels suffocating and endless?
Then this challenge is for you.

From May 6-10, I’ll share a simple task for you to complete.
As you complete it, you’ll learn how to notice shifts in your body.
Each day, we’ll build upon the previous day, and I’ll be guiding your journey.
It’s a fun way to understand and embrace how Grief Wellness works to uplift you when you’re feeling exhausted and discouraged, or simply helpless.

Click the link in the comments below to join me for this challenge.

Know someone who can be your challenge buddy, or who would also benefit from this activity?
Click on the image below to share it with them!

Tired from feeling the same old dread and exhaustion that grief brings with it?
Want to learn what it takes to remove suffering while mourning your loss?
No matter what type of loss(es) you've experienced, grief lives in the body and healing must be supported with a wellness plan that specifically addresses its needs during a very stressful time.
Join me for this free 5-day challenge and create some ease in your world.
Follow the links in the bio to get details and sign up!

Are you feeling trapped in the heaviness of grief?
Do you recognize any of these signs?
Racing thoughts
Stifling anxiety
Elusive sleep
Tense neck and shoulders
Clenched jaw
Phantom aches
Tightened chest
Recurring headaches and colds
Relentless exhaustion
Dizzying dreams
Churning stomach
Tiresome mood swings
This is how grief, the body's natural response to any loss, feels.
The effects of grief take a toll on your body as it tries to protect you during a painful and challenging time.
You can't simply wish it away, talk yourself out of it, or ignore it.
However, you can follow a simple plan that addresses these protective mechanisms, easing them gradually to restore your well-being.
The ABCs of Grief Wellness introduces a new understanding of how grief affects the body and how, when ignored, leads to illness.

Through this audio program, you'll learn:
How the body communicates its needs during grief
Why common approaches to grief often leave you stuck
Simple tools and actions that can help you move forward
Grief Wellness is like a soothing balm for the emotional wounds caused by loss.
It's designed to help you work with your body and mind in a soothing way, showing you why some traditional approaches to grief may not be effective and how to navigate grief towards a hopeful future.
Why continue to suffer in silence when you can thrive despite your losses, feeling healthier in body, mind, and spirit?
Download "The ABCs of Grief Wellness" now to discover a path towards healing and hope.
Click on the link in the comments to download this complimentary audio program.

It's happening this Friday!
Come join me as I present "Nurturing Wholeness: Crafting Your Path to Harmony" at the Women Belong, Seeds of Growth event.
This event is especially for female entrepreneurs, business owners and growth minded connectors!
I’m going to be sharing what it takes to stand tall in your power, nurture your wellbeing, and reframe the areas you’ve judged harmony to be out of your reach.
Click the image below to register

Nurturing Wholeness: Crafting Your Path to Harmony Nurturing Wholeness: Crafting Your Path to Harmony on Fri Apr 19 2024, 12:00pm CDT: Women Belong presents Seeds for Growth - Webinar This is a Zoom...

🌟 UPCOMING MASTERCLASS 🌟
Thriving After Loss: Maintaining Momentum When Grief Strikes
Does this describe you?
-> Out of sync with your daily routine and confused about why
-> Doing all the tasks but feeling so far behind
-> Caught in a powerless spin with moods, energy, feelings and thoughts.
-> Deeply exhausted and immobilized in spite of rest
-> Easily distracted by a racing mind
-> Conflicted between work, family and self
If any of these describe you, you don’t want to miss this masterclass.
Grief is an all consuming emotion.
Left untended, it will engulf your body, mind and spirit.
It will make you powerless as you feel its effects, especially in your health.
Those who’ve attended this masterclass in the past have walked away with life changing information and tools.
Suffering in grief is a choice.
You can continue to suffer and experience the downward spiral of your health.
Or you can take a simple step and register to attend.
The masterclass is happening on Jan 11, 2024, CST.
Come prepared to take notes so you can apply the information immediately.

Click the link below in comments 👇

No matter the time of year, grief comes and goes in waves; and in ways we may not think of ahead of time.
Instead of falling down when hit with a setback, use these comebacks to feel empowered in grief.
Notice how the feelings of the setbacks slowly work themselves out of your body, mind and spirit, as they must, for your wellbeing.

Loss brings on grief - a heavy, painful and unpredictable emotion.
The unpredictability changes the state of the nervous system and it goes into a place of vigilance.
This is a survival mechanism designed to keep you out of danger.
During this time, the level of stress is quite high, depending on the loss event, ability to cope, and existing health conditions.
If you don’t have or aren’t keeping up with your grief wellness plan (created ahead of time like an insurance policy), your body is not depleting its nutrient and energy reserves faster than ever.
Replenishment and recovery aren’t keeping up and you’re now running in deficiency.
Irritability is a common sign when you’re wearing down from stress.
It sets in subtly until one day you blow up without even realizing.
It could be at home with the family, at work with coworkers and managers, or simply out grocery shopping and stuck in a slow checkout line.
Are you interested in finding out how grief is affecting your health, so you can manage it in simple ways?
Take the free assessment through the link in the comments.

Grief’s unpredictability can send your nervous system into one of these states of survival.
Each state has a look, feel and language associated with it.
Do you see yourself in any of these states most of the time, or cycling in and out?
Depending on your past coping ability, you may have a default state, and it may or may not be serving you.
Getting to know these states, and recognizing them in you raises your awareness, and allows you to get ahead with a grief wellness plan.

Are the dishes piling up and spilling over to various counters and tables because you just aren’t able to wash them or load the dishwasher?
You just don't have it in you.
Yes, grief has taken a hold and is winding through every fiber in your body draining you of physical and mental energy.
How about the pile of clothes in different spots?
Or the wilting plants left unwatered?
Or the unopened mail?
Have you even drawn open the curtains or blinds to let some light in?
Maybe the numbness kept you from even noticing the darkness and gloom around you.
In this state, your environment is a reflection of the chaos you're feeling on the inside and it becomes a cycle.
You have no energy to clean up.
Clutter in your environment is draining your energy.
How long has this been going on?
It doesn’t matter if the loss is old or recent.
It may be multiple losses close together or over time.
If you’d like to get to the heart of you and work your way through grief, you must have your health in good working condition.
If you’re in the midst of clutter, drained by your environment, and struggling with mood and energy, I have a strong feeling it’s not.
This is why I created this simple assessment for you to raise your awareness, so you can manage grief in your body in simple ways.
You can access the free assessment through the link in the bio.

If you missed any of the 3 webinars in the Thriving After Loss series, this is your chance to catch up.

If you watched them, take another look with a new pair of eyes.

The webinars will be available Oct 27-29.

Sign up here to get access: https://mareldarodrigues.simplero.com/page/334194