Santa Fe School of Massage – formerly known as Scherer Institute of Natural Healing

Perspective

by Cathy Black

Cathy is co-owner of Scherer Institute.  She teaches the Subtle Body course in the massage certification program and Healing Presence and Intuition trainings through the school’s specialization programs.

When I lived in Ashland, OR my friend Maggie and I used to take a short walk from my home to the University library, climb the stairs to the third floor, and look out over the Oregon winter landscape.  We like to write from this vantage point, she on her novel, me on whatever needed tending to for the school.  From up there, I was able to see the upper branches of a Sequoia redwood swaying gently back and forth.  This giant, taller than the entire building itself, was a beauty. When events in my day seem so significant and urgent, I see this tree and remember the expanse of time it has lived, and WILL live, that dwarfs my entire lifetime. I am reminded to see things from a bigger picture. Perspective.

From my vantage point today, Santa Fe in 2010, it is 20 years since Dr. Scherer’s passing, and I am struck by the ongoing fortitude and dedication of this institute.  Not every organization survives the passing of its founder.  In its history, this school has weathered challenges and witnessed many changes in the profession and business of massage. With over 1400 graduates, it has steadily forged ahead, emerging through time with continued love and grace.  I know that the ongoing dedication of students, graduates, teachers and staff has something to do with its continuing success.  I must also assume that the underlying principles and vision of the school create a powerful force that supports it through all manner of change.

So here we are today, with shifts on every level occurring at a rapid rate in America and throughout the world.  A positive effect of change is the potential for supporting growth and cultivating new perspectives. How does the field of massage fit into these changes?  How do we grow and respond to the needs of people as a part of the health care services around the globe? We know that massage and other forms of alternative and complementary medicine offer valuable support to people, especially in times when stress may be heightened.  The gifts of touch and holistic understanding are needed more than ever during these times.  As health care becomes a pressing national issue, practitioners of massage and related healing arts also have an opportunity to participate and make their voices heard regarding the direction health care will take in the years ahead.  We think these are important voices with valuable input, and we think that the business of massage will be supported even more as the service of massage is increasingly valued and recognized.

This school and many of its staff have seen the field of massage change exponentially over the past 31 years. How do we preserve and continue to expand upon our teachings, our values, in this modern and transformative age?  For Keith, Lonnie, and myself, that question inspired the next steps for the school since it was bought by Keith and Cathy.  From that perspective, we made some changes to the basic curriculum – making all programs 700 hours and adding a new part-time day program.  We added options for electives, trainings, and workshops to help practitioners and students specialize in areas of the bodywork field that interest them, from Holistic Medical Massage to Pregnancy Massage and energetic studies.

We are happy to share these changes with everyone, from new students to seasoned massage practitioners.  And we are even happier to report that so far, the changes we have made are enhancing the life of the school and all of its students.

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