I want to share with all of you the amazing experience I had at special place called Gray Bear Lodge. I went with the intention to learn Thai Massage, which is an AWESOME, EFFECTIVE, EMPOWERING healing art form that is very much assisted Thai-Yoga therapy. But as I was approaching this place nestled in the beautiful hillside of Hohenwald, Tennessee, I found myself saying I would return to this place which I had yet to arrive- the pull was just that strong. I was relaxed just driving through the countryside filled with yellow flowers and cattle, silos and old farm equipment. I arrived to see a sign on the door which requested I remove my shoes before entering, and greeted by a lovely creature named Diann. I met my "roomies" from Mississippi and Indianapolis, and then wandered briefly around the grounds to appreciate the fresh, cool mountain air and lush, green foliage on the surrounding trees. I was home. I instantly felt at peace, at ease and accepted for who I was without any judgment, questions or fear.
Our first evening we dined together, all 12 of us, on small pillows at tables short to the ground, with food made for the gods! We opened our time together in a circle sharing who we were, where we were from, and what brought us there. Answers varied between bodyworkers, those considering to become so, partners & friends, and yoga instructors. Then we ended with a relaxing yoga class led by Diann. What a way to begin the weekend! It's a beautiful thing to be surrounded by body workers, because the energy is high, the nurturing is genuine, and there's lots of discussion about life, the body and ESPECIALLY the spirit.
The following morning, I was awoken by the sound of a deep church bell. This was our call throughout the weekend for group, meals, and any other gathering or event. Each meal was prepared with love and care; decadent, potent, recharging and most definitely satisfying! All the food was from fresh, organic produce, and all courses were without meat, which was cleansing and invigorating for me (but also gas producing! :) ). I left my home thinking I could cook, but realized quickly I had nothing on these folks! I returned home wanting to throw everything in my pantry away..how could I eat that way for nearly a week and return wanting the same 'blah' I've been having- I couldn't and haven't. I was inspired to begin a new diet which is slowly eliminating meats, and increasing my vegetable, fruits and grains. My mind has never been more sharp, and my body fully charged-I'm lovin' it!
The following morning, I was awoken by the sound of a deep church bell. This was our call throughout the weekend for group, meals, and any other gathering or event. Each meal was prepared with love and care; decadent, potent, recharging and most definitely satisfying! All the food was from fresh, organic produce, and all courses were without meat, which was cleansing and invigorating for me (but also gas producing! :) ). I left my home thinking I could cook, but realized quickly I had nothing on these folks! I returned home wanting to throw everything in my pantry away..how could I eat that way for nearly a week and return wanting the same 'blah' I've been having- I couldn't and haven't. I was inspired to begin a new diet which is slowly eliminating meats, and increasing my vegetable, fruits and grains. My mind has never been more sharp, and my body fully charged-I'm lovin' it!
Our instructor, Michael Buck was phenomenal! He was an amazing teacher who was not only knowledgeable in this incredible "folk-art", but very personable, approachable and engaging. It's a rare jewel to find a teacher that is all of these, and I will forever respect him for that. He was respectful of the history, lineage, application and intent of this work, which was also impressive and appreciated. I felt I learned so much, not just about the bodywork, but also about the culture that created it. I felt a new found respect for bodywork in general, as I honed in on the spiritual aspect of what I do. I thought I was sensitive while giving work, but he indeed assisted me in becoming even more respectful and mindful.
I received a special gift from Adam, Diann's husband on my last morning called Watsu. Watsu is hydrotherapy, where I am engaged in what I will call a water dance, with the therapist, Adam as the director. The treatment took place in a stone pool, shaped as a womb, and filled by the waters which come from the hillside of the land. As I totally surrendered to his promptings with trust, he assisted me into a meditative state of relaxation and release. I had memories of being lifted from the womb, as well as seeing my daughter lifted, which was powerful and exciting. I was guided through a series of slow, nurturing poses where my body was left to the guidance of his rhythmic movements and the gentle pull of the water. At one point, I was cradled as an infant and pulled to his chest. With my distant ear under water, and the slow rhythmic beat of his heart against the other ear, it was as if I were cradled against my mother and being lulled to rest by her breath. It was one of the most nurturing and beautiful experiences I believe to have ever encountered, and I'm grateful to have received the work from such a tender and caring spirit! When I was assisted to a sitting position, and prompted to open my eyes, it was as if I were using them for the first time; life was bright and inviting as I scanned the canopy of the pool in search of something recognizable. As my feet rested on the stone floor of the pool, the heat permeating them became nearly unbearable, as if the stones were going to forever scar the bottoms with there imprints. My pace was slow as I became reacquainted with the earth, and again, feeling as if I had never walked. This was truly a rebirthing experience that will forever be remembered as perfectly profound!
I arrived with no clue as to how deep my spirit was in need of this rest, relaxation, nurturing, education and liberation! I left with a plethora of new knowledge and insight, and could not wait to come home to embrace my family and my clients with this new found love for my life and my work! I know that the workshop I attended will not be desirable for everyone, but there are indeed, multiple things available at GrayBear, which I would encourage you to investigate. This lodge will forever hold a dear place in my heart, and I hope that you will feel the same.
You can check out more information at their website:
It will be quite some time before I bring the full Thai experience to the office, but I have already begun to incorporate many things on the table. Just know that once you get a taste of it, you're never gonna wanna go back to the 'old' style on the table! It's always nice to have something to look forward to, eh?
Namaste!
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