This has been a really busy summer. So much has happened and manifested, and so much is in the process of manifesting. But that’s not what I am blogging about today. Today, my blog is about the people I have been working with the past three days.
One of my visions that manifested was working at The Center of Well Being. Now, I didn’t vision that particular healing center, but what was my vision was to be able to work at my craft – Healing – at a place that honored my gifts without judgment and with respect and honor. I have truly desired to work where my healing makes a real difference in lives. Now, don’t get me wrong. Earth Touch Healing Arts, my healing center, brings in some amazing people and I have done some great healing work there. And I love my clients there. But in Benicia, there is a level of judgment with the city government and people that live here that makes it difficult to truly practice my craft. Again, that’s not what this blog is about. Healing at the The Center of Well Being is at a much different level – not better, just different and definitely rewarding.
The Center of Well Being is a healing center that services people who are labeled as “Developmentally Disabled.” Now, I’m not much for labels, but our world is. These people are those that experience Autism, Down’s Syndrome, and other types of brain trauma that, according to society, are not able to function in real life. There is this entire system that is developed that provides homes, caregivers, friends, and this program to allow these women and men to function in our world. This program was developed just a few short years ago because research was done that Energy Work – Reiki, CranioSacral Therapy, Massage, Reflexology, Guided Meditation, Visualization, Yoga, Pilates – so relaxes the brain that has experienced trauma that the personality inside can come out and shine. And that’s what I do there – Energy Work. The Center is beautiful with a soft, relaxing atmosphere and beautiful rooms – gardens outside with fountains, a Buddha Zen garden, a walking labyrinth, and a picnic area. It is absolutely one of the most tranquil places I have been. And all of the Practitioners and workers there are so dedicated to their guests.
One thing that has been striking to me are the guests that come there. This past week, I have treated a woman who suffered massive strokes when she was 7 and again at age 10. Her smile and attitude are so positive and joyful. I worked with a young man with Down’s Syndrome – his smile brightened my day. And when our session ended, his eyes were bright and his smile matched. His thank you was genuine – not one that has to be said because society says it’s the right thing. But the guest that stands out the most from this past week was my last one of the day yesterday – a man in his 40’s named John. His label is Autism – although, he is considered highly functional, when he is agitated, he completely withdraws. When he came into the treatment room, he was a bit withdrawn because his usual therapist was on vacation and he was stuck with me. He answered my questions, but very short. He laid on the table and was so stiff and drawn in, I was a bit concerned if I would be successful in winning him over and building trust. He would close his eyes and open and stare at me with a look of “Who are you and what are you doing here?” I asked him if he minded it I place my hands on him and if there was any place that he didn’t want to be touched. He said, “Nah.” to both questions. So, I called in my guides and angels and place my hands on his head. He looked to one side and gave a teeny smile, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and received. As I worked, his body relaxed, his breathing relaxed, and……he went to sleep – a great sign! Close to the end of the session, he opened his eyes, gave me a huge smile and giggled – I’m told he never laughs – and said, “I have to go to the bathroom.” He jumped up and left the room. He came back very quickly and informed me that he washed his hands – a good thing. He asked what I was doing on him. I told him Reiki – wondering if he would understand. He did – he said, “I want some more!” So, he laid on the table again, closed his eyes and received more. It was entirely my pleasure. After the session was over, he got up and gave me his brilliant smile and said, “Thank you! I feel real good.” I told him thank you for his smile and that he has a great smile to which he replied, “Yeah.” And he did something that the staff says he never does – he gave me a great big hug. That was the most amazing moment of the entire week – to experience that kind of gratitude!
What really struck me during the week that these people are appreciative of what we, the so-called normal ones, take for granted. They don’t care who’s running for President or what one political party is saying what about the other. They don’t care if the stock market goes up or down. They truly live in the moment. And they appreciate the smallest of gestures. I learned so much this past week from them – my teachers. And I can say without reservation – “Thank you! I feel real good!”
Dancing Naked 