An Experience of Healing and Connection
Finding Relief in Hot Springs, Arkansas
It was Past Time to Leave
I had made an err in my housing choice and a time came when I could no longer manage in the location in which I was staying. I had only gone back to my home state to be with my Dad before he passed and knew that staying was not in alignment with my goals. I recognized what I wanted and needed for myself, and that was to be where I had been guided to live… Where I had moved to the previous year and found an inner peacefulness that I had not felt before.
On the Road
I’m no stranger to long drives. It is the perfect time for both stillness and release. Perhaps roll down the windows, turn up the music, and sing to my hearts content. My body is getting older and does not appreciate extended sitting anymore, especially with the vibrations of a vehicle. Due to, the next 1,000 miles were spread over 4 days, with me stopping at least every hour to walk and stretch. Self-care at it’s finest ya’ll.
A Bathhouse in Arkansas
I had stayed near Hot Springs, Arkansas before. On those trips, it was solidly about connecting with nature. I have always been mindful with my money and although I did sometimes spend on self-care, it was never luxurious (so to speak). Yet this time I needed something different. I needed to slow down. I had needed to leave in a hurry and had to leave 98% of my belongings in someone else’s home when I left. That may tell you something about the situation. So right then, right there... My soul needed a few moments of pampering.
Making Connections with 2 Special Women
A “Deluxe” Spa treatment, oh my! Lasting about 2 hours, there were multiple experiences within the experience. A long soak in 4,000 year old mineral water (with jets). Hot towel treatments, some interesting contraptions that I don’t recall the name of, a hand wax, and a massage. What was equally, if not more fulfilling, were the special connections I made with 2 women who worked there. These type interactions are something that have been prevalent these last couple of weeks. For their privacy, I will use fictitious names here and not offer certain specifics of our discussions.
Meeting Dawn
When I got there, the first spa employee that I really talked with was Dawn. Somewhere about my age, you could tell she had life behind her. I suppose I was more modest in my youth so have not walked around women’s changing rooms naked before. But here, with her as my attendant, I was not only naked, but laid out in a tub in front of a woman I had just met. Yet… there was no shyness. In that moment I felt that if prudishness keeps me from relaxing and enjoying myself in a healthy atmosphere, then it needs to take a walk.
As I laid in a tub, soaking in natural thermal waters, my body felt a relaxing internal heat, being massaged by bubbles from the jets. There was an option to have the tech massage you with a loofah while you lay in the water. That seemed so different to me, yet I deeply wanted the experience. I almost felt bad as I told Dawn that I would enjoy that luxury. It did feel strange, so the next thing I stated was that I was leaving a rough situation and that I needed to feel cared for. I needed to feel deserving of good things. I'm sure it was my own willingness to be vulnerable, but later in the session, she opened up to me about some of her own struggles. Beautiful shared moments of humanity. I believe that we both felt a sense of personal validation for our experiences.
My Massage with Patsy
My massage therapist was named Patsy. My session with her was near the end of the experience. I'll keep the details limited, but we too shared things that we likely normally don't talk about. Places where we have walked upon trouble and ways we learned to heal. We talked about healthy alternatives to many lifestyle ailments, as well as how many cures can be found just through simple treatments offered from nature. And the healing that can come from a good massage therapist too. Of course. ;)
Farewells and Lasting Impressions
Both women were incredible and made me feel so special. The experience and connection will be long-lasting even if my time with them was temporary. As I parted my sessions with each, they both seemed to have a touch of melancholy that we likely would never see one another again. There was a look in Dawn's eyes as she said she really hopes we meet again. Patsy, the massage therapist, left me with some knowledge and a slight look of longing as she said she deeply hopes we will cross paths again. It was a very real reminder of the power of authenticity, an open heart, and the intention of love. I too hope we will cross paths again someday and wish them the greatest of the good stuff in life. <3
I would like to give thanks to the staff at Buckstaff Bathhouse in Hot Springs, Arkansas. My visit was truly healing.
I would also like to credit to Dame Fortune’s Cottage Court for an exceptional stay while I was in town.
