What a lovely experience, Rebecca. Women serving women.
I, too, have sweet memories of the Hotel Del.
This takes me back to the Ayurvedic massage I had a couple of times at the Chopra Center in North San Diego county. To this day, it has no equal.
Two young women, no makeup, are the massage therapists. I removed all clothing and placed a single white towel over my torso. I was advised that they work in silence.
Each stood on one side making the same rhythmic, exacting strokes of the other. First, it was dry massage of the entire body for blood stimulation. The second round was with light oil.. same strokes… as they shared moving and folding the towel when I turned. 75 minutes
The third act was the “shirodhara,” the ancient Ayurvedic technique of pouring a thin stream of warm herbal oil over the forehead, said to promote relaxation and mental clarity. 30 minutes
I lost all sense of having a physical body… which, I’m pretty sure was the underlying point.
Once again, loving care in whatever form it arises is uniquely female. Those experiences are resets, key reminders of how we must care for one another.
Thank you again for giving voice to the painful dichotomies of being human.
“Those experiences are resets, key reminders of how we must care for one another.” - Yes! Exactly. That Ayurvedic massage sounds magical. I have also had a similar feeling during a massage. What a gift those therapists have.
Rebecca, this piece is written perfection. Humorous and sad and insightful. It's one of those pieces that will come back to me over and over as I move through my daily life. And Happiest of Birthdays to YOU!
Thank you so much, my friend. I know you understand the joy of knowing that something you created mattered to someone else. Thank you for expressing it. ❤️
As always, your words are so beautiful, so real, so filled with Life - in all it's real, messy, contradictions. I'll be thinking about the aunties today, and how I can channel some of that auntie energy this week. ❤️ And so glad you had a wonderful birthday!
Jjimjilbang!!! I LOVE that you went to one with your friend! I go to one in Orange County and yes that first 5 minutes of nekkid-ness is very awkward but then like you said, you get over it. And it’s the best experience! So happy that you enjoyed a wonderful birthday week and shared all your beautiful thoughts with us 💖
How wonderful that there's a Korean Spa not terribly far from you. I have since discovered how rare they are! I was really hoping there would be one somewhere near us in Michigan this summer, but no luck. If there was, I'd go often!
This piece is comfort wrapped up in so many different levels. I appreciate the reminder that even when hard things are happening in the world there are aunties, and community, and comfort available if you look for it.
And now I want to find a Korean spa to try a scrub down. It sounds amazing.
Thank you Mira! I think you'd enjoy the whole experience of a Korean spa. They are, unfortunately, difficult to find. We are spending all summer in Michigan and I was dismayed to not find one anywhere near us. It's something I'd do somewhat frequently if I could.
First of all, happy birthday my friend 💕Can’t wait to raise a glass together to toast you next week—woohoo!
All of this…the aunties, our messy human contradictions, self care and care for others in the midst of dark dark days—thank you for being a light in the midst of it all. A beautiful reflection, Rebecca ❤️
So, so, so many truths. 💔♥️
What a lovely experience, Rebecca. Women serving women.
I, too, have sweet memories of the Hotel Del.
This takes me back to the Ayurvedic massage I had a couple of times at the Chopra Center in North San Diego county. To this day, it has no equal.
Two young women, no makeup, are the massage therapists. I removed all clothing and placed a single white towel over my torso. I was advised that they work in silence.
Each stood on one side making the same rhythmic, exacting strokes of the other. First, it was dry massage of the entire body for blood stimulation. The second round was with light oil.. same strokes… as they shared moving and folding the towel when I turned. 75 minutes
The third act was the “shirodhara,” the ancient Ayurvedic technique of pouring a thin stream of warm herbal oil over the forehead, said to promote relaxation and mental clarity. 30 minutes
I lost all sense of having a physical body… which, I’m pretty sure was the underlying point.
Once again, loving care in whatever form it arises is uniquely female. Those experiences are resets, key reminders of how we must care for one another.
Thank you again for giving voice to the painful dichotomies of being human.
Happy birthday, Dear One.
“Those experiences are resets, key reminders of how we must care for one another.” - Yes! Exactly. That Ayurvedic massage sounds magical. I have also had a similar feeling during a massage. What a gift those therapists have.
Rebecca, this piece is written perfection. Humorous and sad and insightful. It's one of those pieces that will come back to me over and over as I move through my daily life. And Happiest of Birthdays to YOU!
Thank you so much, my friend. I know you understand the joy of knowing that something you created mattered to someone else. Thank you for expressing it. ❤️
Happy birthday, Rebecca!
Yes, life is so messy; we have to embrace all of it and hope that the good prevails.
Thank you Amela!
As always, your words are so beautiful, so real, so filled with Life - in all it's real, messy, contradictions. I'll be thinking about the aunties today, and how I can channel some of that auntie energy this week. ❤️ And so glad you had a wonderful birthday!
Thank you so much, my friend.
Jjimjilbang!!! I LOVE that you went to one with your friend! I go to one in Orange County and yes that first 5 minutes of nekkid-ness is very awkward but then like you said, you get over it. And it’s the best experience! So happy that you enjoyed a wonderful birthday week and shared all your beautiful thoughts with us 💖
How wonderful that there's a Korean Spa not terribly far from you. I have since discovered how rare they are! I was really hoping there would be one somewhere near us in Michigan this summer, but no luck. If there was, I'd go often!
Wishing you many happy returns of the day!
This piece is comfort wrapped up in so many different levels. I appreciate the reminder that even when hard things are happening in the world there are aunties, and community, and comfort available if you look for it.
And now I want to find a Korean spa to try a scrub down. It sounds amazing.
Thank you Mira! I think you'd enjoy the whole experience of a Korean spa. They are, unfortunately, difficult to find. We are spending all summer in Michigan and I was dismayed to not find one anywhere near us. It's something I'd do somewhat frequently if I could.
First of all, happy birthday my friend 💕Can’t wait to raise a glass together to toast you next week—woohoo!
All of this…the aunties, our messy human contradictions, self care and care for others in the midst of dark dark days—thank you for being a light in the midst of it all. A beautiful reflection, Rebecca ❤️
Thank you so much, my friend. What a beautiful thing to say. I absolutely cannot wait to see you next week!!!