I don't know how many of you reading this have ever started a business or tried to come up with a name for a business but creating the name is a messy affair.  It can sometimes involve all of your hopes and dreams which usually dredge up your worst fears and nightmares.  You are told that it should reflect what the business is and catch the attention of the reader.  It should be easy to remember and not too long.  Be careful not to offend loved ones trying to help with their suggestions and Oh, and you have to like it.  

I have had four other businesses so this is not my first go but here I am writing a blog to explain the name of my business!  I intended to use words that might not be in everyone's regular vocabulary - a gamble for sure.  It is one of the ways I want to create curiosity and education.  So here we go.

Bodywork:  In the massage industry, bodywork is a general term used to describe any modality that involves manipulation, massage, touch or even energetic principles applied to the body for improvement of or the restoration of health.  Seems straightforward enough right?  I am going to stretch this definition to also include movement.  When we intentionally make our muscles work, stretch and perform to capacity we are also creating physical and energetic flow that can improve and restore health.  

Bach flower essences:  Now for the portion that requires a little more education.  Dr. Edward Bach (pronounced Batch in England but like the composer in the US) was a University College trained physician.  You can click on his name for a complete bio if you like.  To summarize, he was a forward thinking, well educated doctor who set out to find a system of healing directed at balancing emotions using plants.  It was his belief, and now that of thousands world wide, that we can improve our health by improving or balancing our emotions.  Think of all the negative physiological effects that stress has on our bodies.  

To this end, he researched and created a system that uses 38 individual flowers and one compound - Rescue Remedy -to help folks re-balance emotions and manage stress.  Dr. Bach wanted a simple system so that everyone could easily use it. Basically, it requires the person using the system to consider their current feelings, choose the appropriate flower(s) and ingest or apply them topically until the feelings resolve - up to three weeks.  I can hear the questions forming in some minds. The best I can offer you is to try them.  There are no contraindications, they are inexpensive and easy to use and the worst that can happen if you aren't using the ones you need is nothing.

I have used Rescue Remedy for as long as I can remember.  Whenever I was super stressed, when I had a sudden physical or emotional blow and even sometimes when I was heading into a situation I knew would be challenging or difficult.  The results were consistently subtle but clear, it helped me to take a deep breath and continue on without feeling as anxious or stressed I as had been in past similar occasions.  I have now come to know the 38 single flowers.  I use them to help me cope with strong moods that are keeping me from doing what I need to do as well as the continuing process of keeping my natural tendencies (putting too much on my plate, getting on a soap box about certain topics) in check.

I returned from the level three Practitioner training at the Bach Centre in England this past April.  It was an extraordinary experience.  I got to spend two weeks abroad with my husband.  One week of that time was in the small town of Brightwell cum Sotwell, the home of the Bach Centre.  There were 13 others in my class representing 7 other countries.  The best teacher I have ever had led us through three nine hour days which prepared us for the first part of a three part assessment regimen.  I am more committed than ever to make sure as many folks as possible are aware of these, gentle, natural, safe remedies.  

Come by the studio for a class, a consultation or just a chat.  If you do not live close by, the beauty of the process is that it can happen over the phone as well.

So that's Bodywork and Bach.  I hope the descriptions help.  But much more importantly, I hope that we can offer you some new ways to add to your health habits.

     Almost six years ago my husband told me weeks before he was about to retire that he "wanted to go home".  That meant moving from the shoreline of Connecticut to the deep South or more specifically Havana, Florida.  You see he grew up in Havana.  He was tired of shoveling snow and the retirement dollars would go farther.  The problem was I am 12th generation Guilford, Connecticut.  That was the town we were living in at the time.  Everyone, myself included, couldn't believe I was even considering it.  But here we are.  Some might think that it was a huge transition.  I would be fibbing if I were to say there aren't some differences.  But some might be surprised at how many similarities there are.  Guilford and Havana are/were small towns, agriculturally based, filled with patriotic, family centered, neighborly types.  I truly feel right at home in many ways.  I do miss changing elevations, 'sweater weather" and those faces I went to elementary school with.  However, the other gifts I have received have been substantial.
     After we moved, my usually overflowing plate was very near empty.  I filled my time with volunteering at the Tallahassee Museum's animal department.  What a thrill.  Lions and tigers and bears (for real!) oh my.  Everyone there made me feel welcome, needed and part of something much bigger than myself.  Then we became grandparents.  My focus was pulled towards my new little hopes for the future.  
     During this time, I was also learning about essential oils and how to utilize them to promote health.  Yes, the plate was filling up again.  I was intrigued by a technique called the Raindrop where by 7 single essential oils and two blends are applied to the feet and dropped onto the back and various methods of touch used to spread them around.  This fueled my latest decision to return to school and get licensed as a massage therapist.  All of my life I have had a not so secret dream of having a place where folks could come and learn how to really take care of themselves, be part of a community and most of all have fun.
     The scary move to Havana has gifted me that opportunity.  After working out of Southern Accents for a year, thank you very much Debbie Revel, I have gained the confidence, clientele and skill set to open Bodywork and Bach flower essences, Llc.

A special note here, none of this would have been possible without the love and support of my family.  Most specifically my wonderful husband, Buck.

You see, DREAMS DO COME TRUE!