Alive and Thriving, by Robyn Grant
“Let’s do it again soon!” exclaimed ladies who participated in Pampering and Spa Day.
With a vision to provide more valuable services to area residents, Nakusp Hot Springs started the new year with an opportunity for women to enjoy some much needed R ‘n’ R time. Everyone knows that, when mama’s happy, everyone’s happy, so with the enthusiasm and kind help of local volunteer massage practitioners and supportive businesses, Friday, Jan. 20 was dedicated to helping women relax and refresh body and mind. Welcomed with an oxytocin (the feel good hormone) enhancing dark chocolate truffle, compliments of new local chocolatier Jennifer Cross (www.jenniferchoclates.com), ladies arrived to a sensory feast of brightly coloured, low-lit private massage cabanas where they would soon be cared for by their practitioner. Brendalee Morgan, Danna Moody, Gail Joy, LaLonnie Wood, Robyn Grant and Roelie vanDam volunteered to infuse a sense of wellbeing into the ladies with a 20-minute relaxation massage. It couldn’t have happened without them and a big thank you is due! Amid soothing music and with tasty treats to enjoy too, the business of life was left behind, for a while, as resting and restoring became the focus of the day.
The hum in the air that only a gathering of women can create, bathrobes and slippers were the fashion of the day. After diffusing away stress and muscle tension in the soothing mineral pools, ladies enjoyed delicious snacks, including soup, meats, cheeses, blueberry punch, gluten-free crackers and some yummy smoked sockeye salmon, generously donated by Cut-Rite Meats. A small women’s wellness info area gave an opportunity to peruse books and to take magazines and food or skincare samples compliments of Re-Awakening Health Centre. The day was set up for the simplicity of relaxing and enjoying and even a little learning.
The sense of letting go of stress was tangible, as the women emerged from their massages. Treatments were short to accommodate everyone but it showed that just a little care goes a long way. Just imagine if women had a mini-getaway more often. Wouldn’t our world be different!
Special thanks go to the massage practitioners who donated their time and skills, especially Brendalee Morgan and LaLonnie Wood who worked joyfully creating such a beautiful treatment space.
It was a first of its kind for the springs and participants were asked for feedback, which automatically entered their name in a draw for a nice basket of spa type massage and bathing goodies. The feedback is being compiled to help create an even better event next time. Congratulations to grand prize winner Dawn Devlin, who so enjoyed herself that she went back for a soak the next day. Another special thanks goes to Bon Marche for helping with the creation of a nice gift basket.
Participants from all over the area registered, including ladies from Winlaw and Vernon but due to poor road conditions, there were some understandable cancellations. About 30 people participated in all and most requested another similar event. Many men have also requested a special relaxation day. Please send all comments and requests about special events to the new website at www.nakusphotsprings.com . Want to stay-tuned about hot events and happenings at Nakusp Hot Springs? Here’s how: visit the NEW website and connect on the Facebook page, follow the Tweets on Twitter, join the emailing list and watch for posters around town!