It was with the intention of pure review that I set off for the yet undiscovered Body Essence Day Spa in the culturally aware suburb of Brisbane, New Farm.
Getting off to a great start for my indulgence experience, I was forty minutes late. Living on the Sunshine Coast comes with the bonus of completely unpredictable travel times and encounters. Not allowing this potentially taxing experience to ruffle my already neglected feathers further, I took a moment to compose myself before stepping into the sacred domain of the Spa.
Immediately upon my entrance into Body Essence a sense of tranquillity started to envelop me. My designated therapist for the day greeted me with a serene demeanour and smile, with no sign of disgruntlement about my very late arrival. This in itself was a very welcomed delight.
She then showed me to the treatment room and gestured for me to sit myself down in what could possibly be the most comfortable chair I have ever had the luxury of sliding my derriere into. To make it even more delicious, the chair rotated towards me so that upon being spun around to the correct position, my feet were immediately met with a coconut basin filled with perfectly tempered, salt-infused water. Oh my. The sense of utter luxury was pervading me.
Trips to a day spa are, quite frankly, not anywhere on my list of common things to do, and I thus noticed a degree of anxiety about what I was supposed to do. The tension I realised, as my therapist proceeded to ever so gently polish my legs with a luxuriant feeling olive scrub, was being held in my shoulders and demonstrated in my shallow breath. As I allowed myself to relax further into the cocoon of the chair and the tranquillity of the entire atmosphere, my shoulders softened and my breathing deepened. My anxiety was melting away.
As I filled in the questionnaire intended to completely customise the occasion for my unique needs, the aroma and essence of the environment infused my being. The feel of the basin, the silky water along with Karen’s incredibly gentle and nurturing hands worked magic on my feet and permeated my entire body. I recognised that there was a clear moment when I consciously gave my whole self to this experience. I realised that to fully enjoy what was on offer I needed to surrender my “completely-independent-and-together” front and yield to my more vulnerable, open, out-of -control receptive soul-nature. Spectacularly surreal I can tell you.
By the end of the foot scrub I had already been transported to another place – a place I had no hurry to leave. Although very different for me, I was quite enjoying being in this space where I was completely at the mercy of the unknown. A type of fantasy land where each delectable surprise unfolded with seemingly synchronistic grace and with no input required from me.
Before I was allowed to completely drift off into the serene cloud-land I was being lured to, however, there was just one thing for me to do. I was left momentarily to de-robe and make myself comfortable, face-down, under an alluring sarong, on a delectably cosy massage table. Ok, I was officially leaving the earth realm now.
As I lay there in pure tranquillity, I was aware only just of my therapist’s re-emergence into the room. I cannot recall the exact order or nature of what happened next but I can tell you I have never felt so incredible or honoured.
A ‘tension releasing back massage’ was so much more. I felt like a beautiful grand piano being played by an ingenious master such as Beethoven. I was sure his Symphony was being remastered as my whole body sang with bliss and peace like I have truly never experienced.
I clearly remember thinking, “this woman is no beauty therapist, she is an artist.”
Something truly amazing was indeed going on. Although the work may have been occurring at the body level, my soul was tingling with ecstasy.
As I drifted in and out of consciousness I was slightly aware that following my back indulgence, my toes were attended to with a buff, file and polish, ‘Toes on the Go’ as Body Radiance term it. Then a short time later, my therapist began her genius in attending to my face.
To say that I felt like a royal VIP somewhere on a tropical island is an understatement. Who knew you could be in a space of utter relaxation and rejuvenation whilst having a facial? Never have I had such an experience. My awareness was again somewhere here, and yet also somewhere there. Although I was aware of my body, my consciousness was in a deeply meditative place. Pure bliss.
Once my therapist had finished the rituals of the day, I was left to rouse at my own pace.
I awoke ever so gently back to the world of physicality. It felt strange. I was sure I had been transported to cloud nine in seventh heaven. Wherever I had been left me feeling serenely euphoric, intensely rejuvenated and deliriously alive.
I never anticipated that a two hour, or thereabouts, visit to a day spa could possibly leave one feeling this way. I imagine the same impact may follow a 2-3 week tropical island escape, but a simple 2-3 hour retreat from the world? Prior to this, I would have said impossible.
Such a feeling of rejuvenation has a profoundly important impact on one’s health at a very deep level. For true health, one must embrace a complete body, mind, soul approach. Our nervous system has a unique and intensely important impact on the entire control of our physical body, including the intricate and complex hormonal system. If we are to truly create an environment in which all body cells are bathed in and provided with all that they need for glistening health, we must look at the interaction of our mind and spirit. These are the most overlooked realms, and the two where there is so much potential for health transformation that is effortless, instant and superseding of any physical influence.
My experience at Body Radiance left me with a deep understanding of just how sacred the human body is. Yes, it is a temple. Yes, it should be honoured.
True love, appreciation and respect of one’s body cannot be an optional extra.
Why is it that we can feel so guilty for loving ourselves in such a way when the impact is so profoundly important and far-reaching? Imagine how much less we’d spend on medications. Imagine how much less we’d suffer from chronic and debilitating conditions.
Body Radiance taught me that this type of body love ritual is not one that should be an occasional splurge; one that we feel guilty about engaging in as it means spending time and money on self. Time and money invested on our selves at a day spa such as Body Radiance – where you receive a truly soulistic pampering should be considered a health and happiness prescription.
The money and time we fail to invest now in our health and happiness will definitely lead to a lack of health with which to enjoy any time and money we have in the future, I promise you that.
Just speak to anyone on regular medications and medical treatments. Ask them how much it costs to address their health issues.
Following this, happily and completely guilt-free allocate some of your hard-earned funds to you by booking regular day spa treatments into your diary, as you would any other appointment.
I know my experience at Body Radiance has forever changed that way I look at Day Spas and I truly hope you allow yourself the bliss of discovering this too.
I will add herein that I have visited one or two other Day Spas in my time and it has never quite left me with the same impression, so it must be emphasised that Body Radiance has something truly unique to offer.
I cannot underemphasise the difference that being attended to by someone who truly loves what they do, and completely embodies the vision of the organisation they work for makes.
It must be acknowledged that my therapist was one of those unique individuals whose passion for her work infuses into the lucky recipient by pure osmosis. Body Radiance clearly has a very strong philosophy and culture that attracts to it the very best in the industry.
Wherever you live, I would urge that a visit to Brisbane just to experience Body Radiance would be a well returned investment. Plane, train or automobile – just do it.
Body Radiance want “you to feel special and to leave knowing that you truly are special.”
My beautiful coral toe nails and flawless skin served as earthly reminders that this was indeed so….I was connected to the sacredness of my body and reminded of the utter importance of honouring thy temple.
My temporary retreat from the world had awakened my soul, delivered physical benefits and a stillness of mind and relaxation beyond understanding.
Thank you Body Radiance. You delivered exactly what you promised and so much more.
Check it out for yourself at http://www.bodyessencedayspa.com.au/default.htm
To your health,
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
Bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au
0421 332 243