After dropping our daughter off at college, Scott and I decided not to rush straight home. The house felt like it would be too quiet and we knew we needed a little time to catch our breath. So instead, we carved out a few days just for ourselves and headed to Hot Springs, Arkansas, which is a quirky little town full of character, history, and, of course, its famous healing waters.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the historic Buckhorn Bathhouse, where they still offer treatments just as they did back in the 1930s. It was definitely a unique experience! First, the men and women were separated into different areas. My host, Maggie asked me to get completely naked and then wrapped me in a white sheet. Before I knew it, she whipped the sheet away and ushered me into an old-school tub filled with steaming hot spring water. She scrubbed my back, popped in what looked like an ancient stand-up mixer, instantly transforming the tub into a bubbling jacuzzi, and left me to soak.
But that was just the beginning. From there, I was escorted to a room where women were lying on tables covered in steaming towels. Then I was placed in a metal steam box with only my head sticking out like something out of a cartoon. Finally, I was guided to a little sitz bath, wrapped back up in my sheet, and left to soak my bootie while another woman was just a foot away from me in her own tushy tub. It was hilarious, a little awkward, and absolutely unforgettable. And, I actually walked away feeling completely relaxed.
When I reunited with Scott, we laughed until our sides hurt as we recounted every detail and I imagined this big guy soaking his butt in a tiny tub. We topped the day off with a visit to a local winery, getting a buzz and raising a glass to this new chapter in our lives.
I’m so glad we made this choice to pause, celebrate and connect before heading home. There are so many milestones in life that slip by unnoticed because we’re too busy to stop and honor them. This time, we did. And it reminded me how important it is to slow down and give each chapter its own moment.
Here’s to honoring all the occasions; the sacred, the silly and everything in between!
by Kim Goyette
This Week’s 20-minute gentle floor yoga class, Honoring New Beginnings, is all about rising with a fresh start in the morning to create a fabulous day. Moving energy through breath and bodywork will enhance your overall vitality and mental and physical well-being. Enjoy!
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