A Mission of Service
by Barbara Brewer
When my youngest child left the nest for college, I was called to finish the nursing studies I had started 35 years earlier. After three years I was ready to complete my nursing degree; however, I realized that I could not provide my concept of total nursing care in a hospital setting. Fortunately, one of my instructors informed me that many nurses were switching to the field of massage therapy. This information opened the door of opportunity. From this conversation, I decided to attend massage school. One of the acceptance requirements was to receive two professional massages. This was my introduction into the massage world, which changed my life forever. As I attended massage school, a new world opened before my eyes. Each class introduced new concepts and possibilities that gifted me with a realization that I had found my authentic Self.
Following graduation in 1989, I began to offer massages in our home which is located on a farm of 120 acres. Soon all spaces were filled and a hand on my back began to gently nudge me to realize we needed to build a facility that included additional space for massage and seminars on healing. In 1991, we built a beautiful two-story building next to our home. This included two massage rooms divided by a movable wall. The second story was an apartment for persons interested in helping manage the business. The building was named The Heart Center. The multi-purpose massage space was used for meetings, workshops, and classes. During this time we brought additional therapists to Harmony Farm.
The design of the building allowed an open vista to incorporate Mother Nature. We achieved this by the use of large window walls that opened to a wondrous view of a lake, woods, and open green pastures. At times, we are gifted with deer, coyote, horses, colts, and Canadian geese. The visual experiences are food for the soul. I believe that the positive health of the therapists is just as important as the health of the client.
Within nine years, we had outgrown our space in The Heart Center. During the year 2000, we completed the second building next to the Heart Center which we named Discover. This building has three levels. The top level had five massage rooms that can be converted into overnight facilities for ten people. There are two bathrooms on this level. Each room is named: Angel, Grace, Serenity, and more. We offer a lending library with a rich collection of books on philosophy, spirituality, healing, and nutrition. Also, we have tapes and DVD's for your enjoyment.
On the main level, there are five more massage rooms divided by movable walls. The multi-purpose rooms can be used for workshops, Tai Chi classes, yoga classes, and meetings. Many clients enjoy sharing the massage experiences by opening the walls between rooms. Again, we incorporated large window walls in each room. There is a dining space with a warm, delightful fireplace where we have catered meals for clients. Two bathrooms on this level complete the floorplan. This level is handicapped accessible.
Our love of the Southwest influenced the choice of colors, artwork, and furnishings. On the ground floor there is a steam room that incorporates Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage and body wraps. The therapists have their own room for eating meals, resting, and completing paper work. The adjacent room is a combination kitchen and office. this houses our computers and bookkeeping equipment. Next to this room is the laundry which runs constantly to keep up with providing clean sheets, towels, and bathrobes.
At this time, we have twenty-one licensed massage therapists who bring a full range of special services in the world of massage. Each therapist has his/her interests such as cranial sacral work, reflexology, aromatherapy, acupressure, hot stone therapy, lymphatic drainage, Reiki, myofascial release, new born baby infant massage, pre and perinatal massage, raindrop therapy, and Lomi Lomi massage. Also we incorporate hot towels with the massage which many clients enjoy. Selective music accompanies each massage.
An underlying current of spirituality is present throughout the entire experience. This is enhanced by the colors, music, and aromatherapy. The stone tower that houses the stairway offers a surprise visual treat. Artist, Floyd Ann Hattery created figures from masks made from the faces of family members, friends, and co-workers. The masks were incorporated into life-sized figures and affixed to the tower walls. Floyd Anna added numerous artistic touches to the building that bring wonder and delight to all.
Outside, the landscape teems with luscious green visual treats. Flower gardens overflow with abundance. A man-made stone grotto houses a hot tub that can hold eleven people; however, it is used for one or two people. One can sit in the hot tub and gaze out to the vistas over a private swimming pool to the lower valley and lake. Music drifts over the landscape to enhance the bird songs and breezes. Several water features add another dimension of sound and healing. Fountains flow continuously. One fountain, Morning Sun, is an Anaszai American Indian woman washing her hair. A tumbling stream appears to flow from the swimming pool to the lake below. Art pieces tucked along the stream delight the passerby.
At the present time we host two excellent annual conferences. In the Spring, Maria Elena Cairo brings us a four-day conference pertaining to soul level healing. In September we are hosting Dr. Brugh Joy who also works at soul level healing.
My husband, Bill, maintains the grounds, buildings, and bookkeeping. Beth Wilson, our General Manager, brings business knowledge as well as loving concern for all who enter the buildings. Daughter, Liz Keyser, does computer work, scheduling, and payroll. She is also a licensed massage therapist which brings another dimension to her talents.
This has been a wonderful and challenging journey. The human beings who walk through our doors bring meaning and purpose to our mission of service, and we are thankful.