bodyMinder Volume 3 Issue 9

LONG TIME, NO SEE
From New Paltz to New Zealand ...and Back Again

Its been a while since I've checked in... and with good reason... I was on an adventure on the other side of the earth in New Zealand - and what an adventure it was! From eating fijoa fruits to shearing a sheep to learning from traditional Maori healers, New Zealand/Aoteorea was an expeirence that fed me physically, emotionally and spiritually.

The trip took me and a small group from the Hudson Valley to the North Island of New Zealand. Some of the highlights were giving presentations to local groups about who we were, what life was like in the Hudson Valley, and what our professions were. We were daredevils on a Flying Fox (not bungee jumping, but nearly as exciting). We hiked up mountains and walked on farms. We visited people from all walks of life to learn about the culture - both indigenous and import.

We visited wildlife preserves and learned that contrary to popular belief, there are no Koalas, Kangaroos in New Zealand. As a matter of fact, there are no mammals native to New Zealand at all! All of the sheep and the stoats and the foxes, cats, dogs, etc, etc were imported by British settlers. This has led to an endangerment of some of the native birds, including the much beloved Kiwi, which is a nocturnal, ground dwelling bird which can not outrun the imported predators.

Most interestingly for me however, were my accommodations in peoples' homes - not hotels. I find it true that you really get a sense of a place by knowing its people - and what better way than to live with them. I feel very fortunate to have been given this opportunity by Rotary International and Rotary Districts 7210 and 9940. The Rotary Club sponsors the Group Study Exchange annually. If you are interested in finding out how you may be a participant, or if you just want to hear more about my trip, please feel free to contact me. You can also still view my blog of the trip at helenwilla.blogspot.com .

WELCOME TO AMANDA PAUL, LMT
New Therapist Joins Bodymind

Please join me in welcoming Amanda Paul, LMT to the Bodymind Massage Therapy practice. Amanda received her Massage Therapy training at The Swedish Institute of Massage in New York City and practiced massage in Manhattan before moving to beautiful New Paltz in 2002. For the past twelve years, Amanda has specialized in Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage as well as pre-natal and medical modalities. Amanda takes pride in creating individualized treatment plans designed to optimize her clients' health and well-being and is very excited to be joining Bodymind this autumn.

The addition of Amanda to the Bodymind team means more availability for our clients on evenings and weekends. We are excited about this new opportunity to serve those who need evening and weekend hours.

For more information about our services or to make an appointment, please call Bodymind Massage Therapy at 845-255-3228.

Have a question or a suggestion about what you'd like to see in the next issue of bodyMinder? Let us know!

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