Pam and I went for a massage this morning. She had the traditional massage. I opted to try the Thai massage. It was an interesting experience. I guess it would have been a good idea to ask about the process before I went into it. The mat is flat on the floor. The therapist asked me to lie down on the mat on my back. I did so. He started out by taking my feet and spreading my legs apart and planting himself kneeling between my feet. This made me a tad uncomfortable, especially when he said, "All you have to do is relax." Okay, fine. This has to be legit, right? Stop worrying. Just breathe and stay present. One false move, and he gets kicked, and I'm otta here. I would definitely be more relaxed the next time, now that I know what to expect. I have to admit the hands got a little close to the keek on occasion, but I tried to stay calm. The process overall was very good. As I said..interesting. At one point, I was on my side, and he was behind me with his knee (I think) pushing my butt forward and pulling my leg and my shoulder back toward him. Great stretch. Another one, I was lying face down, and he was kneeling on my butt; he took my hands and pulled the top part of my body off the mat and toward him. The process spent a lot of time on opening up the big joints, especially the hips, and a lot of pressure-point work - kind of painful at times, but it felt good. I didn't walk away feeling the overwhelming relaxation I feel after a massage with Diane, but I felt a lot of release in the joints.
Not much happening the next couple of days. I'm exploring the Boquete websites to advertise our willingness to house-site next year. Great way to save money on rent and get a great house and usually the use of a car. Ted and Pam seem to think there will be lots of takers. I hope so.
Pam and I stopped in at a spa here called The Haven. Pam thought it would be a good idea, and I asked about possibly holding a meditation class there next year. The owners weren't there so I left my contact information. It's a gorgeous place - very Zen - beautiful rooms and gardens. They have yoga classes, exercise, massage... but I didn't see anything about meditation, so hopefully they'll be open to it. Vivianne wants me to do a class for the Blue Sky group when I return next year, so that will be a good place to start, although I would like it to be open to men as well as women.