April is National Poetry Month, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than with this poem by India K. Robinson, aka “The Spa Bunny.” She was inspired to write the poem after learning that “The New Language of Spa,” was the theme for the Washington Spa Alliance’s Sixth Annual Symposium, held March 22nd at the National Press Club in DC. (I’m a Founding Board Member of WSPA and Chair the event.) After reading the poem at home, both silently and aloud, I knew that it should be shared—and I asked her to recite it at the close of Symposium. She did exactly that and received a standing ovation. What inspired her to write the poem? In India’s words:
“Before I knew and experienced the world of travel and spas, I would immerse my passion, feelings, and thoughts into words. Pencil to paper, I had a passion for poetry and have realized it’s been quite some time since I’ve tapped into my treasured gift. The last few years, I’ve been on a mission, a journey to combine all my passion and purpose into my business, and live a healthy and fulfilling life doing what I love. With all the stimuli the external world fills our minds with, it’s easy to lose yourself in the whirlwind of negativity, conditioning, and information that takes you away from your own sense of self.
“My motto is it’s important to “take the time to take a time-out,” and through my travels and spa experiences, Spa has become more than something to do or somewhere to go for relaxation. Spa has afforded me a place, a community, a family, and an opportunity to connect more deeply with my mind, body, and soul. With ‘The New Language of Spa’ being this year’s theme for the Washington Spa Alliance Symposium, I felt inspired, and wanted to share with you, through these words, what the ‘Language of Spa’ means to me.”
The Language of Spa
by India K. Robinson
The language of Spa has no barrier
It’s as pure as essential oil without a carrier
It whispers through water in a thermal spring
And raises my vibration when the Tibetan bowl sings
As if the clouds heard my cry and came rushing to ease my pain
Vichy and aromatherapy drip down my back like summer rain
It’s calm in the chaos, an umbrella in a storm
It flows through your senses and becomes your lifestyle norm
Gender, race, and social status, the language of Spa rises above
Because the only thing that matters, is how it wraps you up in a blanket of love
It carries no age, and wears no face
The language of Spa transcends time and travels at its own energetic pace
The language of Spa reminds you to recognize and value your self-worth
As it reconnects you to the healing benefits naturally provided by the earth
It fills my breath like salt from a Himalayan cave
And caresses my fears like the tides from an ocean wave
But yet, the language of Spa, some fail to hear
Though the mind, body, spirit dialect sounds oh so clear
You may have misconceptions, and associate its history with luxury, indulgence, and wealth
But when properly translated, you’ll find roots in self-care, mindfulness, and better health
You can only understand it if you’re willing and able
It may come to you in the sauna, during meditation, or on the massage table
The language of Spa is spoken around the globe
With a universal outfit . . . you know . . . the spa robe
The language of Spa makes no promises, it’s no magical fountain of youth
Instead it opens up your mind and encourages you to seek your own truth
Delivering unique messages in the silence that only you can see
Your “Soul’s Purpose Aligned” is what the language of Spa says to me
The language of Spahh, yes, you can speak it too
Just close your eyes, now listen . . . what does Spa say to you?
Copyright© 2016 The H.I.S Agency, LLC “Confessions of a Spa Bunny” TM
Here’s a video of India reading her poem.
Mary Bemis
Mary Bemis is Founder & Editorial Director of InsidersGuidetoSpas.com. An advocate for all things spa, Mary forged a vocabulary for spa reportage that is widely used by those who cover the issues today. Recently honored as a Top 30 Influential Voice Transforming Wellness by Medika Life, Mary is an inaugural honoree of Folio’s Top Women in Media Award. Her spa media roots run deep—in 1997, she launched American Spa magazine, in 2007, she co-founded Organic Spa magazine, and in between serving on the ISPA and NYSPA Board of Directors, she was on the launch teams of Luxury SpaFinder and New Beauty magazines. Named a "Wonder Woman of Wellness" by American Spa magazine, Mary was honored by the International Spa Association with the distinguished ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award. She is a special advisor to the non-profit Global Wellness Day.
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