A few weeks ago Lisa had to make an emergency trip to her family home in Alabama. Her sister was actively dying in palliative care. She made it, in time to spend a week with her. Wilma didn’t know her, but Lisa’s time with her was precious. Lisa had to come back home to return to work as a palliative care nurse herself. Wilma died the day after Lisa returned.
The next day, Lisa returned to work at Bobby’s Hospice for her four 12-hour shifts. The fourth one is a night shift, so when she comes home in the morning she goes to bed until mid to late afternoon. The next day she recalibrates. Then she has a few days off to relax, get things done, and see friends.
She decided she’d like to have a spa day. So we went to a Nordic spa not far from here. It’s not very expensive but it’s very high-quality. Very beautiful with Scandinavian design and ethos.
We booked the day and pre-ordered our lunch. You can’t take your phone in. Only a book. And ZERO talking. You get a white robe and towel, walk in, and there’s a large reflecting pool that’s warm. Slide in there. Then into a sauna. Then steam. Then a cold plunge (DANG! That was cold. I do cold showers but this was much colder!) Then back in the large pool There are hammocks everywhere, lit fire pits, wine, massage if you want, lunch. And soft yoga music wafts throughout the speakers located throughout the place.
It was a sunny warm day. I was all set. Looked inside my backpack for my book. I forgot it!
So I could do nothing but nothing. In fact, it was a happy accident. A fortuitous mistake.
It made the day even better.
We came home refreshed, renewed, and revitalized.
Exercises like this really do work.
They really do.
