Spring, Healing and Chocolate

Springtime at the Oregon Coast often means foggy mornings, misty or rainy days, and a sparkle of light on the waters near sunset time. Along this week's walk on the shore, I was captivated by the fog clouds rolling up from the mighty waves to envelop Mount Neahkanie in their gentle wings. Summer time color of the wild rose and mustard greens here have not yet emerged, and the coastal wetlands still retain much of their brown grasses from winter. Still, the shifting of seasons is upon us. Tiny buds of willow fuzz and the daffodils in our garden are all peeking out, promising the coming of warmer days. But on the cooler, wetter days of the early Springtime, it is oh, so lovely to find a warm and cozy place to settle in after a morning walk by the sea.

On one such day this past weekend, my spouse and I went to the Liberty Theater in Astoria where we watched one of my favorite movies shown once again on the big screen. "Chocolat". In this 25th anniversary year since the film was made, I was struck once again by the potency of the messages about welcoming the stranger, having concern for the outcast, and the acts of mercy and forgiveness modeled by those on the margins.

Vianne, the main character, is a powerhouse of a traditional healer who travels to new places, pushing back against the established patriarchy and oppressive "Christian" perspectives in each town she and her child are called to. The film brings us to one such town. As she settles in and opens her chocolaterie "in the midst of the holy fast of lent", the leader of the town makes no small show of making her feel unwelcome. Yet, courageously she persists.

Now, as a theologically trained person, I can assure you that oppressive patriarchal systems have nothing to do with the linneage of the Christ. And, I will also say that the journey of Vianne, our main character in the movie, has a lot in common with the journey that Christ walked once upon a time in a far away land... However, what reonates most for me today is the Path of the Healer.

I have felt strongly drawn to the main character in the movie, Chocolat, as she resonates deeply with my own calling as a healer. Vianne has a knack for knowing, intuitively, what those who enter her shop are in need of. Spirit has granted me a similar gift. Often before someone even comes through my door, I will have some inkling of the kind of care they are needing. A few questions, and sometimes, a cup of tea later, we have a good idea where our healing journey will be taking us over the course of our time together. This is often what brings my clients back to me, with several even traveling long distances to come and see me at regular intervals throughout the year. This is also what brings me tremendous joy in my massage, reiki and end-of-life doula practice after nearly a decade.

As I re-open my healing practice in a new location, here near my home at the Oregon Coast, (north of Manzanita, on Nehalem Road) I look forward to welcoming those who are in need of healing, kindness and a gentle spiritual nurturance. Whether you are looking for therapeutic touch of massage, a compassionate ear to listen while you discern your next steps in life, or you are facing the finitude of your life's journey, there is a place for you at the Water Wolff Healing Studio.

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In this season of springtime, when the weather is often moist, a warm place to rest and receive compassionate care can be a wonderful gift. Consider offering yourself, or a loved one, that simple yet oh-so-vital gift. You may request a healing or spiritual counsel appointment on my Booking Page, or Send Me a Message by clicking on the contact form or the link below:

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I look forward to our time of healing together! Springtime blessings to you.

~ AJ Wolff-Lynne (they/them)