Entering Nirvana

I am taking time to reconnect with myself: to balance my mind, energize my spirit, and invigorate my body. Given my hectic life, finding a place of solitude and peace is not exactly easy. High-quality spas, normally found on the Westside, mean one thing: traffic, and after battling the 405, I need yet another massage.

Spa Pura, however, is located in the heart of downtown Montrose and offers the luxury I need, right here in my backyard. Michelle Ju opened Spa Pura two years ago, and her mission statement is to offer clients "a luxury experience at an affordable price."

Upon walking into Spa Pura, I am greeted by soft lighting and the scent of eucalyptus. Sounds of "zen" music and the soft calls of birds fill space around me, and I exhale away all of the stress and worries from the week. 

Going to the spa is like taking a vacation without having to pack. Spa Pura provides plush robes, slippers, shampoo, conditioners, lotions, hair care supplies and everything else I could possibly need to relax. The locker room centers around a whirlpool and eucalyptus steam room, and there are plenty of private showering booths. Before I know it, I'm drifting away ...

I slip into my robe and slippers and wait in the main lounge for the call from Malee, my masseuse. I enjoy citrus and cucumber-infused water, and I browse the tea and coffee selections before sampling fresh oranges from the fruit basket. Malee calls my name and we head downstairs to the treatment rooms. I select the hour-long organic aromatherapy massage, and all I have to do is let go of the stress and try to relax. I lay on the treatment table and close my eyes and think of the "concentration" beach photo that I memorized in my childbirth classes years ago (the image I never once thought of when I was in labor). I begin to daydream as the calming scent of lavender permeates the room.

Before I know it, an hour has passed and I am walking to my favorite lounge just outside the treatment room. The soft glow of twinkle lights and the relaxing tranquility fountains are almost surreal. I have attained a state of relaxation that I had forgotten was possible. I take time to reflect, to ponder, and to evaluate. This opportunity for self-reflection is why I came here: to "escape" for a little while.

I head back upstairs to take a shower and relish in the fact that this is the first time in weeks I have been able to shower without a child knocking on the door. I even have enough time to get all of the conditioner out of my hair.

I arrived home as a new person, full of energy, patience, and love. The time spent healing and detoxifying has made me a better person. Well, at least a more relaxed person.

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