The Heart of Bali

Buddha said, “your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.”

Last year, I traveled to Bali and provided Thai Massage for residents of a foundation called Senang Hati (“Happy Hearts.”) Their vision is to help disabled people have a chance to be independent and to participate fully in the society around them. Through programs which teach economic and physical skills for a self-supporting life, the residents go from “disabled to enabled.”

This was the first time I had an opportunity to provide Thai Massage for the disabled. The experience was incredible. At Senang Hati, I was welcomed in as family and set up massage in their community room. While their legs were crippled from polio or a limb was missing, their hearts and eyes were filled with love.

If they did not speak English, they would point to a place on their body or say “sick arm.” Once on the table, they closed their eyes and I said “santai” (relax) This was an amazing experience of trust for giver and receiver. I felt connected to them. They opened their hearts to me.

A sense of belonging, creating community, and making a heart connection are qualities of life I believe are happening and shifting the lives of people. I share my story as a reminder of the goodness and joy present in the world.

Suzanne Miller is a LMT and Certified Master Level Thai Massage Practitioner. She can be reached at 972-319-3661. For more information on Senang Hati Foundation, please visit www.SenangHati.org


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