It all began because of a loved one. When I saw my beloved experiencing pain, I instinctively reacted to my life partner. As I expressed sympathy and compassion, I realized that more was needed to sooth her pain. I was overwhelmed with the desire to help, but didn’t know what to do. I knew
I had to help, and since I didn’t know how, I did what most people do.
I set up an appointment with a well qualified western physician.  

After witnessing what she experienced throughout the ensuing process,
from testing and diagnosis to the proposed treatment using a surgical procedure, I began to wonder as to whether other methods of healing
might prove to be as effective in correcting the situation. And strangely enough, so had she.  

Declining the offer of corrective surgery, we began looking into alternate methods of correcting that which was giving her so much physical pain. A chiropractor was our first alternative treatment of choice. He made x-rays, recommended a treatment schedule, and she began treatments. We both noticed the treatments helped with the pain, but did little to address the immobility the condition had caused.

Enter a friend in the process of becoming a massage therapist. She introduced us to an accomplished therapist with a good reputation. He
began by explaining the situation using terms like body, mind and spirit, energy work, massage therapy and Shiatsu. He asked me to stay while
he treated her, all the while explaining what he was doing. The treatment was painful, which he’d warned about, but it was very successful. She immediately regained use of her arm and with a couple of more
treatments she was completely free of pain.  

He was a very compassionate person and soothed her with his voice while
he worked, giving her gentle instructions; letting her know that things were already better. I was impressed with his ability to express compassion and sympathy as well as his knowledge of how to react when called on to help another person experiencing pain.  

As a result of a loved one’s pain...I became a student again. I enrolled
in Blue Cliff School of Therapeutic Massage, later to graduate with a degree as a Certified Massage Therapist and an Advanced Practitioners Degree
in Shiatsu.  

I also began studying meditation and emerging techniques in weekly group sessions. Unaware, as I was at the time, I had begun a journey that would lead me to broader depths of personal understanding and insight into the mystery that is our world.  

Many teachers have made themselves available to me since beginning
this journey. All of them have entered my life at crucial times with lessons
of great value. But there is one in particular, who made a truly lasting impression. I only met and worked with this master one time, long ago, about midway through massage training. He was a maker of exquisite knives, a survivalist trainer who contracted with the military, and the Shiatsu Master from whom the Master of Blue Cliff had received his training. One statement he made that day remains in my mind as clearly as the day he said it. He said, "Learn everything you can about what you are doing...then forget everything you know and do your work." As simple and as complex
as the statement has proven to be, it remains in my heart as the perfect expression of pure intent. To me, this statement has proven to be the gateway to my intuitive healing response, allowing me to channel my sympathy, compassion and energy into the work at hand.  

I can’t speak in years, or weeks, or minutes, when I explain what has happened since I first set foot upon this path. Yet I can tell you that
through all of my many teachers I’ve learned an important truth; all
of life is a most precious gift extended from our Creator. It is a dance involving all things of this world and the opportunity, as children of the Creator, to express ourselves in a good way.  

As I approach the vision that is Goodlife Modalities, I remind myself of
all that I have learned since stepping upon the path...and I am certain
the journey will continue to test my resolve. I am honored to be part of
the Creators plan, as all things are part of it. I am happy to have taken
the steps to become knowledgeable about alternative healing practices
and their intrinsic value.  

Living a good life has helped me realize the value of compassion and
the wonder of being a student. All that is asked of me and all that I ask
of myself, is that I continue to be compassionate, sympathetic, patient
and true to my journey. Through this way of living, I know I will always
be of service to the Creator, to Mother Earth and to all of my brothers
and sisters who live upon her.