Maya Angelou speaks at the International Spa Association Conference

We've just returned from the International Spa Association’s (ISPA) annual conference in Kissimmee, Florida. Our intent was to increase our knowledge on the relationship between the spa and the massage therapist, which we did. Both the AMTA and the NCBTMB were present at the show. The conference was fabulous and the ISPA staff did an incredible job in pulling together this large event. One of my best memories will be of the closing speaker, Maya Angelou. She has a presence that cannot be replicated. As she told her stories, the crowd, almost 3000, was resting quietly in the palm of her hand. Her message focused on how we have the ability to weave portions of ourselves into the fabric of other’s lives, even in unobvious ways. Every action we take, regardless how small, has the ability to affect those we interact with. She cited examples of actions her Uncle had taken that impacted several generations of families. His courage instilled in others the desire to achieve. In honor of her, I am posting the below poem for your enjoyment.

Touched by an Angel

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.

Maya Angelou