Life often leads us on surprising paths, and for Bliss, their journey stands out as truly unconventional. Since 1999, she has been a holistic wellness practitioner, accumulating extensive training and diverse experiences that have shaped a unique career. This blog post explores Bliss’s remarkable story, highlighting contributions to the wellness community.
Early Beginnings in Holistic Wellness
In 1999, Bliss launched her journey into holistic wellness, training in several disciplines such as massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, and holistic facials. They mastered on-site seated acupressure massage, which became a cornerstone of her multifaceted practice.
Working at festivals and local parties, she connected with a wide range of people. This exposure helped introduce the healing benefits of therapies to many, resulting in a broad client base. Her management roles at health food stores like Holland and Barrett and Chepstow Health Foods allowed her to gain valuable insights into the holistic health industry.
By 2005, their passion led to the creation of her own multidisciplinary wellness centre, Equilibrium, in the heart of Chepstow.
Establishing Equilibrium: A Sanctuary for Healing
The launch of Equilibrium in Chepstow marked a pivotal moment in Bliss’s career. The centre provided a welcoming space for healing, learning, and community involvement. Equipped with treatment rooms and a shop stocked with holistic products, Equilibrium quickly became a sanctuary for those seeking improved well-being.
At Equilibrium, Bliss offered numerous workshops and treatments, playing a vital role in nurturing the holistic health community. For example, she held workshops that attracted many participants, helping them learn about mindfulness and self-care. Her commitment to clients and her practice turned Equilibrium into a highly sought-after destination for wellness.
Expanding Expertise: Oncology and Hospice Care
In 2003, Bliss expanded her skills by training and later working in cancer hospitals as a holistic oncology practitioner with the Bristol Cancer Help Centre, now called Penny Brohn Cancer Care. This role equipped them to provide specialized care for individuals battling cancer, focusing on the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of their experiences.
Her time in various hospices, including St David's Foundation, Keech Hospice, and Longfield, deepened their understanding of the connection between mind, body, and spirit during illness. In the hospice setting, she saw firsthand that 80% of patients experienced anxiety and depression, underscoring the critical need for holistic therapies that nurture the whole person.
Sound Therapies and Artistic Pursuits
A standout aspect of Bliss's practice is their specialization in sound therapies and drum dream journeys. Through training at with Elders including Marianne Hvass from the Scandinavian School of Shamanic Studies, The College of Sound Healing and under a Gong Master, Bliss has integrated sound healing into her offerings. Gong Meditations at the Asha Centre have become increasingly popular, collaborating with other sound therapists in All Night Sound Pujas.
Bliss's background as a classically trained singer enhances her sound therapy, allowing them to merge music with holistic healing. This creative approach offers clients profound experiences, tapping into the healing power of sound to resonate with their deepest selves.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Bliss's pursuit of education demonstrates their dedication to her craft. She obtained a foundation degree in Complementary Therapies in 2013, followed by a BSc (Hons) in Healthcare in 2014. She completed her Research Masters in Health and Wellbeing in 2020 where their research focused on massage and touch therapies during and after cancer. Bliss holds several teaching qualifications and has worked in colleges as well as overseeing many of her own accredited training courses in different therapy modalities.
Currently, Bliss is channelling energy into a PhD in Social Policy at the University of Bristol, focusing on Intimate Partner Abuse. This academic endeavour highlights her commitment to addressing pressing societal issues and integrating her holistic perspective into her research findings.
Embracing Priestesshood and Community Building
Alongside extensive training and practice, Bliss embraces a spiritual side through undertaking several Priestessing dedications. These include training in Luminary Leadership, Labyrinth Priestessing, and as a Priestess of Rhiannon.
The founding of the Stroud Goddess Temple and the Gloucestershire Goddess Community illustrates her dedication to creating supportive spaces for women and others seeking connection with the Sacred Feminine. Through rites of passage, ceremonies, and celebrations, Bliss fosters an environment where individuals can explore their spirituality and personal growth.
A Journey of Transformation and Connection
Bliss’s journey as a holistic wellness practitioner is rich and evolving, woven with diverse experiences and a strong commitment to healing. From beginnings in massage and reflexology to current academic pursuits, Bliss embodies the essence of a lifelong learner and healer.
As she prepares to further expand her horizons with her PhD research, Bliss continues to inspire those around them in the wellness community. Her unique blend of practices, teachings, and community engagement exemplifies how holistic wellness can transform lives and forge connections among individuals.
In a world where conventional paths often prevail, Bliss reminds us that embracing an unconventional journey can lead to profound self-discovery, healing, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Now serving at the Asha Centre as a co-director of Heart Spring CIC alongside Matt who now organises the bookings and management of the retreats, Bliss is also Wellness, Ceremonies and Celebrations lead and offers therapies from Sabrina's Nest, the specialist wellbeing cabin in the Asha Gardens.
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