“With each breath, feel yourself becoming more relaxed and present in this moment.”

A soft bell rang, then another. The scent of various oils swirled in the air around my face, and I grew more relaxed. The slightest movement sent a breeze over my skin. I sank deeper into the heated table, safely cocooned under the cozy blanket.

This was a million times more my style than a naked massage, so I sighed happily. Was it rude to nap here? Probably.

“Now, I want you to bring your awareness to your body, Rayne. You and your body are one. Feel the weight of your limbs and the power hibernating in your core.”

Did core mean vagina? Or was she talking about my stomach? Should I ask? I didn’t want to disrupt the process so I just concentrated on both.

“Sink into yourself. Feel your body rooted to the earth and grounded like the strong trunk of a tree.”

Strangely, my body did feel heavier. Was this one of those weighted thunder blankets, or was she doing that with only her words?

“Imagine your roots growing deep into the earth below you. Feel those roots anchoring you securely to the earth's energy, providing you with stability and support.”

Oh, this was nice. Sort of like Mother Earth was protectively holding me in her bosom. I was safe and warm and so very relaxed.

“As you breathe deeply, visualize a beam of light extending from your crown toward the sky. Feel yourself connecting to the universe, drawing on its incredible light and energy and wisdom.”

I was suddenly very wise and lighter than a feather. Maybe this Willow chick was a witch. The good kind, of course, like Glinda.

“Now, imagine the earth's energy rising up through your roots, filling your body with strength and vitality. Her incredible energy empowers you. You possess the natural magic to self-heal. Do you feel how safe and supported you are right now, Rayne?”

“Mm-hm,” I moaned, too comfortable to fully answer.

“You are connected to the wonderful healing energy of the universe all around you.”

Damn right, I was. I was a mother-fuckingethereal goddess.

My breath hitched as her hands pressed lightly onto my shoulders, sliding upward into my hair. She encircled my head, framing the sides of my face and gently massaging my temples, forehead, and scalp.

“You are connected to the divine energy that surrounds you, Rayne. Surrender to the infinite wisdom and guidance of the higher realms so that your spirit can awaken. Open your mind and heart so that you can receive the gifts the universe has in store for you.”

I am open.

Open like a quickie-mart.

Twenty-four-seven, wide open for business.

Universe, come on in…

Something cool rested on my forehead, and I stilled, this time certain it was not her hand. Was she putting crystals on me? It had to be.

“Your inner eye is open to intuition and insight. The physical world does not limit you. Trust your higher self to guide you on your true path.”

I no longer envisioned a dark room with a Barcalounger and lamp. Now, my mind was an enchanted forest with an illuminated path. Birds sang quietly while bees buzzed. Elara’s laugh drifted from beyond the trees as myinner self moved in toward the sound as if walking through a dream.

Willow placed another crystal on me, this time setting it lightly over the shallow indent of my throat. “You speak your truth with clarity and confidence, Rayne, so that you may express your authentic self honestly. Here, you’re free of judgment and have nothing to fear. Tell the universe what you want in your heart of hearts, so that your voice can call it into existence.”

Was I really doing this? I’d laid down a non-believer, but something was shifting inside of me. Maybe it was the calming oils or the crystals. I wasn’t sure. But suddenly I was all in.

“A baby,” I murmured, my voice small and weighed down by emotions.

“The universe accepts your desires and plans to serve you with everything you need.”

Her hands moved to hover over my chest without actually touching me. It was strange that I could feel exactly where she was even though no part of her body touched mine.

“Feel your heart open to love and compassion, not just for others, but for yourself as well.”