JIVATMA (JIVA) MASSAGUER
I am of Spanish and French heritage, born and raised in Auroville, an international community in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. More about Auroville here.
There are countless things that I am grateful to the community of Auroville for, but I am most grateful for the depth of cultural richness and the openness of spirit that it exposed me to in my formative years. Because of this upbringing, I feel as if a small part of every culture lives within me and that I can find a sense of belonging anywhere. Auroville is a land of many tongues, and by seven years old I was fluent in four different languages: Spanish, French, Italian and English, as well as "street fluent" in the native Tamil. My multi-linguality has always opened doors of opportunity and connection to people and places all over the world, and I delight in experiencing the different personalities within myself as I go from one language and culture to another. I first travelled to the US from India when I was 20 years old, and I have since gained American citizenship and a second home in the Hawaiian Islands. I maintain a full-time massage and bodywork practice on the island of O'ahu, while treating, teaching and collaborating with other therapists around the world. I am co-founder of Sarga Bodywork™, a specialized body therapy that has evolved into an educational program that trains massage therapists in this dynamic modality. I have always had a love for travel and discovering the unknown. It feeds my curiosity and supports my passion for openness, flexibility and fluidity. It offers new perspectives from which to look at myself and the world, and clears my lens when it gets fogged by routine. Today, I spend my time between my two homes: India and Hawaii in what feels like an annual cross pollinating dance. It is a gift for me to share my passion for travel and to assist others to discover my beloved homeland in India. I hope to offer you an an insider’s perspective to this dynamic and paradoxical land, a place that can be as magical as it is overwhelming to the newcomer. My aim is not to “show” you India, but rather to support you in “experiencing” it. I invite you to come where I go. . . |