I call myself an emancipator now, but that's not the way it was before my current journey began. It was my 50th birthday. I was sitting in my backyard alone in the darkness, knowing instinctively it was time to honor the deep ache inside me, yearning to connect and make a difference. I knew female empowerment and the expression of personal freedoms were common threads that wove themselves throughout my new thinking. To the total wonder and bewilderment of my husband I announced that next day I was going to massage therapy school. He immediately questioned the physicality of the work versus the academic pursuit of knowledge. Being a medical doctor, and scientific in his thinking, he could not see my role in "brawn over brain". As I reviewed my previous careers I did wonder how things would make sense.

I had been a social worker; a token white in South Philadelphia neighborhoods, a teenage pregnancy and adoptions specialist, and single parent supervisor. My volunteering at the American Cancer Society turned itself into a paid Health Educator position specializing in women's health issues. I had the privilege of meeting Jill Ireland who guest spoke for my conference on breast health. She later died but left us the memory of her beauty and strength in the face of death. My "prison term" as Public Relations Director for a large group of physicians lasted long enough for me to parlay my media knowledge into the real thing. Off I went to Hollywood to learn how a script became a film. Volunteering for P.B.S. specials, I met our first space travelers: Buzz Aldrin, Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper and Moon walker, Dave Scott. And that takes us back to the backyard star gazing, (hence the name Polestar Body Works) and searching my way into life after 50.

Massage therapy opened up a whole new and fresh dimension in my life: TOUCH. I learned that touch was one road map to letting go; and TRUST was the vehicle by which one traveled. Female clients began coming to me for massage as word of my sincerity traveled. What was extremely difficult but motivating at the same time, I had to make this transtition alone. My husband took a "wait and see" attitude. As long as his schedule was not interrupted, my new "Earth Mother" persona did not affect him.

It was at this time that I read "Body Alive 's" informational flyer on Colon Hydrotherapy. I read it three different times before calling Zabibba for an appointment. I had NO idea what I was doing! No friends, no teachers, no confidants, but off I went for my first of three colonics. I was astonished at the bodily results. I had been constipated my entire life and had accepted it, not knowing I had any choice. After the third colonic I had clear insight into the benefits of a clean healthy colon but I knew little of its life altering benefits. They were to come later. I called Connie Allred at The Internal Environment Institute and signed up for the very next class!! This was after only three colonics.

My husband and family were in a state of constant laughter. "BUFFOONERY" is what they called my plan to go to school and become a colon hydrotherapist! I could not be shaken from what I had experienced and knew to be true. For the first time EVER, I knew if I LISTENED, I would be successful. My mind, body and spirit were one. Colon hydrotherapy had cleared my way. Against all odds I graduated in February 1998, worked for other therapists to gather more experience and supervision, bought my own equipment and opened my business.

I use every opportunity to stress a healthy life style: proper nutrition, food combining, exercise, (my marathon medals hang in my office), rest, moderation, fasting, juicing, increased water intake, and so on. When asked about my motivations as a colon hydrotherapist I discuss the obvious health benefits as well as the multi-level benefits. I emphasize LISTENING within to the clearing of pathways to one's own personal truths.

My dream of helping people, with a focus on women's growth, is here. I am thankful, humbled, and appreciative everyday I found such peace and truth following my COLON. CAN YOU IMAGINE?? The truth is we really only need to believe in ourselves. The more truth we have in our lives the more we have to contribute to the earth and all those who live on it. My family now believes in me and my work. I had to prove it. As I look back, I ask," Was it so bad?" I say," no." I say," It was one woman's path to LETTING GO."

Letting Go Poem

Polestar Body Works - Colon Hydrotherapy, West Los Angeles
Dawn Bein · dawnbein@aol.com · 310-780-9224