Living at the Top of the Watershed

Twin Falls, Sparta, Tennessee

Here is the back story for "Top of the Watershed Wellness."

After I closed my physical therapy practice after 22 years in Nashville, I did not think I would work again. I was burned out. I had given everything I had to give in my personal and professional life and I didn't have anything else. The pandemic was a particularly hard time, trying to support people emotionally, while their bodies carried more and more fear and anxiety and disconnection and pain.

So, I moved out to the forest of the Cumberland Mountains, next to a river that flows into the Obed River and Obed National Park and I rested and played and healed. I spent so much time alone, but in the company of trees and wildlife and the water.

I had started my professional life studying the details of anatomy and biomechanics. I learned scans and biomechanical assessments for the body and each joint and muscle. The training took an additional 5 years, and then I went through a fellowship training and then I went through training how to teach. And, as I practiced in as detailed and attentive manner as I could, I saw that this one tool in the toolbox could not fix everyone. I started seeing how much emotional stress and lifestyle and trauma affected the body. I saw patterns.

I started learning tools from other disciplines, for myself personally, and also for my clients. I realized that I could not treat the body without addressing the mind and the heart. I learned mindbody techniques, often first on myself, and then for those clients that were open to it.

But, it wasn't until after I moved to the forest that I realized what was missing. Nature.

I have always loved nature, but this was the first time I have lived in it.

I became affected by each moon phase, every change in the weather, and the seasons. I started rising and going to bed with the sun. I could hear when the frogs and the crickets speak, and when they hibernate. And, I hibernated too.

The filtered well water tasted and felt better than any water I had tasted.

And, my heart and soul and body has healed.

Then I realized that being connected to nature and the environment, air, water, sunlight, rain, moon phases and seasons is part of health. Being connected to nature is a part of healing.

However, I started getting rashes after swimming in the river. I tested the water and the results showed contamination. I notified government agencies in charge of the environment and their reporting did not show what I knew to be a problem. My neighbors had said how the river used to look 50 years ago. The contamination is killing the aquatic life and plant life.

The government agencies say that these waters are some of the best in the entire state. And, after months of research, talking with geologist, hydrologists, and forensic geohydrologists, multiple testing of the water, a formal complaint to TDEC regarding the permit holder upstream that manages an alternative sewage drip system, I learned about the significance of watersheds.

The water is a key to our health. And, the choices of everyone above you in a watershed affects your health and the health of every living plant and animal.

The government agencies have standards that come into play when everything is dead. They are not involved in maintaining a thriving ecosystem, only stepping in when everything has failed.

Who is it that is responsible then? We are. Each and every person's choice every single day. We are responsible.

So, I decided that I am available to support those in my community who want to heal. The ones who want to be aware of and make healthy choices for themselves. This means healing our bodies and connecting to our land; being able to get off medications and knowing what products and food and water are healthier for us, and our world.

And, here on the Upper Cumberland Plateau we are at the top of the watershed. Our choices affect our community as well as everyone downstream and lower on the watershed.

We are very, very fortunate to be in such a beautiful and biodiverse region.

Who wants to join me in a healing journey? Who wants a companion along the way?

I am available as a highly-trained guide and compassionate companion.

It's not too late.

Rebecca Lowe

www.rebeccalowewellness.com

info@rebeccalowewellness.com