Finding Bodhi - Treatments for the body & mind
Today we are talking with Dawn Edgar and her wellness company ‘Finding Bodhi’.
Dawn will come up to The Grain Store when you are staying to deliver one of her amazing treatments - all of which are good for the mind, body & soul.
Tell us a bit about your background Dawn and your connection with Brighton and The Grain Store.
I was born and raised on these Brighton shores and with the exception of a few years away at University and a period of living in Greece in my late teens, I have lived here all of my life.
I studied modern languages at University, but pursued a career in business and worked in Human Resources and Finance in Brighton and London until my eldest child started school around 10 years ago.
I first became aware of The Grain Store when my dear friend Simone told me of it and showed me its stunning location one day on a dog walk. Since that day, Simone now works on the team at The Grain Store and I’m lucky enough to be connected to it too!
How, when & why did you start up your business?
I decided to re-train and become a complementary therapist almost 10 years ago. At the time, I had recently lost a loved one in a sudden and tragic accident and the bereavement triggered a need to find more meaning and purpose in my life.
I decided to initially train as a reiki practitioner and then went back to college and added reflexology, aromatherapy, massage and other complementary therapies to the list of treatments that I could offer.
I then decided to renovate the building at the end of our garden into a little therapy studio! And Finding Bodhi was born.
Since then, I have also completed a 3-year training to become a shamanic practitioner, which has been a life-changing experience and a privilege to learn.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Monday to Friday, a typical day starts around 6.30am with a cup of tea in the garden! It's then the bustle of getting packed lunches ready and dogs fed and breakfast eaten before walking my son to school.
Work then normally begins around 9.30, in between clients I am responding to clients’ messages, keeping up with the work washing that’s created and pottering around in the garden - trying to keep it looking nice for clients to walk through on their way to the studio.
Walking our 2 dogs needs to be fitted in as well, then it’s collection from school time, after which there may be more clients and the dinner needing cooking!
Tell us about the different types of treatments you offer.
I offer various types of massage to suit a client’s needs, depending on whether their physical, emotional or mental self needs more attention. Clients can choose from deep tissue, aromatherapy, hot stone or holistic massage, or a combination of massage types if preferred.
Reflexology is always a wonderful treatment to help balance and centre for overall wellbeing and is deeply relaxing yet very powerful. Reiki is an energy healing that can help to bring comfort yet can be energising and freeing and can also facilitate profound physical and emotional healing and empowerment.
Head and facial massage treatments are super soothing for those who are prone to busy, over-thinking minds. Synergy treatments are made up of a bespoke combination of the above therapies, designed to give the ultimate wellbeing and healing boost to suit a person’s needs.
Shamanic healings combine and integrate various techniques to help individuals heal a wide range of physical and mental illnesses by addressing underlying spiritual components. They can be effective in correcting old patterns that block growth and well-being by releasing negative energies that can cause suffering and help restore personal power and more connection to the authentic self.
What treatments will you be offering our guests at TGS?
I am very happy to offer all therapies at TGS - with the exception of the hot stone massage and shamanic healings :-) Unfortunately, my hot stone heater is just not portable and shamanic healings need to be appropriately prepared for in my workspace at home.
What inspires you and your work and what is next for you?
I am personally inspired by acts of bravery and love and the power of human connection. I think it’s the same at work too. I’m privileged to work very closely with people at times when they can be very vulnerable in facing either their pain or their fears. To witness the courage that they find to open the doors to their healing and recovery is always incredibly inspirational. A crazy-coloured sky at dawn or dusk will always inspire me and keep me in awe of the power, wonder and beauty of nature.
In time, I’d love to work more in the outdoors and hold fire and moon ceremonies and maybe design wellbeing and healing retreats and work with groups of people as well as 1-to-1s. But we’ll see…!
5 things you love about Sussex?
I love the way that the elements meet each other here; catching a sunrise whilst the waves crash in the sea with the wind blowing in your hair and the stones under barefoot is something I am always grateful for.
I am mesmerised by the murmurations in winter. You’ll often find me staring in awe at the formations made by these beautiful birds during the right season, it’s a natural wonder that I never grow tired of watching.
Sussex has such a rich history but also contains cities and towns that are for many reasons very modern. I love that you can visit places of ancient pilgrimage that overlook a vibrant city or tour a mediaeval town that has a modern art gallery and I really appreciate this contrasting blend of old and new.
I am so proud of the Brighton Pilons, which offer the most beautiful welcome as you enter the city:
HAIL GUEST, WE ASK NOT WHAT THOU ART. IF FRIEND. WE GREET THEE. HAND & HEART: IF STRANGER. SUCH NO LONGER BE: IF FOE. OUR LOVE SHALL CONQUER THEE.
I believe this welcome really expresses the heart of the city and the entire county and I love that this is here, for all to receive as they drive in.
And who doesn’t love the South Downs and the 140-mile length of Sussex coastline? To have either the choice of the open water or the hills to escape to feels like having your cake and eating it too!
How do people book with you for a treatment when they stay?
Guests are very welcome to either text message, e-mail or call me to discuss or book in for treatments that they are interested in. Im always very happy to answer any questions that individuals may have.
Mobile: 07834541595
We can arrange many different things for you during your stay, from treatments to bike hire to intimate dining experiences, just ask!
Discover all that The Grain Store has to offer by booking a break with us.
With exhilarating fresh air and wonderful vistas, the South Downs National Park is right on our doorstep. Click here to see our latest prices and availability
Article by Pip de Villiers