A Moment of Stillness at Chalice Well: Finding Balance in Mind, Body, and Soul.
- ejm2020
- May 12
- 3 min read
As a massage therapist in Bath, I spend a lot of time helping people to reconnect with their bodies, calm their nervous systems, and find a moment of stillness in their busy lives. But every so often, I need to refill my own cup too. Recently, I visited Chalice Well Gardens in Glastonbury, one of Britain’s oldest and most sacred healing sites — and the experience touched me deeply. Chalice Well sits between Glastonbury Tor and Chalice Hill, in the legendary Isle of Avalon, and it has been a pilgrimage site for over 2.000 years. The gardens hold a quiet, ancient energy that immediately envelopes you as you walk in and invites you to slow down. The sound of the flowing water that flows continuously at the same rate and temperature, and the sense of timelessness worked together to create a space where my whole being could take a huge exhale and my nervous system could relax.
The Vesica Piscis: A Symbol of Balance
Throughout the gardens and on the ancient well itself appears the Vesica Piscis symbol— an almond-shaped space where two circles overlap. It is one of the most ancient and meaningful symbols in sacred geometry. It symbolises balance and the union of opposites. Standing before it, I was reminded of how essential balance is for our mind, body, and soul.
We spend so much of our lives giving to others, rushing around trying to hold everything together. But healing happens in the overlap — in the quiet moments where we allow ourselves to rest and reconnect with who we truly are. More balance is created when we listen to our bodies and slow down when needed, instead of continuously battling through. Balance is found when we care for our minds and embrace quiet moments where our thoughts can finally settle, and our nervous systems can reset. Journalling either by writing down your thoughts or art journalling is a great tool for resetting the mind. It allows us to see through the chaos and remind ourselves of what is and isn't important, what we should focus on more, instead of spreading ourselves too thin by trying to do everything all at once.
Balance is also about honouring our own soul and acting on things that bring us meaning- the things that make us feel alive rather than depleted or exhausted. Balance is a gentle flow of giving and resting. Some days we will have to do more as that’s just the way that life is. But recognising when our bodies need rest and nourishment is key to bringing balance into our lives.
This is the same intention I try to bring into my massage treatments in Bath. Massage isn’t just for the body. It’s for the mind that’s been carrying too much and for the soul that’s tired. It’s for the parts of us that long to be supported. When someone comes into my treatment room, my hope is that they feel the same sense of peace I felt at Chalice Well — a space where they can let go and ultimately leave feeling restored.
Water as a Healer at Chalice Well
Water flows continuously throughout Chalice Well, and it’s impossible not to feel its healing presence. The iron-rich red spring has been considered sacred for thousands of years and is tied to myths of Joseph of Arimathea and the Holy Grail. As I listened to the water trickle over the stones, I felt complete relaxation. Water has a way of washing away what we no longer need and leaving clarity in its place. It’s no wonder so many cultures see water as a symbol of renewal, cleansing, and of life itself.
It reminded me of why I’m so passionate about massage therapy. Just like water, touch can help release tension and clear stagnation. Through my treatments, I hope to offer a little of that same sacred stillness to anyone who needs it.
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