About Ivy Hawthorne
Coming from a Tribal culture that recognizes Healers, I was put into training at a very early age. This began with Massage and learning of Herbs and Medicines. My Elders gave me a wide range of Instruction, from Eastern and Western Healing Theory to learning Massage and Bodywork for specific conditions. They also taught me about a wide range of Spiritual and Mystical systems of The Far East and also Western European Shamanism. They all came from Europe, with some of them being born in the late 1800s. This all took place in the course of an ordinary day along with learning how to cut the lawn and make homemade jam.
At age 11, I had the amazing good fortune to become a student in the practices of Hatha Yoga. What I learned from my Teacher Robin Smith, has been invaluable in my Journey through this life. She set me on a path that has guided my life in the most wonderful direction. I had no idea that I would be learning such a potent method of Self-Care and Transformation. During the course of my Yoga instruction, my Teacher became injured. Initially under her supervision, she had me begin to lead the classes. Eventually, I was able to teach them myself and that was how I became a Teacher at age 13.
By age 15, I was living in Brazil working as an Independent Massage Therapist giving Shiatsu on the beaches of Bahia. What a wonderful experience. I was able to learn more and grow stronger in my ability to listen to the Body and Spirit of another when verbal communication only goes so far. There were also many deeply Spiritual Awakenings in a culture that affirms Personal Warmth and Joyous Self Expression.
In my 20s, instruction in helping people with special needs became a study. I worked with individuals afflicted with severely disabling conditions ranging from Severe Autism to Birth Defects and Seizure Disorders. In spending time with these lovely People, I met some of the Brightest Souls I have ever encountered.
Closer to my 30s, I graduated from a Massage School of Advanced Therapeutics. Then, I had the amazing opportunity to be a student of Harold Dull, the Creator of WATSU. Harold has been one of the greatest Teachers I have ever had. He stands with Robin Smith as one of the Giants in my life along with my Beloved Ancestors. They all saw something in me and gave their Wisdom, Nurturing and Support.
Now in my 40s, I find that my best and most profound Teacher is my Daughter, Laila Rose. She humbles me and challenges me to dig deeper, listen more. Be better and forgive myself after stumbling. She more than anyone has led me to Compassion, Patience, and Letting Go.
Even now after decades of sustained Training and Instruction, I find that in many ways, I know less now than I did before. It is with Beginners’ Mind that I learn the most. Each day, I start anew — excited by what I will learn and how I will grow — never knowing what that will be.
It is with great pleasure that I now share what I have learned. I am so grateful to all of my Teachers who have made me who I am. My deepest wish is to continue further and expand the message of Love, Consciousness, and Healing presently and into the future.