Sistah Mona: “Ndoto Uzima” means “Dream”

On an overcast Friday, the last day of Black History Month, what better way to celebrate than with a massage—at least that’s what I thought when Sistah Mona called me and invited me to a two hour excursion that literally erased all my bumps, bruises and pain. The brown-skinned sister with a ponytail, who works like a jazz musician—freestyling, eyes closed –the body on the table talking to her as she skated along terrain avoiding blind spots, walls and other baggage that comes along the road well traveled—

Recently injured, yes again, this time I wasn’t on my bike. I actually fell at home and twisted my back, so I have been having trouble walking for about a month. I was a candidate for a Sister Mona treatment, an "Afrikan (Body) Rhubb," and after a two hour session, I felt brand new.

Paintings and third-eyes peeked or stared boldly at me as I got to know the sister. Horace, the sentinel was standing at attention in the bathroom, obelisks at the door, while a series of lovely artwork—large lushly painted landscapes filled with African bodies at work and play, graced the walls.

Mona and I talked for about half an hour first about Chicago where she was born, the San Francisco Bay where she was raised—McClymond’s High School where she sprang like Athena into the world which has been her oyster from professional dancing career to work on Wall Street—her free spirit and gifted hands now her primary tools.

Yes, those hands—so smooth, her finger prints whisper along one’s back as they cascade over one’s energy points slight pressure releasing jet lag, torqued spine, residual haints, the kind of boogie monsters one tries to avoid as she traverses the structural racism maze –Obama still at “go.”

I took a warm shower then sat in the massage chair while Sistah Mona applied tangerine and strawberry exfoliant working the saline pumice into my back and neck—I applied it to my chest and stomach. Delicious flavors vying for my attention as I then went back to the shower and washed the solution off. My skin felt like velvet, maybe softer then and for days afterwards.

It was now time to recline face down on the table…I think I was out soon—the rain splashing just outside the door as cars rushed by. I breathed through the clogged meridians, and those I couldn’t bear I just hollered—I thought about hollering and changed my mind. I don’t holler well. I just told Mona to lighten up and she did as she reminded me to breathe.

When I turned over, forty-five minutes later, and got an extra blanket—the yen side is always a little chillier, Sistah Mona applied the mud facial and then as it dried, she gave me a foot massage. That was really nice. I especially liked the hot towels.

Between the end of the massage and her vision statement—yes, she shared stories my body shared with her—talk about active listening. We entered new paradigms, I kid you not as I knelt on the table and followed the masseur in a series of stretches. It was certainly a well spent afternoon—well worth the expense at what Mona calls her “welfare prices.”

The business is moving to a new location in March, quieter and a little less trafficked. Right now she is near a bar. The grand opening is Saturday, March 13, 2010, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Grand Opening special is $175.00, this includes five (5) two hour scrub sessions and one "free" gift certificate for a guest.

Sistah Mona wants to share her wealth with her community and plans to donate a portion of her profits to worthy causes, one of them Maafa San Francisco Bay Area—the details are being worked out (I need a volunteer to handle this for me. Call me or send me an email). The non-profit will make $25.00 per $175 Grand Opening Special purchased. This is the start of a five month fundraising blitz.
Drop in Saturday, March 20, 2010, 6-9 PM, to 3116 Adeline Street, Loft # 111 – Oakland, California at “Steelworks Lofts.” The idea for “Ndoto Uzima” which means “dream” in Kiswahilli, is to be a healing space where one can take care of one’s mind, body and spirit. Opening night will feature music and an art gallery opening.

RSVP (510) 547- 4829 for appointments. Hours are 10 AM to 10 PM. The reception is free. Contact her at: ndotouzima@yahoo.com or visit her website http://ndotouzima.com/home

Listen to Sister Mona on Wanda's Picks Radio, March 17, 2010. She is the last interview: www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks