Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/992435
A B M P m e m b e r s e a r n F R E E C E a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / c e b y r e a d i n g M a s s a g e & B o d y w o r k m a g a z i n e 63 discovering the evolution of this new path, others took notice. "As the stretches released the energy in the body, when that was happening in the pool, students would ask me, 'What did you just do?' Students wanted me to teach them." In these pools, the new poem found its voice. FROM HARBIN'S HEART For years, Harbin Hot Springs was the canvas on which Dull could discover all the aspects of Watsu. In fact, he believes Watsu couldn't have been created anywhere but at Harbin. It's where he envisioned new forms of the work, where he trained others, and where he could play with the artistry. It's where he realized that to teach others, he had to slow the work down, and in doing so, uncovered where the true power of the energy in Watsu movements lived—in the breath. It's where Dull and his wife, Pavana, purchased and then ran the massage school (renaming it the School of Shiatsu and Massage until it sold in 2007), and where the couple called home, living just a few miles away from the hot springs until fire swept through the community in 2015. "I do miss Harbin. I would very much like to live in a place with a pool close enough to an urban center where I could teach, and train others to teach, for the rest of my life. Harbin was special," he says. A LEGACY ENDURES Along the journey, Watsu derivatives have been created, some with his blessing, some without. But Dull says he is like a "proud parent" when he looks out at all the work being done. He calls this collective group the Water Family, and he sees their role being more important than ever. "People need empathy and compassion. People need physical intimacy." Watsu, he says, offers that in a nonthreatening, therapeutic, compassionate way. From its birth at the communal lifestyle of Harbin Hot Springs to its place in hospital and rehabilitation programs today, Watsu continues to broaden its reach and Dull continues to teach the work. In fact, with a teaching schedule that might challenge the youngest of educators, Dull travels nationally and internationally to continue sharing Watsu with others. In 2017, he taught 21 workshops, with six in Italy, two in France, two in Costa Rica, one in the Czech Republic, and one in Poland. Watsu may have been born in the United States, but its presence abroad is significant. Dull says one reason for that is simply opportunity. "There are more hot springs in Europe, particularly Italy." And while here in the states Watsu might be challenged by our country's Puritanical upbringing, internationally—from Tuscany to St. Petersburg, Watsu continues to grow, with some pushing it onto a more medical path. "Most of the Watsu movement in Poland has been clinical," he says, with a greater emphasis on rehabilitation and recovery. To date, Dull says he feels fortunate to have taught in 30 countries—and to have seen some pretty incredible museums along the way. And even that continues to inform the work of the poet: "When I am teaching abroad, on my days off, I get to as many museums as I can. I love paintings. I have come to know the work of so many masters, masterpieces, in which I see the wholeness that is greater than the sum of the parts. It's the same wholeness I feel when someone is in my arms in Watsu." MEET ME AT THE POOL Watsu, although enjoying continued success around the world, has not made Dull a rich man. But it was never about the money. It was always about the work and the connection. In fact, he says from the home he rents in Berkeley with the sea breeze wafting in, he considers himself full of fortune. "I'm fortunate to be in this place." Much of his time today is spent working on the registry for the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (WABA). This database maintains all the records of Watsuers around the world, serves as a network for the water community, and lists authorized practitioners and classes. "Every day, I spend some time at the computer writing and designing books and web pages. I write a lot of code for the registry, and I respond to inquiries from Watsu instructors." After he is no longer able, Dull plans on his wife and his 28-year-old daughter Calias to run the registry. "They will take over. And in terms of Watsu and its effectiveness, it doesn't need me. I feel it's on its way." It's obvious, however, that Watsu wouldn't be, without the man, the poet, who wrote its verse. And where would he like to see his Watsu poem headed next? "I would like to see a pool on every block," he says with a smile in his voice, "where people can meet anytime … and Watsu." Karrie Osborn is senior editor for Massage & Bodywork.