Pura Vida BodyMind
HELPING BRING CALM INTO YOUR LIFE
"Paired with McKenzie's masterful technique, her calming energy allows an excellent space for full body and mind rejuvenation. Whether I am looking for relief from everyday stress or need some more aggressive bodywork done, she is attentive to the details my body needs. Her flexible schedule and ability to work around my hectic life means I can keep up with myself!" Merritt R.
WHY PURA VIDA?
Pura Vida, literally translated, means Pure Life. Contextually, it means "Full of Life, Purified life, or This is living!" It is used as a greeting, a farewell, and to express satisfaction.
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Costa Ricans use the phrase to express a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, good spirits, enjoying life slowly, celebrating good fortune, whether small or large.
Pura Vida is an acknowledgment of the Costa Rican attitude towards life.
ABOUT
Mckenzie Merges started her wellness journey in 2012 when she attended the Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy. This experience changed her life in many ways. The Costa Rican way of life is infectious. It teaches you to slow down and appreciate life while also valuing health, wellness, and community. Mckenzie wanted to include these values in her business, which is why, when she opened her business in 2017, she named it Pura Vida Massage Therapy.
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After three years running a busy practice, Mckenzie realized she wanted to help her clients on a deeper level. This is when she found the BodyMind Coaching Program. This program not only transformed her business, it transformed her as well. During her training she learned to prioritize rest, happiness, and self-acceptance.
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After completing the program in 2021 she changed the business name to Pura Vida BodyMind to better reflect the whole scope of the practice.
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Mckenzie is Board Certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. Board Certification is the highest voluntary credential attainable in the massage therapy profession with a distinct level of achievement beyond entry-level licensure. She also likes to stay up to date on changes within the massage field so she continues to expand her knowledge through continuing education on a regular basis.
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With over a decade of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist and her training as a BodyMind Method Coach, she provides clients with tools to help them understand the connection between the body and the mind. With this knowledge they are able to function in a more authentic way which helps them to reduce stress and tension. Not only can this reduce physical pain, but it can improve confidence, stamina, and wellbeing. With these tools and this knowledge, clients are better prepared to meet the stresses of everyday life.
"Working with Mckenzie has literally changed my life. I started off doing monthly BodyMind Coaching Sessions with massage. After a few mentally tough months, I decided to work with Mckenzie every other week in a 3 month coaching program. Weekly, I was mindfully challenged to question my actions, values, and thoughts to reframe my thinking and understand my true core values. I truly feel like my life could not be in a positive upswing without Mckenzie’s help. She not only continually challenges me to think from other perspectives but is also a great cheerleader and helped bring things back to reality for me. The changes in my life are not only noticeable by me, but by my friends and family. I am able to better handle my anxiety, future goals, and most importantly, I am finally able to set boundaries with the people in my life. Thanks Mckenzie for changing my life!" Marissa M.