Grounding in Wellness: Caring for the Body and the Earth This Earth Day
At Firefly Spa, we believe that caring for yourself and caring for the planet are beautifully intertwined. This Earth Day, we’re honored to share the story of Maria, a former Firefly massage therapist who spent over two years supporting our clients’ wellness journeys. Today, she’s healing the earth in a new way: through art, environmental advocacy, and community connection.
From the Massage Table to Environmental Advocacy
“When I was little, my older sister would pay me a quarter to massage her shoulders,” Maria recalls. “Even back then, a quarter was not worth much, but I would massage her shoulders anyway because it meant it was time for us to tell each other about our day.”
What began as a sweet sibling tradition grew into a lifelong passion for healing. Maria took a gap year from college to attend massage school in Costa Rica, where her outdoor classroom deepened her connection to nature. “The education was very holistic and leaned heavily into yoga, meditation, and nutrition,” she says. “I came to feel that out of all the many issues that plague our world today, perhaps protecting our environment was something that could unite us all.”
This belief eventually inspired her to co-found a nonprofit called Endangered Concepts.
Turning Plastic Waste into Public Art
Maria explains, “My nonprofit collects non-recyclable soft plastics such as bags, films, and packaging. We use this plastic waste as the interior of sculptures of endangered species.”
These thought-provoking public art pieces are paired with informative plaques and QR codes that lead viewers to contribute directly to conservation efforts. The project began with a kitchen conversation and evolved into their first sculpture: a Sage Grouse made from compressed plastic waste.
“With my mindfulness about plastic waste and my husband’s creativity to keep it out of the environment, Endangered Concepts was born.”
Grounding Ourselves, Healing the Earth
Maria’s connection to nature influences every part of her life—including her wellness routines. “My diet is a direct reflection of my connection to nature,” she says, noting her whole food, plant-based choices. “These positive environmental choices also benefit my overall health and wellbeing.”
She grounds herself daily through walking, biking, yoga, and meditation. “These all help me to slow down and to notice nature all around me.”
Massage therapy also remains close to her heart. “Self-care must come first before we can do the hard work of caring for the planet,” Maria reminds us. “Getting a massage is not a luxury, but a part of preventative healthcare.”
Small Acts, Big Impact
Maria offers simple ways anyone can align personal wellness with environmental care: “Try walking or biking instead of driving when possible. If you’re a big meat eater, try meatless Mondays or a meat alternative. Start noticing where the majority of your plastic is coming from and see if you can limit it.”
She also encourages mindfulness as a tool for more sustainable living: “When we activate the parasympathetic nervous system we have the ability to slow down and make healthier, more sustainable choices.”
To learn more about Endangered Concepts and support their cause, visit the website here.
This Earth Day, consider what grounds you. Whether it’s a walk in nature, a plant-based meal, or a visit to Firefly Spa for a grounding massage, remember that your well-being and the planet’s health are beautifully connected.
