Monday Mood: A soothing sense of calm
After a restful sleep, a moment of morning prayer, and the quiet comfort of settling into our apartment, my husband and I turned our attention to the neatly arranged clinic folder resting on the antique bureau. Inside were forms to sign, essential details about the logistics of my stay, and a structured agenda for our very first day.
As we stepped outside toward the treatment center, I couldn’t help but pause, taking in the breathtaking scenery that surrounded us. The towering trees, the crisp, invigorating air, the endless green of the woods, and the soothing melody of birdsong—it all felt like a gentle embrace, as if nature itself was welcoming me. Just beyond the path, a small pond shimmered in the morning light, its surface dotted with delicate floating water lilies, their quiet beauty adding to the serene atmosphere.
The morning began with a circle meeting—a gathering of new patients, their spouses, and the dedicated team who would walk with us through this healing journey. There was an undeniable sense of support in the room, a quiet understanding that we were all here for something profound.
A soothing sense of calm settled over me, filling every inch of my being. Gratitude swelled in my heart, and in that moment, all I could do was whisper, Alhamdulillah—all praise to Allah.
Dr. Henning Saupe personally welcomed us, offering an introduction to his clinic’s ethos and objectives. His calm presence seamlessly blended with the already serene atmosphere, setting the tone for what lay ahead.
One by one, each patient shared their reason for being there, their hopes for healing, and their short-term goal for the first week. When my turn came, I felt a deep sense of contentment—but also a wave of emotion. With teary eyes, I spoke honestly about my journey. Spiritually, I had surrendered to whatever was to come—by having Tawakkul, the deep conviction that Allah’s plan is always perfect and that surrendering to Him brings peace.
But physically, I hadn’t yet let go.
My first goal was clear: to fully embrace the treatment and allow myself to disconnect—from technology, from the outside world, from everything except my darling husband and sons.
Monday unfolded gently, setting the tone for a relaxed and steady start. After touring the facility and meeting the nurses and back-office staff, I completed my blood labs, including live blood analysis with dark field microscopy, followed by an ECG. The day also introduced me to some of the equipment available for use beyond treatment sessions—learning how to operate the PEMF devices, the Osflow vibration platform, and the hydrogen inhalation therapy machine. With each demonstration, I gained a deeper appreciation for the tools designed to support my healing journey.
And what a perfect way to end the day—a soothing liver poultice followed by a holistic massage, bringing a sense of relaxation and restoration. The gentleness of the nurses, the expansive windows framing lush forests, and the ever-present melody of birdsong all wove together to create an atmosphere of serenity. The skilled, expressive hands of the masseuse added another layer to the experience, each touch bringing a sensory delight that made the holistic approach come alive, setting the stage for what was to come.
At Arcadia, every patient is seen as an individual. My treatment plan wasn’t just a standard protocol—it was crafted specifically for me, designed to evolve and adjust weekly based on my blood labs and progress, ensuring that every step aligns with my body’s needs. I retrieved my Tuesday schedule from my personalized drawer in the nurses’ area, and as I scanned the itinerary, it became clear—Tuesday was the day things were about to get very real.