The Architecture of the Soul and Space: A Few of My Greatest Holistic Inspirations

At Metta Yoga and Massage, we often talk about "Metta" (loving-kindness) and the balance between our inner selves and the world around us. Today, I want to share two men whose life’s work influences my approach to wellness, presence, and the way I hold space for you. Though one worked with the mind and the other with the earth, both Carl Rogers and César Manrique held a holistic view of humanity and the environment and taught us how to live in harmony with ourselves and the world.

Carl Rogers (1902-1987)

Carl Rogers: The Art of Being Seen

In my massage and yoga practice, I believe that healing begins when you feel safe, heard, and understood. This is the core of Person-Centred Theory, pioneered by Carl Rogers.

As one of the most eminent psychologists of the 20th century, Rogers revolutionised how we interact. His seminal works, like On Becoming a Person, shifted the focus from "fixing" people to simply being with them.

Why he inspires my work:

• Unconditional Positive Regard: Rogers believed in accepting a person exactly as they are. When you step onto your mat or lie on the massage table, my goal is to provide that same non-judgmental space.

• Empathy as a Tool: He showed us that "being heard" is a powerful catalyst for change.

• A Legacy of Peace: His nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 reminds us that the work we do on ourselves internally ripples outward into world peace.

César Manrique: Harmony with the Earth

If Rogers provides the blueprint for the soul, César Manrique provides the blueprint for our environment. A Spanish artist, architect, landscape designer, and environmental activist, Manrique transformed the island of Lanzarote into a masterpiece of sustainable design, with nature and the man-made living in harmony, not against, above, or opposing each other in any way. He recognised that humanity and the environment are interrelated and should be respected and celebrated as such.

Cesar Manrique's Architecture

Why he inspires my work:

• Nature and Art as One: Manrique’s work fused architecture with the natural environment, such as Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes, without dominating nature. This influences Metta's philosophy to reflect on and respect the natural world, seeing it holistically as part of being human rather than separate from it.

• Sustainable Soul: Long before it was a trend, Manrique advocated for sustainability. He fought against mass tourism to protect the integrity of the land, a reminder that we must treat our bodies and our planet with the same long-term respect.

• Beauty as Healing: He believed that integrated art and nature could elevate the human spirit, seeing it as holistic.

Cesar Manrique (1919 - 1992)

The Intersection: Holistic Presence and Preservation

Why do a psychologist and an architect matter to a yoga and massage practice?

"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination."

Carl Rogers.

Whether it is Rogers’ focus on humanistic growth or Manrique’s focus on environmental integration, the lesson is the same: We are not separate from our environment or our experiences. When we practice Yoga or receive a Massage, we are doing exactly what these two men championed: we are integrating our "inner nature" with the world around us, creating a sustainable, holistic, beautiful, and compassionate way of being.

Who inspires your journey toward wellness or your life in general? Whether it’s a thinker, an artist, or a friend, acknowledging our influences helps us grow.

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