Meet Your Neighbor: Karol Paul

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When we see you at Southern Gables Neighborhood Night Out this evening, chances are you’ll be visiting with neighbors, meeting a new friend, or enjoying a cup of Magill’s Ice Cream. BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE! You could be trying out something entirely new and different – experiencing an introduction to Reflexology. Karol Paul, our Reflexologist neighbor, will be demonstrating her esoteric art by offering information and free sessions. 

I first met Karol on the recommendation of a neighbor who has used her healing services and recommended her highly. I was intrigued of course, and excited when she decided to join us as a Selected Business Supporter. She actually lives in the neighborhood and operates her service here. We met the other day at Prince’s Cultivar Café. Interview by Bruce McDonald. 

Bruce: Well Karol, you told me you’re originally from Canada, so let’s start with the question of what brought you to our little piece of Colorado.

Karol: Choosing Colorado was easy! It’s Colorado! Skiing! All that healthy outdoor lifestyle, great climate, great people… who wouldn’t love all that? My husband Eric and I were living in West LA, near Santa Monica, and that was great for a while but when we started thinking of having a family we realized it was a little crowded, frantic… not what we wanted.

That’s easy to understand, but there are lots of places that aren’t LA. Was it a work choice to come to Colorado?  When I moved from Saskatchewan it was a work choice. As a teenager i worked in restaurants, then became a bartender when I was old enough. I have also been a hairdresser and a nurse. All of those professions have something in common in that you talk with people, really listen to them, and develop deep personal connections. That’s still with me now. I tried some marketing work, and chased a business opportunity down to Southern California, and that’s where I met Eric. I was working for his mother, and one day he walked in the front door and I knew right away, “He’s the one.” That feeling of chills, you know it? Lucky if you do. When we started thinking about starting a family, we heard Colorado calling. Skiing, international sports, hiking, biking, mountains.

OK, that’s Colorado all right! Now why Lakewood?  Well, it had to be near a big city for all the conveniences, but not in one. It had to have good schools. Near the mountains and outdoor activities. A friend of Eric’s, who happened to be the brother of Johnny of Johnny’s New York Pizza, showed him around. Looking at homes, driving on Woodard and passing Green Gables Elementary, Eric got that feeling, like “this is the place.” That feeling, you know, the chills. The perfect neighborhood. That was 2007. 

The perfect neighborhood! we agree there. What are some favorite memories with your neighbors?  So many great things! Once we found the house, we started having some work done on it and while I was still working in California Eric would come out and supervise the work. All the neighbors were so friendly and welcoming then, even before we moved in. That made a big impression. And when we moved in, the neighbor on the west brought ice cream cakes from Magill’s, and from across the street they brought flowers. A favorite neighbor thing has been bike riding on the Bear Creek Trail, the whole length of it on a regular basis, with my 86-year-old neighbor as a biking buddy.  

Now about this Reflexology business – what should we know about that?  You had an informational flyer and “first time special” in our green Tote Bags so all our neighbors have that, but what would you like to tell us here about it?  

The name comes from the “reflex points” on the feet, hands, ears, and face. They act as a mirrored image of the body. I apply specific pressure in these areas depending on what is needed. It calms the nervous system, increases circulation and encourages the release of toxins. It relieves congestion, pain, and fluid buildup. 

So it sounds like Reflexology can treat just about anything?  No, no, not anything, but a lot of things. The common factor is stress. When the body gives signals of stress you can ignore it, and it will get worse, or you can take action to address the cause. This applies to a wide variety of conditions, for example digestion, arthritis, neuropathy, plantar fasciitis. Even something like a broken hip can be helped to heal faster with the use of certain reflex points that increase circulation. There are even protocols for mental pain as well as physical pain. 

I see on your flyer there is a long list showing “WHAT IT HELPS.” We have that in the Tote Bags, and I expect you’ll have that kind of information at your booth tonight, for Neighborhood Night Out. 

You bet! And I will be giving free demonstration sessions. 

Winding up our conversation, I asked Karol for any closing thoughts or a favorite quote along the lines of advice. She thought for a moment and then answered, “Where your intention goes, energy flows.”

Karol anticipated my closing question, so I didn’t have to even ask, “Anything else we should know?  “It’s so important to be aware of ourselves and our surroundings, centering ourselves with our intention to be able to help others. Seeing people smile makes my day.” 

Made mine too.

To make a Reflexology appointment with Karol you can call or text her at 303-437-8502, or email Karolreflexology@gmail.com.

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