Soul Purpose Network

Horrible. Rude, unprofessional. Very hidden location. I’m surprised she’s still in business. I can see this place being shut down. Pick a different career move.

I called looking for massage but was told by Christel –emphasis on «EL» (don’t call her «Chris» even though she introduces herself that way in many of her videos) does not massage men, period. Went to her website and knowing I was long overdue for one on one yoga instruction for my chronic pain., since going to a class was not direct enough for my specific physical issues. I also liked the idea of doing mind/​body centering/​meditation instruction to further help me with this pain and grief over my Mother’s recent death.
The first few sessions were good, though nothing was written down so I could not do many of the poses at home, other than a few that she had instructional videos for. She emphasised that the goal was mind/​body centering, but I really wanted more that I could take home to work on. Still I was willing to continue and let her call the shots.
Until the bad stuff: I was accused of making excuses when I had expressed dismay at the prospect of how hard it would be to correct some long ingrained postural habits, especially involving how I was holding, therefore, playing my guitar, something I use and do for a living. When you come to a healer, the last thing you expect to hear is negative judgement, this kind of talk has no place and is hurtful; this is what a 12 step sponsor or your mother might say, not a trusted healer who ends all her emails «with love» .
The negativity seemed to continue with my last few sessions with an overall lack of warmth, including this statement repeated more than a few times: «You have a reverse cervical curve». She was very sure of this and said the Orthopedist would definitely agree. I happened to have an appt with a NECK specialist coming up quickly. Dr. Chang at Muir Orthopedic took a full set of x-​rays and we looked carefully — NO reverse curve– AT ALL. Some flattening in the neck was recognized and he said it was important for me to continue my corrective postural work to KEEP my curve and prevent myself from ending up possibly hunched over in later years. But there was no such talk of imminent danger per Christel who I supposed thought she had an MD at the end of her name. My last appt she made a negative comment on my posture as soon as I walked in.
Good luck to those who want tough love as a way to heal. A healer needs to focus only on what to do to help and leave the judgements out. When you come to trust someone with your self esteem and your heart is broken with grief, and your body is in pain, you simply need warmth and instruction, a human connection.
Finally she said if I wanted to communicate with her I had to sign up for paid coaching sessions. Her email system for scheduling is automated.
She said she no longer communicates with clients between sessions. All in all a very cold vibe. Could it be a negative thing with men only? Who knows… all her videos are directed at women. Anyway, I am generous to give her 2 stars– for getting me started on this correct path, and making me realize I need to go to someone with the compassion one expects.

Absolutely amazing bodywork! I’m a massage therapist myself and require regular bodywork to practice. I come regularly all the way from Oakland for Christel’s healing. I’m still feeling the benefits of the deep psoas work she did. She’s really helped me manage my low back pain and also get to some of the emotional roots of my pain.

Christel is one of the most talented, kind, caring, compassionate, soulful, loving people I know. She is a wonderful yoga teacher and healer. She can calm you with a great massage session and always has something new to teach you in terms of yoga and also life coaching. Thank you so much, Christel! I wouldn’t be where I am now without your help!!! She never ceases to amaze me, always surprising me with a talent or interest I didn’t know she had.

Chris is the most authentic, heart centered and open massage/​healer i have ever met. She is an incredibly gifted energy healer, yoga master and powerful woman. I have had the pleasure of working with Christel in several different modalities, all providing me an incredibly relaxing and healing experience. She has unlocked blocks within myself I didn’t even know I had & I’m sure I passed an important exam only because of the coaching and guiding she provided. I cant recommend her enough, in whatever capacity you are lucky enough to have her for. As a business woman myself, she has been monumental in me recognizing areas that need work in order to take my business and myself to the next level.

Chris not only gives amazing massage that allows total relaxation, I call it going to space, but she also teaches long-​term solutions allowing me to control if I’m in pain or not. When I started going to Mindful Living Arts I was looking for a great deep tissue massage as I was in horrible pain from multiple traumatic injuries. What I’ve ended up with is an amazing friend that’s guiding me to a pain-​free life. I’m so thankful for you Chris. After over a year of treatment from other professionals, working with you is a true breath of fresh air. Thank goodness for you and Mindful Living Arts Chris.

Chris is wonderful!
My 90 minute massage was amazing!
Chris’s studio is quiet and warm.
I would definitely come back, and if I win the lottery, I will be scheduling weekly massages. :)

If coming for a massage (like me) you can count on Chris to give you a great one — and leave you feeling loose, refreshed (all around great) and even educated with tools and simple practices to keep you feeling super good and yogi-​licious when you’re not so lucky to be in there getting expertly massaged. She knows her stuff, is kind and thorough. I can’t think of anything more you need than that when lying in a peaceful spot, on a comfy soft table, with warm blankets atop you, and being rubbed down with pleasant sounds drifting over you. sigh.

My semi-​private yoga sessions with Chris have been phenomenal. I highly recommend her for everyone regardless of experience level.
I always learn something new and leave the studio with renewed clarity and mindfulness.

I started doing Body Work and Yoga class with Chris shortly after she opened Mindful Living Arts in 2009. I think she is absolutely fabulous! She teaches Anusara yoga though in a way to support the unique needs of each student. The body work I have done with her has returned the full range movement of my neck (something that I have not had for over 20 years previously.) By the way, her massages are great, too. I never leave the studio without feeling both mentally and physically better than when I walked in.
Sandy K

I’ve spent many years searching for the best body workers, healers, and massage therapists, and have had amazing experiences with excellent people from Massachusetts to Los Angeles to the Bay Area. Chris at Mindful Living Arts is one of the best I’ve ever experienced. She is both highly skilled at all aspects of body work, including therapeutic alignment work combined with massage, and also just great at finding the deeper meaning that keeps us from healing, and connecting to insight that can enable transformation. If you just want a really great massage, then I recommend you check Chris out. If you want to transform your life, then equally I recommend Chris. She is the best.

Chris is an amazing, intuitive, and skilled massage therapist. I’ve gotten my fair share of massages from many different practitioners and she’s one of the best! I see her regularly to maintain my health, keep my muscles relaxed, and to keep me in tune with my body.
Ahhh — I can’t wait till my next massage!

If you’re looking for a great massage, Chris can certainly do that. But, if you’re seeking more — a true healing experience — you’ll get it. I’ve had more than my share of bodywork over the years in multiple modalities, and Chris is definitely extremely experienced and gifted.
You will walk away not only feeling better, but with increased body awareness. Well worth the drive to Walnut Creek.

I second Patrick’s review. Chris gives a massage that keeps your ultimate health in mind. She is truly a healer! The studio feels private and peaceful. Truly mindful healing massage. Easy parking. I give it my highest marks! Thank you, Chris.

I just had the most therapeutic massage of my life. It was much better than a typical relaxation-​type massage. It felt more like a realignment of my spine! Chris Arcucci from Mindful Living Arts is more of a healer than a massage therapist.
About three hours ago, I would’ve said that a massage is a massage is a massage. Not so. Some things were the same: nice music, warm ambiance and a comfortable massage table. But that’s where the similarities ended.
I’m no expert on massage but this one just felt different. It left me with a true feeling of relief and calmness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out (the way I was) or even have some physical pain, I bet a massage from Chris Arcucci would improve the situation.
I have to say as well that the building had plenty of parking, a nice change from the studios on busy Walnut Creek and Lafayette shopping streets.
All in all, I couldn’t ask for anything more. It was great and definitely deserves 5 stars. Thank you, Chris.