I would often see Deward and thanked him for the tub - he always downplayed his contribution (it's only water, he'd say). I started making our interactions more curious and open, and always asked how he was doing. Recently, he'd told me he felt like old age was really catching up to him, especially now that nights soaks were no longer an option - he'd made a rule - women only between 9pm and 6am and that he couldn't have double standards! "But we want you to live a long life!" I responded. A true example in ethics and generosity. 

I was always so full of gratitude for this incredibly healing space and the spontaneity it offered. I knew it could be gone and no longer available anytime, but as a frequent soaker (I only live about 5 min drive away) I am missing it greatly. a reminder of the universal law of impermanence we deal with.

As for Deward, we are left with the sense of possibility that something like essex is possible. True generosity with no strings attached bringing so much healing to the community. May we all shine our lights in our corners to create a better world.

Rest in peace Deward eternally grateful to have been a part of the magic that was Essex.

I was happy to see my gift to the space was placed in the garden. Ganesha was in my living room and asked to be moved there.

I was so sacred of getting in trouble but not I'm glad I have a couple personal photos of my favorite healing space ever.

One sad and lonely Thanksgiving in Berkeley, my friend Hayley suddenly appeared and dragged me off to Essex Street.  Deward!  Where have you been all my life!  And I've showed up there every Sunday since -- why wait for Thanksgiving.

For the past many years, Deward has turned almost every Sunday evening into a beautiful day of Thanksgiving!

I visited Essex a few times a week, usually in the early morning just before sunrise. I was often there alone, or with another regular tub devotee who practiced tai chi during their soak time. Sometimes as I was leaving I would catch Deward having his first of two morning cappucinos. We would talk about coffee and the weather, sometimes the state of the world, or the way he would sequence numbers for the code to the tub. A few times I tried to thank him for the amazing gift of the tub...which would elicit a silent acknowledgment from Deward, basically ending the conversation. I learned that the best way to express my gratitude was to respectfully attend, and express my gratitude to the trees, the very hot water, the cats, and the sage bundles at the entry way. Thank you Deward, for your years of humble service and profound water medicine offering. 

Essex Hot Tub: Deward's extra hot tub and the beautiful spiritual space he created made my 50+ visits the past 6 years some of the most wonderful experiences in my life. I only met Deward 4 or 5 times, mostly silently in the tub. When my code was discontinued I knocked on his front door to get a new one and he invited me in. We had shared lengthy emails when his space encountered problems so he knew who I was. Both hippies and both had black cats. I loved his cats coming to me on the wood platforms including the few times I brought my boyfriend. Deward talked at length about philosophy, spirituality, Eastern beliefs and his love of numbers and nature. His aura enveloped me and lasted for days. He was a singular unusual eclectic elevated soul. I thanked him for sharing his tub and yard with so many. His presence is so missed but feel his vibration will live on with all the positive memories he created for so many.

The Essex Hot Tub was key to my surviving the challenges of the last few years when I was first introduced to it by a friend. I faithfully went twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays, and often thought of it as a "watering hole," as creatures of all shapes, sizes and colors were drawn to life-giving waters. More than once I said to myself, "I don't know this guy, but if he does nothing else with his life, he has made a tremendous contribution to this world." RIP Deward. I didn't know you, but I love you!

You will always be a man of Shaw