Of all the services offered at Hairball Haven, none is as beloved as the Release Ceremony. We understand that this subject can be sensitive, so we have prepared a gentle description of the process, free from discomfort and offered at the guest’s own pace.
Preparing the space
First, a mat is unrolled in a quiet corner. The mat is white, in order to create a sense of purity, and is covered with a second mat, because Madame Voss values redundancy. A small bowl of water is placed nearby for the aftermath. A candle is lit, and then moved, and then lit again.
The build up
The guest is invited to sit and to listen to the sound of their own body. This is usually a gurgle. Pounce Delacroix, who is the lead therapist, will crouch nearby and offer a soft encouraging murmur such as “Mm” or “Here we go”. She does not look directly at the guest, as eye contact can be intrusive.
The moment
There is no precise way to describe this stage. It is a shared journey. The guest bows forward, the shoulders move in a wave, and a low and powerful noise fills the room. The staff will politely look at the ceiling. A poetic phrase is sometimes spoken, such as “Let it go”, or “That is a lot”.
Afterwards
Following the release, the guest is offered a warm towel, a sip of water and a brief moment of silence. Most guests then walk away from the mat with great dignity, as though nothing had happened, and refuse to discuss it. We respect this.
- Duration: approximately four minutes
- Cleaning time: significantly longer
- Mess level: serious but contained
- Guest satisfaction: high, with a note of embarrassment
Testimonials
“It was the most freeing thing I have ever done, and I did it on a rug,” said one guest, a tortoiseshell named Marguerite. “I now feel lighter, emptier and a little proud.”
Booking
The Release Ceremony is available daily and does not need to be booked, as it generally occurs at the least convenient moment. Please see reception, or the nearest rug.
