The dream is still becoming
It started on paper. Then she built it. Now she dreams bigger: a warm-water sanctuary where people can slow down, feel safe, and reconnect.
From a drawing to a pool to a vision
Made of Water. Filled with Hope.
- 1It started on paper
I have been drawing this place for years. Before I had the space, the resources, or any idea how it would happen, I could see pieces of it.
- 2Then she built it · Flagstaff, 2012–2016A small version of the dream in her own garage: a warm saltwater pool that became the first Waves of Hope. People came. They floated. They moved. They received. They rested. They connected.
- 3The sanctuary came down
That sanctuary eventually came down, but the vision never left me.
- 4Today, she is dreaming biggerAn Aquatic Healing Retreat Center centered around warm water: aquatic bodywork, movement, massage, quiet, nature, community and connection.
“I want to be able to provide for those who are not able to provide for themselves.”Amal Lana
A place where healing moves like water
Warm water
A therapy pool and an exercise pool for aquatic bodywork, movement and the simple medicine of being held.
Touch & rest
Massage studios, quiet spaces and nature: room to slow down, feel safe, and reconnect.
Open to all
A place open to everyone, whatever they can afford, where those who have plenty help make room for those who have less.
The swimmers
What the first Waves of Hope, and years of classes in warm water, have meant to the people in it.
The water meets me gently. The water challenges me lovingly. Now it’s not a habit. It’s a lifeline.Ruth · in the water 15+ years
In the water, I felt supported. Not just emotionally. Not just mentally. Literally—physically supported.E.S. · 3 years in the water
What started as a recovery became a renewal.M.B. · 5 years in the water
Water aerobics brought sanity, tranquility, and fitness back into my life.Nellie · in the water since 2008
The water and the camaraderie are just as therapeutic as the exercises themselves.Pat · longtime class member
There’s something about the water—so soothing, so supportive—that frees me.J.L.A. · retired registered nurse
Water has become my sanctuary. My support. My joy.Denise S. · almost 7 years in the water
Three ways to help it become
Every person adds a drop. Together, they create waves of hope.
Read the book
Surrender to Self carries the story that led here. Every copy helps build Waves of Hope.
Get the book ↗Share a photo
Add a photograph of water you love to the Drops of Hope wall, with your name on it.
Add your drop
The Deep Current
Amal Lana’s free Substack channel, following the Water Year: passages, readings, practices and questions, whenever they’re ready.
Follow The Deep Current