The Bodimechanik's Journey: Deon Abdullah's Passion for Community Wellness

Guest host of “The Day With Trae” Deaunte Damper was joined last week by Deon “The Bodimechanik” Abdullah, a military veteran and licensed massage therapist at Londyn Rayne Therapy. Abdullah shared his impactful journey from serving in the Air Force to becoming a dedicated leader in community wellness, revealing that his love for the holistic medical healing field was first sparked when he became a medic in the military. This early passion eventually led him to Londyn Rayne Therapy, a venture born from his desire to serve. 

With strength and vulnerability, Abdulla touched on the complexities of finding his identity as a young Black man, husband, and father during his military service, highlighting how brotherhood and building community were crucial for his personal growth. He recounted that during his six years in the United States Air Force, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, was a huge turning point in his life. He candidly spoke about discovering parenthood and marriage in the military with his high school sweetheart and the challenges of "figuring out how to be a soldier, how to be a man, how to be a family man," while also contending “You really find yourself [in the military] through brotherhood, through building community, because that's really all you got,” he said. 

Transitioning to his life after the military, Abdulla recounted feeling unfulfilled in various corporate roles. From struggling in government, private, and nonprofit sectors, he was prompted to reconnect with his initial passion for health and wellness. He explained that the corporate world could not solve the void he felt: it was "connecting with people who were pursuing a certain thing.”

What began as a business pursuit quickly evolved into a profound calling to address health disparities, particularly within the Black community. He noted that marketing efforts, which led to pop-up events and collaborations, ultimately became more about his mission "to enhance our people." He recognized the significant economic challenges faced by Black people, cementing his resolve to pursue a cause bigger than himself.

Follow Abdullah @therealbodimechanik on Instagram for more information on his events, and tap into his free classes at Rainier Beach Community Center every Tuesday from 6:30PM-7:30PM, and at the Avalon Ballroom in Tacoma from 7PM-8PM.