Behind an ordinary office door tucked inside Victory Medical Lounge sits a haven for those seeking trauma-informed bodywork and holistic healing. 

Sol Solace Studio, a wellness practice in West Lake Hills, offers clients massage therapy that draws upon Mesoamerican healing practices to address both physical pain and emotional well-being. 

Meet the owner: Owner Monica Castillo has several years of experience as a licensed massage therapist specializing in deep tissue and pain management.

During her pregnancy, Monica said her intuitive awareness deepened, prompting her to explore trauma-informed bodywork—the ways emotional experiences can manifest physically. She sought out additional training and began learning from teachers rooted in Mesoamerican indigenous healing practices that align with her ancestry.

“I started seeing stories that they had stored in their body. ... I started learning that I could no longer just do the physical massage,” Monica said. “The only way I found that I could really help people was merging both.”

Looking for ways to ring in the new year? Check out these events happening in the Austin area, including family friendly events and outings for adults age 21 and older.

This list is not comprehensive, and all events are subject to change. 

Lakeway Polar Bear Plunge
Community members are invited to end the year with a trip down the water slide at Lakeway Swim Center. After a dip in the pool, attendees can hang out and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.

• Dec. 31, 9-10 a.m.
• Free
• 3103 Lakeway Blvd., Austin

• Dec. 31, 8-11 p.m.
• Free
• 3519B, N. RM 620, Austin

A burn ban for the incorporated areas of Travis County—areas outside of any specific city—was put into effect on Dec. 29. It will remain in effect until Jan. 6 unless lifted sooner by the Travis County Judge or the Travis County Fire Marshal, according to a news release.

Latest update: Due to fluctuations in temperature, including near-freezing temperatures as well as record-breaking heat for December, the burn ban is in place as a safety measure. Low temperatures also cause freeze-cured grass, which loses its moisture, making it susceptible to burn, according to the release.

The details: The ban applies to outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of Travis County, but does not include prescribed burns, outdoor welding, cutting, grinding, or other hot work operations when conducted in accordance with the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office guidelines.

Also of note: Travis County officials also urge residents to not shoot off fireworks at home during the upcoming New Year’s Eve holiday on Dec. 31 into Jan. 1. 

Approximately three dozen new Texas laws are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, impacting how artificial intelligence is used in state government, when local officials can raise taxes after natural disasters and how much of businesses' inventory is taxed.

The background: The changes come after Texas’s biennial legislative session ended in early June. Gov. Greg Abbott signed over 1,100 laws passed by state lawmakers, many of which took effect in June or September.

The details: Some of the bills becoming law in the new year are:

• House Bill 9, which will expand a tax exemption for business owners
• House Bill 30, which will tighten regulations on counties' and cities' abilities to raise tax rates after natural disasters
• House Bill 149, which will regulate the fast-growing AI industry
• House Bill 247, which will exempt certain border security infrastructure from property tax increases
• House Bill 1399, which will create a property tax exemption for stores selling animal feed
• House Bill 2508, which will establish a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of certain military members