Hidden Gem
For a long time, I wanted to start practicing yoga again. This September I was burned out from my routine at the gym and also was struggling with leg pain from running 10+ miles a week. I finally mustered up the courage to fall flat on my face a few dozen times and start practicing yoga again.
I have to thank the reviewers on Yelp for helping me find Essencia. I would have never found it, in spite of driving by it nearly weekly when the Wheaton French Market is happening. This was my criteria: I didn't want some crazy hot yoga place that was going to kill me; I didn't want to compete with others - in ability or fashion; I wanted to find a place that would honor the restorative benefits of yoga; and I wanted to reap the physical as well as spiritual benefits that practicing yoga provides.
I could not have found a more perfect place than Essencia. My only hesitation in writing this review, is that more people will uncover this hidden gem, that for me is a very sacred and safe space. But I will let Jeanine deal with that!
As far as what I did, I used the unlimited week pass and by the third day I knew that I was in the right place. My instructors include: Rachel, Mary, Katie, Valerie, David, Sami, Corie, Farrah, Katari and Lisa. Rachel Rusin, was my first instructor and welcomed me like an old friend. She is a wonderful instructor, under which I grow stronger every day. I love her thoughtfulness and planning, her incorporation of feedback and her humility as a teacher, who is too a student. Second to Rachel, I practice most with Mary Rittenhouse-Howard. Mary, who without judgement, and with grace and confidence mentors me and many others. Her humor and light are omnipresent. Every instructor brings their own personality and gifts to the mat. I never walk away feeling unfulfilled. I currently practice on average six days a week at Essencia. I have a monthly membership. The schedule of classes is great and works well with my own personal and professional schedules. Physically I have never felt better. Mentally and spiritually it grounds me like nothing else. I have met Jeannine, the founder and owner several times. There is light and goodness around her. I believe that each of her instructors are an extension of Jeannine.
I am writing this, first because I am grateful. Second, because I love Essencia. And last, because Yelp led me there. As we enter the new year, and look forward as well as back, many of us will evaluate our physical and spiritual well-being. If finding a place with a diverse community, of men and women of all ages, where you will grow, then without hesitation I recommend that you do not pass Go! And check out Essencia to build yoga into your life next year.
Namaste. read more