The Spirit of Sacred Well

One of the better kept secrets here in Falls Church is the Sacred Well Yoga Studio and Healing Center

Now in its fourth year the Studio and Healing Center is enjoying the fruits of hard labor. With classes usually filling to capacity in the first week of each semester, students have developed a sense of community that when you first join you get swept into. Frances Stahnke, director and owner, had a vision of the studio prior to its opening in 2000. "I saw it as an opportunity to do what I love close to home, in the community I so enjoy."

Having begun her training in yoga at the age of 15, she has seen how yoga has gone from being something you did with your teacher one on one and very rarely told anyone about, to the yoga trend that is happening today.

"This ancient science can benefit anyone at any age, of course the sooner we get to the mat the better but it is never too late," says Stahnke laughing. At the Sacred Well Yoga Studio yoga is offered at various levels, Gentle Yoga for the older adult and those with physical challenges, Yoga for Kids, Prenatal Yoga and Hatha Yoga from beginners to advanced. "I am a stickler for proper alignment and the use of the breath in the poses, for through this process comes a deeper awareness and understanding of the body and mind. This is the beginning of how yoga can transform your view of yourself and the condition of your body. Many feel that yoga helps to reduce their stress level, lift depression and develop a stronger sense of self. "

There are various lineages of yoga that have been passed down over time, at Sacred Well the classes are a blend of Viniyoga, Anusara, and Iyengar styles.

"I offer a style of yoga that has worked to heal and strengthen my body, mind and spirit. My intention and hope is that it helps others as well. ", says Stahnke.

A current schedule of the classes offered at Sacred Well ise available online at http://swys.net.