Harmony opens its doors
Shepherdstown’s Harmony Healing Arts Center will open its doors to the community on the fourth weekend in September with three special events, beginning Friday, Sept. 21. From 6-6:40 p.m., co-studio owner Judy Jenner will lead a community meditation and chant for peace in observance of the International Day of Peace. Participants will meditate and chant in silence or out loud 108 OMs, a universal sound that awakes the infinite in us all. According to India’s ancient Vedic culture, which gave roots to yoga, the number 108 reflects the wholeness of existence. The event is free and chairs or floor cushions will be provided for seating.
On Saturday, Sept. 22, Harmony will host its first-ever Open House, from noon to 4 p.m. There will be many varied activities, some going on simultaneously in the studio and back rooms. All are geared toward showing the community what Harmony Center is about-yoga, massage, tai chi, and many other related healing arts.
Sept. 22 also marks the autumnal equinox, so festivities of the Open House will begin at noon with a 30- to 40-minute “singing bowl” concert by Ann Craig to usher in the new season. The Open House will showcase artwork by 12 area residents. The theme of the art show is “harmony”-reflecting the peace of the center and the transition of summer into fall. Many works will be for sale (cash or checks only to the artist!).
All Harmony practitioners will be on hand to describe and/or demonstrate what they do. Throughout the afternoon, in the back rooms, there will be sign-up sheets to partake of the following donation-only mini-sessions: upper body massage and reflexology by Gena Rockwell; craniosacral therapy and massage by Aldene Etter; tarot readings and energy balancing with stones by Melanie Climis; and intuitive readings with Ann Craig. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be offered.
Finally, the studio will be open to all on Sunday, Sept. 23, from noon to 3 p.m. for anyone wanting to view the local artists’ displays, if they missed them on Saturday.
Harmony owner Judy Jenner and Terry Lindsay are hoping for a big turn out for the Open House weekend events. Lindsay said, “Come help us celebrate peace and Harmony.” The studio is located at 211 East New Street in Shepherdstown. Visit Harmony’s website at www.harmonyhealingarts.org or call 304-582-0179 for more details.