Tanya Davis models the listening required for this healing modality. Her authentic passion for writing and listening, along with the work she has done in her own life, enables her to boldly hold the space for this healing process to take place.

It is a practice, not a performing art. When practiced regularly, the benefits reach beyond what you would consider. The compounding affect of regular writing, begins to reap benefits in substantial ways. Often we have very busy schedules as well as a fair bit of stress on our minds, and it’s not uncommon for these things to weigh on us when we actually have a few moments’ respite from non-stop responsibilities—like when we’re trying to sleep. This clearly becomes a complicating reality as lack of sleep,  alters normal functioning of attention and disrupts the ability to focus, which can lead to missteps or even tragic accidents. Releasing in our own time, through writing, can serve as a decompression of stress. When done regularly, it might ease up the on-going nagging thoughts and to-do’s, possibly inviting one to experience having contentment in the moment. This has the empowering affect of allowing us to act upon what is present before us, and ride the wave of benefits that come with living with clarity in the moment.

The more we are able to live this way, we will find that when given the appropriate prompting, we might not have to search through our ambivalence to find what we are looking for.

At Essencia Wellness Center, we have witnessed this take place during these classes, not only to individuals but also as a community. This process has been life altering, as people come in contact with parts of themselves that they don’t ordinarily feel connected with.

The positive results of these classes, along with the promising ripple affects for the individual participants, have lead us to make them available on a monthly basis.

Tanya’s literally teaching us to listen deeply, then coaching us on how to effectively respond to what we hear.  Much like Centering Prayer, it is a tool, through which we can gain new insights and perspectives on the obstacles that continue to trip us up and that stand in the way of our growth.  

We are invited to appreciate vulnerability and become more truthful with ourselves and others, particularly about the areas of ourselves that we may avoid, ignore, deny, even fear. We are kindly guided, in a dis-arming way and without judgement.

She uses this gift to help connect people to one another in a more transparent way. It is an offering she brings with her as she leads inner-city teen girls through a program called “Purpose by Design.”

We witness transformation right before our eyes, in a matter of an hour or two, where space is created and change is set into motion!  Please come with a favorite pen and paper or use what we have in house, and see how this gift enhances your world.

As recipients of these gifts we appreciated the size and wrapping of these precious candles and loved supporting our artist of the month. 

Heather Maynard is a local artist and resident of Wheaton, IL. She works in acrylics, mixed media and encaustics. She loves to develop rich color and textures in her work. She is inspired by nature around her and by her own inner landscape and spirituality. Her most recent work is a reflection on the idea of boundaries and barriers, perceived or real. Sometimes boundaries are for our own good and safety. Other times we need to stretch ourselves and push beyond a boundary or barrier in order to grow. When Heather is not painting you might find her on a walk with her husband and two beautiful daughters, in yoga class here at Essencia, or curled up on her couch with a cup of tea.

Jamie Koplin has lived her whole life in the Chicago area, and has always been drawn to fine arts and crafting things with her own two hands.  Her art is much inspired by nature, travel, different cultures, science, math, and stories.

“I’ve always loved drawing, painting, and photography. I’ve always wanted to master watercolors, and failed each time I tried over the past decade. Nothing I painted before this year ever made it to the refrigerator door. Everything was tossed immediately after “finishing” (usually with other garbage placed on top of it to prevent anyone from even getting a glimpse of it)! Only after I made a resolution to be more mindful, practice a little discipline, and schedule time every day to paint, did something click. All of a sudden, it started coming together. The problem was that I was a control wizard. I needed to be able to try to control every aspect of my art, composition, and colors.  With watercolor, you have to learn to let go of that. Water keeps moving, and colors bleed organically into one another - it’s just something I had to accept and work with - not against.  Once I did, my art started to just flow together. It’s very calming, but also exciting because I can’t ever fully visualize what’s going to happen ahead of time. It’s living in the moment. It’s mindful practice. It’s me allowing myself to be myself in the moment without worrying what anyone else will think or say or do. It’s a meditation, and I’m absolutely in love with it.”