CHANNEL MARKERS
Zen
and the Great Outdoors
The Meditation Room offers yoga and meditation on two-acre property It seems as though now more than ever, everyone could use some meditation in their lives—a practice that grounds you in the present moment. The Meditation Room has been around since 2016 but expanded from a tiny one room studio to a two-acre property in 2020, allowing for a true retreat-like experience that simply wasn’t attainable before. Owner and instructor, Jessica Bowles, initially opened The Meditation Room over five years ago. While the Lake Norman area hosted several yoga studios, she planned to set her practice apart by focusing on more than just postures. Even though they offer yoga, they’re so much more than just a yoga studio. After attending several yoga retreats over the years, Bowles had the dream of a large piece of land where she could offer the same type of inclusive experience. The property was secured in 2020—a former garden center that provided an old house on a gorgeous property. Opening during the height of the pandemic didn’t halt the business from moving forward. Bowles used their new land to her advantage, hosting socially distanced yoga and meditation classes predominately outside until late October, when the weather became uncooperative.
by Lara Tumer photography by Megan McFadden
Her dream came to fruition, allowing students to “connect with the elements around them as they connect with the elements within them.” Beginning this month, classes will resume outside with an offering of meditation and yoga—both the study and practice. Classes in Astrology and Ayurveda will also be on the calendar. A large outdoor fire pit allows for moon gatherings on the new moon and full moon, something truly special and unique. Day retreats and series classes lasting several weeks are also being offered, allowing for more than a short drop-in class. Participants can also sip on delicious loose-leaf tea before or after practicing or take it to go. In addition to Bowles, The Meditation Room has a number of specially trained instructors who each bring something distinctive to the table. While all are trained in meditation, they each bring something unique to their practice whether that be knowledge in astrology, yoga, art, and more. “Each has a passion to share these practices have changed their life in so many ways.” The Meditation Room 16024 Davidson-Concord Road, Davidson www.themeditationroom.org
www.LNCurrents.com | APRIL 2021
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