If you’ve been looking forward to vacationing, but your plans have been put on hold due to the restrictions in place due to the coronavirus, you can actually vacation without having to leave your home with virtual wellness retreats. Bed Stuy’s HealHaus, the BK Yoga Club, and Black Girl in Om’s the Circle are offering their own virtual retreats this summer which include guided meditations, journaling prompts, and sound baths. Read all about what they have to offer below.
The New Paradigm with HealHaus
The Bed Stuy-based wellness center “was born out of the need for a wellness concept that reflects the collective and allows people to come as they are without any judgements or expectations,” said co-founder Elisa Shankle, who founded the organization alongside Darian Hall. In addition to virtual classes being offered daily, on May 30 HealHaus is celebrating their two year anniversary with activities all day like Yin + Zen Yoga, lessons on food that give mental clarity, “Breathe and Groove” session, mindfulness lessons, and DJ breaks.
Recess With the BK Yoga Club
Founded by Paris Alexandra and Alicia Ferguson, the pair wanted to design a space where people could feel comfortable regardless of their size and background. For just $12, they offer virtual yoga classes and on June 27 they’re hosting Recess, a one-day retreat which will have sound bowl meditations, poetry, art therapy, light yoga, intuitive movement session, etc. “This series allows you to create joy in these times of uncertainty. Let’s give ourselves permission to pour into self,” Alexandra said.
The Circle With Black Girl in Om
This members-only digital community for women of color started hosting their first five-week virtual retreat on April 25, with a different theme each week. So far the themes have included breaking the shell, setting your intention, expanding beyond limitations, etc. The second installment starts at the end of May and there’s already a waitlist. Founder Lauren Ash said The Circle is aimed at women of color “interested in investing in their healing and affirming their wholeness. Healing is the intention that propels us toward radical self-love.”
