QiGong Community Workshop

Join Theda and Charlessa from Wellness Essentials for a community workshop featuring QiGong on the Great Lawn. Experience a world of flowing movements, synchronized breath, and profound relaxation. All are welcomed to attend this free event – no experience needed. Wear comfortable clothing & footwear (barefoot is acceptable, too)

Join us to cultivate inner strength, balance and peace in this introductory class of qigong. Learn and practice this ancient wellness system that has modern uses in everyday life. This workshop will focus on unlocking vitality, harmony, and serenity.

Throughout the hour and a half, activate your body, mind and spirit to gain more vitality and wellbeing. Learn the 9 Phases of Qi Cultivation and Mastery that have helped countless people handle the stressors of daily living and navigate significant personal challenges. The fifty years of collective training experience from Wellness Essentials will guide and support you through the practices in each phase.

 

Date: Saturday, August 1 at 10 – 11:30 am

Location: The Great Lawn

Cost: Free

https://www.thedaandcharlessawe.com/

 

About the instructors:

Charlessa Thatcher

Charlessa Thatcher, LMSW, is a Tai Chi Easy™ Senior Trainer through the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi, and a certified Holden Qigong Instructor, Kripalu Yoga Teacher, Creative Kids Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master, certified Trauma Profession as well as a Choreographer and Qigong Healer. A dedicated wellness educator and seasonal Core Faculty Teacher at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck NY, Charlessa is passionate about teaching adults, children, and teens to use Qigong, Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, and Mindfulness as essential self-care tools in everyday life. With over 30 years of experience across government, private organizations, wellness centers, and schools, Charlessa creates accessible, evidence-informed programs that support physical vitality and emotional well-being, drawing on her expertise in movement, mindfulness, and social work. Charlessa currently teaches online and in person in New York, Washington DC and soon to add, Florida.

 

Theda Zawaiza

Theda Zawaiza, PhD, is a Tai Chi Easy™ Senior Trainer, Esalen massage practitioner, life coach and Empowered Relief™ instructor certified through the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi, the Esalen Institute, the Circle of Life Coaching Institute and Stanford University, respectively. After 30 years on the Hill as a chief of staff and senior policy analyst for U.S. Congressman Major R. Owens, she now leads community practice groups in qigong online and in person in Washington, DC, New York and soon, Florida. She leads Tai Chi Easy™ Practice Leader trainings in the US and abroad. Currently, Dr. Theda Zawaiza is serving as an Interventionist on a three-year, NIH-funded, randomized controlled trial study that examines the efficacy of a remotely delivered tai chi/ qigong intervention on the health of older people living with HIV.

Our business
Theda and Charlessa WELLNESS ESSENTIALS advances a host of self-empowering mind/body practices through collaborations with individuals and organizations to sponsor classes, trainings and free community offerings. Our services encompass Qigong, Tai Chi, Yoga for adults and kids, Meditation, and Empowered Relief—each fostering holistic well-being and self-discovery. As one of a handful of African-American, woman-owned wellness businesses, we bring a culturally-informed perspective to healing; creating a space where inclusivity, representation, and lived experience enrich the practice of wellness. We offer an accessible, empowering approach that resonates across diverse communities. Our products and services are universally-designed, evidence-based, and sourced in love.

 

Thank you to the sponsors that support the free community events at The Parks! Special thanks to NVHomes, Fidelity National Title Insurance Company D.C., Livewell Animal Hospital at The Parks, Oakridge Landscaping and Construction, The Vale, Ruppert Landscape, and Saul Ewing.