Join low-key fitness on The Great Lawn, Saturday mornings from 10-11am, April 11-May 16 and July 18-August 22. Join Theda and leave behind the complexities of daily living, drop into the present moment and adjust your mind, body and breath for optimal functioning. Relieve stress, restore balance, strengthen resilience, and cultivate radiant health. Classes start with gentle flowing movements, then movements are coordinated with the breath and mind focus in various qigong flows throughout the hour, and end with a brief, relaxing meditation.
The by-donation classes are brought to you by Theda and Charlessa WELLNESS ESSENTIALS, a local wellness enterprise with classes online and in DC, New York and soon to come, Florida. No experience is necessary, and all are encouraged to join in to reduce stress and burnout and improve your mental and physical well-being with these soothing meditative movements.
Details:
Open level class, all are welcome
Bring a water bottle and wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing (hat and sunscreen also encouraged!)
Weather pending; inclement weather cancellations will be via email and announced no later than 1 hour before start time.
Pre-registration is encouraged but not required, and donations may be made on site via Venmo or cash.
When registration is open, click here: https://www.thedaandcharlessawe.com/offerings-1 and find “Qigong on The Great
Lawn”.
Date: April 11-May 16 and July 18-Aug 22, 10-11am
Community Event: Sunday, June 21 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: The Great Lawn, The Parks at Walter Reed
Cost: By donation
Dates:
Session I: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16. 10 – 11 am
Session II: July 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 10 – 11 am
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.
