Polly Manke believes human disconnection is at the root of division.
Polly Manke believes human disconnection is at the root of division.
And while she may not be able to reach everyone, Manke has decided to take her 20-plus years of experience teaching yoga and practicing Reiki to do what she can in her corner of the world to heal that root.
The Heart Center — a studio for yoga, Reiki and general wellness — celebrated its grand opening May 21 at 8456 E. Washington Street in Bainbridge Township, just above K&B.
Manke, the center’s founder, and a group of instructors are leading classes, retreats and workshops aimed at promoting community and connection, as well as healing at The Heart Center.
“Some of the division we experience in the world is due to a lack of connection,” Manke said. “If we know each other, we respect each other. We are more inclined to care about one another.”
At the center, instructors are proponents of introducing themselves and encouraging their students to do the same. The physical space is bright, airy and welcoming, and Manke is full of smiles and calm, joyful energy.
“We want to be a resource — we just want to be a beacon of light for the community, a safe place to be,” said Manke. “To bring together people who are authentic and have a passion for healing.”
There are many ways to become part of The Heart Center. In addition to offering several yoga options — even, on occasion, yoga for golfers — the center also provides one-on-one personalized yoga/Reiki Sessions, customized holistic health coaching, personal growth group learning experiences on healing and wellness, Reiki training, Reiki learn and share circles, and Reiki clinics.
According to the center’s publications, “Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing. Administered by ‘laying on of hands’, it is based on the idea that an unseen ‘life force energy’ flows through us.”
Manke, who lives in Lake Lucerne and occasionally teaches on its beach, started her Reiki journey first as a recipient, then as a Reiki 1 and 2 practitioner and then, since 2011, as a Reiki Master. The center currently has two Reiki practitioners and a team of dedicated Reiki volunteers.
“We are an ideal program for Reiki because we offer four ways to experience it at the center — through Reiki training, Reiki learn and share, volunteering at a Reiki clinic or receiving it as a client,” Manke explained.
Reiki clinics are held bimonthly and offer the community a chance to receive Reiki from volunteers learning to practice for a donation.
Another specialized offering of the center is yoga therapy. This type of therapy uses the professional practice of yoga to promote health and wellbeing.
Yoga is inherently therapeutic, said Manke, who pulls from all of her wellness knowledge during these private sessions.
“(Yoga therapy is) assessing the needs of the client — meeting them where they are — and then supporting them to bring them where they want to be,” said Manke.
Her passion, and the mission of The Heart Center, is just that — to welcome and assist anyone on any journey.
“I always thought I would be part of a center,” said Manke. “I just never thought I would be the one to start it — it feels like an honor.”
For more information about The Heart Center, visit www.heartcenteroh.com or call 440-769-0101.
