Writer / Kara Kavensky
Photographer / Michael Thierwechter
As you enter Healing The Roots, immediately on your right is a wall mural of an elephant with its legs transcending into roots stretching down into the earth. This artwork is peaceful, strong and powerful — indicative of the vibe.
Jessica Smith engaged artist Lisa Lozinak to create the elephant mural.
“Its trunk is curved upward, which is a symbol of positivity,” says Smith, who recently opened Healing The Roots.
“The mural is a successful representation of Jessica’s vision for her studio,” Lozinak says. “It’s always inspiring to collaborate with an owner who has a passionate vision.”
Smith studied yoga in Indonesia, where she became familiar with the symbolism of the elephant. The yoga compliments Smith’s skill set, which includes sports massage, kinesiology and biology of the body. Smith has studied exercise science, which has enhanced her skills with sports massage. Smith also offers Thai stretching.
“Thai stretching is done on a mat and utilizes the entire body to stretch the client’s entire body,” Smith says. “It’s a head-to-toe experience that feels amazing.”
The yoga classes are offered in the morning and evenings. Thursday and Friday class are offered at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The 6 p.m. class on Friday is “Funky Friday”, with Saturday and Sunday yoga at 6 p.m.
Jessica discovered a sense of security and strength on the mat during yoga that surprised her.
“During my yoga training, I found by performing solid moves with the slow flow of the vinyasa, my body changed more in four weeks than the prior five years of doing the hot bikram yoga,” she says.
Smith’s yoga classes combine the best of her strengths as an experienced body mechanics expert and healer. Her advice is to focus upon muscle engagement with the breath.
“It is through the breath that you change your body,” Smith says. “This change stays with you internally.”
The Intention of Healing The Roots goes as deep as the breath. She speaks of love and acceptance of self. The encouraging and accepting environment that Smith has created is genuine. She embraces all who attend her classes by making everyone feel welcome. It’s also about having fun.
As fluid as the movements in her class, Smith indicates that the schedule may change to accommodate her clients.
