“The center has the energy of coming in the door and feeling like you’re home,” says Barbara Figlilo of the Orland Park Center near Chicago, Illinois. That sentiment is echoed among the other members and staff.
It feels so much like home that members are excited to bring their friends and family to the monthly Earth Citizen party, to the open classes offered every weekend, and even to start classes. This loving, supportive community inspired twenty-nine members of a church’s congregation to join after one reverend started taking classes and introduced them to it. Orland Park Center has the most referrals and the highest total members of the U.S. Dahn Yoga centers.
One of the reasons people feel so comfortable and welcome there, thinks Sara Chears Sabumnim, is Center Manager Nara Cheong’s big heart and great enthusiasm whenever anyone walks in the door. “Every time someone comes into the center, she’s extremely enthusiastic to see them and is truly happy they’re there,” Sara says. Gina Pearson, a Brain Management Consultant, confirms, “I love Nara’s passion. I love the caring community here. It has the positive, nurturing atmosphere every soul requires to grow. There’s no differentiation among those that enter here.”
“She makes the center good for everyone,” Sara Sabumnim also notes. “Whether people just want to stretch or whether they’re interested in spiritual growth, she creates opportunities for everyone to achieve their goals.”
Nara Wonjangnim provides a lot of personal attention and offers special classes. She helps each member participate in Dahn Yoga’s Level-Up System, even giving members congratulatory certificates when they pass. Each month, the Level-Up System helps give Orland Park members a satisfying sense of growth and accomplishment.
The members are not only supported by the center staff, but also by each other, especially by the many Brain Management Consultants/Trainers there. This community within a community meets every Friday to learn Dahn Yoga principles and teaching techniques, as well as how to take care of members. Each one has debuted as an instructor at a Sunday class at the center. Next year they hope to take their passion for teaching Dahn Yoga out into the surrounding community.
— Michela Mangiaracina