In an old shopping center in Buckhead, Georgia, the “Beverly Hills of the South”, there is a very special Dahn Yoga center with an abundance of love, laughter, plants, and, especially, the extraordinary ability of Center Manager Melissa Koci to help members push through limitations, open their hearts, and have fun doing it!
While she patiently and steadily showers love and energy on all the living things at Buckhead Center, Melissa also inspires members to do the same. Doris, a six-month member who recently attended the Dotong Course, saw this quality in action. “The people here are warm and nurturing,” she shared. “They are like an extended family, genuinely caring about you, your soul, awakening, divinity, everything that is positive.”
Doris acknowledges that, in today’s world, the concept of nurturing one’s soul is gradually taking root, but sometimes people need assistance to reach this goal. “I had no idea that this energy and mindset was out there. I never knew that if you sit and meditate in the studio, so many positive things come up in your mind and you receive that positive energy. They made me realize my inner potential and how to get in touch with my soul.”
As this realization courses through the consciousness of Buckhead Dahn Yoga members, an inevitable result is the act of giving, whether in simply bringing delicious food to the dedicated staff or in sharing Dahn Yoga with family and community. Doris and Mike, fellow Dotong Course participants, are getting ready to introduce their family to Dahn Yoga. In fact, Mike hopes to teach a class at the Emory University Cancer Unit. Call of Sedona Meditation Circles, based on Dahn Yoga founder Ilchi Lee’s latest book, The Call of Sedona, will also begin soon in Buckhead.
“I’m happy we can provide a space where many different kinds of people can come and let their guard down and not have to be perfect and not be judged. They can express an inner side of themselves they normally can’t,” Melissa says. “We will do anything we can to help someone who is willing to grow.”
— Michela Mangiaracina