About Us

Qigong, Taiji and Mandala

I was born in Poland and lived there during the revolutionary changes at the end of the 20th century. For many Polish people these historical events were like a door opening into new life and new awareness. Educated in Economy Science, I dived into the life of a business women. Very quickly I realized, that to be successful in any area of my life, I first needed to find out: what is the core of my being and how I can stay centered in the flow of life events.  So, I immersed myself into a series of self-growth seminars, studied different religious and learned how to meditate. 

My health issues in mid-1990’s connected me with studying medical Qigong, which I first learned from Marcus Bongart, Qigong Master and doctor of Chinese medicine. Qigong - graceful, gentle movement which requires focus of the mind, has become my daily routine and over time it has noticeably improved my health and physical condition. 

When I moved to America in 2003, I met Chungliang Al Huang the Chinese Taiji Master, the founder of Living Tao Foundation. His organic, joyful style conquered my heart. After years of learning I became a teacher of his style. On my life long qigong learning path, I was fortunate to study also from world renowned teachers and book authors: Deng Ming-Dao and Master Zhongxiang Wu.    

The other tool I have been using in self-growth is mandala. I learned about mandala from therapist and artist Janusz Olenderek. From the very beginning, when I started to draw mandalas, I noticed how this process influenced my inner state: it expanded my awareness, I felt integrated and energized. It was fascinating! When I moved to the United States, I connected with Judith Cornell, the acknowledged author of many books about mandala, including “Mandala: Luminous Symbols for Healing”. From Judith I learned how to share the treasure of creating mandalas with other people.   

In the classes I offer, I use the tools which helped in my own process of healing and growth: Mandala, Qigong, Taiji, and Meditation.  

Yoga and Belly Dance

Having grown up here in Gold Beach, I feel a deep connection to this community and our beautiful surroundings. As a young adult, I didn’t ever exactly plan to return to my hometown, but every time I visited, my heart asked to stay. Eventually - I couldn't pull away any longer and have happily settled here. Soon after returning, I began to share belly dance and yoga with some long time and new friends. As of January 2024, our Belly Dance class is 8 years old! 

When I was first introduced to Yoga in 2006, I loved the asana (yoga postures) practice because it balanced my body with the other physical activities I enjoyed, such as dance and horse riding. I also found that I could sooth and heal pain from injury and overuse. And as life goes on, more and more, I find practicing and learning Yoga deeply enriching. I am honored to share this knowledge with my community through my weekly classes.

For the past several years, I’ve dedicated myself to studying dance with many amazing Fusion Dance artists/teachers, most influentially: Jeanine Ramos, Rachel Brice, Donna Mejia, Zoe Jakes, Heather Louis, and Coleena Shakti.

In 2018, with Michele Goritz-Berlant, I lead, composed and choreographed “A Gathering of Individuals”, which culminated in a youth dance performance extravaganza at the Ellensburg Theater. I’ve also offered youth dance and yoga programs through our Curry Public Library.

In 2020, I was certified to teach yoga by Heather Carpenter of Vital Current Yoga School under the Yoga Alliance Registry.  For the past 3 years I have continued my studies with Advanced Yoga Philosophy with Gitte Beschgaard and Yoga Asana with Gloria Goldberg (Iyengar Yoga Teacher) at Vidya Institute. I've also studied and practice Vinyasa Krama Yoga with Coleena Shakti as part of her Odissi (classical Indian dance) trainings. 

In the summer of 2021, I turned to devoting myself to teaching full time, having spent several years balancing my practices and teaching with a day job. I believe so firmly in the healing power of mindful exercise, that it only made sense to me to focus on helping others to move with health and ease. I offer classes specifically for students to be empowered to enjoy their bodies, and to be confident in starting or improving their own home practice.

For my weekly class schedule, please click HERE.

I'd love to help you on your journey!

- Vanessa 

Centering Meditation and Chair Yoga

A graduate of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Ms. Israel has been a practicing yoga and meditation student for over 30 years. Formally based in California, she spent over 14 years teaching yoga and meditation to a culturally diverse population of people; including seniors, adults, teens and children in both group and private settings.   

Dedicated to bringing the Art of Conscious Living to a wide range of people, she has conducted several Yoga Workshops including - “Menopause as a Gateway for Enlightenment” - A Yogic Approach;  “Self-Awakening Yoga: Experiences in Conscious Living”; and “The Yoga of Awareness”.   

As a resident of Gold Beach - for 13 years now - she conducted workshops in partnership with Bozena Palmquist - at the Mandela Healing Art Studio from 2010 – 2014:  they include - Chakra Journeys -“Harvesting the Wisdom of the Major Energy Centers of the Body; “Activating the Heart Chakra” and "Cultivating a Home Yoga Practice".   

Now in this new and beautiful space of the Gold Beach Wellness Center she is thrilled to once again be able to offer an early morning meditation class entitled “Centering Meditation”. As we all navigate this very chaotic time of accelerated change, being able to stay centered in body mind and spirit becomes our saving grace.