Connecticut’s Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary (CVHAS) is expanding its offerings beyond animal welfare, introducing a series of mind-body wellness programs designed to reduce stress and promote overall wellbeing. The sanctuary hosted two introductory sessions in January – a Qigong class on and a Yoga Nidra class on – signaling a potential diversification strategy for the non-profit organization.
The Qigong session, led by Julie Moffat, a practitioner with over two decades of experience and certifications from multiple Qigong institutes, introduced participants to the fundamentals of this ancient Chinese practice. Moffat described Qigong as a “mind/body self-care practice” that combines gentle movement, controlled breathing, and meditative techniques with self-massage. The goal, she explained, is to “energize the body” and “release physical, psychological, and emotional stress.” This marks the first time CVHAS has offered Qigong instruction.
The following week, Sheryl Fatse led a Yoga Nidra class. Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation practice where participants lie down and enter a state of deep relaxation. Following the meditation, participants were encouraged to express themselves creatively through intuitive painting or journaling, with all materials provided by the sanctuary. This approach suggests a holistic wellness model, integrating both mental and creative outlets.
The move towards wellness programming by CVHAS reflects a broader trend of organizations seeking to diversify revenue streams and cater to evolving community needs. While traditionally focused on animal rescue and rehabilitation, the sanctuary’s foray into wellness activities suggests an attempt to leverage its physical space – Catherine’s Learning Barn – and attract a wider audience. This is particularly noteworthy given the increasing demand for stress-reduction techniques in a post-pandemic environment.
The popularity of practices like Qigong and Yoga Nidra is growing, fueled by a greater awareness of the connection between mental and physical health. A search of available retreats reveals a robust market for anxiety-focused wellness programs. For example, a three-day silent meditation and yoga retreat in Asheville, North Carolina, is currently priced from $527, with 31 people expressing interest, according to recent listings. This demonstrates a willingness among consumers to invest in experiences designed to promote mental wellbeing.
The sanctuary’s choice of Qigong and Yoga Nidra is also strategic. Both practices are relatively low-impact and accessible to individuals of varying fitness levels, broadening their potential appeal. Qigong, with its emphasis on gentle movement and breathwork, is often recommended for individuals seeking to improve their energy levels and manage chronic pain. Yoga Nidra, is particularly effective for inducing deep relaxation and improving sleep quality, as noted in classes offered at the Redding, Connecticut July Heritage Center.
The integration of creative expression – painting and journaling – following the Yoga Nidra session further enhances the program’s therapeutic value. This approach aligns with the growing recognition of art therapy as a valuable tool for emotional processing and self-discovery. By providing materials and a supportive environment, CVHAS encourages participants to explore their inner experiences and foster a sense of self-awareness.
While the financial implications of these new programs for CVHAS are not yet clear, the initial response suggests a promising start. The sanctuary’s ability to successfully attract participants to these introductory sessions could pave the way for a more comprehensive wellness program, potentially generating a new revenue stream and strengthening its community ties. Further analysis will be needed to determine the long-term sustainability and profitability of this venture.
The broader context of wellness trends also suggests potential opportunities for CVHAS. Sound baths, which utilize the vibrations of instruments like gongs and crystal bowls to promote relaxation, are gaining popularity, as evidenced by a recent sound journey event advertised for both people and their dogs. Integrating similar modalities into its wellness offerings could further differentiate CVHAS and attract a niche audience.
The sanctuary’s expansion into wellness programming represents a calculated move to adapt to changing community needs and diversify its revenue streams. By offering accessible and evidence-based practices like Qigong and Yoga Nidra, CVHAS is positioning itself as a holistic wellbeing resource, potentially attracting a broader audience and strengthening its long-term financial sustainability. The success of these initial sessions will be crucial in determining the future direction of this new initiative.
