Be Here Now

Hopewell’s new Studio Zen welcomes seekers in a relaxing environment for spirit-enriching classes and workshops.

By: Susan Van Dongen

A belly dancer leads a class.

   The only entity at Studio Zen who seems distressed is "Bob" — and fortunately, he’s just a dummy.
   With his angry expression, Bob the Dummy is a perfect foil for the martial arts students at Studio Zen, located off Hamilton Street in Hopewell. But he does seem out of place among the serene Buddha statues scattered around the space, the rainbow-colored silk saris hanging from the ceiling and the vivid mural filled with butterflies and doves. The Studio (or "The Zen" as its regulars like to call it) is a bit of New Age charm in an otherwise straightforward business complex.

Tai chi master Sasson demonstrates chi gong.

   Owner Casey Barish, who opened the facility in June, decorated the place from her heart. She worked from intuition to bring positive energy into a space with colors and atmosphere, and a feng shui expert took a look around and gave Studio Zen the thumbs up.
   "We had a feng shui workshop and the instructor said the yellow, orange and red silks were conducive to high energy levels," says Ms. Barish’s assistant, Deva Keegan. "That was a great choice for the space. Then, the purple and green — our color scheme — gives a welcoming sense. And more than anything else, that’s our mission."
   Studio Zen welcomes the public to a Holiday Party Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. In the open-hearted spirit of its Friday evening "meet-and-greet" sessions, The Zen invites visitors to partake in music, art and food, and meet some of the people behind their unusual classes. And there is, indeed, some interesting curriculum being offered.
   For example, one of Studio Zen’s first workshops was in Korean long-bow archery, which has become extremely popular.
   "A Korean master, Master Lee, started out just giving an introductory workshop, and now we have our own local long-bow club," Mr. Keegan says. "There are about 15 people involved, all with their own custom-made equipment. Master Lee orders the bows from Korea — each one is customized for the individual’s arm length.
   "They shoot at a target that is very large, but they shoot across a huge field, maybe 1,000 feet away from them," he continues. "It takes incredible discipline, just to learn how to concentrate and aim. Master Lee, his wife and son are all involved, and every Sunday they go out with the group to practice."
   Like a scene from a Samurai movie, long-bow archers shoot toward the air because the target is so far away. The trajectory might seem like the arrow will fly too high, but gravity brings it back down to its destination — after much practice, that is.
   "I understand they practiced for weeks before anyone actually hit the target, but now they’re doing much better," Mr. Keegan says. "It’s not like traditional archery. Everything is very precise. But it’s also a form of self-healing because you’re breathing (deliberately) and using specific postures, similar to the kinds you’d use in yoga that stretch the body and purify the organs."
   Long-bow archery is just one of many eclectic avenues to healing that Studio Zen offers.
   There is a wide variety of yoga classes, including vinyasa, ashtanga, dharmic and hatha yoga. The center has regular tai chi and chi gong sessions, as well as a number of martial arts disciplines, such as American bujutsu kai and aikido. Studio Zen also offers Pilates, meditation groups and belly dancing. There’s also a daily early morning chi gong and meditation session.
   Mr. Keegan says if you can get up early enough for this, it’s well worth it.
   "Eastern philosophy talks about the power of that time of day to do any kind of spiritual work," he says. "That’s when the energy is supposed to be highest. One of the theories has to do with group consciousness. Later in the day, most people are working, so there’s a lot of ‘busyness’ in the atmosphere. But, first thing in the morning is more still. It lends itself to connecting to that kind of very peaceful consciousness.
   "I’ve also heard that ozone levels are highest at that time of day, the oxygen is more pure because there aren’t a lot of cars on the road," he continues. "Since tai chi involves breathing, it’s beneficial to do it at this time of day."
   Judging from the various weekend special events, Ms. Barish seems to be open to a plethora of ways to raise consciousness and have fun. There’s drumming, chanting, Japanese tea ceremonies, "girl’s night" sacred dance, astrology — even a saxophone-playing class.
   Ms. Barish also welcomes healing ideas and practitioners from all walks of life.
   Classes in body and energy work such as Reiki and Feldenkrais, and healing modalities such as flower essences, color and crystal therapy, aromatherapy and traditional herbal medicines have all been well-attended. In October, Studio Zen had a major event called "New Awareness" for cancer survivors or people currently dealing with the disease.
   "It was a wonderful two-day event with guest speakers of various degrees of familiarity and expertise with cancer," Ms. Barish says. She hopes to offer "New Awareness" again.
   Nov. 17 is the first of a two-part workshop — one for parents and one for children — called "Living at Peace," designed to aid parents in effective and loving parenting as well as inspire confidence and independence in children. And Dec. 11 marks the first of what Ms. Barish hopes will be many workshops with Dr. Kumuda Reddy, a well-known Ayurvedic physician and author.
   Ms. Barish is open to suggestions from teachers, artists and fellow seekers in the community who might like to lead a soul-enhancing workshop of their own invention.
   One of the most popular events at Studio Zen has been its regular "meet-and-greet" sessions, from 4:30 to 6:30 on Friday nights.
   "It’s at a time before people usually go out on Friday nights," Mr. Keegan says. "We have refreshments set out — wine and drinks and cheese, just light fare. And usually, a lot of the staff members are here, so if people want to come in and talk to us, they can get more information about our (classes). But it’s also a way for members of the community to get to know us and each other. If people want to start their weekend this way, in this kind of environment, we give them the space to do that.
   "In general, we want everyone who comes in here to feel welcome and at home, and to know this is a safe, loving atmosphere," he continues. "Anyone who wants to come and participate in any kind of healing or enrichment they desire, or in just being here, is welcome."
Studio Zen’s Holiday Party takes place at 57 Hamilton Ave., Suite 210, Hopewell, Nov. 20, 6-9 p.m. Admission costs $20. Pre-registration suggested. Living in Peace workshop, part one, Nov. 17, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Workshop fee: $55, $100 for a couple. Part two (for children), Dec. 5, 1-5 p.m. Fee: $55, $45 for several children from the same family. Energy Healing Seminar, Nov. 21, 1-4 p.m. Fee: $35. Overcoming Depression and Anxiety (introduction to Ayurvedic healing) with Dr. Kumuda Reddy, Dec. 11, 1-6 p.m. Workshop fee: $75. For information, call (609) 466-7787. On the Web: www.studiozen.org