LIFE happens,” Derosa says. “It seemed very natural to combine both worlds when I opened my own place.” In addition to private sessions at Sense, the salon hosts workshops on topics like body positivity, financial health and positive financial mindset, herbalism, sex-related topics, women’s circles, and more. Practitioners are urged to be open and mindful, especially when their practice comes from a historically oppressed community. “Sense strives to be a place of authenticity, conversation and education. We are truly interested in this work and want to share because individual healing is important – it’s not just trendy.” Sense: 3111 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.sensestudios.co
Counseling When it comes to well-being, we would be remiss not to mention the importance of health care through licensed mental health professionals. Although this can be a costly option, OpenCounseling lists affordable options by geographical area – including the D.C. area. Its creator, Mark Pines, discusses the importance of practicing mental well-being as you would physical. “People who are physically healthy still need to do many things to remain healthy, such as eating right and exercising,” Pines says. “In the mental world, seeing a counselor can be an important part of maintaining and growing your well-being.” While seeking help from a counselor or therapist is less stigmatized than it used to be, the stigma still exists. We can’t erase generations of that dangerous and damaging mindset
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from existence in one article, but if money has been a barrier to seeking mental help, open counseling is an option. To look for free or low-cost counseling in D.C., check out www.opencounseling.com/district-of-columbia/washington.
Libraries Your local public library is priceless. Everyone knows this, but how do libraries provide well-being opportunities? The answer: in countless ways. The most important, however, may be the sense of community the library offers – regardless of what you’re looking for from your local branch. As DC Public Library (DCPL) Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan notes, the act of reading itself has countless benefits. But branches often host book clubs for those who want to discuss what they’re reading, and community story times, which can be a great way for parents to connect. And DCPL branches host regular classes to get people moving, too – including Zumba and yoga. “Ultimately, the benefit we’re talking about is, [the library is] that sort of classic third space,” he says. “It’s not your home. It’s not your place of work. It encourages people to get out of their house, flex their legs, [and] participate in civic engagement, culture [and] debate. It’s a healthy lifestyle option for people to find that physical space outside of our home that allows people to connect to each other.” For a full calendar of wellness programming at various locations, visit www.dclibrary.org.