Satori expands space, offerings

Since she was a Polson Middle School student, Brianna Weivoda has dreamed of a place where people can come to heal and get healthy, and now she has one: Satori Holistic Healing Center.

Her logo depicts her vision perfectly; it’s a beautiful woman whose arms are the graceful branches of a tree, she’s growing yet safely and securely rooted. 

Weivoda’s yoga studio and classroom, located on Third Ave. W. in Polson, is calming and bright. She expanded into the space next to her original office, and said the remodel was completed in five weeks with contractor Chris Schallock’s expert help.

“That’s because I was working until midnight every day,” she said. “It was so worth it.”

She pulled up at least four layers of flooring, one of which was black and white checked tile. A client told her the 1908 building used to be a creamery, and the end where Satori is located was where children brought fudgesicles and ice-cream bars.

Although she’d never done any demolition, she “found it very empowering.” 

Four walls came down, and the kitchen was pulled out. She was also on painting duty and spent 60 hours with a brush or roller in her hand. 

Once the space was complete, Weivoda started filling it with her yoga students (both adults and kids) and massage clients. Suddenly she had people from the community offering to provide a variety of healing arts, including dance, reflexology and physical training for seniors.

“And I didn’t even have to advertise,” Weivoda said. “It’s fantastic and really wonderful.”

Classes for all ages

Reflexologist LynnRose brings her talents to Satori Mondays, offering appointments from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Reflexology is an alternative medical practice involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, ears and hands. This is done using thumb, finger, and hand massage techniques without the use of oil or lotion. The practice is based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and ears linked to every part of the body.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays in January, Treva Bittinger teaches a Body/Brain class that improves balance and memory. Bittinger has been a physical trainer for senior citizens for 19 years, and did more extensive training to be able to teach this class.

Body/Brain is geared toward seniors and addresses issues that tend to accompany aging, such as pain management, problems getting up, and difficulty getting into or out of the car. 

“Treva has curated this class specifically for those kinds of challenges, so women can feel more empowered and be stronger,” says Weivoda.

 “I tailor made this program to achieve these needs in a safe and comfortable environment,” Bittner wrote in a class description.

Neuroplasticity is the whole science behind the brain work that she does. Bittner asks questions and explains what the muscles are doing as you exercise. She eases into the process slowly. 

Also on the instruction menu is gentle restorative yoga with massage, traditionally called Yin Yoga, offered by Weivoda.

“It’s slow and gentle, easy on your body,” she says. “And it helps to regulate your nervous system. It really helps with stress and anxiety. It helps to get you out of the fight or flight that we all seem to be in in our society.” 

Kids Yoga and mindfulness is a family-friendly class, according to teacher Corinna Arlint in her description of the class. 

“It’s a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about the importance of taking care of their minds and bodies,” she writes. Participants dance, play, do yoga, create art and “work on basic tools for self-regulation that I believe can help every child have a healthier relationship with themselves and others.” 

“We do bee breath and balloon breath,” Weivoda said, demonstrating a small humming-bee breath and a breath that’s like blowing up a giant balloon.

“There are so many fun ways to help kids, instead of them getting mad and throwing themselves on the floor at the store,” Weivoda said. The class helps participants “think things through and (do it) way earlier.” 

Workshops also on tap

Weivoda facilitates the New Moon Circle and Arlint offers a Full Moon Women’s Circle. Both women discuss astrology, and encourage participants to set intentions, journal, share with each other, move and share nourishing food. 

Each woman adds her own touch. For Weivoda, it’s restorative yoga, massage and usually a bit of dancing.  

“The New Moon Circle is my absolute favorite,” she said. “There’s a thing about being in a very safe, very comfortable space where nothing is shared outside that space and being able to be vulnerable, if they choose.”

The participants see other women sharing and realize they are not alone; there’s a community. 

Violet Passion teaches burlesque dancing, and she makes sure her students know that burlesque isn’t just showing off your body.

“It’s how to feel good in your body, no matter what size or how old your body is,” Weivoda said. “It can be a beautifully healing thing and very empowering.” 

There is also Full Moon Ecstatic Dance, a five-level dance which tends to evoke a multitude of emotions..

Once a month Weivoda teaches a vision board workshop. Each participant gets her own board, and Weivoda leads them through journal prompts, maybe a craft, and then asks what their intention is for 2024. It could be pictures of all the vegetables the person wants to grow in her garden or it could be photos of Australia and Africa if that person wants to travel. It could be financial security, with photos of big banks and mounds of money.  

Satori Holistic Health Center is “not quite what I'm envisioning because I still have my plans and dreams,” Weivoda said.

For more information, visit www.satorihhc.com. The center is located at 6 Third Ave. W. in Polson.