Recent Press: Seek Sanctuary   New Sanctuary on Hill lives up to its name

IN THE PRESS

Seek Sanctuary

by ANN RAPPOPORT

For a sense of renewal and respite, find Sanctuary. Literally. It’s one cool shop in Chestnut Hill.

March 18, 2008

Sanctuary in Chestnut Hill sells quality yoga apparel, music, books, cushions, bags, candles, perfumes, jewelry and a wide variety of statuary and spiritual items. And if you’ve never experienced the power of a Singing Bowl, made from seven metals, that alone is worth the trip.

Gorgeous silk scarves from Turkey at $29.95 wrap you in a meditative space, or alternatively beautify your table or altar. Buddha Butter ($18) fragrantly moisturizes your skin, while eye bags made of kimono cloth, apply lavender and flax seed to soothe your mask and senses ($22.95). Turquoise, amethyst, semi-precious stone bracelets and mala (prayer beads) range from around $13 on up to serious display pieces. Thangka (wall hangings) set a tone for your room, while prayer flags come in all sizes for you to sail in the wind.

You’ll notice the fabric of the yoga clothing is not your typical gym wear. Here you’ll try on Hardtail, City Lights or Shiva Shakti. Marika’s organic cotton pants ($44) feel like nothing you’ve ever worn before. In addition to all of this, you can find antique art and $3 gifts.

But the store really specializes in “de-stressing,” according to store manager, Angela Rapalyea, a practicing Reiki Energy Teaching Master.

Rapalyea teaches a two-part Reiki Energy Healing Demonstration class, which began March 17. A second series will start May 12.

Rapalyea said that the loft – the library – of the store, especially in the mornings, has “a presence of holiness, as if something essential climbs out of the books.” Yoga brings down blood pressure, and promotes flexibility, peace of mind and anger management, she said.

One customer buys Tingsha bells to help clients who have chronic suicidal tendencies, said Rapalyea. These bells purportedly anchor participants in the here and now and help them shatter attachment to destructive notions. Rapalyea said that massage therapists come in to purchase teaching CDs and music for their private practices.

Rapalyea emphasized fair trade aspects of Sanctuary suppliers. For example, Maroma is an India-headquartered producer of incense, which invests significant percentages of profits in schools and other village improvements.

The store opened in 2006. Owner, Chris Aibel, along with Rapalyea and sales associate Karen Denenberg, appear to be true believers. After all, who doesn’t need a bit of Sanctuary these days?

Call 215.242.3150 to inquire and/or reserve space in Reiki classes: $30 for series of two classes.

Published in DigPhilly
Article Link at digphilly.com