An Oasis for the Mind, Body, and Spirit
Written Purpose blossomed from a simple phrase realized in college to a social organization transforming the wellness scene in Fairfield County. This business is new to town, a fresh face with the mission of growing self-love, building faith, and fostering meaningful connections. Founded by Gina Roch, a native to Connecticut herself, Written Purpose offers a multitude of services, including yoga and meditation, in hopes of aiding individuals through their journeys of self-discovery and reflection.
Created on the eve of the pandemic, Roch has built a space promoting a holistic approach to living through yoga, mediation, and breath-work. What Roch refers to as each individual’s healing journey is the ultimate objective of such practices. This commitment to one’s wellness is ever-evolving and ceaseless and inspires virtues in our quotidian lives.
Through yoga, individuals engage in physical practice and self-study simultaneously. Asana, or the movements, reaps a myriad of health benefits, including increased flexibility and release of tension within the body. Then comes the mental aspect. The practice of yoga instills self-discipline of personal thoughts, helping to eradicate an exhaustive mind loop of negativity and the use of violent language to one’s self. Roch emphasizes the significance of mindfulness by saying, “the more you are able to control your thoughts, the more you are able to control your life.”
Much of what is learned on the mat translates directly to your day-to-day life. Pursuing a new pose is just as much a mental endeavor as physical. An individual must rid themself of judgment for their shortcomings, appreciate the journey, and harness their tenacity when mastering an unknown position. Roch explains that through the creativity, patience, and playfulness you give yourself, one is able to practice asana and, in the process, channel valuable attributes instrumental to the discovery of ourselves, and by extension, the world around us.
In a similar vein, meditation offers individuals space to control damaging thoughts, bringing attention to the language we use with ourselves. Through observant self-study, we are also increasing concentration and mental clarity. By manipulating our breathing, we, in turn, can regulate the nervous system, calm the anxiety of the given moment, and improve the quality of our sleep. In the long run, careful examination and consideration of thoughts enable us to control our minds and grow in purpose.
Although it may seem one undergoes this intrinsic metamorphosis alone, Roch champions community through her organization. Through fellowship with others, Written Purpose offers a supportive environment for individuals to encourage one another while working through their distinctive healing journeys. The wellness organization’s fervent commitment to community starts within, offering collaborative services, including a weekly donation-based meditation circle.
Extending beyond the studio, Roch hopes to partner with local domestic violence nonprofits and shelters in the Fairfield County area with the intent of offering classes to survivors free of charge. Also found on the website is a donation fund for organizations empowering domestic violence survivors. As a yoga instructor, Roch has a background in Trauma-Informed training, a yoga approach that heavily informs how she teaches today. While yoga and meditation are not prescriptions that reverse the effects of trauma, these practices help to strengthen the mind-body connection, confidence, and self-awareness.
Photo Cred: Gina Roch
As near as summer of this year, Roch plans to offer personal wellness coaching, partnering with the individuals to instill new habits. In the coming years, she aims to open a physical location for larger group classes and collaborations, making Written Purpose the heart of community building through one’s personal healing journey in the area.
Stay connected
Website: www.writtenpurpose.org
IG @writtenpurposeorg