Om Gaia Provides Free Hugs and Spiritual Education

For those looking for a little spiritual enlightenment, astrological guidance, unique hand crafted jewelry, high quality incense and candles, or even just a good hug, downtown Bradenton’s is the place to go.

Many of Om Gaia’s customers are drawn in by the “Free Hugs” sign displayed in the store’s front window for three years now. In fact, some patrons come in specifically for the hugs and leave without purchasing a thing, but that’s okay with the store’s owner, who prefers to be known simply as Willow.

“It’s always interesting to see what kind of people we’ll get. I used to walk up and down the street with the sign. Sometimes people would veer away and avoid me," Willow said. "One time, I had a kid come running up to give me a huge hug. He nearly knocked the sign out of my hand. It can be really rewarding.”

Om Gaia, of course, offers much more than free hugs.

When the store opened its doors on the corner of Old Main Street and 3^rd Avenue West in 1991, it was a far cry from a hub of spirituality and holistic health.

Twenty years ago the store started out as Dean and Verini’s, a modest flower shop that stood until 2004. Today, customers who walk into the store are welcomed with the scent of patchouli, sage and sandalwood rather than fresh cut flowers.

“The biggest complaint we ever get is the smell,” Willow said. “Some people just don’t care for it, but as long as that’s the biggest complaint, I’d say we’re doing pretty well.”

Willow said that the store’s evolution from floral shop to holistic health center has been a gradual process over the past twenty years, changing as owners have listened and responded to the community’s needs. When Willow took over the store in 2010, she added the selection of educational classes that characterize Om Gaia today.

“We like to call ourselves a ‘metaphysical store,’” she said. “Since 1991, we’ve gone from being retail-oriented to education-oriented. That’s really the biggest change we’ve made.”

Om Gaia currently hosts between 3 and 5 regular educational instructors, as well as 4 yoga instructors.

Beyond yoga and meditation, the store offers a variety of classes including Evolutionary Astrology, Communication and Relationships, Inner and Self Development, and Earth Elements, a class that explores natural elements such as crystals and stones and teaches individuals how to live in harmony with these elements. For those who enjoy a good workout at a slightly faster pace than yoga, belly dancing classes are available as well.

Om Gaia is also hosting “Vacation Gaia School,” a series of children’s classes that gathers on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Past classes have included instructional discussions on energy and crystals. The final upcoming vacation classes on August 3^rd and 10^th will explore the use of herbs and the benefits of meditation.

Every third Saturday of the month, the store hosts free healing sessions that include the practices of Reki, Pranic healing, and non-dual healing. On these days, acupuncturists and massage therapists are on hand, but charge for their services.

Every fourth Sunday of the month, Om Gaia invites the community to join in a free drum circle based on standard Cherokee tradition.

“Our mission is to bring good quality education about alternative ideas into the community,” Willow said.

Along with classes and services geared toward spiritual education, personal growth and holistic healing, Om Gaia also hosts tarot and intuitive readers on a daily basis.

Willow said that business at Om Gaia has not been negatively affected by the economy. The tarot and intuitive readers' business has increased.

“When people are struggling economically, we have found that they actually come here more often because they need help and support and know that they can find it here," she said. “Some people come looking for guidance or direction from our readers. Sometimes, though, all they’re really looking for is a place to feel safe."

The shop is not without controversy, Willow said some community members have voiced their disapproval of some of the store’s teachings and services.

“Some people feel that our teachings are against God, which is not at all true,” she said.

In the past, the store carried several ceremonial items related to various religions.

“We’ve taken a lot of the religious-based aspect – statuaries, for instance – out of the store because we want to stress the point that we’re trying to represent consciousness, not religion,” Willow said. “That’s an important distinction to make.”

The store's merchandise is diverse. One wall is dedicated to incense, scented oils and herbs, many of which may be used for holistic healing or ceremonial purposes. There is also a large selection of candles. Another section of the store houses a collection of music and books.

Om Gaia has a wide assortment of unique jewelry, much of which is crafted by local artists.

Willow attributes the shop’s longevity and success to the vitality of the community.

“Through good times and bad, we’ve always maintained optimism and a pioneering spirit, but it’s really the community that’s carried us through,” she said. “We have been amazed and grateful by the support we’ve received.”