The Hara Center

The Hara Center is not what one would expect to find in the heart of a Germantown neighborhood. Situated on the corner of Ash and Hickory streets in the Schnitzelburg area, The Hara Center functions as a neighborhood place of wellness and creativity. The name “Hara” comes from a Zen term referring to one’s spiritual center located in the lower abdomen – a name appropriate to the mission of this establishment.

Offering massage therapy, weekly yoga classes and rotating workshops, the center’s warm, laid-back atmosphere facilitates a unique environment where education, self-care and practicality are not mutually exclusive.

Founder Kelly McCarthy, a licensed massage therapist and mother of three, opened The Hara Center a year ago. In describing her vision for the center, McCarthy explains, “Life is crazy, busy, frantic and fast, and every neighborhood in America needs a place to organize and connect with their community ... kid-friendly, where families are welcome.”

Attending one of the monthly potluck meals, one can see that McCarthy’s vision is being realized. In one corner, alongside a collection of plants, children construct forts out of cushions – cushions that, at other times, workshop attendees use to sit upon. Another group of children constructs train tracks stored in a rattan basket. Some adults sit on a secondhand, mustard-yellow velvet couch next to a shelf full of loaner books such as “The Celestine Prophecy,” “Ahab’s Wife” and “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth.” Other adults mill around, chatting about their businesses, their gardens, or relating stories of the week between bites of Ethiopian lentils, salad and homemade chocolate. Below the surface of conversation, interaction and aesthetic ambience is the music of Bob Marley, Madonna or Jack Johnson.

The walls of the center exhibit the works of local artists. Presently, Michelle Amos’ “positive” voodoo dolls  – for good wi-fi connections or for finding good parking spots – each one colorful and unique, are pinned to curtains made of hand-dyed fabric strips.

Increasing numbers of people are becoming aware of alternative methods for healing and caring for one’s body. And community seems to be a topic addressed, not only by alternative groups, but also in the mainstream. The Hara Center stands as one model for the future. A woman with a vision has taken a step in faith, opening a center to benefit the community in which she lives, and little by little, her vision is being realized and acknowledged as beneficial and desirable.

Kelly McCarthy is scheduling massage appointments daily, and yoga classes are offered each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Additional classes and workshops are also scheduled each month. Check out The Hara Center’s Web page at www.theharacenter.net, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be added to their monthly Web newsletter. The Hara Center is located at 1039 Ash Street. Kelly McCarthy may be reached at (502) 644-3176.

June 5, 7:30 p.m.: Gallery Talk with local artist Michelle Amos

June 8, Time TBA:Stitch & Bitch, Family Style

June 10 – July 15 (Wednesdays), 7:30-8:30 p.m.: Belly Dancing

June 19, (3rd Fridays) 7 p.m.: Life Drawing

June 26, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.: Kelley R. Green Art Opening

• Natural toys and games for babies and kids

• Tall cupboard (metal or wood) with doors

• New, natural fiber area rug

• Bistro table and chairs

• Mini-fridge

• Floor pillows

• DVD wall projector

• Good quality stapler

• Folding chairs

• Land for retreat center