WellcommDC [11.17.25]

WellcommDC is the email newsletter bringing you the best of the DMV’s wellness community. Get On The List and get WellcommDC sent directly to your inbox. Have a friend who would love WellcommDC? Then please forward our email or tag them on one of our IG posts. Email [email protected] or slide into our DMs with your tips.

[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Allie Lehnhardt, a Yoga Teacher at Sonder Studios in Owings, MD.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Allie Lehnhardt: I lead Yoga Teacher Training programs at the 200-hour and 300-hour levels at Sonder Studios. I offer regular yoga classes at Sonder and take classes taught by my fellow teachers. It’s deeply inspiring to practice where you teach and hold space for one another. Additionally, I offer recorded meditations on Insight Timer.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

AL: Wellness is a practice of coming back home to myself. It’s the integration of body, mind, and spirit: where I’m not striving to fix or perfect anything, but instead learning to listen deeply. Wellness isn’t a destination: it’s a daily relationship with presence. Some days it looks like a strong physical practice, and other days, it’s rest, silence, or a walk outside. At its heart, wellness is about alignment: living in a way that reflects authenticity and compassion. When I’m well, I’m grounded enough to hold space for others—to guide, to teach, and to serve from a place of wholeness rather than depletion. That is my daily prayer. That, to me is the essence of wellness: remembering who we are beneath the noise, and returning to that place of truth, again and again.

WDC: What are your wellness goals over the next twelve months?

AL: My goals over the next twelve months are pretty simple: first, create sustainable rhythms of movement, rest, and nourishment. Second, remain present and mindful. And third, love deeply.

WDC: Who are some people who inspire you, motivate you, or keep you accountable when it comes to your wellness?

AL: Jesus Christ is someone I deeply admire and draw continual motivation from. His teachings remind me of the power of compassion, forgiveness, and presence: qualities that align beautifully with the heart of wellness and mindfulness. He reminds me daily to meet others with grace, to serve with humility, and to lead from the heart rather than from ego. For me, Jesus represents the ultimate embodiment of wholeness: someone who lived in complete harmony with truth and compassion. Jack Kornfield is an Insight meditation teacher who bridges ancient wisdom with a modern understanding of the human heart. Jack’s teachings are deeply inspiring, bringing me to my knees and creating space for me to connect deeply with the inner wisdom that already resides within me. Thich Nhat Hanh lived simply and intentionally, showing that wellness comes from mindful choices, aligned values, and a balanced, patient approach to life. This is a beautiful way to walk through life and something I strive for.

WDC: What advice would you share with someone looking to change their wellness routine?

AL: Start slow. Start small. It’s important to honor where you are right now. Wellness isn’t about perfection or drastic change: it’s about creating sustainable practices that support your body, mind, and spirit. Next, focus on consistency over intensity: even five minutes of mindful movement or meditation each day can create profound shifts over time. And most importantly, approach the process with curiosity and self-compassion: wellness is a journey, not a destination.

Know a fitness instructor or personal trainer in the DMV who deserves a High Five? Click here to submit your nomination so we can consider them for a future WellcommDC High Five profile!

That’s this week’s edition of WellcommDC. Like what you read? Get On The List and get future editions sent directly to your inbox. Have a friend who needs to read WellcommDC? Forward our email to them. Drop us a line at [email protected] or slide in with tips. Until next time, take care of yourself, and take care of each other.

Go For It,

Your WellcommDC Team (@wellcommdc)

Transform Your Self. Transform Your Community. Transform Your World.