FOCUSED ACTION YOGA HOSTED "BOOKS & BREW" EVENT IN A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT THAT FOSTERS WELLNESS AND ENCOURAGES CONNECTION
By Robb Helfrick
Focused Action Yoga hosted “Books and Brew” on April 12, and this relaxing Sunday afternoon event brought wellness-minded guests to an inviting Waynesboro studio. The focus of this business, which opened in January 2026, is not only on body movement and relaxation techniques, but also on community and connection. “I want people to walk in and feel like they’re in a friend’s home,” owner Sandra Tolescu said.
Tolescu’s vision for the studio began with a simple hosting concept: people will forget things that are said, how they appeared, or even how something tasted, but the one thing they will always remember is “how you made them feel.”
Focused Action Yoga classes are intentionally designed to leave each student feeling more balanced, empowered, and strong, no matter where they are on their yoga journey. Sandra, the sole instructor, teaches a variety of classes, including Chair Yoga and Chromatic Yoga. Her classes fit any schedule, since she offers instruction every day of the week.
Tolescu’s teaching journey began after years of practicing yoga for pain relief, recovery, stress, and building resilience. She felt a calling to teach. Sandra wanted to fully comprehend why Yoga was so powerful and then share it with others. This desire to learn, educate, and support people during their lifelong journey shaped how she instructs students today.
Sandra Tolsecu focuses on teaching and observing, instead of simply leading a class. Each person is encouraged to follow how their body moves. She emphasizes improving joint alignment, muscle engagement, biomechanics, and personal growth.
Just a few months after opening, Sandra is encouraged by the response to her new Main Street business. “It’s going well. I have a great community around me, and my students are amazing.”
Another goal Tolescu pursued for Focused Action Yoga was hosting unique events. The idea for Books and Brew came from Fitness Trainer Nicole Ellison, who attended the event. She’s a former Wedding Planner, so “planning events is something that comes naturally to me,” Ellison said.
Ellison presented Sandra with some ideas, and the Books and Brew concept clicked. “It’s like a silent book club,” Nicole said. “People can come and check it out. But you don’t have to socialize if you’re introverted. You can just come to read. Or you can connect with people, it’s up to you.”
Ellison began the Books and Brew session with breathing exercises and soothing words for the event’s participants. “Imagine the noise of the day, slowly fading into the background,” she said. “You don’t have to push anything away, just let it drift, like clouds moving across a wide sky. Truly let yourself arrive in this moment, without needing to be anywhere else. Bring your attention to the simple sensation of breathing. There’s nothing to solve right now, nothing to get right.”
The brews for the event were from the coffee and tea variety, partnered with fresh fruit and petite desserts.
The Books and Brew event resonated with participant Ashley Geesaman. “Everyone is welcoming here, and it’s a nice community. I’m excited to see where it goes with future events.”
Ashley brought a book and a positive attitude, and said she also enjoys the atmosphere for learning and personal growth that Sandra created at FAY. “I love this style of yoga, I get a lot out of it,” Geesaman said. “Sandra helps with meditation, and she gives an affirmation each time I come for a class. Sometimes I wonder- how did she know that’s exactly what I needed to hear?”
Geesaman also appreciates that Tolescu’s instruction focuses on strengthening and toning specific body parts. “She talks about the muscles and tissues and what they do. Sandra is very knowledgeable. She’s also attentive, without making you feel singled out.”
The atmosphere at Focused Action Yoga is calm and relaxing. The studio encourages individuals to simply be themselves. “It’s your practice,” Geesaman said. “You’re the one getting benefit from the classes. Don’t worry about what other people are doing, focus on what’s best for you.”
With that thought, Ashley opened her book and began reading. The room fell silent. But even without words being exchanged, a sense of shared spirit and connection filled the quiet room. Sandra Tolescu sat among the readers, and she smiled.
Focused Action Yoga is located at 300 W. Main Street in Waynesboro. Call 717-977-9072 or visit online (focusedactionyoga.com) by clicking below for more information about classes and upcoming events.
