At the age of 15, Marci Hedderson-Carroll began practicing yoga. She kept it a secret from her friends, embarrassed by what they might think. Today, she shares her vocation loud and proud, running a one-woman nature dome tucked away in a Chillicothe forest.
Geode Nature Dome is a local yoga and activity center, surrounded by vibrant greenery, the crunch of leaves, sounds of birds chirping and twigs snapping—all offering an oasis under the trees.
Equipped with a hiking trail, a geodesic glamping pod, a barefoot playground and a greenhouse shower, the dome provides a getaway for visitors looking to escape their hectic lives and minds.
“I try to help people find their true north, especially in a chaotic world,” Hedderson-Carroll says. “I think a lot of people aren’t really living their true selves.”
Geode domes are considered ideal settings for yoga retreats because of their ability to allow people to be immersed in nature in a space where they can tap into their energies.
For 30 years, Hedderson-Carroll worked for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, but long hours of driving led to persistent back pains. She turned to yoga as a way of healing. Once she realized how beneficial the practice was for her body, she decided to become a certified yoga instructor.
“I’m living a more peaceful life. I’m slowing down,” Hedderson-Carroll says. “I’m getting ready to gear up to do retreats and workshops for people who want to learn how to do that as well. Finding simplicity, clearing the clutter and finding clarity is my goal for my clients.”
Hedderson-Carroll manages every aspect of her business ranging from Instagram, Facebook, the website, planning, emails and even cleaning. The dome offers a variety of adventurous experiences outside of yoga, such as stand-up paddleboarding, rappelling and kayaking. The only rule is that activities align with the motto, “come for the thrill, stay for the chill.”
People who visit the dome can expect to leave in a “blissful state of mind,” Hedderson-Carroll says.
Joya Elmore, director of environment-based learning at Wellington School in Columbus, is a frequent visitor to the dome. Thanks to a grant at the school aimed to focus on faculty wellbeing, she was able to bring a group of colleagues on a retreat to work on mindfulness.
“We encourage teachers to practice mindfulness at school, but it’s really hard to teach something if you don’t have the opportunity (to try it) for yourself,” Elmore says.
The retreat allowed the colleagues to form stronger connections, disconnect from technology and be present in the moment.
“I grew up in geodesic domes, so this is extra special to be able to share this kind of space. I think that this place offers a chance for us to connect to something that is bigger than us,” Elmore says.
Kelly Nedrow, a lawyer, has been a yoga instructor for the center since the start. She highlights the inner circle the dome has created, especially for women.
“Marci has really created that space where we can commune with each other and find people who can touch each other’s hearts,” Nedrow says.
Hedderson-Carroll’s goal is to create a safe space for all.
“The mission is to find rest in real time, to step into nature, connect with nature, clear your mind, free your mind, and get back to center,” she says.
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