The Inner-Connection, a holistic health and wellness center and retail store located in New Cumberland, is the passion project of Ratha and Jean-Paul Wright, who are carrying the torch lit 30 years ago by former owners Jan and Paul Wren. “It is an honor for us to be able to continue the legacy created by Jan and Paul,” shares Ratha.

The center hosts a retail space, private consultation rooms, classrooms and a yoga studio. “The recent expansion allowed for us to broaden the services we provide, such as ordinations, trainings, workshops, yoga, belly dancing, meditation, energy work, shamanic healing, past-life regression, sound therapy, community room rental services and local nonprofit initiatives,” states Ratha. The Inner-Connection, which began as a simple, yet powerful metaphysical bookstore, has evolved into a holistic health and wellness center dedicated to serve in a way that creates an impact in the lives of others, the community and humanity at large.

Their 30th anniversary event will kick off with a panel discussing How to Live a Heart Centered Life from 7 to 9 p.m., November 1. The celebration will continue with a candlelit medium gallery from 7 to 9 p.m., November 2.  A casual open house celebration will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., November 3, for people to meet and mingle with the previous owners, as well as current staff and practitioners.  Refreshments and entertainment will be provided. The four-day celebration will close with an interfaith gathering at 11 a.m., November 4.

The Wrens created a cohesive community, and the Wrights have moved forward to maintain that platform with a mission to serve and educate by providing tools and services to explore unconditional self-love, self-discovery and self-healing in a loving, open and safe place. Ratha and Jean-Paul consider the 21st century an exciting time to be alive in order to usher in a new wave of consciousness. “As the new owners, we consider The Inner-Connection to have been charged with carrying that mantle, to be a hub on the forefront of this wave assisting others in any way we can,” Ratha says. We consider it our duty to be a resource and a safe haven for others as they explore various modalities, practices and means for personal, professional and spiritual growth.”

Along with their staff, Ratha and Jean-Paul use modern technology to emphasize the holistic integration, care and wellness of the mind, body and spirit. “Our community is becoming more conscious of the need to take care of each component that makes up the human experience,” she explains.

“Self-care, in the form of nutrition, rest and movement that includes daily stress-relief, takes care of the body. Meditation, light-heartedness and letting go in order to reduce anxiety and invite peace, take care of the mind. Living a life of passion, purpose, meaning and fulfillment of self-discovery, self-awareness and spiritual practice takes care of the spirit, and can open us up to living in alignment with our highest potential and our life’s calling,” shares Ratha.

“Through the group effort of our Inner-Connection family, we serve and assist others in their spiritual quest and day-to-day joys and sorrows,” she says. “It is a privilege to be able to be an ear for someone and support them. That’s why we do what we do relentlessly each day.”

Center stage in the hearts of Ratha and Jean-Paul is Maya Angelou’s quotation, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Her message has become a north star, guiding them in their interactions and approach to serving the community.

The Wrights know that the success of The Inner-Connection center has been made possible by the close-knit community. “Compassion for humanity, compassion for each individual’s journey and compassion for oneself opens up the communal essence that is oneness and the unity of consciousness between all things,” avows Ratha. “Here at the Inner-Connection, we truly believe that together, we are powerful beyond measure.”

The Inner-Connection is located at 300 Bridge St., in New Cumberland. For more information,

call 717-833-4325 or visit MyInnerConnection.com.