Classes and Groups

Mondays, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m., June 1 to July 6 (6 sessions) 

Taoist mystics have practiced longevity exercises for millennia with the goal of prolonging life and ultimately achieving immortality. What are the philosophies and exercises that lead them to these practices? Part lecture and part practice, this class aims to demystify the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, the Tao, the five elements and more, and to teach the basic qigong exercises that lead to health and longevity. An ideal class for those new to Chinese philosophy, qigong and t'ai chi.

John Robertson has nearly 20 years of experience practicing and teaching t'ai chi ch'uan and qigong and is a student of Taoist philosophy. He is a Level 7 Certified Qigong Instructor with the World Ki Gong Club and a Certified Advanced Instructor and professional member of the National Qigong Association. John owns Seven Stars Martial Arts in Winfield, IL. For more, visit www.7StarsMA.com.

TS members: $80 • Nonmembers: $100

Register here

Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation this class is temporarily suspended. Check back soon for updates. 

Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Spring Session: April 4 – June 27 (13 classes)
Summer Session: July 11 – August 29 (8 classes)

In this yin-style yoga practice, long-held, passive stretches emphasize release of deep connective tissues and aid in increased mobilization and strength in the joints, ligaments, and deep fascial networks of the body typically overlooked in more active exercise. Participants will be led through guided meditation, a flow of several postures held passively for several minutes each with the aid of props to provide comfort and support, and an extended shavasana (resting pose) with optional hands-on massage. 

Elaine Jackson is a member of the Theosophical Society and a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. She holds a Master’s degree in Art Education and has taught teach children and adults both in public and private school settings for the past 14 years. She uses her experience in education to share her lifelong curiosity about holistic health with others as she continues to learn and explore multiple modalities of physical, mental, and emotional healing.

Spring Session: TS members: $130 • Nonmembers: $155 • $14 per class

Summer Session: TS members: $80 • Nonmembers: $95 • $14 per class

Wednesdays 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., April 8 – May 27 (8 classes)  Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation this class is temporarily suspended. Check back soon for updates. 

This 8-week class will focus on two aspects of waking up: meditation and mindful attention in your everyday life. Each week we will look at a different aspect of meditation that will help develop a skilled attentiveness in your practice. We will then focus on an aspect of daily life to which you can bring mindful attention. This will include activities such as eating, listening, walking, and working with compassion and loving-kindness in action. We will spend part of one class on the grounds, weather dependent. 

Margaret McKenzie has been teaching meditation for the past 20 years. She is a senior Dharma teacher in the Kwan Um School of Zen.  Margaret taught meditation at the College of DuPage for 10 years and currently leads a student “drop in” meditation group at the college. She is also a licensed clinical social worker currently working at a local hospital.

TS members: $70 • Nonmembers: $80 • $90 at the door

Sundays, ongoing, 6:30 to 8 p.m.  

Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice. Each week we read and discuss chapters from an Advaita book (currently The Truth Is by Sri H.W.L. Poonja (Papaji)) and listen to or view Advaita-oriented materials from various sources.

$5 suggested donation