Yoga as a Positive Addiction

Awakening to the Meaning Crisis

Aug 31 | 4 – 6 pm | Warp Corps

114 N Benton – Woodstock, IL

No one wants to feel pain. So it’s understandable if one chooses to numb it. But that strategy & it’s loss of sensitivity turns out to be a short term gain with long-term loss. Is it possible to embrace the intolerable rather than escape it? Yoga says yes. Gabriel has been studying, practicing & educating for over 50 years. His charismatic presence and message of hope will help you become your most radiant & authentic self. Join us for music, storytelling and laughter, designed to fire your aspiration and guide your spiritual journey.

Free-donation based event | Call 815-985-6256

Awaken the Inner Mystic via Zoom

WEDs Sept 1, 15 & 29 @ 11 am – 1 pm

Join Gabriel Halpern for a stirring exploration of “The Good Books” through the lens of Yoga. Throughout history and cross culturally, human beings have had numinous, awe-inspiring experiences too ineffable to define. Bordering on what seems otherworldly and supernatural, the perennial philosophy matter-of-factly states that every person has the capability of accessing these mystical states, whether through quest or revelation.

Uncover pathways and practices that reveal the inner mystic. The people of the Book (Old and New Testament and the Koran) teach how to transform perspective to find the extraordinary in the extra ordinary. With Gabriel’s guidance, venture through sacred stories and learn to see similarities on cultivating and enlivening this powerful, transformative spiritual energy.

In each session, these dharma talks will investigate the ways in which Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all point to the elementary idea behind the outer trappings of organized religion: the unity of existence that emanates from Spirit. Yoga postures will be paired to complement the teachings.

If scheduling is a challenge, we are now making the recordings available with registration. Suggested offering is $20 per session or $60 for the series. Should you be experiencing financial hardship but would like to participate, please reach out and we will find a comfortable solution. Props such as blocks, belts, blankets, a bolster, chair and wall space will be beneficial but not required.

Register via Zelle to Gabriel Halpern, 773-550-7906 or on Eventbrite

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Yoga Swadhyaya and Sacred Texts III

Held in-person at our studio in Lisle and Live via Zoom

THURs Sept 2 – 16

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Join Gabriel in this continuing study of the sacred texts of yoga. All are welcome – whether new to this type of study or those who have attended Gabriel’s previous workshops.

The third niyama is swadhyaya, often defined as self-study. It’s certainly through asana, pranayama, and meditation that one studies oneself in relation to these disciplined practices, but an equally powerful method of developing insight into oneself is through the reading, pondering, and discussing the books of the sages and rishis (the wise and enlightened ones).

Each week we we’ll discuss a different chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. Although not mandatory, reading each chapter prior to the class is highly recommended. The yoga dharma teaches to how to apply the lessons of the sacred texts to daily life. Every session will have one of Gabriel’s dharma talks be followed by an asana class to develop better study habits. Expect to take away numerous tips on yoga philosophy, meditation, breathing, sensory withdrawal, skill in action, and sequences to cultivate clarity, calmness, concentration, compassion and celebration.

Each class will start with a 30-minute dharma talk followed by a 90-minute asana practice.

$100 for all 3 classes or $35 for single class by Thursday, August 26, 2021; $115 for all 3 classes or $40 for single class thereafter

No registrations accepted after 10:30 am CDT on day of event. Your ZOOM link will be emailed to you one hour before event starts!

Yoga Swadhyaya and Sacred Texts III: Knowledge and Mystery

Sept 2: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Week 1: Chapter 9 Of Religion By Knowledge and Mystery

Yoga Swadhyaya and Sacred Texts III: Heavenly Perfections

Sept 9: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Week 2: Chapter 10 Of Religion By Heavenly Perfections

Yoga Swadhyaya and Sacred Texts III: The One and The Manifold

Sept 16: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Week 3: Chapter 11 Of Religion By The One and The Manifold

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Iyengar Yoga Series

4 SUNs Online

This course can be booked as series of four or as single workshop session. Suggested Props: mat, blankets, blocks, belt, chair. Suggested Books (to be read before the course): Light on Yoga Light on Pranayama Light on Life by BKS Iyengar

Week 1: Basics – foundational poses for the entry level

Sept 19 @ Noon – 2:30 pm CT

Alignment As Enlightenment.
Alignment is a kind of enlightenment and today you’ll find out why. Bio-mechanical alignment ensures safe and elegant movement. Yoga asanas when done properly feel good and reflect symmetry and freedom. Through precise alignment the mind becomes illuminated and discriminating. The basics of the Iyengar system will be taught focusing on fundamentals of hip and groin openers and standing poses. Open to all levels, especially beginners.

Week 2: Sharpening Your Edge – tapas-how to turn up the Bunsen burner

Sept 26 @ Noon – 2:30 pm CT

Abhyasa is defined as long, uninterrupted practice with devotion overtime. Refinement of the coarser aspects of personal practice follows initial attempts in yoga sadhana. Therefore, yoga leads from outer to inner, gross to subtle, and external to internal awareness. Finer details, more precise adjustments and holding poses for longer durations naturally proceed from better sequences and perseverance.

Week 3: Restorative Poses & Pranayama – passive practice and breath control

Oct 3 @ Noon – 2:30 pm CT

The fourth limb of yoga is pranayama. Mastering poses confers a flexible body, calm nerves and mental steadiness Yoga is the best antidote for being burnt out and out of sync with your own life rhythm, or fluctuating back-and-forth between being anxious and depressed. Yoga teaches techniques that are simple, safe, and effective. Today’s class will cover poses that relax and renew. Supine breath awareness techniques, as well as digital pranayama basics will be taught.

Week 4: Master Class

Oct 10 @ Noon – 2:30 pm CT

This challenging class is taken directly from a sequence taught at the Iyengar Institute in Pune, India. If you haven’t been to the yogic motherland, there is no better way to study the technique as taught at the foot of the master. Ignite the fire of aspiration that will make you want to go to the mat over and over again as a committed lifelong practitioner. Facing a challenge that is difficult creates the exhilaration of yoga. even if you can’t do the final pose you learn how to fail joyfully.

£20 – single session
£72 – full series

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PROPS R US

MON Oct 4 @ 6:15 pm $25

Zoom

(However we will be livestreaming at Nurture and welcome you to livestream with us)!

We are looking foward to Gabriel returning to in person sessions this fall.

Contemporary yogis use props. The possibilities and variations of prop usage are limitless. Asanas can be done with greater safely and better alignment. Execution of poses that were previously out of reach now become accessible.Props teach so many fundamentals necessary for further advancement in yoga, and contrary to popular belief, props do not make poses easier! Today’s session will highlight the versatility of a block, a belt, and a chair.

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Feb 26 – March 5, 2022

Villas Shanti
Puerto Morelos, Mexico
MORE INFO