Step out of routine and into the living lineage of yoga and Vivekananda’s vision. 

Join Komal Bhonagiri and Julia Jonson for a one-day immersive retreat experience exploring the life, teachings, and enduring impact of Swami Vivekananda—a visionary who helped bring yoga philosophy to the West.

Our journey begins at The Home of Harmony on Chicago’s northside where we set the tone for a meaningful day of reflection and connection. We will practice yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation, sound bath, a light lunch, and learn much more about Vivekananda’s vision of harmony and oneness. 

We will then travel as a group to the Art Institute of Chicago, where we will visit this iconic site and stand in the vicinity of where Swami Vivekananda delivered his historic 1893 address at the World’s Parliament of Religions—a defining moment that helped reshape global understanding of yoga and spirituality.

This journey is centered around two powerful spaces in Chicago—The Home of Harmony and The Art Institute of Chicago, the historic site of Vivekananda’s 1893 address.

This is not just a yoga workshop—it’s a guided pilgrimage + cultural immersion. This is a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Swami Vivekananda and experience yoga not just as practice, but as living philosophy—where history, devotion, and self-inquiry meet. 

Price

Early registration (first 10 participants) $400 – regular pricing $425. Use promo code: EARLYBIRD

In the spirit of Swami Vivekananda and the practice of selfless service, a portion of the retreat proceeds will support community nourishment and giving-back initiatives. A portion of our proceeds will go to feed those in need through I LOVE SAI

What’s Included

• Yoga class (asana, pranayama, meditation, philosophy) + sound healing 
• Teachings at the Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago
• Light lunch served at The Home of Harmony (dietary restrictions considered!)
• Transportation from The Home of Harmony to The Art Institute of Chicago
• Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago
• Guided historical and philosophical explorations

Not Included in Price

• Travel to The Home of Harmony and return transportation from the retreat

• Return travel from The Art Institute of Chicago back home

• Optional dinner or additional meals not listed in the retreat program

Register Here

Join Komal Bhonagiri & Julia Jonson, experienced yoga educators, for an immersive exploration of the chakra system—rooted in yoga’s timeless wisdom and offered through an open, modern, and accessible lens.

This workshop blends thoughtful discussion with embodied practice, guiding you through the energetic map of the chakras using asana, pranayama, meditation, and self-reflection. Together, we’ll explore how these subtle energy centers relate to your physical body, emotional patterns, and overall mindset.

What to Expect

In this immersive, insight-driven workshop, you will:

• Explore the energetic map of the chakras through movement and breathwork.
• Experience the chakras as a meaningful framework for self-awareness and growth.
• Learn to integrate traditional teachings into your modern, everyday life.

Perfect for curious students, dedicated practitioners, and teachers alike. This session is hosted in-studio at The Yoga Effect, offering a space to deepen your understanding and reconnect with your inner landscape.

Register Here

Register Here

In this Friday evening yoga practice, we invite you to unwind & find time to slow down, tuning  into your body & your breath. With a focus on recovery & rest, this workshop incorporates gentle yoga poses,  myofascial release techniques, and concludes in a serene Yoga Nidra experience.

Opening with exploration of gentle yoga poses, students start to ground their body & mind. By cultivating the right conditions for parasympathetic nervous system activation (the body’s ‘rest & digest’ system), students will notice tension subsiding, promoting  physical as well as psychological calm.

To aid in letting go of physical tension, the workshop will incorporate therapy balls using myofascial release techniques. These techniques target tight fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles), which helps release the muscle, creating a feeling of spaciousness in the body. These techniques also target emotional stress carried in the body, which may effectively relieve chronic pain and discomfort, leading to reduced anxiety & a more peaceful mental state.

After building a sense of calm throughout practice, this sets the mood for restful “sleep”. The workshop will conclude with Yoga Nidra,  a form of guided meditation that cultivates a dream-like state. Here, there are no physical movements – deep breathing & mindfulness techniques are used in a reclined, supported position. Yoga Nidra promotes physical, emotional, and mental relaxation which improves the quality of sleep.

Learn more about Carole

Register Here

Breathe life back into your practice and leave feeling renewed. We can’t wait to guide you on this empowering journey of breath and mindfulness!

This workshop is good for all levels, whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner. It’s a fantastic opportunity to refresh your practice, deepen your connection with your breath, and leave you feeling centered, re-energized, and more attuned to your body.

What we’ll explore:

• Stress management and relaxation
• Emotional balance and calmness
• A deeper connection to your body and breath
• Improved focus and clarity of mind
• Enhanced physical health and lung capacity

Learn more about Julia

Register Here

Breathe life back into your practice and leave feeling renewed. We can’t wait to guide you on this empowering journey of breath and mindfulness!

This workshop is good for all levels, whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner. It’s a fantastic opportunity to refresh your practice, deepen your connection with your breath, and leave you feeling centered, re-energized, and more attuned to your body.

What we’ll explore:

• Stress management and relaxation
• Emotional balance and calmness
• A deeper connection to your body and breath
• Improved focus and clarity of mind
• Enhanced physical health and lung capacity

Learn more about Julia

Register Here

Breathe life back into your practice and leave feeling renewed. We can’t wait to guide you on this empowering journey of breath and mindfulness!

This workshop is good for all levels, whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner. It’s a fantastic opportunity to refresh your practice, deepen your connection with your breath, and leave you feeling centered, re-energized, and more attuned to your body.

What we’ll explore:

• Stress management and relaxation
• Emotional balance and calmness
• A deeper connection to your body and breath
• Improved focus and clarity of mind
• Enhanced physical health and lung capacity

Learn more about Julia

Register Here

Breathe life back into your practice and leave feeling renewed. We can’t wait to guide you on this empowering journey of breath and mindfulness!

This workshop is good for all levels, whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner. It’s a fantastic opportunity to refresh your practice, deepen your connection with your breath, and leave you feeling centered, re-energized, and more attuned to your body.

What we’ll explore:

• Stress management and relaxation
• Emotional balance and calmness
• A deeper connection to your body and breath
• Improved focus and clarity of mind
• Enhanced physical health and lung capacity

Learn more about Julia

Register Here