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

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Step outside and arrive fully in your body. This walking meditation guides you through each of the five senses — sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. You'll learn to soften your gaze, tune into layers of sound, and notice the air on your skin, all while feeling the steady rhythm of your feet on the ground. No destination required, just a willingness to notice what's already there.

Wear comfortable shoes, bring your yoga mat, water bottle and sunscreen and meet us in the field. Light stretches and breath modulation will be incorporated throughout.

Use address 855 Country Club Dr. Libertyville, IL 60048 — park by the tennis courts or on the street and meet us under the trees. Text (224) 628-0848 with questions.

Regular Class Rate: Use a class pack, monthly membership, or drop-in for $28.

Learn more about Yami

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Students are encouraged to attend all four sessions for the full learning experience and can sign up using the “full series” option. Individual workshop participation is also welcome using the “single session” sign-up option.

Yoga is more than stretching—it’s a powerful system for learning how to calm your mind, manage stress, and better understand yourself.

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us live in a constant state of stress and anxiousness. Yoga offers practical tools to help regulate your nervous system, reconnect with your body, and cultivate a sense of steadiness and ease. This four-part Intro to Yoga series is designed for beginners or anyone wanting to revisit the foundations of practice in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Rooted in the ancient tradition of Hatha Yoga, this series introduces the essential elements of yoga—including foundational postures, breathwork, and simple sequences—while helping you develop a deeper awareness of how your body and mind work together.

Throughout the series, you will learn how to:

• Reduce stress and calm the nervous system
• Use breath to regulate anxiousness and overwhelm
• Understand the purpose behind common yoga poses
• Move with greater awareness and alignment
• Build a friendly, supportive relationship with your body
• Approach practice with curiosity rather than judgment

Each session will explore a key aspect of yoga practice:

• Session 1: What is Yoga? – Explore the history and philosophy of yoga and how this ancient practice supports modern wellbeing.
• Session 2: The Poses (Asanas) – Learn foundational yoga poses with an emphasis on functional alignment and safety.
• Session 3: Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) – Understand and practice this classic flowing sequence that builds strength, mobility, and focus.
• Session 4: Breath & Pranayama – Discover breathing techniques that help regulate the nervous system and bring calm during times of stress.

At TBY Yoga (To Be You), our motto is simple: Classes and experiences designed to help you calm your mind, be good to yourself, and encourage you… To Be You. 

Whether you are brand new to yoga or looking to reconnect with the basics, this series will give you the knowledge and confidence to begin—or to refine your learning.

Learn More About Julia

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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

Join Komal for reconnecting with your foundation in this Root Chakra–focused workshop. The root chakra, or Muladhara (Sanskrit for "root of existence" or "base support"), is the first, red-colored energy center located at the base of the spine. As the foundation for the chakra system, the root chakra governs our sense of grounding, security, survival instincts, and stability.

Through grounding poses, breathwork, and mindful awareness, students will explore practices that bring to life the root chakra. Expect a variety of poses (asanas) that support the development balance, stability, and a sense of inner security. This class is ideal for students seeking to feel more rooted, calm, and connected in their body. 

This workshop will conclude with a nourishing sound bath to help balance the chakras and integrate the practice on an energetic level. Come as you are and experience how root energy flow and sound both can transform your practice and your state of being!

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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

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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