FRIDAY 12/13, 6:30-8:30pm

Cacao circles have been reintroduced into modern society as a powerful way to connect more deeply with ourselves and our environment. They offer a precious moment to pause, reflect, celebrate, and appreciate the treasures we often overlook. Long before chocolate reached Europe and the rest of the world, ancient traditions, especially in Central America, utilized pure cacao in their rituals and ceremonies. Today, we are witnessing a beautiful revival of these practices. Just as music captures the evolving sensibilities of different eras and cultures, cacao circles now reflect our longing for deeper connection, purpose, celebration, and gratitude in our lives.

In a world filled with people and technology, constant stimulation can leave us feeling isolated despite being surrounded by others. Cacao circles offer supportive experiences that foster connection and creativity and enhance our emotional well-being. Although each person's experience is unique, some potential benefits include:

- Mental and emotional clarity

- A deeper connection to creative expression

- Reconnecting with self-worth and purpose

- Working through emotional blockages

- Encouraging self-love and self-care

- A stronger self-connection and elevated mood

Some attendees come with a specific intention to address during the ceremony, while others simply aim to be present in the moment with themselves and those around them.

A few additional reminders:

1. It is recommended that people come with an intention.

2. Please bring a coffee mug and a blanket

3. If possible, bring flowers to help to decorate the mesa (altar). This represents the gratitude that we might have for anything in our lives

All proceeds from this workshop go toward helping us fund our buildout for our new (PERMANENT) location for the yoga school. Chicago Hot Yoga is on a mission to create a vibrant, inclusive home for wellness, connection, and growth. Your support will help us:

• • Expand class offerings

  • Build a warm, accessible school

  • Support yoga for all abilities and backgrounds 

   

Every dollar brings us closer to our $150,000 goal. Together, we can create something truly special. Donate today: https://givebutter.com/c/chihotyoga

“I was born in Chicago but grew up in Mexico alongside my great-grandmother, Emelia, who was a native of Mexico. Every morning, she would tell me, "Merge with the spirit of life and allow yourself to be your true self." Afterward, she would take me for a walk in the forest before dawn, where I began learning how to receive the teachings from our ancestors. Later, I studied holistic medicine, focusing on integrating the wisdom of my ancestors with modern practices. At the age of 24, I returned to Chicago to pursue a degree in education. I currently work in the field of education and offer cacao circles and other holistic modalities to help people reconnect with their most authentic selves.”

SATURDAY 12/14, 12pm-1:15pm

Join Michael for a restorative, gentle flow class geared toward helping you rejuvenate your body and de-stress the mind. Expect relaxing vibes, all-level postures infused with mindfulness meditation. It's a perfect opportunity to optimize your energy levels and connect more easily to your kindness, compassion, and joy just in time for the heart of the holiday season.

All proceeds from this workshop go toward helping us fund our buildout for our new (PERMANENT) location for the yoga school. Chicago Hot Yoga is on a mission to create a vibrant, inclusive home for wellness, connection, and growth. Your support will help us:

• Expand class offerings

• Build a warm, accessible school

• Support yoga for all abilities and backgrounds

Every dollar brings us closer to our $150,000 goal. Together, we can create something truly special. Donate today: https://givebutter.com/c/chihotyoga

Saturday 12/14, 2-3:30pm

Suggested donation: $40-$100, but all donations accepted

Max capacity: 10 people

TRE is a gentle and healing practice that rapidly releases stress and tension. TRE is a simple, seven step process that carefully induces the body's ability to tremor. TRE can reduce anxiety, pain, insomnia, agitation, fatigue, dissociation and other symptoms associated with chronic stress and chronic health issues. TRE improves mood, sleep, concentration and increases one's sense of safety and resilience. TRE offers immediate benefits that guide the body back to regulation.

Bio:

Neely is a LCSW, TRE Certified Provider and Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional. Neely's work focuses on the intersection of trauma, the mind, wisdom of the body and illness. Neely specializes in working with adults living with PTSD, anxiety, depression and chronic illness.

w/Sarah Elizabeth Anderson

(She/Her)

Saturday 12/14, 4-5:30pm

$50 suggested donation or pay what you can.

Do you need to know your ancestors to connect to their hopes, wishes, and dreams for you? Is it possible to experience their graciousness and presence here and now in a meaningful way? Come and find out! This mini workshop will be packed with connection to self, body, and ancestral wisdom.

All proceeds from this workshop go toward helping us fund our buildout for our new (PERMANENT) location for the yoga school. Chicago Hot Yoga is on a mission to create a vibrant, inclusive home for wellness, connection, and growth. Your support will help us:

• Expand class offerings

• Build a warm, accessible studio

• Support yoga for all abilities and backgrounds

Every dollar brings us closer to our $150,000 goal. Together, we can create something truly special. Donate today: https://givebutter.com/c/chihotyoga

Bio: Sarah is a professional clinical mental health counselor. As part of the group practice at Brown and Schwartz Psychology in the Chicago Loop, she specializes in clients struggling with CPTSD, PMDD, self-expression, and self-love. Her therapeutic approach is Internal Family Systems, Somatic Body/Movement, and Art Expression.