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SUMMARY:Yoga with Areta
DESCRIPTION:Yoga With Areta \nAreta will guide you through a traditional vinyasa flow yoga class incorporating poses\, breathwork and meditation. This bi-weekly one-hour practice will help release tension and bring you back into balance while opening\, lengthening and strengthening the body.  Whether you are new to yoga or an experienced practitioner\, this mindful flow class will leave you feeling renewed and energized.  Bring a mat and a water bottle. \nTraditional Vinyasa Flow Yoga is a dynamic style of yoga that emphasizes the synchronization of breath and movement as practitioners flow through a sequence of poses. It combines the ancient practice of yoga with a modern approach that focuses on creating a fluid and rhythmic movement pattern. Vinyasa Flow is known for its creative sequencing and the way it allows practitioners to explore their bodies\, breath\, and minds in a harmonious way. \nTaking a yoga class can offer a variety of physical\, mental\, and emotional benefits including improving cardiovascular health\, reducing stress and tension and leaving you feeling more energized and revitalized. \nAreta has been teaching yoga in Lake Forest and in yoga studios along the North Shore for 10 years and is E-RYT 500 Certified. Areta’s passion is bringing yoga to EVERY BODY\, and has additional certifications in Meditation\, Adaptive Yoga for Disabilities\, Senior Yoga\, Love Your Brain for traumatic brain injury\, Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery\, Yin Yoga\, and Yoga for 12 Step Recovery. Areta teaches yoga to inspire and empower physical well-being\, spiritual balance and awakening for everyday life. She is a long-time resident of Lake Forest and a disability advocate and volunteer yoga coach for the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA).
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/yoga-class/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Wellness
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250715T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250715T130000
DTSTAMP:20260406T112339
CREATED:20230824T123605Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T151422Z
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SUMMARY:Divorcing with Dignity
DESCRIPTION:Considering Divorce? Learn About a Healthier Path Forward\nAre you or someone you know thinking about divorce? Navigating this emotional and complex process can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it uninformed. This workshop is designed to help you understand your options and explore the path that may be best for your unique family situation. \nWhy Mediation?\nDivorce mediation is a collaborative\, respectful process that empowers couples to make all of their own decisions—about parenting\, finances\, property division\, child support\, and alimony—without turning to the courts. If both partners can communicate and are willing to be fair and reasonable\, mediation offers a way to move forward with dignity and mutual respect. \nMediation significantly reduces the emotional and financial costs often associated with traditional divorce litigation. It also minimizes the stress placed on children\, helping families transition more smoothly into their next chapter. \nWhat You’ll Learn\nIn this informative session\, you’ll learn: \n\n\nWhat divorce mediation is and how it works \n\n\nThe key requirements for successful mediation \n\n\nThe benefits of choosing mediation over traditional litigation \n\n\nHow mediation can protect your emotional\, financial\, and family well-being \n\n\nA Better Way Through Divorce\nMediation is the least expensive\, least time-consuming\, and least adversarial way to end a marriage. It puts decision-making power in your hands—not in a judge’s—and fosters a cooperative environment that prioritizes the best interests of everyone involved\, especially children. \nJoin us to discover whether divorce mediation is the right choice for you or someone you care about. \nIf you cannot attend in-person\, you can contact Michael Cohen through his website at michaelsmediation.com to meet 1:1 to review this same information confidentially. \nMichael Cohen is a divorce mediator in Lake Forest who is dedicated to helping families get through the stressful process of a divorce in the healthiest way for the couple and for their children.  During a successful career leading diverse teams for a large local company\, Michael trained at Northwestern University to gain his divorce mediation certification and has built a practice whose purpose is to help others.  Michael is a caring\, empathetic leader who will take the time to understand your passions and priorities\, and will guide you to help you create the best solutions for you and your families. 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/divorcing-with-dignity-6/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Classes,Specialty,Wellness
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250716T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250716T101500
DTSTAMP:20260406T112339
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SUMMARY:Kundalini Yoga
DESCRIPTION:Kundalini Yoga: The Yoga of Awareness\nKundalini yoga combines postures\, conscious breathing\, mantra\, music\, and meditation. Each class usually starts with an opening chant to help you “tune in.” Then\, you’ll do a warm-up that focuses on the spine. After that\, the class moves into a series of postures called a “kriya.” These postures use specific breathwork and often include chanting. Finally\, the class ends with relaxation or meditation\, all designed to activate your “Kundalini energy.” These practices help balance your body and mind\, allowing you to experience clarity and the beauty of your soul. \nEvery class focuses on a specific theme to support your body and mind in different ways. Therefore\, join us and discover a practice that helps you tap into your unlimited potential. \nYou don’t need any previous yoga experience to participate. Bringing a mat and blanket will make you more comfortable in class. \nJennifer is a Holistic Occupational Therapist. She specializes in healing methods like reiki\, meditation\, ancestral clearing\, craniosacral therapy\, and energy healing. Jennifer loves helping people connect with their unlimited potential. She works with individuals and groups of all ages\, from newborns to older adults. Teaching how to move energy through breath\, visualization\, and meditation is one of her favorite parts of her work. Additionally\, she enjoys helping people heal and find joy in their spirit. As a mom\, wife\, and healer\, Jennifer knows how important self-care is. She believes healing both personally and together is deeply meaningful and beautiful life work. For more information on meditations and classes\, visit intuitlove.com or contact Jennifer directly at JenniferLauren@nullintuitlove.com or 224-500-7797.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/kundalini-yoga/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Wellness
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250716T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250716T183000
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SUMMARY:Women's Self Defense with Fit 2 Defend Academy
DESCRIPTION:Women’s Self-Defense Workshop: Empowerment Through Action\nJoin us for a dynamic and empowering self-defense workshop designed specifically for women of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or looking to refresh and refine your skills\, this class provides a supportive and inclusive environment where you can learn practical\, real-world techniques that truly work. \nLed by the experienced team at Fit 2 Defend\, this workshop combines a short\, informative lecture with hands-on practice. You’ll learn how to protect yourself across multiple ranges of defense\, understand the importance of situational awareness\, and gain insight into the golden rules of self-defense that can help prevent dangerous encounters before they happen. \nThrough realistic scenarios and step-by-step instruction\, you’ll build physical skills\, mental preparedness\, and the self-assurance needed to respond effectively under pressure. Fit 2 Defend has trained and empowered hundreds of women with great success\, and now it’s your turn to take the first step toward personal safety and empowerment. \nCome dressed to move\, bring water\, and get ready to leave this workshop feeling stronger\, smarter\, and more confident in your ability to defend yourself. \nAges 13 +
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/womens-self-defense-with-fit-2-defend/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Classes,Specialty,Wellness
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250719T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250719T120000
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SUMMARY:Tai Chi
DESCRIPTION:Sign up for Gorton’s Tai Chi class and join Ken Ning each Saturday to learn and practice Tai Chi. Ken’s Tai Chi class is open to both beginners and experienced practitioners. \nTai Chi is an inclusive form of exercise that anyone can do\, whether you are in peak shape\, or have limited mobility. Despite its slow pace\, Tai Chi is a valuable exercise for all ages\, read about the health benefits of Tai Chi below. Dress comfortably and be prepared to have fun in Ken’s Tai Chi class. \nHealth Benefits of Tai Chi \nTai Chi has numerous health benefits. It is good for balance\, flexibility\, and stress – regular Tai Chi practice can improve overall physical health and well-being. In fact\, Harvard Health suggests Tai Chi might be “…the perfect activity for the rest of your life.” \nAs a form of exercise\, researchers in Toronto found Tai Chi is equivalent to brisk walking. So\, instead of worrying about your steps (how boring)\, join Ken’s Tai Chi class and have some more fun while you exercise. \nUnlike other forms of exercise\, Tai Chi movements are performed with relaxed muscles and a focus on deep breathing. Slow and gentle\, Tai Chi can improve blood flow\, balance\, and relaxation. Each Tai Chi pose flows into the next with circular\, continuous movements. This helps improve your balance and flexibility without putting strain on muscles and joints. \nTai Chi is also a very social activity\, commonly practiced in groups that rhythmically synchronize slow movements with deep breathing. Like meditation\, Tai Chi creates a calm and focused mind and can create a state of mindfulness. \nTai Chi also benefits emotional well-being and mental health. Regular Tai Chi practice can improve concentration\, physical self-awareness\, and create a sense of inner peace. Tai chi is a great exercise for relieving stress and has been shown to benefit hypertension and high blood pressure. \nWhat is Tai Chi? \nTai Chi is a Chinese traditional exercise that blends martial arts’ movement with meditation. Dating back a thousand years\, Tai Chi remains a popular activity in China and around the world. \nTai Chi is a series of slow\, choreographed martial arts movements and poses. Tai Chi poses are circular and continuous\, with an emphasis on smooth transitions and maintaining a centered and grounded posture. Tai Chi poses mimic the movements of animals or nature\, such as flowing water or a bird in flight.  \nKen has been practicing martial arts for 27 years\, and started Tai Chi training in 1996 with Sifu Dale Washington\, Sifu Ban Toy in 2000 and Grand Master Yang Jun in 2006. He has been practicing Tai Chi for 21 years and teaching Tai Chi for 12 years. In 2016\, he received a Gold Eagle certificate from Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association. certificate. Ken is also one of Grand Master Yang Jun’s Disciples for the Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan. He teaches Kickboxing and Full-contact Martial Arts teacher and is certified by Ng Family Martial Arts Association.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/tai-chi/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Wellness
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250719T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250719T140000
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SUMMARY:Accelerated Class: Reiki Levels I & II 7/19
DESCRIPTION:Discover the Healing Power of Reiki\nReiki is a Japanese energy healing practice that supports physical\, emotional\, and mental balance. It uses gentle touch to channel universal life energy into the body\, helping to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The word Rei means “universal life\,” and Ki means “energy\,” so Reiki literally translates to Universal Life Force Energy. \nThis holistic practice is based on the belief that all living things are sustained by a vital life force. When this energy flows freely\, the body can maintain health and balance. Through Reiki\, practitioners aim to restore this flow\, facilitating healing at physical\, emotional\, and spiritual levels. \nUsing the practitioner’s hands\, Reiki energy is transferred to the recipient\, calming the nervous system and enhancing overall well-being. Many find it to be a deeply soothing and grounding experience. \nWhat You’ll Learn in Our Accelerated Reiki Class\nOur Accelerated Reiki Class is open to everyone and includes both Reiki Level I and Level II certifications. In this course\, participants will: \n\nLearn the core Reiki symbols and their meanings\nReceive clear\, step-by-step instruction from an experienced teacher\nGain hands-on practice with energy work\nEarn a Reiki II certificate upon completion\n\nYou’ll leave the class with the knowledge and confidence to practice Reiki on yourself\, others\, and even animals. \nMeet Your Instructor: Melissa MacTaggart\nMelissa MacTaggart is a certified Reiki Master Teacher who has trained in the Usui method—the oldest form of Reiki. She studied at Zaanti Reiki and Sat Nam Yoga in Chicago\, and founded Blossom and Bee Reiki in 2018. \nMelissa has led Reiki workshops in both Los Angeles and Chicago. Her passion for energy healing began in her teenage years\, sparking a lifelong journey into the mind-body connection. Today\, she considers Reiki her most beloved modality because of its transformative\, radiant power. \nHer mission is to help others discover peace and balance through energy work. Melissa’s mantra is\, “Let’s move energy together.”
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/accelerate-class-reiki-levels-i-ii/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Classes,Wellness
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