Cara Jepsen

"You are SO bailing me out this week! That nasty cough in Chicago has me (very temporarily) back on the industrial strength asthma meds that make me depressed and anxious. I unearthed the handout from your workshops last winter, read the poem, did your calming breathing and was good to go. Thanks a WHOLE lot!"
-Anonymous

WORKSHOPS AND SPECIAL CLASSES

Our next Yoga and Meditation Retreats are November 2-3 at the Port for Prayer in Frankfort, IL and February 8 to 15, 2014 in Belize. More info here.



DHARMA YOGA WORKSHOP: MAHA SADHANA
Saturday, June 8, 10-1
Today's Yoga , 5256 N. Damen Ave. in Chicago
(Free street parking and #50 and #92 bus access)
$35 before June 5, $45 after

Maha Sadhana means “The Great Practice”, and this amazing asana-based intensive will deepen your yoga practice. It will include chanting, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation as well as direction toward the true goal of yoga.

Dharma Yoga is a classical, flowing hatha system originated by New York City-based yogi Dharma Mittra, creator of the Master Yoga Chart of 908 Poses. Dharma’s energizing Shiva Namaskar sequence focuses on opening the hips, shoulders and upper back and includes variations for every level of student. Poses are repeated so that students may go deeper into them each time. Many options are given, so that all levels will feel challenged /​ comfortable. The emphasis is on practicing in a playful, relaxed manner and offering up each pose to one's highest Self. This workshop is suitable for all students with yoga experience.

$35 before June 5, $45 after.
Pre-register using Paypal:

SUMMER SATSANG WITH KALI OM
Sundays 11:45-12:45 (after the 10-11:30 asana class). $12
Sweet Pea's Studio, 3717 N. Ravenswood, #213, 773.315.5489
May 19 | June 16 | July 14 | August 18

Satsang is a spiritual gathering and includes kirtan (call and response chanting), Q & A, meditation and discussion of yoga scripture. Open to all (chairs provided, or you may sit on the floor). Spending time in the company of likeminded people accelerates one’s spiritual practice.

PAST WORKSHOPS AND SPECIAL CLASSES

CLASSES:

Divine Purification improves physical and mental health and is an essential step along the path of yoga. We will use special breathing, chanting, visualization and concentration techniques to help clear out the nadis (subtle energy channels) and calm the mind. It is an excellent antidote to depression, anxiety, fatigue and the winter blues.

Yogic Diet. The goal of the soothing yogic diet is to create a calm, peaceful mind that is easy to control. In this workshop we will explore the traditional yogic diet and its benefits as well as the reasoning behind it. Participants will also learn practical ways to transition towards a yogic diet and seamlessly weave it into daily life.

Mantra and Vedic Chanting. One of the most efficient ways to calm and focus the mind and destroy negativity is through chanting and mantra. We will explore some of the most important Sanskrit mantras and Vedic chants in this special class. Please bring a mala (108-bead rosary) as we will also practice japa (mantra meditation with beads).

Yoga Nidra is active, lying down meditation that purifies, rejuvenates and energizes all of the body’s systems, bolstering its natural healing capacities and allowing the joints, organs and systems to become healthy, balanced and refreshed. It dispels tension and fatigue in the physical body, calms the mind, and relieves depression, anxiety, headaches, cravings and desires – and puts power behind your thoughts.

Psychic Development is an ancient practice to improve your concentration and put power behind your thoughts. It includes pranayama (breathing) exercises, chanting and meditation, and will help purify and calm the mind and bring you in touch with your inner intuition. Practitioners should have a regular asana practice and a vegetarian diet.




WORKSHOPS:


YOGA NIDRA AND DIVINE PURIFICATION

Yoga Nidra or Psychic Sleep is an active, lying down meditation that purifies, rejuvenates and energizes all of the body’s systems, bolstering its natural healing capacities and allowing the joints, organs and systems to become healthy, balanced and refreshed. This Deep Healing Relaxation technique dispels tension and fatigue in the physical body, calms the mind, and relieves depression, anxiety, headaches, cravings and desires.

Purification improves physical and mental health and is an essential step along the path of yoga. We will use special breathing, chanting, visualization and concentration techniques to help clear out the nadis (subtle energy channels), calm the mind, and stimulate the chakras. We will also explore how diet and yoga’s ethnical roots relate to success in yoga.

This is a sitting and lying-down program (chairs are available) and is open to all levels. These practices were learned directly from Cara-Kali’s guru, Sri Dharma Mittra.



BEAT THE WINTER BLUES:
Yoga for Anxiety, Depression and Stress
Yoga View, Yoga Now, Namaskar, North Shore Yoga

Does winter get you down? In this workshop we will learn about the body-mind connection, and how timeless yoga techniques can be used to cultivate a sense of inner peace. We will use basic yoga postures, breathing practices and chanting to manage symptoms associated with the season — such as lethargy, racing thoughts and negativity. We will also discuss how small changes in diet and lifestyle can help you manage your moods. You will go home armed with practical, time-tested tools to help you weather the season’s darkest days.

This workshop is suitable for all levels of student who are currently experiencing mild to moderate seasonal-related symptoms. It is not intended to be a substitute for therapy or medical treatment, but can serve as a support to current treatment.

Read Cara-Kali's related article here.





YOGA BEYOND ASANA:
Pranayama (Breathing) and Meditation

The goal of yoga is to settle the mind into silence so that we can discover our true, peaceful nature. In this session we will explore a variety of classical yoga breathing, concentration and meditation techniques designed to quiet the mind.

We will explore traditional pranayama (breathing) methods as well as "special occasion" practices for healing. Participants will also be exposed to yogic concentration and meditation techniques to make the mind single-pointed – which makes it easer to perform one’s daily tasks. We will conclude with deep relaxation - which Sri Dharma Mittra calls the greatest antidote to impurities.

This workshop will include some light asana (postures), and is suitable for all levels of student - particularly those who wish to develop a home sitting practice. These practices were learned directly from Cara-Kali’s guru, Sri Dharma Mittra.



MYSORE 101: INTRO TO ASHTANGA SELF-PRACTICE
Saturday, September 22, 4:30-6:30PM
YogaNow, 742 N. LaSalle in Chicago, 312-280-9642
$25 in advance, $30 at the door
*Includes three Mysore classes, to be used within two weeks*

~Looking for a yoga practice that allows you to practice at your own pace?
~Curious about Mysore style practice but think you’re not "advanced" enough?
~Interested in learning Mysore-style in a relaxed space with other newbies?

This workshop will provide a step-by-step introduction to Mysore-style ashtanga
vinyasa yoga practice, with lots of time for questions and details.

Mysore-style ashtanga is the system of yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India, where students practice a sequence of poses at their own pace and instruction is given one-on-one. This safe, effective system is tailored to each student’s needs, and is suitable for everyone from beginners to seasoned practitioners who would like to transition into a Mysore- style practice

Each student will receive a “cheat sheet” of the postures, and will be ready to develop a self-practice and join the morning Mysore classes at YogaNow.

Click here to read an article about the benefits of learning asthanga in this environment.




PURIFICATION TECHNIQUES
Sunday, June 24 11:45-12:45
Sweet Pea's Studio, 3717 N. Ravenswood, Suite 213
773.315.5489
$12 in advance, $15 at the door

Purification improves physical and mental health and is a requirement for divine perception. In this special class, we will use specific breathing, chanting, visualization and concentration techniques to help clear out the nadis (subtle energy channels), calm the mind, and stimulate the chakras. We will also explore how diet and yoga’s ethnical roots (Yama and Niyama) relate to success in yoga. This is a sitting program (chairs are available) and is open to all. This practice was learned directly from Sri Dharma Mittra.




PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT TECHNIQUES
Sunday, May 27, 11:45 -12:45
Sweet Pea's Studio, 3717 N. Ravenswood, Suite 213
773.315.5489
$20 prepay, $25 at the door

Learn ancient practices to improve your concentration and put power behind your thoughts. This session includes pranayama (breathing) exercises, chanting and meditation, and will help purify and calm the mind and bring you in touch with your inner intuition. This is a sitting program (chairs are available) and is open to all.



PRANAYAMA (YOGIC BREATHING) WORKSHOP
Saturday, April 28, 2-5 PM
Sweet Pea's Studio, 3717 N. Ravenswood, Suite 213
773.315.5489
$50

Pranayama is the fourth limb of Patanjali's Raja Yoga system. "Prana" means life-force, and "Yama" means restraint. In this rarely-offered workshop, we will explore how the prana affects the 72,000 nadis (nerve channels) that yogis believe run throughout the body. Pranayama helps clear these channels and calms the mind, preparing it for meditation. Balancing the prana also makes it easier for the practitioner to concentrate and perform their daily tasks.

Participants will learn safe breathing techniques that they can weave into their daily sitting practice as well as "special occasion" practices for healing. These practices are based on the teaching of Sri Dharma Mittra.

Participants should have a regular asana (posture) practice. A vegetarian diet is also strongly encouraged.



DHARMA YOGA WORKSHOP: MAHA SADHANA
Sweet Pea's Studio, 3717 N. Ravenswood, Suite 213
773.315.5489

Maha Sadhana means “The Great Practice”, and this amazing asana-based intensive will deepen your yoga practice. It will include chanting, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation as well as direction toward the true goal of yoga.

Dharma Yoga is a classical, flowing hatha system originated by New York City-based yogi Dharma Mittra, creator of the Master Yoga Chart of 908 Poses. Dharma’s energizing Shiva Namaskar sequence focuses on opening the hips, shoulders and upper back and includes variations for every level of student. Poses are repeated so that students may go deeper into them each time. Many options are given, so that all levels will feel challenged/​comfortable. The emphasis is on practicing in a playful, relaxed manner.




YOGA FOR BACK CARE
October 2010 at YogaNow and Creative Therapeutics

Do you have lower back or neck pain? In this workshop, Cara will share the yoga poses, stretches and relaxation techniques that have helped alleviate and prevent her own lower back pain and SI joint issues. We will explore back-friendly variations of common yoga poses, and focus on those that can lessen discomfort or stiffness in the neck and upper back. We will also discuss how small changes lifestyle can help keep your spine healthy.

This workshop is suitable for all levels of student who are currently experiencing mild to moderate back issues. Prior yoga experience is helpful, but not required. This workshop It is not intended to be a substitute for therapy or medical treatment, but can serve as a support to current treatment.



NEW! YOGA BEYOND ASANA: BREATHING, MEDITATION AND RELAXATION
Friday, July 16, 7:30-9:30PM
YogaNow Gold Coast, 742 N. Lasalle in Chicago
312-280-9642

The goal of yoga is to settle the mind into silence so that we can discover our true, peaceful nature. In this session we will explore a variety of classical yoga breathing, concentration and meditation techniques designed to quiet the mind. We will conclude with deep relaxation - which Sri Dharma Mittra calls the greatest antidote to impurities. This workshop will include some light asana (postures), and is suitable for all levels of student - particularly those who wish to develop a home sitting practice.



YOGA FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION WITH CARA JEPSEN AND ERIN QUELL
Sunday, July 11, 10-1
Inner Light Yoga Center in Long Island, NY


In this workshop we will learn about the body-mind connection, and how timeless yoga techniques can be used to cultivate a sense of inner peace. We will use basic yoga postures, breathing practices and chanting to manage symptoms of depression and stress — such as lethargy, racing thoughts and negativity. We will also discuss how small changes in diet and lifestyle can help you manage your moods.

This workshop is suitable for all levels of student who are currently experiencing mild to moderate stress- related symptoms. It is not intended to be a substitute for therapy or medical treatment, but can serve as a support to current treatment.



ADJUSTMENTS 101
February 25: Standing Poses, Backbends and Inversions
March 5: Seated Postures and Balances
Chicago Yoga Center

This hands-on workshop will focus on (but not be limited to) the poses in the Ashtanga Primary Series, plus backbends and inversions. Participants will learn how to analyze postures and give gentle verbal and physical cues to safely help students gain proper alignment and explore poses more deeply.




Intro to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Saturday, November 10 Beverly Yoga Center

The original "power yoga," Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is the flowing system of Yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, South India. This method of Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of linked postures. Ashtanga creates a purifying internal heat that detoxifies the muscles and organs, improves circulation and creates a calm mind and alight, strong body.

This workshop will explore the postures and sequence of the first half of Primary Series or Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga Therapy), which is designed to realign and detoxify the body. Students will be introduced to Vinyasa (flowing sequence of linking movements), Ujjayi (deep, resonant breathing), Bandhas (energy locks) and Dristi (visual focus. When used together, these techniques focus the mind and can turn the practice into a moving meditation.

This workshop is suitable for ongoing students of all abilities. Modifications will be given for those who have difficulty due to tightness in the back, hamstrings, shoulders, knees or other areas.





Beyond Navasana:
Demystifying the Latter Half of Ashtanga's Primary Series
Saturday, April 5 Yoga Trek Center

This workshop will unveil the mysteries of the dozen-odd poses in the second half of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga’s Primary Series, from Bhujapidasana (Shoulder Squeeze Pose) through Setu Bandhasana (Bound Bridge, or “Charlie Chaplin Pose”). We’ll also examine the role of the Bandhas or energy locks in these postures.


We’ll cover jump-throughs and transitions such as Chakrasana (the backwards somersault), and learn how to correctly enter and exit poses. We’ll also deconstruct the Shoulderstand sequence, explore how to get from Bridge to full Backbend, and work towards entering Headstand with straight legs.

Students should be familiar with Ashtanga basics and the first half of Primary Series.




Intro to Ashtanga's Intermediate Series
April 25 Yoga Trek Center
November 15 Chicago Yoga Center

This Ashtanga Yoga workshop will explore the postures and sequence of the first half of Intermediate Series, or Nadi Shodhana, which purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels (nadis) and allows prana (energy) to flow freely through the body. The invigorating backbends, twists, and arm balances we will explore provide a counterbalance to the forward bends of Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy) designed to realign and detoxify the body.

This workshop is suitable for ongoing students who have a fairly competent Primary Series.






Dharma Yoga: Maha Sadhana
March 14 Yoga Trek Center
March 21 Beverly Yoga Center
November 17 Chicago Yoga Center

This amazing session will help to deepen your yoga practice.

Dharma Yoga is a classical, flowing hatha style originated by New York City-based yogi Dharma Mittra, creator of the Master Yoga Chart of 908 Poses and known for his hand-free headstand. A true yogi, Dharma has been teaching since the 1960’s, and has influenced vinyasa flow teachers from coast to coast. His energizing sequences open the hips, shoulders and upper back and include variations for every level of student. Poses are repeated so that students may go deeper into them each time. Many options are given, so that all levels will feel challenged/​comfortable. The emphasis is on practicing in a playful, relaxed manner.

This workshop will also include chanting, simple pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation. It is suitable for ongoing students. Personal attention and helpful hints are given throughout the session as well as direction toward the true goal of yoga.