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20th anniversary

2o years of Sharing the Teachings of Yoga

2o years of Sharing the Teachings of Yoga

“When you receive whoever comes into the space of NOW as a noble guest, when you allow each person to be who they are, they begin to change. To know another human being in their essence, you don’t need to know anything abut them—their past, their history, their story. We confuse knowing about with the deeper knowing that is non-conceptional. One is concerned with form, the other formless.”
—Elkhart Tolle

This is the path of sharing the teachings of yoga:

  • to meet and greet the pure essence of one’s inner being;  
  • to hold a safe place where the little mind can let go of the form and experience something perhaps unfamiliar and awkward;
  • to allow an awakening of something greater that has no form but moves us forward into the pure gift of life.

This has been and will continue to be the way we can teach self love. This is our community at Yoga Among Friends.

I am today and everyday grateful that I followed an inner voice that tapped me on the shoulder and brought my ego to the knees. The depth of going into the dark night of our soul is not to harm but to offer the gateway to our inner light. I pray for the courage to live beyond my story, my fears and bias opinions—to live without the striving for the outcome.

I had no idea that inner knowing would lead me to establish a yoga center in a town call Downers Grove—to hold a space that would become a community safe haven for so many.

On Saturday, September 22, we will celebrate our 20th anniversary as a yoga center with a party. An event that could not happen without all of the many beautiful individual lights that have participated in the journey of yoga.

Without community, nothing can thrive and grow, and so we hope you will join us in celebration. Come honor your teacher who has helped to see you not in form, but in the place of acceptance that everyone matters as radiant life. Come fete your fellow yogis who have journeyed along with you. It might take one vision to plant a seed, but to help nourish and care for the plant takes a combined effort of loving commitment. We are community and belonging is where we can meet with our differences and be seen for our true self.  

We are all teachers for one another, and we at YAF have learned much from you, our students, and we are truly grateful. May each day offer another opportunity to continue our learning together. 

Learn more about our anniversary party and RSVP here.


Blessings,
All of us at YAF
 

20 Years and Forever Blessed

20 Years and Forever Blessed

In January 1998, I signed a lease to begin what would be a leap of faith into being a business owner. I never wanted to own a business, but it became the best way to share the teachings of yoga. That leap of faith is now entering into our 20th year!

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One never plans to go into something with a stop date, but its hard to fathom that we are still thriving, and our community keeps growing. As anyone knows running a business can never be sustained unless there is a team and a strong intention. The truth is everyone is invaluable to its success. So I must give a huge, grateful shout out to the amazing and dedicated teachers that have been the foundation of YAF.

Michael Taylor has been the most incredible gift, not only for all his students, but also for keeping the center vibrant with his passionate integrity for teaching yoga. He continued to study and learn over these 20 years, and his teaching have touched hundreds of souls and helped make our center the valuable place of healing it is today. His humor and huge heart have been a blessing in my life and for all who know him.  

Joyce Owens has also been teaching at YAF since our opening. She has never missed a class unless she was out of town on a family trip. In snow, rain, heat waves and cold freezing weather, Joyce was always there for her students. She has touched so many lives at YAF. Her gifts of music and being a healing source of love is why our center is so special. Not to mention that Joyce is enjoying a full life as a yogi in her 70”s! She's a true inspiration for everyone that assumes age stops our ability to be vibrant and healthy in mind, body and spirit!

I also want to thank Ellen Duff, who continues to be the light at YAF. Her devotion to living in her heart has touched so many. We are very grateful she has returned from Florida and is back at YAF.

I don’t think I would have had the courage to open back in 1998 if these special friends had not been in my life to support this group endeavor. 

Now my deepest appreciation goes out to Karen Weber, Pam Keillor, Candy Stevens, Marina Lisjonok, DL Heraty, Meredith Harbor, Patty Bilbro, Julie Pate, Julie Stewart, Therese Carlson, Krista Fox, Lisa Sparagna, Donna Prenta, Megan Llambias, Kay Gilmore and all the many teachers that have shared their amazing wisdom and heartfelt teachings over these past twenty years. Please know that I am forever blessed and full of gratitude for the family we have created and for the students that have shared in our story.

We are planning a big event to celebrate come April. To honor our community, we will be offering gifted classes throughout the month!

Further, if this isn't enough. come July I am holding an amazing  retreat and excursion trip in Greece! Registration is open with an early bird savings being offered through February 15. The trip is limited to 14 so don't wait to sign up. Check the website for details and let's enjoy the beauty of living in the light!

This year my wish is that we may continue to love and nourish the deepest place in each of ourselves, and that may YAF continues to be our home for continuous growth! Happy 2018!!

Many blessings,

Laura Jane