Monthly candlelight Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra held around the full moon at Yoga Among Friends in Downers Grove. A quiet evening of deep rest and renewal.
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Workshop
Refine your understanding. Teach with more clarity and care.
Led by Jessica Gonsiorowski
4-Hour CE Workshop · Earn 4 CEUs
Open to 200-hour certified yoga teachers
Refine the Way You See & Teach the Upper Body
The shoulders are one of the most complex—and often misunderstood—areas of the body in yoga.
This workshop is designed to help you understand how the thoracic spine, shoulders, and neck function together, and how to translate that understanding into clearer, more effective teaching.
Through a blend of anatomy, movement, observation, and application, you’ll learn to recognize common compensation patterns and guide students toward movement that is more efficient, sustainable, and supportive.
Why This Work Matters
When thoracic mobility is limited, the neck often overworks.
When shoulder mechanics are inefficient, effort replaces support.
And when teachers can see these patterns clearly, cueing becomes more precise, helpful, and therapeutic.
This workshop creates space to slow down, look more closely, and build a stronger foundation for how you teach the upper body.
What You’ll Learn
Functional anatomy of the thoracic spine, shoulders, and neck
How to identify common movement compensations
Clear, practical cues for safer and more efficient alignment
How to modify poses for different bodies
Ways to build balanced strength and mobility
What You’ll Walk Away With
Greater confidence in your anatomy knowledge
More precise, effective cueing
Tools for both group classes and one-on-one work
Clarity in teaching shoulders, thoracic spine, and neck
A take-home workshop manual for continued integration
Who It’s For
Open to 200-hour certified yoga teachers who want to deepen their understanding of anatomy and refine how they teach movement.
Whether you’re newer or experienced, this workshop will help you sharpen your eye and expand your confidence.
Continuing Education
Earn 4 CEUs through this workshop.
Meet Jessica Gonsiorowski
Jessica is a Yoga Alliance–registered 500-hour teacher specializing in therapeutic yoga, functional movement, and anatomy-informed teaching.
Her teaching focuses on:
Movement patterns and compensation
Alignment and efficiency in the body
Therapeutic application in real time
Bridging traditional yoga with modern movement science
Why study with Jessica
Jessica is known for helping teachers see what’s actually happening in the body and translate that into clear, usable teaching.
Her approach is:
Practical
Observant
Supportive
Immediately applicable
She creates a learning environment that is both professional and deeply approachable, helping teachers build confidence in their own voice and decision-making.
Visit: resilientlifeyogallc.com
Workshop Details
Date: Sunday, September 20 2026
Time: 2-6pm
Location: Yoga Among Friends, Downers Grove, IL
Teacher: Jessica Gonsiorowski
CEUs: 4 Hours
Investment: $145
A Grounded, Practical Afternoon for Yoga Teachers
If you’ve ever wanted a clearer understanding of what’s happening in the shoulders, upper back, and neck—and how to teach these areas with more confidence and care—this workshop offers a meaningful place to begin.
Join us for an afternoon of study, movement, and insight designed to support both your personal practice and the way you guide others.
A 90-Minute Journey into Harmony
Led by Marian Kraus
$40 prepaid online | $45 cash at the door, if space is available
Harmony
There are times when we simply need space to return to ourselves—to settle, listen, and reconnect with a steadier rhythm within.
Join Marian Kraus for a 90-minute Sound Bath Meditation Journey centered on Harmony. The evening begins with a softly guided meditation, followed by an immersive live soundscape created with large titanium and bronze gongs, didgeridoo, drums, handpan, Himalayan singing bowls, vocals, and more.
Through layers of sound and stillness, you are invited to rest deeply, soften what feels unsettled, and reconnect with a sense of balance and ease.
No previous meditation or sound bath experience is needed. Simply come as you are.
What to Expect
This 90-minute experience includes:
A brief introduction to the theme of Harmony
A guided meditation to help you settle inward
An immersive multi-instrument sound bath
Time for deep rest, reflection, and quiet
You’ll rest comfortably while Marian creates the sound journey around you.
Mats, bolsters, and blankets are provided. You are welcome to bring a pillow, an extra blanket, or additional layers so you can be as comfortable as possible.
Event Details
Saturday, October 24, 2026
5:30–7:00 PM
Yoga Among Friends
4949 Forest Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
$40 prepaid online
$45 cash at the door, space permitting
You will receive an email confirmation after registering, along with reminder emails before the event.
About Marian Kraus
Marian Kraus is a certified Gong Master and Level 2 Spring Forest Qigong practitioner whose work brings together guided meditation, sound, stillness, and deep listening.
Born in Bratislava and shaped by life across three countries, Marian brings an artist’s sensitivity to each sound journey. Drawing from ancient sound traditions and his background in fine-art photography, he creates layered soundscapes designed to support rest, reflection, and inner clarity.
His intention is to create a welcoming space where you can slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with a greater sense of calm and possibility.
Learn more about Marian and Higher Frequency Living.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. No previous meditation, yoga, or sound bath experience is needed. Marian will guide you through the experience from the beginning.
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The evening begins with a brief introduction and a guided meditation centered on the theme of Harmony. You’ll then rest while Marian creates an immersive live soundscape using gongs, singing bowls, didgeridoo, handpan, drums, vocals, and other instruments.
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Yoga Among Friends provides mats, bolsters, and blankets. We encourage you to bring your own mat if you have one, though you’re always welcome to use ours. You may also want to bring a pillow, an extra blanket, or additional layers for comfort. Wear comfortable clothing, as you’ll be resting on your mat for much of the experience.
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No yoga practice or yoga experience is required. We will not be practicing yoga. This is a guided meditation and sound experience designed for rest and reflection.
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The Sound Bath Meditation Journey will be held in person at Yoga Among Friends, 4949 Forest Avenue in Downers Grove, Illinois.
Ready to Join Us?
Give yourself this time to rest, listen, and return to a little more harmony within.