Yoga Philosophy Book Club in Downers Grove
A monthly contemplative study at Yoga Among Friends exploring spiritual texts through reflection, discussion, and living practice.
A Space to Study, Reflect, and Soften
There comes a moment in practice when we begin to long for something more than movement.
A space to pause.
To inquire.
To sit with the teachings slowly enough that they begin to breathe inside us.
Our Yoga Book Club was born from that longing.
What began as a study of the kleshas and selected teachings from the Yoga Sutras has gently evolved into an ongoing circle of exploration. Each season, we choose a new book rooted in yoga philosophy, spiritual growth, or contemplative wisdom.
This is not an academic study.
It is a living practice.
What Makes This Different
This is not a lecture.
It is not a debate.
It is a facilitated circle guided by Laura Jane, where reading becomes reflection and philosophy becomes personal experience.
Together, we:
Explore selected passages
Reflect on how the teachings show up in daily life
Share insights in a supportive, non-judgmental space
Practice listening as deeply as speaking
You do not need prior knowledge of yoga philosophy.
You only need curiosity and a willingness to notice.
Current Book Study
The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
In The Untethered Soul, Singer speaks in contemporary language about the very patterns named in classical yogic philosophy.
Where the Yoga Sutras describe the afflictions of the mind, this text invites us to notice them directly:
Who is the one observing the thoughts?
Where do we contract around pleasure?
How do we brace against discomfort?
This study becomes a practical doorway into yoga as the quieting of the fluctuations of the mind.
Rather than analyzing philosophy conceptually, we explore it experientially — noticing the inner voice, the subtle closing, and practicing relaxation instead of resistance.
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Books We’ve Explored Together
Our circle continues to deepen with each new text.
Past studies have included:
Selected teachings from the Yoga Sutras
Study of the Kleshas (the afflictions of the mind)
The Untethered Soul
Each book builds on the last — not as a series to complete, but as a practice to live.
Who This Is For
This circle is open to all.
You may be:
A longtime practitioner ready to deepen your understanding
New to yoga philosophy and curious about where to begin
Seeking thoughtful conversation and meaningful community
Longing to explore yoga beyond the physical practice
If you have ever felt drawn to sit with spiritual teachings in the company of others, you will feel at home here.
Details
Meets: Select Sundays
Time: 12:00–1:30pm CST
Location: Yoga Among Friends
4949 Forest Ave
Downers Grove 60515
Each book study is offered as a monthly gathering. Dates and registration are listed under the current study.
An Ongoing Invitation
Yoga, at its heart, is a path of remembering.
Remembering the witness within.
Remembering how to soften our grip.
Remembering how to sit in the company of others without needing to perform.
Our Yoga Book Club is a place to practice that remembering together.
When you’re ready, we would be honored to welcome you into the circle.
→ Join the Next Book Study