Schedule
Join us for a weekend that transcends boundaries and supports exploration through movement, right in your neighborhood. You will be held, supported and guided by teachers who are also seekers — just like you.
Special Preview Event: Gentle Yoga with Becky Paulin-Liston
Tuesday April 1, 5:30 pm, Evanston Health Collective Studio, 1609 Sherman Ave.
In Becky's upcoming yoga class she will guide folx through a gradual practice to rise and shine-- starting with warm ups to wake up and lubricate joints, and move into an asana practice to build strength, balance and flexibility to take into a long relaxation where you can release into the warmth of the energetic space we have created together. These practices are suitable for any level, even beginners and most can be adapted to a chair (contact Becky with any questions becky@ptandy.com)
Space is limited for this class. Purchase your spot separately, or with your All-Access pass.
Friday, April 4: Awaken
On Day One, we gently open the door to a weekend of energetic connection
6 - 7:30
Festival Opening/DANCEmandala
Heartwood Center, Skylight Room
We begin with an invitation to connection, a cultivation of Human Kindness, followed by a movement meditation practice led by Festival founder, Rebecca Sturgeon. Stay afterward for tea and conversation.
Saturday, April 5: Rise
Day Two offers an energetic exploration of movement and creativity
Tai Chi is often called a moving meditation – we move our bodies gently, with purpose and focus to create stillness within. Among the numerous benefits that Tai Chi offers is improving balance. Numerous research studies have shown the positive effects Tai Chi practice has on improving balance while sitting, standing and walking.
In this session we will learn and practice Tai Chi principles and movements that we can incorporate into our daily lives to improve our body alignment, stability and balance. We can all improve our balance, so join us! Offered by Arlene Faulk.
Tai Chi
Heartwood Center, Skylight Room
10:30-11:30am
11:45-12:45
AstroYogaGroove
Heartwood Center, Skylight Room
Offered by Courtney Winkler.
Lunch on your own. You may want to check out Zentli, right across the street from the Festival venue
Tap into your creativity and explore the flow of your own energy in this unique embodiment practice. You'll be guided to let go of expectations and allow your intuition to lead the way, using color, texture, form and movement to express yourself freely. This session invites you to connect with your inner rhythm, embracing the process of creation rather than the outcome. Through this practice, you'll reconnect to your innate creativity and discover the joy of following your own natural flow and expression without judgment. Offered by Stacia DeSalvo
Process Painting
Heartwood Center, Skylight Room
2-3:30pm
7-8:15pm
Mac Talla
Heartwood Center, Skylight Room
Mac Talla is a transformative somatic embodiment class designed to reconnect you with your body’s innate wisdom and vitality. "Mac Talla," derived from the Gaelic term for "echo" or "resonance," invites participants to tune into the subtle vibrations and rhythms of their own physical and emotional experiences. This class blends mindful movement, breathwork, and sensory awareness practices to help you cultivate a deeper understanding of your body’s sensations and how they influence your overall well-being.
In Mac Talla, you will explore techniques that encourage emotional release, increase body awareness, and deepen your connection to the present moment. Whether you’re seeking healing, balance, or simply a more grounded sense of self, this class offers a space for self-expression and personal discovery. Through movement, sound, and stillness, you’ll create resonance within yourself that echoes outward, enhancing your sense of peace, strength, and presence.
This class is open to all levels and no prior experience is necessary. Come as you are and experience the power of embodied presence in a supportive and nurturing environment. Offered by Sarah Westbrook.
The Final Day brings it all together with contemplative rest and a lively discussion of the real benefits of conscious movement.
Sunday, April 6: Shine
Labyrinth Walk
at Benedictine Sisters’ Labyrinth, 7430 N. Ridge, Chicago
8 - 9:30am
A gentle start to the day at one of the area’s hidden gems. Join us for a walk at this outdoor labyrinth.
There will be a brief introduction, then we invite you to experience the labyrinth at your own pace.
10-11:30am
In this workshop, participants will explore what connects them with a sense of joy, playfulness and support in the present moment. We will notice how being with other humans expands and contracts our sense of presence and support, and we will practice listening clearly to what we need in order to stay expansive and true to ourselves while in connection with others.
We will use a variety of awareness tools including imagery, drawing/journaling, practice in pairs, and movement exploration of varying intensity (from stillness all the way to vigorous movement). Come and be welcomed exactly as you are. Offered by Shira Vardi.
Embodied in Community
Heartwood Center, Skylight Room
12-1pm
Panelists Arlene Faulk, Shira Vardi, and Harry Pickens will discuss their lived experience of using conscious movement practices to facilitate physical and emotional healing.
Panel Discussion: Conscious Practices to Create Wellness
Heartwood Center, Skylight Room
1:15 - 2:15pm
iRest Yoga Nidra
Heartwood Center, Skylight Room
2:15 - 3pm
Festival Closing Ceremony
Heartwood Center, Skylight Room
Become a volunteer or supporting sponsor.
Contact us if you’d like to support the festival with your time, business, or expertise.