Community Programs

HYMC Community Programs are open events that give people an opportunity to come together and celebrate the Spirit of Life. These are Free programs but a donation is always appreciated in support of HYMC as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Yoga for Cancer Survivors

Hatha Yoga class on each Thursday @ 11:00-12:15 PM

Come and unwind with Jenny for complimentary yoga classes for cancer survivors.  This gentle class will increase lymphatic movement, help move toxins from organs, move fluids through joints, and aid in calming the nervous system. (All other Yoga classes are punch pass or $15)

Due to limited space, services are available to those who are within two years of their cancer treatment. To qualify for the yoga classes and massage, the participants need to provide a signed statement (Medical Clearance Form) from their supervising physician regarding their ability to participate in gentle yoga and receive massage treatment along with any restrictions they need to observe. The center provides the HYMC Medical Clearance form which the participants can use.

Community Yoga

January 27, February 24, March 30 -- 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Come and be part of this special class that celebrates our new teachers.

Full Moon Global Meditation

January 10, February 9, March 9, April 8 -- 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Meditate with Swami Ritavan and others around the globe, all sitting at the same time. Begins promptly at 9:00 pm.  Please arrive early to get comfortably seated.

Silent Meditation

Each Friday @ 7:00-8:15 PM (Visit website for updates)

For new and seasoned meditators, join us at the end of your week to calm, balance and relax in our peaceful environment. Sessions will include preparation for meditation with gentle stretching, relaxation breathing and crystal bowl vibrations.

Meditation preparation from 7:00-7:45 PM. Meditation from 7:45-8:15 PM

Monthly Study Group

January 5, February 2, March 1 -- 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Join Anil Saigal and fellow aspirants in a discussion of the leading scriptures of yoga philosophy and spirituality.  Each session ends with a brief guided meditation. The group is currently studying the classical text on yoga philosophy: “Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras”. Each session ends with a brief guided meditation. Those desiring to participate remotely can call in to the teleconference bridge during the session. Dial-In number: 1 (605) 475-5950, then follow the prompts from the teleconference service. Participant Code: 713706#. (Note, this is NOT a toll-free number; therefore it is suggested using a phone with free nationwide calling)

Introduction to Tai Chi

Mondays – 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm

Join Lon Johnson and learn the art of Tai Chi. Tai Chi is an ancient are of gentle meditative movements which aid in attaining a relaxed body and still mind.

Open Community Forum

We all have so many gifts to share. This forum is open for all to host satsung, kirtan, stories, teachings, practices, movies, passions and love of life. Please contact Diane (847.221.5250) to discuss topics, scheduling, and announcements.

Meditation as Taught by the Masters in the Himalayan Tradition.

Transform yourself with mindfulness in living, harmony in relationships, and balance in life through simple meditation techniques. You will learn relaxation, meditative posture, breathing and how to establish a meditation practice. Each session includes guided meditation.

Meditation Level I class is recommended for those who are new to meditation, or those who wish to learn meditation systematically.

Meditation Level II class is recommended for those who have already taken the Meditation I class and have been meditating regularly.  The Level II class teaches next level pranayama (breathing) practices, as well as intermediate level meditation practices to deepen one's meditative state.

Discounts

Web registration discount - 10% ($108.00 / Indv), Group registration discount - 20% ($96.00 / Indv).
FREE Military/Veteran registration (see note #5 below for code to use)

Testimonials

Please tell us what you think! Submit your class feedback and read others' here (or under the Testimonials - Meditation menu)

Notes

1. Meditation classes are six sessions long. Each session covers a different component of meditation practice.
2. The course cost includes all six sessions. Punch passes are for hatha sessions only, and are not applicable towards meditation classes.
3. For attending Saturday meditation class, please Contact Pavel via his contact page for dates before registration and payment.
4. It is suggested that students wear comfortable, light, and loose fitting clothing to the meditation class. Those who wish to use their own meditation cushion are encouraged to bring it with them.
5. Military member discount is available to military and veteran ID holders only.  Use coupon code "MEDITATION4MILITARY" during registration payment process for FREE registration (web registration is required).  Please bring your current military ID on the first day of the class.  For more details please click here.

Benefits of Meditation include:

• Reduced:
  • stress (physiological response to stressful events)
  • anxiety level
  • negative emotions such as anger and frustration.
• Slowing down of heart and respiratory rates
• Reduction in and slowing down of random thoughts
• Expanded self-awareness
• Improved:
  • body awareness
  • body alignment
  • concentration and productivity
  • memory
  • clarity of purpose
• Increased:
  • mindfulness
  • sense of peacefulness
  • joyfulness and mental cheer
  • compassion toward others
  • lymphatic movement, therby improving immunity
  • energy
• Spiritual growth
• Eliminates toxins from organs
• Moves fluids through joints increasing their flexibility<
• Calms the nervous system
• There is growing evidence that meditation causes reconstruction and rejuvenation of neurons in brain as well as the buildup of protective tissue (called telomeres) which binds and protects the ends of DNA structures, thereby reducing the effects of aging.

There is growing scientific evidence relating meditation to various phsychological and physiological benefits.  Practicing meditation is shown to reduce chronic stress, and benefit medical conditions including hypertension, chronic pain, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, and seizures.

Cautions

Please DO NOT adjust or stop your medications upon undertaking meditation without consulting your physician. You should first systematically establish a consistent practice of meditation, and wait for the symptoms to improve before seeking treatment adjustments.