What we're about

"Inner Balance Meditation" is a virtual space dedicated to sharing conscious, meditation-related and/or non-affiliated (no specific religious orientation) but spiritually uplifting and nourishing opportunities with the larger Chicago and suburban (north and northwest) community.

INNER BALANCE itself is a physical space that is dedicated to encouraging conscious, compassion-filled, vital lives. Classes, recurring events and a range of coaching and therapeutic treatments are available at Inner Balance in Northbrook and Chicago. Many events are free or donation based. More information about Inner Balance can be found at www.innerbalancenow.com.

A monthly 90-minute guided meditation session, open to the public, is led by Ellen Radha Katz, psychotherapist and meditation teacher. Each week is unique. The session often begins with gentle breath awareness and/or yoga based stretching for centering, followed by a deep guided meditation. Other instructors contribute to the sessions, in such areas as Mindfulness, Chakra Balancing, Present Time Consciousness, Jin Shin Jitsui, Reiki, Kirtan (bhakti yoga through devotional chanting) and other practices.

At times this Meetup will share information about a program that is happening elsewhere but may be of interest to some of the Inner Balance Meetup members. They are endorsed by this Meetup.

Ellen can be reached personally for further information here as the coordinator, or at her website: www.ellenkatz.net.

Upcoming events (4+)

Meditation Practice & Support @ St. James the Less

St James the Less Episcopal Church

All teachers agree: The key to a successful meditation practice is regular practice. Therefore this meetup is looking for practitioners who are willing to make a dedicated effort to sit together weekly in order to fully realize the benefits of group practice.

All levels and schools of thought are welcome. Meet like-minded individuals while expanding your own personal practice in a non-competitive and supportive environment. Feel free to join us for a sitting and experience increased self awareness and inner peace by way of your journey inward.

LOCATION: The Episcopal Church of St. James the Less is located at 550 Sunset Ridge Road in Northfield, IL (detailed directions above).

SAFETY: All attendees will be required to have been fully vaccinated. Masks will now be optional. We will space ourselves comfortably apart. Additionally the Church has recently installed a new filtration system that greatly reduces the spread of airborne illnesses. Furthermore we will attempt to hold as many periods as possible outdoors as weather permits.

It is our goal to make all attendees feel safe and comfortable but we do realize that everyone has there own unique comfort level so if this doesn't feel right for you now please honor your feelings and we'll look forward to seeing you whenever you're ready.

FYI: Chairs will be available for those who prefer to use them. For those who choose to sit on the floor please bring your own; meditation cushion, bench, pillow, yoga mat or zafu cushion if you prefer.

GENERAL FORMAT:
6:50 - 7:05 Welcome
7:05 - 7:20 Seated centering practice
7:20 - 7:35 Mindful movement (Qigong, walking meditation, etc.)
7:35 - 8:00 Samatha/Vipassana meditation
8:00 - 8:10 Contemplative offering
8:10 - 8:30 Optional group sharing/discussion

TODAY'S EVENT HOST: Mark Z. (Asoka)
While attempting to assist his son in overcoming a panic disorder, he reconnected with the practice in 2008. A year later he joined the Chicago Weekly Sitting Meditation Group to gain support with that process. The benefits and support he received from the group were life changing. He was eventually invited to become a Co-organizer. He has maintained a daily meditation and mindfulness practice ever since. That experience furthered his growth and ultimately inspired him to launch and organize this group in January of 2011. He has been formally trained by Buddhist Monks, Nuns and Lay Teachers in the practices of Samatha / Vipassana, Metta and walking meditation. He is also a Co-organizer of Inner Balance Meditation as well as a Meditation and Mindfulness instructor for the Arlington Heights Park District. The practice has touched his heart deeply.

COST: A voluntary donation to help offset expenses would be most appreciated but is by no means expected. May your practice of Dana bring you much Mudita (Altruistic Joy)!

If you have any questions about this particular sitting or our meditation community in general, please feel free to contact us. We are looking forward to sitting in practice and sharing energy in the present moment with all who choose to attend.

With Metta, Mark and Tony

Transitions - with Grace and Mindfulness

Online event

Change and transition are constants in our life.

Moves, job changes, hormones, relationships and children evolving... all offer great opportunities for our growth and varying levels of stress!
Join us for a guided meditation and creative exploration that help you feel more energy and clarity as you move forward.

Suggested Donation $15-25 (online) if you choose
via PayPal ( SN[masked]@gmail.com )
or Venmo ( @spiritualourishment )

RSVP:on meetup OR call/ text Sarah Karnes[masked],
Email: [masked]

Join with this link https://zoom.us/j/7885420058
no password.
Dial from any phone [masked] then enter Meeting ID:[masked]https://sarahdkarnes.com

Meditation Practice & Support @ St. James the Less

St James the Less Episcopal Church

All teachers agree: The key to a successful meditation practice is regular practice. Therefore this meetup is looking for practitioners who are willing to make a dedicated effort to sit together weekly in order to fully realize the benefits of group practice.

All levels and schools of thought are welcome. Meet like-minded individuals while expanding your own personal practice in a non-competitive and supportive environment. Feel free to join us for a sitting and experience increased self awareness and inner peace by way of your journey inward.

LOCATION: The Episcopal Church of St. James the Less is located at 550 Sunset Ridge Road in Northfield, IL (detailed directions above).

SAFETY: All attendees will be required to have been fully vaccinated. Masks will now be optional. We will space ourselves comfortably apart. Additionally the Church has recently installed a new filtration system that greatly reduces the spread of airborne illnesses. Furthermore we will attempt to hold as many periods as possible outdoors as weather permits.

It is our goal to make all attendees feel safe and comfortable but we do realize that everyone has there own unique comfort level so if this doesn't feel right for you now please honor your feelings and we'll look forward to seeing you whenever you're ready.

FYI: Chairs will be available for those who prefer to use them. For those who choose to sit on the floor please bring your own; meditation cushion, bench, pillow, yoga mat or zafu cushion if you prefer.

GENERAL FORMAT:
6:50 - 7:05 Welcome
7:05 - 7:20 Seated centering practice
7:20 - 7:35 Mindful movement (Qigong, walking meditation, etc.)
7:35 - 8:00 Samatha/Vipassana meditation
8:00 - 8:10 Contemplative offering
8:10 - 8:30 Optional group sharing/discussion

TODAY'S EVENT HOST: Mark Z. (Asoka)
While attempting to assist his son in overcoming a panic disorder, he reconnected with the practice in 2008. A year later he joined the Chicago Weekly Sitting Meditation Group to gain support with that process. The benefits and support he received from the group were life changing. He was eventually invited to become a Co-organizer. He has maintained a daily meditation and mindfulness practice ever since. That experience furthered his growth and ultimately inspired him to launch and organize this group in January of 2011. He has been formally trained by Buddhist Monks, Nuns and Lay Teachers in the practices of Samatha / Vipassana, Metta and walking meditation. He is also a Co-organizer of Inner Balance Meditation as well as a Meditation and Mindfulness instructor for the Arlington Heights Park District. The practice has touched his heart deeply.

COST: A voluntary donation to help offset expenses would be most appreciated but is by no means expected. May your practice of Dana bring you much Mudita (Altruistic Joy)!

If you have any questions about this particular sitting or our meditation community in general, please feel free to contact us. We are looking forward to sitting in practice and sharing energy in the present moment with all who choose to attend.

With Metta, Mark and Tony

Practical Self Care

Online event

In this time of unrelenting changes, we can easily forget to re-find center and ground! Join us for TLC and self care so you can discover a kinder, calmer version of you.

In as little as 45 minutes you can make major progress toward: *Acknowledging your goodness - and superpowers
*Getting the inner critic off your back
*Remembering your obstacles are also opportunities

Bring your open heart, your attention and longing! Your relationships will benefit from more Kindness, Connection and Joy! Personally guided by Sarah Karnes, you will develop a more compassionate and loving relationship with your Body, Mind, and Spirit. Sarah has 25 years of experience in guiding healing meditations, transformational coursework, and shifts in mindset.

Suggested Donation $15-25 (online) if you choose
via PayPal ( SN[masked]@gmail.com )
or Venmo ( @spiritualourishment )

RSVP:on meetup OR call/ text Sarah Karnes[masked],
Email: [masked]

Join with this link https://zoom.us/j/7885420058
no password
Dial from any phone [masked] then enter Meeting ID:[masked]https://sarahdkarnes.com

Past events (1,230)

4th Monday Meditation at Solstice Sanctuary

29211 41st St