One of two Sinhalese Buddhist temples in the Chicagoland area, and the only one with a monk that…read morespeaks fluent English. Like a lot of immigrant places of worship, there are two main groups who come here. There are Sri Lankan Americans like me who are here for family and ethnic reasons, and there are American converts who are here seeking. I recommend this temple for both. We don't think of a dead body as very significant, when someone dies, it's a part of life and another turn in the wheel of life, samsara. Life is essentially, impermanence. We handle grief by almsgiving in honor of the deceased, called dhanas (don-nays) which I held both here and in Sri Lanka. The head monk, Bhante Sujantha helped me understand the traditions of my people at the same time he helped me immeasurably with the complex feelings I had after my father's passing (he suffered a lot, I was unable to ease his suffering, American hospitals are not a very good place to die, and we didn't have the best of relationships). The Blue Lotus Temple is also a good place if you're searching, they have classes that will help you, whether you're looking for an alternative to American Protestantism, or you want to learn how to meditate and reduce anxiety. Unlike many other religions, Buddhism does not require you leave your original faith behind, it's more about kindness and mindfulness (in its original meaning). Find Bhante Sujantha on Tik Tok or Instagram, he's better than formal therapy or a good addition to professional sessions. If you can visit the temple, if you can afford to donate, you should also know that Bhante Sujantha is a terrible businessman, but I guess that's how the good clerics are, right? I know about the classes because I came early to my first Dhana and I listened to Sujantha teach, or rather try to teach mindfulness and compassion. Then, after they were done and politely asked to leave the chapel part of the temple for my service, about half the class stayed in and talked very loudly even after having my service started (being streamed live to relatives in Sri Lanka, England, Canada, and Australia) ironically going on about mindfulness and themselves. You can lead an elephant to water, but you can't make her drink I guess. Life is a journey, don't travel alone.

It is with profound disappointment that I write this review of the temple. A teacher there,…read moreapparently struggling with severe mental health issues, broke numerous federal laws concerning me--including alleged but witnessed poisoning of my drinks at Starbucks, destroying my paintings at Winestock, visiting my schools and illegally showing my transcripts to others, slandering me, and assisting in getting me banned from several of my downtown Crystal Lake haunts that I could sometimes afford. In addition, he appears to have worked cooperatively to end significant relationships in my life, and much more. Now I find that the head monk at Blue Lotus Temple has merely an associate's degree from McHenry Community College, yet decided to work cooperatively with this individual--August (Gus) Santo--to discredit me and call the police on me when I was polite and respectful. I hold a BA in Psychology and English from Northeastern Illinois University, an MA in Social Science from St. John's University (School of Practical Theology), two Master's degrees with interfaith ministry training in Ethics & Society and Historical Theology from Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern University (four academic years), and an 88-semester-hour graduate certificate from Adler University with externships from the University of Illinois Neuropsychiatric Institute in Chicago. I also hold three Bible College doctorates in Sacred Literature, Biblical Theology, and Theology. Apparently Mr. Santo was very concerned that I received a D in a class at the age of 19. I had family responsibilities, economic pressures, and a severe anxiety disorder until the age of 35 or so. I never applied for a position at that temple, and I do not understand why they would allow this. I am 70, take great care of myself, practice yoga and movement therapy (once certified in these disciplines), do not drink or smoke, meditate, and am creative. I'm frequently taken to be around 35 because of my lifestyle. Partly because I was an unpaid missionary and caregiver for decades, I have not accumulated wealth, and for reasons beyond my control, I do not have funds to date or socialize. I do not drive, and walking the 1.5 miles to downtown was peaceful--I sometimes enjoyed the company of acquaintances. I do not have family or monetary resources. While there is much more, I've been under considerable stress lately, and I do not understand these people. I was banned from Starbucks as I sat quietly reading. Feel free to evaluate at your discretion.

How rejuvenating it is to spend time with nature here at Woodland. Cheryl is an angel host, and…read moremade us feel so comfortable. Accommodations like an excellent hotel. We were also so grateful for the library and the attached solarium for insightful reading. So many books on spirituality really opened my mind - even just reading the titles was enriching, which was important bevause you want to read so much! The minute you turn into the driveway, you are transported to another world, deep in the beautiful woodlands with native grasses and flowers blooming in spring and summer. We also had the good fortune to experience this wonderful retreat in autumn and winter - so worth it to come every season! I'd give six stars if I could - extra for the stars you see in the sky at night.

From the owner: Woodland Spiritual Retreats for women offers individual private retreats and guided retreats for…read morespiritual renewal. We are set on six wooded acres with native plant gardens and wooded walking trails in a spacious and comfortable retreat space. We uniquely host only one to four women at a time who register together. We additionally specialize in spiritual renewal retreats for women serving in a wide range of ministry roles. Day only retreats for up to twelve women are offered with the option of creating your own retreat or participating in a programmed retreat theme. Base rate is $65/night. Hospitality is at the core of our mission. Contact us for your retreat in all seasons!

It was a lovely online meditation experience organized by Alex our community manager. Great way to…read moreunwind a Friday evening. Thank you Nam for a wonderful session!!!

I attended this event today, and it was so awesome. I really liked the testimonial, too…read more The short guided meditation by Ray was so easy to understand and follow. I felt so lighter after this meditation, just didn't realize how the time went so fast. I hope they provide this kind of events more often, so more people can join and experience this meditation. Only thing that I personally didn't like was that Ray's voice cut off multiples times during the session, I am not sure if it happened because my connection was bad. But overall I really enjoyed the session today, and I would want to join again!

Had a great experience getting a personal yoga session with Debra. We started off with some…read morerestorative and finished off with some fun aerial tricks. I'm not new to yoga but even with the knowledge I did have, Debra expanded my practice more than most have over the past few years. Great pointers, adjustments, tips and just overall education on the movement into the pose, and not just rushing in to the pose. Yoga is called a practice for a reason. If you take the time to learn the poses correctly, your body learns where to go, like a bungee cord. It's also hard to unlearn bad habits, which I'm excited to do with Debra! The light therapy massage table is also a must try, felt so good on my spine and the heat was perfect! #yogaforlife #yogis #yogapose

From the owner: Yoga Tree Wellness Center is Kenosha's newest and only Yoga + Aerial AND Fitness studio…read more We are a CommUNITY of people who are committed to strengthening our Mind, Body & Spirits! We have a variety of classes and teachers and it is our mission to make Yoga & Fitness accessible and affordable for ALL! We are not your typical yoga or fitness studio. Our classes and teaching style are unique. We recognize that our Mind, Bodies and Spirits are integrated into who we are and our classes reflect that. We emphasize and take the time to teach you how to align your spine, focusing on your breath and activating the proper muscles versus just going through motions of poses or exercises. With this emphasis, you will be able to progress further in your wellness journey and keep your body injury free. We have a variety students from near and far and what we often hear is, "This is the first time anyone has ever taught me how to do that!" We also offer Energy Healing, Drumming, Gong & Singing Bowl Meditation, Kirtan, Workshops, One-on-One sessions, and our Migun Massage Bed! You will experience the difference here and we look forward to meeting you!

You changed my life! You guided me to learn to handle stress and anger…read more I meditate on my own now. I may still return from time to time to share tea too Thank you

For me, this meditation saved my life. A few years ago, I was deceived by my best friend and lost…read moreall my business. Also left my beloved girlfriend. I have lost money, love, and the future. It has been more than a year since I have been living with my parents every day. I went to hospital, but my depression was not overcome and I still wanted to die. One day, I began this meditation with my mother's recommendation. At first my depression gradually disappeared. After two months, my mind was lightened and joy came to my heart. The hospital said that depression was completely gone. Six months later, I realized why I should live and live in the future. I think this is a miracle in my life and I want to share my experiences with others. I would like to sincerely recommend this meditation to those who have lost their life goals like me. A miracle will happen first in your heart!!

Soulful and bliss are two perfect words to describe this small studio. As a long time yogi, I was…read moreexcited to try out this new Barrington studio. I've been to many yoga studios, especially for living in New York City, but it's rare to come across a studio so personal and intimate. They really made me feel right at home. My instructor, Emily, was kind and warm. She effortlessly directed a yin and yang class with such serenity and grace. Both my body and soul felt rejuvenated. I'm very eager to come back again to this studio. They have a first time free class promotion, so be sure to check it out!

I have never felt so spiritually enlightened as I did after my first session. If you want start a…read moreroad to inner peace, knowledge for finding answers within yourself for your life's path, clarity and happiness, I urge you to try any of The sessions available at SoulBliss Studio. Life-changing, to say the least.

Just the perfect amount of time to unplug and reset. Beautiful setting. I will definitely be o…read morethis one day retreat again!

Spent the weekend at the retreat center for a Lenten Men's retreat, what a truly great way to…read morereconnect with our Lord. It was peaceful, beautiful, quiet and restful. Truly recommend looking in to a group retreat, a Hermitage (they have 3) or group event site if you are looking for a great site to reconnect and recharge.

This is such a calming , loving , and enlightening safe space to come…read more The venue is beautiful and there were very nice and helpful people directing us . The speakers were nice and informative. The sessions were helpful as well. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I definitely would recommend.

Science of Spirituality is alive and WELL! The organization is growing, so , thus the new building…read more And yes, Veggie Fest will be continuing, just at another site. Look for it. Watch the amazing new building rise. Also, meditation and talks are still going on. Just look at www.sos.org to find the locations, while the construction is being completed.

Peaceful Plum Yoga and Meditation studio offers an intimate, tranquil space where you can quiet the…read moremind and bring peace to the body. They offer yoga and meditation classes that are accessible to all, nurturing peace and well-being within body, mind, and spirit. Peaceful Plum specializes in providing a gentle and loving practice. Whether you are looking to increase flexibility, age gracefully, decrease stress, move more easily within your body, or find peace of mind.

From the owner: Yoga, Gentle, Beginners, Meditation, Individual & Group instructionread more

Bear Foot Yoga and Healing is an oasis in our area. Calm, warm, and friendly. There is a range of…read moreclasses that has something for everyone.....beginner to advanced....5 to 105 years old! Megan is a wonderful, sensitive instructor who knows her clients well and is able to adapt every practice to help each person in the group get the most from the class. I highly recommend this studio...it has been an inspiration and revelation for me!!!!

I participated in the February 2017 Remember and Return Women's Yoga Immersion, and it was one of…read morethe most exceptional and memorable experiences of my life. I enjoyed being a goddess for an entire three day weekend! I have also attended every type of special event or workshop held at Bear Foot Yoga Healing, including crystal bowl sound meditation, goat yoga, live music, and chakra restorative meditation. In addition, I've partaken of both Megan's Ayurvedic marma touch therapy and her energy healing treatment. I've gone to every style of yoga class offered; Megan is the absolute BEST teacher. The only service I've not yet used is her healing touch for animals, but if the need arises with any of my pets, I'm there for sure. I cannot recommend Bear Foot Yoga Healing and Megan MacCarthy highly enough!