Steve Nakon
Steve Nakon, founder of Northwest Yoga and the Director of the Yoga and Meditation programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden, is an inspiring teacher and health advocate. A popular conference presenter on yoga, meditation, health and wellness, Steve has presented at conferences as diverse as Yoga Journal Grand Geneva Conference, Green Yoga Conference, and the North American Vegetarian Society Conference.
Drawing on his training in many healing modalities, including yoga, meditation, aryuveda, and macrobiotics, Steve presents sold out workshops at the Chicago Botanic Garden and around the country. Some of his most popular presentations include: Breathing without Boundaries, Food and Consciousness, Natural Whole Foods/Seasonal Cooking, and Meditation in Nature. He is regularly featured as part of the Garden Chef series. A graduate of the Kushi Institute, certified yoga instructor and member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, Steve finds his greatest inspiration in the teachings of T. Krishnamacharya, TKV Desikachar, and George Ohsawa.
Known for his ability to distill the wisdom of ancient traditions, identify consistencies across traditions, and develop practices to support a life in balance, Steve has served as a faculty member for various Teacher Training Programs in and around the Chicago area. Steve's own Yoga Apprentice Program draws serious yoga students and experienced yoga teachers alike. Those who attend his teacher training sessions often comment about Steve’s clear understanding of the universal laws of nature, as well as the principles of sequencing, adaptation, and vital flow.
Steve's approach to practice honors the individual while bringing the ancient teachings into a modern context. He has the ability to connect to his students at a deep level, understand their needs, and develop and adapt practices to create and maintain balance. Steve believes in the harmony between spirit and nature and is committed to creating a sanctuary for his students in every class and consultation. Steve's focus on the cruise will be the energizing and consciousness-raising qualities of the breath and the experience of yoga as a vital flow.
Steve has inspired students and teachers in private consultations, group classes, workshops, conference presentations and retreats in the US and internationally.
Workshops, Classes, and Private Consultations for the 2010 Cruise
Workshop: Breathing without Boundaries
In these experiential sessions we will explore the consciousness-raising and energetic qualities of the breath. Join us and discover how the quality of our breath affects the way we feel and the relationship between the body and the mind. Using the tools of movement, awareness, visualization and concentration we will work through the bodies many layers of resistance to open and release deeply held tensions. When tension is released and we are fully present the breath will flow without limits or boundaries. As we explore and connect with the source of the breath we allow ourselves to open into our natural state of being, a feeling of peace and synchronistic flow in our lives. Follow the breath, allow it to flow without limits or boundaries, and connect with your true nature.
Class: Yoga Flow for Vitality
Yoga Flow for vitality is designed to engage the mind, the body, and the breath in a flowing, synchronistic manner. In these sessions we will explore practice using the sarvanga method, addressing the entire body and engaging the spine in all six of its potential movements. In vinyasa krama form, we will incorporate standing, seated, kneeling and reclining postures all linked to the breath in a way that deepens our focus and develops a sense of lightness in the body (angalaghava). Each pose, each movement is connected to and in harmony with the breath. Asana, pranayama, and dharana join together in a holistic way to promote health, enhance immunity, and increase vitality.
Experience a flowing practice which guides you through the process of freeing your spine, opening your heart, becoming present for yourself and ultimately being the stillness behind all motion and the presence beyond all thought.
This is an all levels practice that honors each individual as they are. All are welcome.
Personal Health and Lifestyle Consultations - $250/person.
In these one hour consultations Steve will bring the wisdom of the ancient traditions into a modern context, as it applies to individual (personal) health and wellness. Strategies incorporating movement, meditation and dietary adjustment will be offered in relation to overall well being. Since our relationships play an important role in our total wellbeing, guidance in these areas will be included as needed. Steve’s practical approach will connect you with ways to restore and sustain balance in your life. Steve will be available for follow up phone conversations/consultations after the cruise.
Meet with Steve to explore practical tools for transformation, tailored to your life experience. Tools, which can form a blueprint for a holistic life and help you shape your dreams and life into what you truly desire.