Chicago Botanic Garden

ILLUSTRATION: lotus designEvents Calendar

Special Events

Awareness and Nature Retreat

Friday, October 16, 6:30 – 9 p.m. and
Saturday, October 17, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

You and your loved ones deserve a break from the daily grind. Spend a relaxing 24-hours melting into natural beauty with the guidance of Steve Nakon, director of Northwest Yoga, who is the meditation and yoga instructor at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

We have created an immersion experience designed to welcome all into a state of relaxation with activities like breathing exercises, gentle yoga, journaling and meditation. For the ultimate getaway experience, this retreat is best experienced as an overnight program including lodging at a nearby hotel. Don't worry, all meals are covered and will include healthy, whole foods. While you're here you won't have to think about anything except relaxing and reconnecting yourself with nature. Dress comfortably in weather appropriate loose clothing as most activities will be outdoors (weather permitting). Wear walking shoes. Meet in the Visitor Center.

Option with lodging:
SPP0053 $249/$312

Option without lodging:
SPP0063 $99/$124

PHOTO: Steve Nakon

Steve Nakon of Northwest Yoga

About Steve Nakon

Steve Nakon, founder of Northwest Yoga and instructor for 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, T.K.V. 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 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.