Upcoming Workshops

Mindful Meditation @ Mettler (6 week course)  || The Mettler Center - Champaign, IL 
Jan. 15 - Feb. 19 - Sundays 4-5pm

Join us for this beginner-friendly course which introduces the concept of mindful meditation. You will learn how to cultivate tools for mindfulness including breathing sequences, visualization, body scan practices, and concentration techniques. Each class includes specific mindfulness meditation tips and techniques, a guided meditation session, and time for reflection. By the end of the session participants will be equipped to integrate mindfulness into their daily lives and maintain their own meditation practice. 

The Art of Arm Balancing 101  || Amara Yoga & Arts - Urbana, IL 
Jan. 21 - Saturday 1-3pm

Want to take flight? Learn techniques, drills, step-by-step instructions and how to use props to get closer to lifting up (and staying up) in Bakasana (crow pose) and other related arm balance poses. Arm balancing isn't simply about being physically strong and using your arms to support you, but rather to learn to make the body feel lighter and supported through core stability, counterbalance, and a release of ego and expectations. All levels welcome!

Malas & Merlot  || Amara Yoga & Arts - Urbana, IL 
Feb. 4  - Saturday 5:30-7pm

A mala is a stand of beads that can be used for meditation, prayer or just to wear! Join yogi and designer Kristina Reese and create your own mala necklace or bracelets (they make great as gifts too!) and learn ways to use it for meditation and intention setting. Please bring a bottle of wine (or your beverage of choice) to share at this informal gathering of meditation and creation!

Beyond Bakasana - Exploring Ways to Take Flight  || Amara Yoga & Arts - Urbana, IL 
Feb. 18- Saturday 1-3pm

Are you building confidence and feeling solid in your crow pose and curious where to go next? It's time to move 'beyond bakasana', in this workshop we will explore different variations and transitions in and out of bakasana-based arm balancing postures. The workshop will consist of a led warm-up, introduction of 5+ different arm balances with transitions and end with an opportunity to request posture breakdowns and ask specific questions. [Postures TBD, but potentially...Side Crow(EPK, fallen angel), One-legged (headstand/ankle cross), Flying Pigeon, Baby Bakasana/Elbow Hybrid, Grasshopper (baby grasshopper)

Cost: $30
Amara Members: $25

Past Workshops

Kristina is available for travel to teach selected workshops!* Contact for info on dates and rates.

*Mala Making + Meditation Workshops (2hrs.)
A mala is a strand of beads that can be used for meditation, prayer or just to wear! Join yogi and designer Kristina Reese to create your own mala and learn ways to use it for meditation and intention setting.  Kristina will guide a meditation practice and explain how colors and materials can affect your mood and guide your practice. Custom beads and tassel colors available.

Great for groups! Want to host your own workshop? Order here!

*Color by Chakra Workshop Series (series)
These informal gatherings will offer an opportunity to learn the basics of the chakra system and the specifics of each individual chakra through color, movement, breath and meditation we will outline the transformative principles of the chakras and learn how to integrate these elements in to our practice on and off the mat. 

*Beyond Bakasana (2hrs)
Are you building confidence and feeling solid in your crow pose and curious where to go next? It's time to move beyond bakasana! In this workshop we will explore different variations and transitions in and out of bakasana-based arm balancing postures. The workshop will consist of a led warm-up, introduction of 5+ different arm balances with transitions and end with an opportunity to request posture breakdowns and ask specific questions. Intended for yogis who are comfortable practicing bakasana (crow pose).

*The Art of Arm Balancing (2hrs) 
Want to take flight? Learn techniques, drills, step-by-step instructions and how to use props to get closer to lifting up (and staying up) in Bakasana (crow pose) and other related arm balance poses. Arm balancing isn't simply about being physically strong and using your arms to support you, but rather to learn to make the body feel lighter and supported through core stability, counterbalance, and a release of ego and expectations. All levels welcome! 

Spring Awakening Yoga Retreat at Allerton Park w/Jolene Wright || April 8-10 2016 - Monticello, IL
Come re-align and re-awaken alongside nature with a weekend of Yoga and Meditation hosted by Jolene Wright (RYT-500) and Kristina Reese (RYT-200) on the beautiful grounds of Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello, IL. Weekend to include yoga sessions, guided meditation, nature hikes, night time trail-glo in support of Make-a-Wish Foundation, campfire gathering, DIY malas and more! 

Ashtanga Primary Series Weekend and Weeklong Intensives
with Kelsey Bourgeois & Kristin McCoy
Experience Ashtanga Yoga with Kelsey Bourgeois, Kristin McCoy and Kristina Reese. This intensive will provide an in depth understanding for practicing the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga. There will be an extensive breakdown of each posture and transition of the Primary Series with opportunities to refine alignment, be assisted, and, for yoga teachers, practice assisting. There will be led sessions, Mysore-style sessions, and an overview of the history and philosophical background of Ashtanga Yoga. This intensive qualifies as 40 CEs for RYTs. Experience with Ashtanga recommended or advanced practice in another style of yoga.