Recently I had the pleasure to photograph segments of time at the Grand Opening event of Prana Yoga Center’s new location in downtown Geneva, IL at 321 Stevens Street. The new facility brought with it some exciting changes to the class offerings as well as the fact that Prana Yoga Center now has 2 studios for yoga and community building.
The kick off was a 2 hour yoga practice led by Sharon Denton that was attended by about 40 yoga practitioners. The energy level and heat were high in this session and it was evident that all participants were connected to the instructor as well as themselves. Sharon has been teaching at Prana Yoga Center for several years before relocating to Florida in 2009. Many of her students were very happy to see here being back for the weekend.
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Following the yoga session was an unforgettable Gong Bath performed by Kenny Kolter. The physical sound & vibration of the gong is powerful and soothing, invigorating and relaxing. Gong meditations are becoming more and more popular as the need to de-stress becomes more apparent in our society. You can find out more about them at Delamora Transformational Experiences. I was truly amazed at the vast range of sound that a gong produces, and mesmerized by the powerful meditative effect. Kenny Kolter leads gong meditation sessions throughout the Chicago area. His goal is to be a sound bridge between the energy and spirit that lie within the gong and to sonically draw out or tune into the energy and spirit that resides in us all. In the past three years, Kenny has conducted over 400 gong sessions, workshops and presentations at major conferences, yoga studios, healing centers, Unity churches, mental health centers, and chiropractic care clinics to rave reviews and critical acclaim. He plays a Paiste 30″ Zodiac Planetary Earth Gong tuned to the processional cycle of the earth. Designed primarily for prayer/healing/meditation purposes, this instrument produces a large spectrum of fascinating functional harmonics. The sounds of the frame drum, timpani, and rattle add rich texture to the music that Kenny evokes from the gong.
Later in the afternoon visitors enjoyed a potluck which offered great food and social gatherings accompanied by Dan on the Guitar. Afterward came a blessing ceremony performed by a Buddhist monk.
The evening presented us with the uniquely memorable music and Crystal Tone Alchemy Singing Bowls of ASHANA. Ashana’s music is a luminous tapestry of soaring angelic vocals and the healing sounds of crystal singing bowls. This stunningly beautiful alchemy is magical. A musical retreat for the soul, it quiets the mind, returning you to a place of deep stillness and remembrance of the Divine … a place where you will be inspired and uplifted … a place of comfort and peace. The haunting, penetrating drones of Ashana’s crystal singing bowls are an integral part of her music and devotional practices. With their resonant, pure-tone frequencies, and the innate properties of crystal, to amplify, transmit and store energy, these exquisite instruments are powerful tools which can be used to enhance meditation and prayer and to support healing. When combined with mantra and prayerful intention, crystal singing bowls can help entrain mind, body and spirit to a more harmonious experience of peace, well-being and balance.
Lisa you and your awesome team ROCK. You all truly make a difference in all of our life’s that have the privilege to be associated with Prana Yoga Center. The world is in dire need of more of these centers…
Thank you & Namaste.