Focus on your wellness and spend the day immersed in nature on the peaceful grounds of The Morton Arboretum. During this one-day retreat, attend to your mind and body with gentle movement, meditation, and reflection.
Research shows that time spent among the trees has clear benefits for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Set aside the rigors of your daily routine and take time for yourself with tai chi, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness workshops.
Light morning refreshments and lunch are included.
Retreat Sessions
Arboretum Yoga
Yoga can help release stress and improve your health and well-being. Participants will practice poses, breathing, and meditation while connecting to nature in the tranquil setting of The Morton Arboretum.
Tai Chi
Move your body with the grace and confidence of the ancient tai chi masters who learned the secret of balancing yin and yang: strength with beauty, power with peace, endurance with flow. TaijiFit™ is a form of tai chi suitable for beginners. There is no routine or choreography to memorize or get right.
Live Sound Meditation
Experience the mental and physical health benefits of live sound meditation at The Morton Arboretum. Find a comfortable seat, close your eyes, and allow the crystal singing bowls to interact with your body. The intention of this meditation is to support you in achieving a state of deep relaxation. No skills, abilities, or beliefs are required to receive the benefits.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructors: Natalie Schilke, certified yoga instructor; Jay Taylor, owner, Current Vibrations
Age: 16 and older
Course number: WELL300
Instructors
Bridget Grey, transformational life coach, Bridget Grey Coaching
Bridget Grey is a transformational life coach and a motivational speaker. She studied clinical laboratory science to earn her BS at UIC and went on to achieve her MBA. She began studying and working with the Universal Principles of Success in 2001. After dedicating more than a decade to the medical field and corporate arena, she understood that people needed more fulfillment in their daily lives. In 2019, Bridget became a certified Life Mastery Consultant to help others experience life on a different level and to confidently build their dreams. In 2023, Bridget Grey Coaching was launched. Now as a passionate high energy coach, she brings the art and science of dream building to life! Learn more at her website.
Laura Jaramillo, licensed clinical professional counselor, Laura Listens, LLC
Laura Jamarillo is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She hopes that the work she does in this world will allow people to fully love and accept themselves. She specializes in working with a variety of different anxiety disorders including eating disorders. She is a tree hugger, a mom, a yogi, a lighthouse, a friend, and always a student. Learn more at Laura Listens.
Natalie Schilke, certified yoga instructor
Natalie Schilke has been practicing yoga since 2010 and blends her love for nature and wellness into all of her teachings. She is a registered yoga teacher and also holds a certification in children’s yoga, aerial yoga, and horticultural therapy.
Jay Taylor, owner, Current Vibrations
Jay Taylor is the owner of Current Vibrations and has been providing live sound meditation since 2018. He has facilitated over 1,000 sound meditation experiences. Taylor’s intention behind each of these meditations has been one of service, guiding participants to feel a deep sense of peace, relaxation, and harmony. It is his philosophy that people are trying their best all of the time, and that expanding the version of best can be accomplished through the release of stress, healing of trauma, and the loving consideration of the body. Taylor lives in Chicago and can be reached at Current Vibrations.
Dawn Nader, certified tai chi instructor, Elevate Tai Chi
Dawn Nader has more than 15 years experience as a student and instructor in Wushu, Yang Style Tai Chi, and Straight Sword, and she is a certified TaijiFit™ Method instructor. Her journey toward wellness through the Chinese martial arts provides a perspective on using mindful movement as an exercise to empower the mind, strengthen the body, boost the immune system, and improve the condition of the human spirit.
What to Know
This program meets indoors and outdoors. Check the forecast and dress for the weather.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Be prepared to walk on wood-chipped trails and in grass.
Light morning refreshments and lunch are included. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Please bring the following with you:
- A notebook
- Something to write with
- A yoga mat or blanket
- A water bottle
Program Schedule
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Arbor Room, Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
