ANASTAJA
Yoga
Through a regular practice of conscious connection, we begin to recognize our entire being as an extension of the Universe. Ultimately, yoga offers the opportunity to attune ourselves to the magic and mystery of life and understand our true nature as consciousness working to harmonize the Divine within and without.
Aja began her yoga practice 12 years ago in an effort to cope with childhood trauma, substance abuse, and undiagnosed ADHD. She has since completed 500hrs of yoga training with the Zen Den Yoga Yoga School and Sacred Paths Yoga, as well as additional training in trauma-informed yoga therapy and is a Level II practitioner of the Usui Reiki lineage. She is currently receiving her license as a Ganja Yoga facilitator and training with Zen Shiatsu Chicago Massage School for her shiatsu massage license. In 2020 she was thrilled to be accepted into the restorative justice movement by joining Prison Yoga Chicago. She is currently the lead teacher for Division 6 of Cook County Jail and serves on the Board as the Fundraising Chair.
As a teacher, she considers space-holding to be both an honor and an art, and strives to create a sacred container for others to feel held and supported in their healing journey. Her goal is to encourage students to practice from a place of curiosity and compassion while investigating the power of breath-work, movement, mindfulness, and stillness. She is dedicated to helping others cultivate self-awareness and learn to alchemize life in ways that support personal growth, intentional living, and the continued evolution of our collective consciousness. She strongly believes yoga can help us take radical responsibility for ourselves so we can become more effective agents of positive change in our immediate and global communities. Her classes vary from long restorative meditations and gentle flows to challenging vinyasas, and are introspective, light hearted, and balanced.
Current Class Schedule
Tuesday
- 7:30p CST // Restorative (90m) -
WeDnesday
- 6:30p CST // Yin (60m) -
FRIDAY
- 9a CST // Intermediate Flow (75m) -
- 5:15p CST // Vinyasa Gentle Flow (75m) -
- 6:30p CST // Restorative (75m) -
Classes taught in person at Namaskar in Chicago
Workshops
sound of creation
restorative + chanting
Mantra is used to assist the mind during meditation and helps to integrate profound shifts in perspective. Chanting mantras can have a unique and powerful effect. Every word we speak carries its own energetic signature and the physical manifestation of every frequency gives rise to its own pattern. By coming together as a collective, our voice becomes amplified. Now more than ever, we need to use our voice and reclaim our power as co-creators of our shared experience. This workshop weaves gentle strengthening, yin, and restorative yoga with the ancient practice of kirtan (chanting) and sound healing to lead students into a deeply meditative state. We will embrace the magic of vibration to shift reality and cultivate energetic alignment within ourselves by honoring the history of chanting and the science behind frequency and its relationship to the quantum realm.
This workshop ends with a restorative sound bath to integrate the effects of this practice.
Each part of this class will focus on a different mantra, specific frequency, and particular aspect of meditation.
No previous experience with chanting is necessary.
Sound Of Creation
Full Moon Ceremony
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
- July 21, 2024 // 6p - 9p // Namaskar -
Sound Of Creation
New Moon Ceremony
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
- August 4, 2024 //1p - 4p // Yoga Now -
Sound Of Creation
Abundance Ritual
Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namaha
- August 25, 2024 // 6p - 9p // Namaskar -
Ganja Yoga
ceremony
[COMING SOON]
The tradition of plant medicine and yoga has been around for thousands of years - offering the possibility for healing, relaxation, and personal growth to those who choose to partake. The intention of this ganja yoga ceremony is to provide a safe space for yogis who seek to deepen their yoga practice with the mellowing effects of cannabis. Students can expect a yin-oriented class that will conclude with a nourishing restorative practice complete with guided meditation, smudging, and sound bowls. This ceremony blends traditional healing modules with self-reflective introspection as an opportunity to better connect with our bodies and explore intentional healing. Please note this class is intended for those students already comfortable with the use and effects of marijuana. Cannabis will be offered as a sacrament via smoking with the option to consume a CBD in lieu of or in addition to your sacrament. Those who would prefer to consume via edibles or vaporizer should come prepared independently. Anyone who wishes to attend and not consume is welcome.
A welcome list will be sent out to those who sign up with more details on what to bring/expect.
Private Yoga
A perfect way to deepen your practice through a better understanding of alignment, meditation, and restorative modalities. Learn to create a sustainable home-practice by deepening your relationship to yourself and your body.
Connect with a friend and split the cost of a private yoga experience.
Each session is tailored to your needs, goals, and
(1-2 people) in-person (90m) or zoom (75m)
In person yoga limited to Chicago, IL
Testimonials
"I love your restorative and yin classes! The sequences are divine as is your music. The embodiment of yoga principles in the cues, mindfulness prompts and approach to touch is much appreciated."
- Jamie