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Wabi Sabi

Wabi Sabi - space for silence, a place for the soul
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New Year's Resolution - Journaling

January 6, 2026

I have a hard time setting intentions. And setting goals. I usually set a really easy New Year’s resolution. No pressure, no risk.

But this year, I’m inspired to do something new… journaling.

I have journals, I’ve journaled. But I’ve never made journaling a daily practice.

So this is my 2026 New Year’s resolution. And I just-so-happened to win the raffle at the InTouch + Motion’s Wellness Day!

Now I have two beautiful journals to work with (and a fantastic set of fine tip markers, among other wonderful things). I’m starting with the 5-minutes a day journal - which has questions you answer and topics to think about in the morning and evening each day.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress… but for this post, I’d like to focus on an offering from InTouch + Motion that I just found out about that can help us set our intentions and practice journaling!

It’s led by Ciera Shimkus at InTouch + Motion, a licensed therapist and expressive arts facilitator. I’ve been to Ciera’s classes, and they flow between intuitive yoga movements with breath and an amazing sound bath that allows you to relax into the new body you have created.

The intention setting through journaling and art meditation allows you to go as deep as you like into topics of your own choosing, the things you’re working on, or maybe the resolutions you’re trying this year.

I’m excited to share this with those in the Chicagoland area (and those traveling here)! I’ll see you there :)

~ Laurie


Yoga + Sound Bath: Creativity, Movement, and Reflection

A monthly reset in Chicago: intention-setting journaling, gentle yoga + breathwork, then a restorative sound bath for deep rest.

Overview
Join us for a biweekly evening yoga and sound bath experience designed to help you reconnect with yourself through movement, creativity, and reflective practices.

This series is here to create a consistent space for anyone seeking community connection, tools to support a personal mindful practice, or a gentle rhythm to stay accountable to their well-being. Each session blends yoga and breathwork with creative intention-setting, and closes with a restorative sound bath.

Creative practices can make yoga and meditation more accessible for different types of people, and offer a simple way to arrive, reflect, and reset.

In each 75-minute session, you’ll be guided through a welcoming, trauma-informed experience that includes:

  • Intention setting through journaling or art meditation

  • Yoga + breathwork (asanas)

  • Savasana with a sound bath for deep rest and integration

Ciera’s style is influenced by restorative yoga, Kundalini-inspired practices, and Hatha yoga.

These sessions are ideal for anyone seeking:

  • A more personal and creative approach to yoga

  • A safe space for body-mind connection

  • A grounding and restorative reset No prior yoga or art experience is necessary. All bodies and identities are welcome.

Led by:
Ciera Shimkus, LCPC, REAT, RYT-200
Licensed therapist and expressive arts facilitator blending the mental health principles of yoga, breathwork, creativity, and sound to support self-discovery, restoration, and self-care.

Dates & Time

Thursdays at 7:15 PM Starting Thursday, January 22, 2026 (Additional dates will be listed on Eventbrite as part of the ongoing series.)

Sign Up Here

Location

In Touch & Motion
4028 W Irving Park Rd. Loft B, Chicago, IL 60641

Note: This space is only accessible via stairs to the second floor.

Arrival Note

We recommend arriving about 15 minutes early to settle in and get comfortable before we begin. Out of respect for the group experience, doors will close promptly 5 minutes after start time so the session can start smoothly and without interruptions.

Cost (3-tier option)

Tier 1: Community Ticket | $10 For anyone who would benefit from a lower-cost option.

Tier 2: Standard Ticket | $20 Covers the true cost of the session and space.

Tier 3: Supporter Ticket | $30 Helps sustain the series and makes community tickets possible.

What to Bring

A journal, water bottle, and a mat if you have one (mats available on-site too).
Optional: layers or something cozy for savasana, pillow & blanket.

Important Notes

This is a wellness-based session, not a therapy service. While it is facilitated by a licensed or license-eligible mental health professional, participation does not establish a client-therapist relationship.

Contact for questions

info@intouchandmotion.com

More events from this organizer

Authentic Movement and Networking Gathering

Sat, Jan 24, 11:00 AM

In Touch & Motion • Chicago, IL

Free

In Ahimsa, InTouch + Motion Tags yoga, sound, creativity, movement, reflection, journal, intention, resolution, journalling
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Dr. Angela Lyonsmith, Director of Community Partnerships, helping us with our fabric art

Mather's Free Community Classes

November 4, 2024

As we age, it may seem more challenging to do things that support our creativity. My Mom found this program for those 55 and better, and she has really been enjoying it. Mather offers classes on Zoom and in person to craft a community and build connections.

On the days I drive her to class, they invite me to participate. We recently went to two amazing workshops at Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen. One was the creation of fabric art and the other was a poetry writing class. The teachers are really amazing and gently keep us all on task. The tour guides are wonderful, and the guests and artists we learn about have been incredibly inspiring. What’s also inspiring is the other attendees. When we share at the end of class it shows how many truly brilliant people there are out there.

If you are visiting with friends and family for the holidays, ask if they know about the Mather Programs. The classes are free and materials are included for all in-person programs and all online participants who reside in Illinois. It’s a way to help us keep that spark of vitality and age well.

Art is healing… and I believe creativity is key to deterring things like dementia and degenerative illness.

Here is a little from Mather’s website about the classes:

Looking for ways to connect, have fun, and try new things from the comfort of your home? Check out a wide range of complimentary discussions, hands-on art projects, guided wellness classes, and more. One thing these offerings have in common: they provide endless opportunities to explore.

We are proud to offer an environment at Mather for adults 55 and better to find opportunities and resources to age well wherever they live. Our thoughtfully designed initiatives help spark creativity and curiosity, prompt meaningful connections and conversations, and, most importantly, foster a powerful sense of community with ever-changing options that can be accessed in communities across the country. Every Mather program is complimentary, easy to join, and provides helpful instructions and resources; the only decision left is when to start.

Download our latest calendar of free programs.

MAKE CONNECTIONS IN PERSON

Great creative and Age Well together in your neighborhood! Join us for a variety of in-person programs across Chicagoland, and make lasting connections. All those 55 and better are welcome, and all programs are free of charge.

Browse & Register

JOIN OUR AT-HOME ARTISTS GROUP

Sign up for a complimentary Do-It-Together (D.I.T.) Art Kit and receive materials and step-by-step instructions to create six unique fiber arts projects, delivered to your door. Plus, join weekly online meetups!

Available to Illinois residents 50 and better.

Learn More

A VARIETY OF ONLINE PROGRAMS

Mindfulness meditation. Art discussions. Brain health. Log into one of our signature virtual programs and discover personal growth and mastery, meaningful impact, and connections among participants.

Browse Virtual Offerings


Mindfulness and Brain Health

Learn how to boost your brain health, try yoga, or become more mindful in your daily life. Follow the link below for details and a selection of upcoming dates.

Browse & Register

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can have medicinal, relaxing, and rejuvenating effects. Choose from a variety of programs discussing essential oils, flowers, and herbs and their medicinal and health benefits. Necessary materials will be sent ahead of time at no charge.

Browse & Register

Discussion Groups

Join us to learn about and discuss topics from forgotten women of history to the surprising stories of famous artists and artworks!

Browse & Register

Movement and Dance

Let’s focus on the physical—our breath, bodies, and balance. Guided sessions offer a chance to stretch, exercise, and even dance!

Browse & Register

In Ahimsa Tags Mather, community, classes, art, yoga, dance
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