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July is a heady mix of peak temperatures, sustenance from the soil and inspired invitations to make lasting memories. For gardeners, it is a lilting time of fruition in between rounds of hard work when one’s efforts can be harvested, eaten and appreciated. Summer’s apex brings wildflower tapestries woven with cricket-song and evenings punctuated by rolling thunderstorms, but it also can be a time for us to take a deep dive into the miracle of interconnectedness.

Visiting the local farmers market is an opportunity to be mindful of all that goes into our shopping bags and bellies: rain, sunlight, nitrogen-rich snowmelt and the vital fertility of topsoil. We can see everyday people in a different light, especially Earth-conscious farmers who choose to be birthing partners of the land.

Taking a walk outside can remind us that no life would be possible without the near-magical, unseen mycelium network beneath our footsteps. Summer’s delicate balance of elements ensures abundance, and we have a sacred opportunity to be part of that equilibrium. Each of us is a link in the chain of humans co-creating within the symbiosis of all other living things. Will we take away from this balance or add to it?

Adding to it does not require hours of time or money, but the motivation to make simple decisions for the greater good, such as leaving part of the lawn to grow for the winged ones or choosing an eco-friendly refillable water bottle over single-use plastic. Showing a child how to keep a nature journal can foster lifelong connections with the Earth.

We do our part when we joyfully become part of the landscape—witnessing, observing and allowing nature to go about her business. Making time for languid appreciation contributes to self-nourishment, something that is also vital to the whole. How many avian voices can you hear at sunset? How many colors can you find in a changing mural of clouds? The season of plenty offers a harvest of beauty.

CHICAGO’S CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CALENDAR DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Calendar events must be submitted online at NAChicago.com/Calendar.

Call First:

Events or services may be cancelled, postponed or are offered online. Call and check websites for up-to-date information.

Plastic Free July

SATURDAY, JULY 1

Canada Day

Holistic Fair – 12-6pm. Readers and body workers every 30 mins. Astrology, Angel Communication, Angel Card Reading, Akashic Records, Card Reader, Chakra Balancing, Reiki, Reflexology, Numerology, Power Manifesting Healing and Energy movement, Henna. Specials on products and so much more. $40/30 mins. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

Monthly Meditation Spa – 2:30-3:30pm. Drawing from an extensive repertoire of practices each month, Jenni Anne will guide you through experiences to leave you calmly grounded and refreshed. Comfort and relaxation will be prioritized, setting the stage for insight and healing. Mats and props provided. $25. Center for Healing and Integration, 700 E Ogden, Ste 304, Westmont. 630-828-2953. CenterForHealingAndIntegration.janeapp.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 2

Tarot – 11am-4:30pm. With Andre. $40/30 mins. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. For appt: 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

MONDAY, JULY 3

Full Moon – Buck Super Moon, Berry Moon

Dharma Day (Buddhism)

Guru Purnima (Hinduism)

TUESDAY, JULY 4

Independence Day

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening, 1010 Lake St, Ste 200, Oak Park. NWMedicalScreening.com.

Discovery Isle: Turtles – 1-3pm. Drop-in anytime to learn amazing turtle facts. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. ReconnectWithNature.org.

Green Drinks McHenry County – 5-7pm. 1st Wed. Come talk about “greening” the future with others. Special presentations each month on a timely environmental topic or green business. In-person & Zoom. Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake. GreenDrinks.org/IL/Crystal%20Lake.

THURSDAY, JULY 6

Group Yoga: Stress Relief for Mind, Body & Soul – 9-10am Group Viniyoga Classes, which relieve stress on every level. Will use movement, breath, guided meditation, and other yoga tools to feel ease, to feel better and to gain new perspectives. First class free to anyone new to Center for Healing and Integration or Aimee Forsberg Ottosen. $20. Center for Healing and Integration, 700 E Ogden, Ste 304, Westmont. 630-828-2953. CenterForHealingAndIntegration.janeapp.com.

Independence & Interdependence –7-8:30pm. Explore ways to be in a more harmonious and co-creative relationship with both your independence and interdependence. Suggested donation $15-$25. Meetup.com/spiritual-nourishment-chicagoland.

FRIDAY, JULY 7

Aromatherapy On Point – Fridays, July 7, 21, Aug 4, 18, Sep 1, 15. 9am-12pm. Students who take at least the Aromatherapy On Point Intro are eligible to continue on to the full certification. To complete the full certification, you will take the Aromatherapy On Point Intro, Module One, Two, and Three, along with one elective from the “Aromatherapy for Massage Therapist Workshops” and additional final casework and supervision with the instructor. The program includes individualized support. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Prairie Glen, 2700 Patriot Blvd, Ste 250, Glenview. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com.

Fun & Food Trucks – 5-8pm. Trucks that will be featured: Grumpy Gaucho, Life’s a Slice and Crave Belly. Flight Deck will serve ice-cold margaritas. Family-friendly activities available. Music provided by Michael C Hayes. Free admission. Hammel Woods, Rte 59 Access, Shorewood. ReconnectWithNature.org.

Cosmic CrossFit – 5:30-7pm. Let’s celebrate summer with our very own Get Fit Community. Price includes drop-in fee, food and non-alcoholic drinks for a little after WOD fun to close out the work week. BYOB. Members register in the PushPress app like a regular class or bring a dish for admission. $30. GET FIT Elk Grove Village, 1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 206, Elk Grove Village. 847-285-1691. GetFitegv.pushpress. com/open/event/cal_7ddcf0d4311898?framed=0.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

Gardening for Fragrance – 8-9:30 or 1011:30am. Explore the plants of The Morton Arboretum’s Fragrance Garden and learn what to grow at home in this class taught by an Arboretum horticulturist. $27. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org.

Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing –8am-12pm. See the dazzling display of nesting herons, egrets, cormorants and bald eagles. Bringing binoculars or spotting scope. Free. Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, 230 W Renwick Rd, Plainfield. ReconnectWithNature.org.

Reiki Play Day – 9-11am. This gathering allows you to delve deeper into reiki and true self through guided meditations, discussions and chanting. Start to incorporate the tools of reiki into your everyday life, within the comfort of a supportive community. New to reiki? No problem, we welcome your participation. $20 suggested donation at the door. Calandra Center for Health and Wellness, 830 E Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg. Registration required: 312-796-3965 or CalandraAcupuncture.com.

Little Witches Moon Gardening Club –1-3:30pm. A monthly live class hosted on my suburban homestead where the kids come to learn and play. Club members will learn how to garden with the moon cycles. We’ll create seed trays together and plan gardens together within different monthly sessions. $50. Cultivating Guts, 1011 W Wildwood Dr, Prospect Heights. 773-234-6636. CultivatingGuts.com.

ONLINE: Chicago IANDS – 2pm. Support/study/resource forum for near-death, out-of-body and spiritual experiences, losses. Guest Speaker: Pam Kircher, MD, NDEr, family and hospice physician, author, speaker, conscious aging facilitator. Become a free subscriber to Chicago IANDS by filling in the form online. $20 tax-deductible donation requested (see website). For more info: 847-251-5758 or ChicagoIANDS.org.

Kirtan – 6:30-8pm. Vegetarian food to follow. Free. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 9

How to Make and Activate a Grid – 2-4pm. $40. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

Animal Healing and Communication –2-5pm. With Larry Freson, trained and experienced Animal Healer/Communicator. The space in which the session occurs is energetically set for serenity, playfulness and love. Larry builds trust with the animal to get a good understanding of the issues and does so with their human. $40/30-min sessions offered via Zoom to allow your animal companion to remain at home in a familiar and comfortable environment. Edgar Cayce Holistic Center: 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.

Intuitive Readings – 2-5pm. Bobbi Williams’ intuitive readings speak to your soul’s journey to provide guidance and understanding. She opens portals for communication from loved ones in Spirit (mediumship reading) and provides spiritual guidance on the Earth plane (psychic reading). She will access Akashic Records for greater clarity and support. $40/30-min sessions. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.

MONDAY, JULY 10

The Space In Between – 9am-4pm. Highlights the importance of addressing the fascial and energetic planes of the body. Explore the areas between muscles, muscles and bones, tightness and slack, movement and stagnation, inhale and exhale. Conscious bodywork can help with techniques that utilize sustained pressure to loosen and lengthen constricted fascia. 6 CEs. $150. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

“My Garden” Show and Tell – 6:308:30pm. Members will share something from their garden (a flower, a plant, or an arrangement) that tells us about their gardening passion. Guests are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun. Learn more about gardening, our members, and our club. Free. St John Lutheran Church, 7214 S Cass Ave, Darien. DarienGardenClub.com.

Let Go of Anxiety & Fear Public Talk –7-8:30pm. Replace fear and anxiety with constructive, peaceful states of mind using practical Buddhist wisdom and guided meditation. Talk repeats on July 12 at our Oak Park location. Enjoy this talk on its own, or as an introduction to a 6-wk series of classes called “Become Fearless.” No previous experience needed; all welcome. $12. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Wicker Park, 2010 W Pierce Ave, Chicago. 708-763-0132. MeditateInChicago.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 11

World Population Day

Integrative Mini-Session – 9-10:15am. Meet our practitioners and experience 4 restorative services in one session. Aimee, Yoga Therapist, will lead gentle, therapeutic movement, combined with breath and meditation. Gina, Functional Nutritionist, will offer simple tips and information and answer any questions about nutrition. Karen, Reiki Master, will guide energy healing with the group, while Megan, Acupuncturist, will provide an optional mini-acupuncture session. $20. Center for Healing and Integration, 700 E Ogden, Ste 304, Westmont. 630-828-2953. CenterForHealingAndIntegration.janeapp.com.

Immune Health 2.0 – 5:45pm. Are you dealing with a cold, seasonal reaction or respiratory concerns? Could the gut lining be a factor? Let’s chat. Attendees receive a coupon good towards a future purchase. Fruitful Yield, 155 N Randall Rd, Batavia. FruitfulYield.com.

Green Drinks Libertyville – 6pm. 2nd Tues. Cafe Pomigliano, 13860 Rockland Rd, Green Oaks. More info: Facebook.com/greendrinkslibertyville.

Mediumship Readings and Insights –7-9pm. Suzane Northrop, an internationally acclaimed grief and bereavement expert and medium, can help you recover and heal from the loss of loved ones. Find out what happens after loved ones die and why they may continue to communicate with you. $35, $30/10 days advance. On Zoom and will also be recorded for later viewing. InfinityFoundation.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

Reiki + Pets – 5:30-7pm. With Jen. Reiki is a wonderful way to promote stress relief, relaxation and healing. This workshop will explore the methods of using reiki with pets. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 13

Gemz and Boardz July Mini-Markets –July 13-14. 12-7pm, Thurs; 12-8pm, Fri. Come support our small business along with other vendors. Gemz and Boardz, 3101 W Montrose Ave, Chicago. 872-218-0307. GemzAndBoardz.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

Bastille Day

Int’l Non-Binary People’s Day

A Shared Journey: The Heart of the Spiritual Path – July 14-16. Join esteemed guest speakers from some of the world’s largest spiritual traditions as they share the heart of their teachings during the 137th Summer National Convention. Speakers include Rabbi Rami Shapiro, Pamela Ayo Yetunde, Imam Jamal Rahman, Carl McColman, Pablo Sender and Ravi Ravindra. $75. The Theosophical Society, 1926 N Main St, Wheaton. 630-668-1571. Theosophical.org/snc.

Beginning Zen Shiatsu 2-Weekend Intensive – July 14-16 & 21-23. 9:30-4:30pm. Learn how to give a basic 1-hr shiatsu treatment that you can share with friends and family. Course is a stand-alone offering and is also the first 30 hrs of our complete shiatsu certification programs. $500 plus textbook. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Orrington Plaza, 1603 Orrington Ave, Ste 600, Evanston. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

Essentials of Craniosacral Therapy – July 15-16. 9am-4pm. This 2-day course is a practical introduction to the theory and practice of the biodynamics of craniosacral balancing. Learn essential ways to perceive the body’s intrinsic movement dynamics, rhythms and pulsations. 12 CEs. $300. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

Clear Sky Mind Retreat – 2-5pm. Discover the pure, clear and limitless nature of your mind by practicing a very special meditation which has been used for centuries. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners, each session will include practical instruction and guided meditation. Will observe silence during our brief breaks to enhance our meditative experience. $30. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Wicker Park, 2010 W Pierce Ave, Chicago. 708-763-0132. MeditateInChicago.org.

Nordic Walking – 6:30pm. Join Shari Greenburg to learn how adding poles can greatly enhance regular walking and your health. Free. Osteostrong Wilmette, 126 Skokie Rd, Wilmette. Register: 224-408-2369.

Surf-N-Turf Concert – 6:30-8:30pm. Live music will play in Monee Reservoir’s amphitheater courtesy of The Stingers. Free. Monee Reservoir, 27341 S Ridgeland Ave, Monee. ReconnectWithNature.org.

SUNDAY, JULY 16

Dog Admission Day – 7am-sunset. Hit the trails, at The Morton Arboretum, with your canine friend. $5/ dog. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Reservations required: MortonArb.org.

Christmas in July Bookstore & Crystal Sale – 10am-5pm. 10% off all bookstore sales. 20% off on jewelry. Up to 50% off select crystals. Superb quality crystals are available, muscle tested for their quality by Janel, crystal consultant. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.

Double Sound Healing Meditation –2-3:30pm. Experience the healing benefits of a sound bath with 2 practitioners at once. Chimes, bowls and gongs are played to restore the mind, body and spirit. $40. Center for Healing and Integration, 700 E Ogden, Ste 304, Westmont. 630-828-2953. CenterForHealingAndIntegration.janeapp.com.

Drumming Circle – 3-5pm. Free. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

MONDAY, JULY 17

New Moon – Sasgehgo-nah, Moon of Long

Daylight

TUESDAY, JULY 18

Nelson Mandela Int’l Day

Al Hijra begins at sundown (Islam)

Immune Health 2.0 – 5:45pm. Are you dealing with a cold, seasonal reaction or respiratory concerns? Could the gut lining be a factor? Let’s chat. Attendees receive a coupon good towards a future purchase. Fruitful Yield, 168 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg. FruitfulYield.com.

Green Drinks Park Ridge – 7pm. 3rd Tues. An environmental movement meet up. A great way of catching up with people you know and for making new contacts. For location & more info: cgrau8@gmail.com. GoGreenParkRidge.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

THURSDAY, JULY 20

Group Yoga: Stress Relief for Mind, Body & Soul – 9-10am. See July 6 listing. Center for Healing and Integration, 700 E Ogden, Ste 304, Westmont. 630-828-2953. CenterForHealingAndIntegration.janeapp.com.

Grand Garden Walking Tour – 9-10:30am. This guided walk will highlight the flowering trees, shrubs and perennial plants that bring color to The Morton Arboretum’s Grand Garden, as well as behind-the-scenes insights into how the garden was constructed. $27. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 21

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Main Street Promenade, 50 S Main St, Ste 200, Naperville. 224-6003216. NWMedicalScreening.com.

Cupping Part One – 10am-5pm. Cupping creates a vacuum to draw out stagnation and toxins and mobilizes the blood, qi and lymph. Learn a variety of cupping techniques addressing the common cold, muscle aches and pains, digestive disorders and irregular menstruation, etc. 6 CEs. $150. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

Night Tarot – 6-10pm. With Andre. Wine served. $40/30 mins. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. For appt: 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

Mocktails and More – 6:30-9:30pm. Stay hydrated this summer with the best nonalcoholic beers, mocktails, botanical libations and CBD-infused beverages around at The Morton Arboretum’s new alcohol-free tasting event. Age 21+. $50. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Details: MortonArb.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 22

Mindful Meditation for Men – 10:30am12pm. With Edward. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. The goal of mindfulness is to wake up to the inner workings of our mental, emotional and physical processes. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com.

Healers Event – 1:11-7:11pm. Healers can choose to network or can also provide services at no charge. Healers are not allowed to sell any items at this event. Example of healers: readers, yoga, reiki, sound healing, massage therapist, herbalist and more. Free; $25/healer deposit refunded after event. Gemz and Boardz, 3101 W Montrose Ave, Chicago. 872-218-0307. GemzAndBoardz.com.

Shamanic Drumming – 6:30-8pm. With Andre. $40. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 23

Reiki – 12-3pm. With Mary. $40/30 mins. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. For appt: 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

Crystal Connections – 2-4pm. For people who want to know more about crystals, how they work and what they do. $40. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

MONDAY, JULY 24

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am-5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Orland Park Executive Tower, 15255 S 94th Ave, 5th Fl, Orland Park. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 25

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

THURSDAY, JULY 27

Gemz and Boardz July Mini-Markets –July 27-28. 12-7pm, Thurs; 12-8pm, Fri. Come support our small business along with other vendors. Gemz and Boardz, 3101 W Montrose Ave, Chicago. 872-218-0307. GemzAndBoardz.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 28

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Woodfield Preserve, 10 N Martingale Rd, Ste 400, Schaumburg. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 29

World Tiger Day

Advancing Integrative Practice Together (AIPT) Conference Weekend: “Until There is a Cure” – July 29-Aug 1. Open to primary care providers, cancer care practitioners, current and past cancer patients, all cancer advocates and outreach-minded individuals. Learn cancer care essentials from a wide range of modalities in creative, brain-friendly formats that will challenge and inspire. Family-focused, including a kids’ camp and opportunities to build community with other attendees. Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago, 2815 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook. Registration: aipt.life. cmeencounter.me/about-us.

Dream Interpretation – 11am-12:30pm. With Julie. Join us to explore a unique approach to dreamwork and how it can lead to self-awareness, growth and healing. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com.

Spirit Circle Drumming – 3-4:30pm. With Karen Tlusty-Rissman. Nurture your spirit through rhythm and meditation. Based on a blend of traditions, this Spirit Circle draws on our most ancient roots to creatively raise group energy. You are welcome to bring your own drums, rattles, or rhythm instruments as a limited number of shared instruments will be available. $15/advance, $20/at door. The Theosophical Society, 1926 N Main St, Wheaton. 630-668-1571. Tinyurl.com/nfepw5w7.

Amazing Gong Journey – 6-7:30pm. With Sound Healer Andre Peraza. The gong is a powerful instrument that works on many levels to heal the listener. It can help release deep emotional energy and feelings to better ground yourself. $40. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 30

World Day against Trafficking in Persons

MONDAY, JULY 31

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

Plan Ahead

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

Okuden Reiki Level 2 – 9am-5pm. The prerequisite course, Shoden Reiki Level 1, taught you the foundations of reiki and how to incorporate them into your everyday life and acupuncture practice. In Okuden Reiki Level 2, we deepen our understanding. Learn how to develop a professional treatment practice from these teachings and how to send absentee healings. $375, Early bird $300. Calandra Center for Health and Wellness, 830 E Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg. 312-796-3965. CalandraAcupuncture.com.

ONLINE: Holy Fire Reiki Level I/II – Aug 5-6. 9am-5pm. In this 2-day online class, students have placed within them Holy Fire Reiki energy. By class end they will be able to perform reiki on themselves and others and will be able to send it distantly to friends and family. Level I/II of any reiki lineage for humans is a requirement for our Animal Reiki Level I/II class on Aug19-20, 2023. This class fulfills that requirement. $495 for the weekend. EnergyGirl2020.com/reiki-classes.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

Holistic Health Fair – 10am-5pm. Explore holistic health and metaphysical topics, local vendors, speakers and energy workers with a wide range of products and services. $10/online, $12/day of, free/16 & under. Hilton Chicago/Northbrook, 2855 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook. 262-515-1472. HolisticHealthFair.org.