Yoga • Mindfulness • Art • Spirituality
about the perch
The Perch helps exhausted people rest, find peace, and experience transformation. Designed to be a resting place, we offer an environment to experience rest, renewal, reflection, and rejuvenation.
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We believe in order to love and live well, we need to experience love, healing, and holistic health ourselves. Toward this end, we offer retreats, classes, workshops, groups, and resources to help you develop in these areas. You'll find that we're always adding to our calendar, so check back often to see our latest offerings. The Perch is led by Amy Jackson and located in the heart of Aurora, Illinois. We hope you'll join us soon for an event!
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The Perch is an inviting, supportive, and healing haven for ALL. If you're LGBTQIA, know that you'll be fully welcomed and affirmed here. People of faith, of no faith, and everywhere in between are invited and welcome! We can all benefit from our unique approach to personal wellness.
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Unhurried: A 52-Week Meditative Bible Reading Guide
Unhurried shows you how to slowly, thoughtfully, and meditatively read the Bible. It invites you to kick off your shoes, settle into your favorite chair, and linger in God’s presence. There, you can hear God’s still, small voice and experience transformation in your heart, mind, and soul.
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Over 52 weeks, you’ll discover a multitude of ways to sit with Scripture, enjoying God’s presence. Whether you're just beginning to read the Bible, or you've been reading it for years, these practices will help you cultivate an unhurried life from the inside out that allows you to hear from God each day.
31 Days of Self Kindness
What might happen if you began to treat yourself with kindness and compassion rather than constant criticism and disappointment? Despite what many believe, self-kindness isn’t self-indulgent. It doesn’t make you lazy or unproductive. In fact, research shows that people who are kind to themselves are healthier and get further in the long run.
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This book is all about walking alongside you on the journey of self-kindness. Over 31 days, you’ll discover helpful truths, practical tools, and engaging exercises that will remind you that you are worthy of kindness and compassion.
upcoming events
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February
Sound Healing
February 2
Shawna is back for another deeply relaxing sound healing session. In this restful and healing workshop, you'll be invited to find a comfortable and supported posture using our bolsters, blankets, and other yoga props. Then you will be enveloped in the soothing sounds of singing bowls, rain sticks, and more. Feel your body relax and your mind clear as the vibrations soothe and heal you. You'll leave feeling rejuvenated and rested.
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Bracelet-Making
Workshop
February 2
Create your own custom stretch-band bracelet that Crystal Ship is known for! Shannon will share what the different stones mean and help you pick the right ones for your bracelet.
Then you'll create your own bracelet, with Shannon's expert guidance to make it perfectly fit. Then wear your bracelet to remind you of the workshop! We'll be focused on self-love and self-compassion during this workshop. How can you show yourself kindness?
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Spine Health
Yoga Workshop
February 8
It's been said that a moving spine is a healthy spine, and you'll discover exactly why that's true in this workshop with Dr. Jeff Manning. Through yoga poses, targeted stretches, and mindful breathing exercises, we’ll address common issues with spine health. If you attended last month's spine workshop, you'll learn all new material in this Part 2 workshop. If you didn't attend last month, that's no problem! You'll benefit tons from learning in this workshop.
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Couples Meditation Workshop
February 15
Experience the power of shared mindfulness in our Couples Meditation Workshop, designed to deepen your connection and foster a stronger bond. Through guided meditation and partner exercises, you and your partner will explore ways to nurture your relationship and cultivate a deeper understanding of each other. This workshop provides a serene space for couples to unplug from daily stresses, reconnect on a profound level, and rediscover the joy of being present together.
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Winter Wellness
Weekend
February 22
Join us at The Perch on February 22 for a full day of programming focused on self-kindness and self-compassion including gentle yoga, calligraphy, therapeutic art, and meditation. Purchase the Full Access Pass to attend all of the workshops and classes and get a discount and gift! Or register for just those workshops you'd like to attend. You'll walk away feeling grounded, loved, and at peace. Join us!
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February
Book Chat
February 27
Join us for our monthly Book Chat! This FREE event is low-key and we always have a great conversation! All adults (18+) of all genders are invited. February's book pick is The Tears that Taught Me by Morgan Richard Olivier. This poetry book is all about grief, healing, and self-care.
Light refreshments will be served.
March
Sound Healing
March 2
Shawna is back for another deeply relaxing sound healing session. In this restful and healing workshop, you'll be invited to find a comfortable and supported posture using our bolsters, blankets, and other yoga props. Then you will be enveloped in the soothing sounds of singing bowls, rain sticks, and more. Feel your body relax and your mind clear as the vibrations soothe and heal you. You'll leave feeling rejuvenated and rested.
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The Enneagram and You Workshop
March 3
The Enneagram is an ancient tool that helps people understand who they are at a deep level. During this "crash course" workshop, we'll talk about each of the 9 numbers, what the wings mean, and how this tool can help you in your real life. We'll also talk about practical things you can do to lean into growth. You'll love this super-practical workshop with conversation, activities, and teaching.
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Broken Bowls
Workshop
March 15
During this two-hour creative workshop, you'll be guided in a hands-on reflective experience that addresses the themes of brokenness, shame, and healing. We'll draw inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, as well as the Japanese art form of kintsugi. This workshop will invite you to embrace the broken things in your life, putting them back together so that they can become strengths rather than deficits.
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Personal Retreat
at The Perch
Various Dates Available
Enjoy our cozy Retreat Room all to yourself with gorgeous views of the Fox River. You’ll instantly feel calmer as you walk through our door and find a comfortable seat. Get away for some peace and quiet to read, reflect, or pray. Our Retreat Room features lots of windows for great views of the Fox River and the courtyard. It has two cozy armchairs, a desk and chair, and a round table with chairs. You'll also have access to our kitchenette, the bathrooms, and the patio. Stay for a few hours or all day!
what we offer
Retreats
Get away, breathe, and reflect. We provide spaces where you can rest a while, recharge, and then return to living your calling. See our upcoming events here or book The Perch for a Personal Retreat here.
Yoga
Amy Jackson is an RYT-200 yoga teacher and loves leading yoga practices that invite you to connect with your body in a mindful way. The Perch offers weekly yoga classes as well as at-home yoga videos and a variety of workshops that incorporate yoga.
Workshops and Classes
Invest in your growth by attending a class at The Perch. You'll experience a unique learning atmosphere where you'll learn skills to deepen your connection with yourself and others. See all our events here.
Soul Care Sessions
Feeling stuck? Sometimes we need to process out loud—with someone else. Soul Care Sessions are one-on-one appointments with Amy Jackson, founder and director of The Perch. My goal is to help you feel affirmed, seen, and capable of taking your next step. Learn more.
Resources
The Perch offers a growing number of resources to help you rest, find peace, and experience transformation. Check out our store, our blog, as well as our podcast for our latest resources.
Custom Events
Create a custom retreat or training event for your group or staff team. Amy Jackson will work with you to create and lead the perfect event for your group. Contact Amy directly to plan a corporate yoga class, art experience, or mindfulness retreat either at The Perch or at your location.
