Keep Yoga in Woodlawn

Hi! I'm Beth, the founder of Blue Lotus Yoga located in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago. I am seeking to raise money to expand workshops and education, create a yoga teacher training program, and continue our Scholarship program.

Preventative mental health practices are more important than ever, especially in underserved areas, like Woodlawn. Our trauma-informed approach (based in TCTSY) has clinically proven benefits to all populations, particularly those who have experienced complex trauma and persons struggling with PTSD. At Blue Lotus, our TCTSY is currently focused on persons experiencing infertility, youth & families, womxn in treatment for addiction, and the LGBTQIA+ Community.

The cost of attending a yoga studio puts access out of reach for many of those who would see the greatest benefit. We are committed to creating opportunities for everyone through the Blue Lotus Community Fund Scholarship. The program covers up to 100% of a monthly unlimited membership to Blue Lotus Yoga and provides discounts on other services and workshops. We are committed to increasing diversity in Yoga teachers and the BLCF also provides scholarships for our 200 HR Yoga Teacher Training Program.

A little about me:

I was introduced to yoga in 2006 as a way to help me manage stress, work through past trauma, and improve my mental health. Since then, it has become my life's passion to share the healing power of yoga with my community, here in Chicago. My greatest privilege in life is to assist others on their healing journeys.

A little about Blue Lotus Yoga:

Blue Lotus Yoga was founded with a belief in the healing power of yoga and meditation. We have created a safe, welcoming community space to better guide healing, growth, trauma management, and stress reduction through our yoga classes, private session Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), workshops, and many other services. Our model is designed to be accessible to all persons, experiences, and body types, while our scholarship program removes the cost barriers to yoga so that everyone can take part, regardless of financial means.

Preventative mental health practices are more important than ever, especially in underserved areas, like Woodlawn. Our trauma-informed approach (based in TCTSY) has clinically proven benefits to all populations, particularly those who have experienced complex trauma and persons struggling with PTSD. At Blue Lotus, our TCTSY is currently focused on persons experiencing infertility, youth & families, womxn in treatment for addiction, and the LGBTQIA+ Community.

The cost of attending a yoga studio puts access out of reach for many of those who would see the greatest benefit. We are committed to creating opportunities for everyone through the Blue Lotus Community Fund Scholarship. The program covers up to 100% of a monthly unlimited membership to Blue Lotus Yoga and provides discounts on other services and workshops.

A little feedback from our community:

"I got the privilege to attend Blue Lotus through the scholarship program and it has practically changed my life. I was going through a lot at the time and I needed a way to cope, which it provided. I have always wanted to practice yoga effectively but did not have the means, you made that possible with the scholarship and the sound teaching at Blue Lotus Yoga."

- Taram I, Scholarship Recipient -

"Love it! I live in the neighborhood and happy I have a place to walk over to. I’m new to yoga and my first experience was right here near home. I’m learning so much and so happy to have this gem in Woodlawn. They offer water, delicious organic teas, and snacks and I even saw complimentary scrunchies. I’ve also had my first real experiences with meditation and sound baths here. Life changing."

-Dee

"Love this awesome addition to the Hyde Park community! The space is welcoming and clean. Classes are affordable and accessible. All of the instructors are patient wonderful and knowledgeable. So grateful for this space."

-Becca

"I’ve been in the Hyde Park area for a few years, but only recently started going to BLY. It’s a lovely, inclusive community, and a nice alternative to the more corporate, chain yoga studios. As a mom, I appreciate that there’s an option for childcare for select classes. The location is convenient with parking and transit options nearby. There’s a nice range of classes and instructors, live/virtual options, and fair prices. It’s definitely a place worth checking out!"

-Megan