Chicago's Market for mindfulness and wellness on Small Business Saturday offers a serene oasis from the holiday chaos. The indoor market, hosted by Wildlight Yoga, brought together local makers and healers to promote relaxation and self-care.
Visitors could be found sipping chai, surrounded by vendors selling meditation candles, apothecary kits for rituals, and worry stones to soothe tense moments. Others opted for yoga classes, tarot readings, and healing sessions designed to balance body, mind, and spirit. The atmosphere was tranquil, a stark contrast to the frenetic pace of Black Friday shopping.
According to Wildlight Yoga founder Kelli Wefenstette, more people are seeking alternative therapies as they cope with the pressures of modern life. "We're experiencing a time where a lot of people have physical ailments that can't be explained with a standard diagnosis," she said. Energy healing, sound therapy, and reiki are popular options for those looking to rebalance their energetic fields.
Terrell Boykin, a yogi who sells candles through his Inspire Natural Goods business, echoed Wefenstette's sentiments. "People are looking for moments to be still... whether it's through a product or through a class, they're able to find that," he said. Massage therapist Amber Renee Schwartz also noted the growing interest in alternative therapies post-COVID.
State Representative Lindsey LaPointe, who attended the market and purchased bath bombs from a vendor, commended Wildlight Yoga for supporting local businesses during the holiday season. "To be able to participate in local economic development and also your own or somebody else's wellness is really important at this moment," she said.
The market offered a refreshing alternative to the commercialized chaos of Black Friday shopping. By prioritizing mindfulness and self-care, attendees could find solace from the stresses of modern life. As one shopper put it, "We just need more moments of calm in our lives." Wildlight Yoga's Mindful Market provided that respite, reminding us all that well-being is worth investing time and energy into – especially on Small Business Saturday.
Visitors could be found sipping chai, surrounded by vendors selling meditation candles, apothecary kits for rituals, and worry stones to soothe tense moments. Others opted for yoga classes, tarot readings, and healing sessions designed to balance body, mind, and spirit. The atmosphere was tranquil, a stark contrast to the frenetic pace of Black Friday shopping.
According to Wildlight Yoga founder Kelli Wefenstette, more people are seeking alternative therapies as they cope with the pressures of modern life. "We're experiencing a time where a lot of people have physical ailments that can't be explained with a standard diagnosis," she said. Energy healing, sound therapy, and reiki are popular options for those looking to rebalance their energetic fields.
Terrell Boykin, a yogi who sells candles through his Inspire Natural Goods business, echoed Wefenstette's sentiments. "People are looking for moments to be still... whether it's through a product or through a class, they're able to find that," he said. Massage therapist Amber Renee Schwartz also noted the growing interest in alternative therapies post-COVID.
State Representative Lindsey LaPointe, who attended the market and purchased bath bombs from a vendor, commended Wildlight Yoga for supporting local businesses during the holiday season. "To be able to participate in local economic development and also your own or somebody else's wellness is really important at this moment," she said.
The market offered a refreshing alternative to the commercialized chaos of Black Friday shopping. By prioritizing mindfulness and self-care, attendees could find solace from the stresses of modern life. As one shopper put it, "We just need more moments of calm in our lives." Wildlight Yoga's Mindful Market provided that respite, reminding us all that well-being is worth investing time and energy into – especially on Small Business Saturday.
. like, its not just bout bein all zen & chill, its bout takin care of urself! 
i think its so cool that chicago had a market like dis on small biz saturday 
. ppl r so stressed out rn & they need places like this to relax & unwind 
. i heard energy healing & reiki r pretty popular now 
. idk, maybe im just a grammar rebel but i think its time 4 us 2 prioritize our mental health & take care of ourselves 
. I'm also loving the idea of small businesses like Wildlight Yoga supporting local makers and healers. It just goes to show that self-care isn't a luxury, but a necessity for living a happy life 
. And let's be real, who needs all the chaos and stress of Black Friday shopping when you can find peace in a quiet corner with a cuppa and some nice vibes?
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ditch the consumerism, opt for inner peace 
But what really resonated with me is that it's not just about buying stuff, it's about taking care of yourself. We're living in this crazy fast-paced world where we're always on the go, and it's so important to slow down and prioritize our own well-being.