WHERE MOVEMENT BECOMES MEDITATION
By Janis MVK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA SONG PHOTOGRAPHY CHICAGO
MAKEUP BY CADE PERLMAN
Cilla Stoll
By Janis MVK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA SONG PHOTOGRAPHY CHICAGO
MAKEUP BY CADE PERLMAN
Cilla Stoll
Stepping into Forever Om, yogis and meditation-seekers alike transcend the hectic pace of life to find serenity from the very first moment. The warm, familiar scent of incense swirls gently through the air, grounding the senses and deepening the feeling of calm and restorative ease. Every detail, from the soft lighting to the carefully curated aroma, is the tranquil, healing experience founder Cilla Stoll envisioned—an atmosphere she sought to evoke and has brought vividly to life.
“I’ve been intentional about creating an environment that feels like a respite from the busyness of modern life,” she says. “I want students to immediately feel a sense of warmth and belonging and feel welcomed not only by our teachers but also by the community of students around them.”
Moved by the power and discipline of yoga, Stoll encourages her students of every level to honor their own rhythm—whether pressing into a challenge or softening—while embracing the wisdom of yoga and carrying its principles beyond the mat. “I want every class to offer both empowerment and freedom,” she explains. “Students gain not only a physical practice, but a deeper sense of self-care and balance that supports their everyday lives.”
At the heart of Forever Om’s offerings lies its signature experience: Hot Power Vinyasa. “Unlike a set of sequences found in styles like Bikram or Baptiste, our classes are designed as flowing, dynamic sequences that open and strengthen the entire body,” she says. “The heat adds a layer of intensity that helps students drop deeper into their bodies—especially for those who struggle to connect in a standard 72-degree environment.”
Through breath and mindful movement, Vinyasa becomes more than just physical exercise. “It transforms into a moving meditation where every drop of sweat and every breath anchors you fully in the present moment,” Stoll explains.
And while Hot Power Vinyasa is at the center of what is offered, Forever Om emphasizes the importance of balance, recognizing that recovery and restoration are just as vital as a challenging physical practice. “Our restorative classes are an essential complement to the intensity of Vinyasa,” says Stoll. “They give students the opportunity to slow down, reset, and care for themselves in ways we often overlook.”
Stoll has shaped Forever Om into a place where every visit nourishes resilience, community, and a sense of purpose. At the same time, the studio becomes more than a place to practice—it is a home for yoga.
“It’s a place where people find strength, connection, and deeper meaning every time they step inside,” she says.
Guided by intentional, welcoming energy, every individual is honored, and kindness flows naturally among students. From friendly greetings to sharing tips or helping newcomers feel comfortable, these small gestures create a welcoming community where everyone feels seen, valued, and at ease.
“Yoga has changed my life for the better in countless ways, and the sanctuary of Forever Om is both a reflection of that journey and a reminder to keep walking the path,” affirms Stoll.
Forever Om Yoga is located at 828 N. Western Avenue in Lake Forest, 847-482-9642, foreveromyoga.com, @foreveromyoga.
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