WORKSHOPS
The Yoga School NY Offers Workshops in the Krishnamacharya Tradition
Anatomy:
An Embodiment of the Structure and Dynamics of our Skeletal and Ligamentous Systems and Peripheral Nervous System, to Support our Asana Practice
With Rachel Lynch-John
Sunday, June 22, 2025, 10am–4:30pm EST, via ZOOM
Cost: $195
Pre-registration required: T[email protected]
Anatomy: An Embodiment Practice
Through a somatic approach to learning, Rachel will guide you through an experiential exploration of anatomy, to develop an embodied awareness of how you are built and move.
In these two workshops we will look at how we can develop clarity of action and thought through an embodiment of the skeletal, ligamentous, and nervous systems, exploring the qualities of being that arise out of these three systems combined. As we define the skeletal and ligamentous structures and functions, and the pathways of our nerves, the potential for greater comfort and ease of movement in our body and in our asana practice can evolve.
1st Part: 11-3pm
In this workshop we will explore the skeletal structures and dynamics of our upper and lower limbs to find support and ease for our movement. We will examine the dynamic relationships through the bones and joints of our limbs, from the foot to the pelvis, and the hand to shoulder girdle. As we embody these skeletal pathways, we will develop and refine ways in which to direct our limbs moving into and out of an asana.
2nd Part: 3-5:30pm
In this workshop we will revisit the skeletal organization of our spine and central nervous system, guiding us into an exploration of our peripheral nerve plexuses that flow along the pathways of our limbs.
Through a somatic approach to learning, Rachel will guide you through an experiential exploration of anatomy, to develop an embodied awareness of how you are built and move.
In these two workshops we will look at how we can develop clarity of action and thought through an embodiment of the skeletal, ligamentous, and nervous systems, exploring the qualities of being that arise out of these three systems combined. As we define the skeletal and ligamentous structures and functions, and the pathways of our nerves, the potential for greater comfort and ease of movement in our body and in our asana practice can evolve.
1st Part: 11-3pm
In this workshop we will explore the skeletal structures and dynamics of our upper and lower limbs to find support and ease for our movement. We will examine the dynamic relationships through the bones and joints of our limbs, from the foot to the pelvis, and the hand to shoulder girdle. As we embody these skeletal pathways, we will develop and refine ways in which to direct our limbs moving into and out of an asana.
2nd Part: 3-5:30pm
In this workshop we will revisit the skeletal organization of our spine and central nervous system, guiding us into an exploration of our peripheral nerve plexuses that flow along the pathways of our limbs.
Sunday, June 29, 2025, 1–5pm EST
Cost: $120
Location: 119 West 23rd Street #406, NYC | Zoom participation possible too
Pre-registration required: T[email protected]
Our workshop will begin with an hour-long practice class exploring movement, breath, visualization and sound, culminating in practicing several sun salutation variations while intoning the Bīja mantra-s of the Sūryanamaskāra mantrah.
We will proceed to chanting exercises and shorter chants and then we will learn "Suryanamaskara mantrah" from the Taittiriya Brahmana. As the sun is the giver of life to all of us on this planet, it is considered the preserver of health and nourisher of our mental faculties as well. In this chant we are praising the sun and asking it to remove our physical and mental ailments. The mantra contains the Bīja mantra-s, which in and of themselves are a powerful chant.
We will proceed to chanting exercises and shorter chants and then we will learn "Suryanamaskara mantrah" from the Taittiriya Brahmana. As the sun is the giver of life to all of us on this planet, it is considered the preserver of health and nourisher of our mental faculties as well. In this chant we are praising the sun and asking it to remove our physical and mental ailments. The mantra contains the Bīja mantra-s, which in and of themselves are a powerful chant.
Sunday, July 27, 2025, 2–5:30pm EST
Sunday, September 7, 1:30–4pm EST
Sunday, September 21, 1:30–3:30pm EST
Sunday, September 28, 12–2:30pm EST
Cost: $315
Location: 119 West 23rd Street #406, NYC | Zoom participation possible too
Pre-registration required: T[email protected]
Learn how to structure a group asana class intelligently, in a step-by-step method:
— What is the goal of the class—its possible goal pose—and why?
— What is the goal pose’s reference pose?
— What are the strength and flexibility requirements?
— Which simpler poses have similar requirements?
— How to structure those poses into a coherent and clear sequence
— Definition of “counterpose”
— Adding references/rests
— Layering with breathing ratios, sound/chanting and imagery/bhavana
Homework assignments will be given between classes, with a corrected response.
This way of approaching course planning facilitates clear intention throughout the class that greatly enhances the practitioner’s experience of “quieting the mind.” Through this step-by-step approach, safety and mindfulness are added to the practice.
— What is the goal of the class—its possible goal pose—and why?
— What is the goal pose’s reference pose?
— What are the strength and flexibility requirements?
— Which simpler poses have similar requirements?
— How to structure those poses into a coherent and clear sequence
— Definition of “counterpose”
— Adding references/rests
— Layering with breathing ratios, sound/chanting and imagery/bhavana
Homework assignments will be given between classes, with a corrected response.
This way of approaching course planning facilitates clear intention throughout the class that greatly enhances the practitioner’s experience of “quieting the mind.” Through this step-by-step approach, safety and mindfulness are added to the practice.
Fridays, October 3, 10, 17, 2025, 1–2pm EST, via Zoom
Cost: $60, or $25 per class (Sliding scale available)
Pre-registration required: T[email protected]
This course is open to beginners and experienced chanters alike.
We will continue to learn the beginning of the Mahānārāyana Upanishad, the tenth chapter of Taittirīya Āranyaka. This portion of the upanishad describes looking at the vastness of nature and feeling a higher force behind it.
Join us for this intensive experience!
We will continue to learn the beginning of the Mahānārāyana Upanishad, the tenth chapter of Taittirīya Āranyaka. This portion of the upanishad describes looking at the vastness of nature and feeling a higher force behind it.
Join us for this intensive experience!
Sunday, November 9, 2025, 11-5:30pm EST, via Zoom
Cost: $195
Pre-registration required: T[email protected]
Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra is a treasure for yoga students and teachers of all levels. The text is meant to become a lifelong companion, as its wisdom unfolds gradually with repeated study.
Yoga is a darśana, meaning that it draws inspiration from the Vedas and addresses such fundamental questions as the meaning of life, the meaning and origin of suffering and how we should live. The text dates from at least 1800 hundred years ago, yet it is fresh and illuminating today. It is timeless. The practice of yoga is much older still, having been passed down by oral tradition for hundreds of years, and possibly millennia, prior to this most authoritative text of Patañjali’s.
The text is written in sūtra form, which means that it is succinct, expressing the essence of the subject without ambiguity; its ideas deal with our experience and are universally applicable. These characteristics are appropriate to the presentation of a darśana. Yet it needs to be discovered with the help of a guide.
In this workshop, we will explore the main ideas of the first two pāda and delve into their practical application using examples from our lives. We will learn to chant many of the sūtra in their original Sanskrit. Our sessions will include practice of āsana, prānāyāma, meditation, lecture and discussion.
Yoga is a darśana, meaning that it draws inspiration from the Vedas and addresses such fundamental questions as the meaning of life, the meaning and origin of suffering and how we should live. The text dates from at least 1800 hundred years ago, yet it is fresh and illuminating today. It is timeless. The practice of yoga is much older still, having been passed down by oral tradition for hundreds of years, and possibly millennia, prior to this most authoritative text of Patañjali’s.
The text is written in sūtra form, which means that it is succinct, expressing the essence of the subject without ambiguity; its ideas deal with our experience and are universally applicable. These characteristics are appropriate to the presentation of a darśana. Yet it needs to be discovered with the help of a guide.
In this workshop, we will explore the main ideas of the first two pāda and delve into their practical application using examples from our lives. We will learn to chant many of the sūtra in their original Sanskrit. Our sessions will include practice of āsana, prānāyāma, meditation, lecture and discussion.
Sunday, December 7, 2025, 11-2pm EST (Anatomy) & 2:30-5:30pm EDT (Teaching Prenatal Yoga), via Zoom
Cost: $180 for both workshops, $95 for each individual workshop
Pre-registration required: T[email protected]
Anatomy Explorations and an Overview of the Organ Body | 11-2pm EST
Through a somatic approach to learning, Rachel will guide you through an experiential exploration of anatomy, to develop an embodied awareness of how you are built and move. This workshop will be an explorations of the skeletal, ligamentous, and muscular systems in relationship to our breath and nervous system. We will also incorporate an overview of the organ body. Through the embodiment of these explorations we will look at our asana practice through an experiential movement lens.
Teaching Prenatal Yoga: Developing tools to guide a student through a regular yoga class | 2:30-5:30pm EST
In this workshop we will discuss guidelines for working with a pregnant person, common problems you might come across while working with a pregnant student, and ways in which to modify a yoga practice to support them throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy. Through an understanding and exploration of what goes on during pregnancy, you will begin to develop the tools needed to guide a student safely through a regular yoga class, and learn how to address the changing needs that arise during this time.
Through a somatic approach to learning, Rachel will guide you through an experiential exploration of anatomy, to develop an embodied awareness of how you are built and move. This workshop will be an explorations of the skeletal, ligamentous, and muscular systems in relationship to our breath and nervous system. We will also incorporate an overview of the organ body. Through the embodiment of these explorations we will look at our asana practice through an experiential movement lens.
Teaching Prenatal Yoga: Developing tools to guide a student through a regular yoga class | 2:30-5:30pm EST
In this workshop we will discuss guidelines for working with a pregnant person, common problems you might come across while working with a pregnant student, and ways in which to modify a yoga practice to support them throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy. Through an understanding and exploration of what goes on during pregnancy, you will begin to develop the tools needed to guide a student safely through a regular yoga class, and learn how to address the changing needs that arise during this time.