WORKSHOPS
The Yoga School NY Offers Workshops in the Krishnamacharya Tradition
Anatomy: An Embodiment of our Axial & Thoracic Skeleton, Respiratory System, and Central Nervous System
With Rachel Lynch-John
In this workshop we will examine our axial skeleton from head to tail, and our rib cage. We will explore our central nervous system through an embodiment of the structures that encase it. This will be followed by a study of our respiratory system, delving into the structure and function of our lungs. The workshop will culminate in an exploration of how our breath can support our movement and asana practice.
Saturday, April 15, 2:15–5:45pm
Saturday, May 6, 5:45–8:15pm
Sunday, June 4, 10–12:30pm
Sunday, July 9, 9–11am
In-person at 119 W. 23rd St. #406
Zoom participation is possible as well
Cost: $210 for the four class workshop
Pre-registration required:
Theyogaschoolny@gmail.com
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, leading up to the goal
- Definition of "counter pose"
- Adding references/rests
- Layering with breathing ratios, sound/chanting and imagery/bhavana
Homework assignments will be given between classes and individually corrected.
This way of approaching course planning facilitates a clarity of intention throughout the class that enhances the practitioner's experience of 'stilling the mind' greatly. Through its step-by-step approach, safety and mindfulness are added to the practice.
Fridays, May 5, 12, 19, 1:30–2:30pm, via Zoom
Cost: $60, or $25 per class
(Sliding scale available)
Pre-registration required:
Theyogaschoolny@gmail.com
In this workshop, we will learn to chant pada 1 of Patanjali's Yogasutra. Chanting of the sutra-s facilitates memorization and helps us to get to know and understand this text which is the foundation of our yoga practice. This course is open to beginners and experienced chanters alike. Join us for this joyful experience!
Anatomy: An Embodiment of the Structure and Dynamics of our Skeletal and Ligamentous Systems, as well as our Peripheral Nervous System, to Support our Asana Practice
With Rachel Lynch-John
Saturday, May 20, 12–5pm, via Zoom
Saturday, June 3, 12–5pm, via Zoom
Cost: $100/day, $190/two days, pre-registration required:
Theyogaschoolny@gmail.com
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.
Part 1, May 20:
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.
Part 2, June 3:
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.
These workshops will culminate in an exploration of the skeletal, ligamentous, and muscular systems in relationship to our breath. Through the embodiment of these explorations we will look at our asana practice through an experiential movement lens.
Patañjali’s Yoga Sutra 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 sutra 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 pada and delve into their practical application using examples from our lives. We will learn to chant many of the sutra in their original Sanskrit. Our sessions will include practice of asana, pranayama, meditation, lecture and discussion.
Introduction to Meditation in the Yoga Tradition
With Dr. Dolphi Wertenbaker
Sunday, June 25,12–4pm, via Zoom
Cost: $80, pre-registration required:
Theyogaschoolny@gmail.com
Meditation is a commonly-used word and concept in today's world. Yet the approach of yoga to meditation is particular and little known. Indeed, in the earliest known Sanskrit dictionary, yoga is defined simply as meditation. Meditation is not something separate from yoga. In this course we will examine the connections. We will look at the models given in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. We will touch on some of the ideas and practices given in the Bhagavad Gita. We will explore in practice as well as in theory. How do we bring these ideas into our own practice and into our yoga teaching in various settings?
Introduction to Sanskrit
With Jyoti Chittur
Sunday, July 16, 9:30–12:30pm, via Zoom
Cost: $60, pre-registration required:
Theyogaschoolny@gmail.com
Immersion in the ancient language, basis of scriptures and texts relevant to the study of Yoga, reading and writing script, chanting Sanskrit, importance of correct pronunciation, asana names.
Saturday, July 29, 2023, 12–4pm, via Zoom
Cost: $80, pre-registration required:
Theyogaschoolny@gmail.com
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.