Events at the Shala
2025
Community Class with Mirabelle Health
Taught by Clémence Bruguier.
Mirabelle is a New Haven-based women's health startup making breast health accessible for every woman, everywhere. Mirabelle’s consumer tool helps women build breast self-check habits with comfort and confidence at home, empowering them to take charge of their health early and regularly.
We're continuing the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a donation-based community class on November 1st from 4-5:15pm with Clémence, our teacher and Mirabelle's founder! This event invites students to reconnect with their bodies through mindful movement. Our goal is to inspire women to integrate breath self-checks as a part of the broader ritual of self-connection and awareness.
All are welcome! Pay what you can. This class is donation-based.
Chat with Clémence after class about the importance of early breast health awareness and Mirabelle’s at home breast self-check tool.
About Clémence: I grew up around yoga and have been practicing on and off for many years; I rediscovered it in my early 20s when I needed a way to shake off stress and feel good in my body again. Through meditative movement, I found relief and peace, which led me to become a 200-hour Baptiste-certified teacher. As a former ski racer and outdoor lover, my practice blends strength, fluidity, and breath awareness with a playful, restorative approach. My goal is to help students move, reset and reconnect - whether that means finding deep relaxation or just having fun on the mat. I’m looking forward to flowing with you!
Inhale, Explore: A Four-Week Class on Breathwork and Parts Work for Deepening Awareness and Inner Harmony
Taught by Dr. Rob Palmer
Join this four-week series to explore invigorating breathwork and guided parts-based meditation designed to support mindfulness, relaxation, and self-awareness. Facilitated by Rob Palmer, a Yale psychiatry resident and meditation researcher, sessions weave together holotropic and Wim Hof–inspired breathing with Internal Family Systems–informed meditations to help you better understand and integrate different aspects of yourself.
Open to all levels, this workshop offers practical tools to energize the body, calm the mind, and deepen inner clarity.
Every Wednesday from 9/10-10/1. 6:15pm-7:15pm.
About Rob: Rob is a Yale Psychiatry resident and researcher on mindfulness meditation and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. He has keen interests in Internal Family Systems therapy and other body-oriented therapeutic approaches.
Sign up here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=5739730&stype=-8&sView=day&sLoc=0&date=09/10/25
Navaratri Shakti Breathwork
Taught by Rajesh Kanoi and co-hosted by East Rock Shala, the Yale Hindu Life Program, and the Princeton Hindu Life Program.
Especially timed for Navaratri, participants will learn breathwork techniques derived from ancient yoga practices with instructor Rajesh Kanoi [https://powerofbreath.in/ ]. The workshop features his Lotus Opening and Chakra activation practices. Breath is a powerful tool for improving physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Classes will be recorded but live participation is recommended. This program is free and open to Yale University students, staff, postdocs, alumni and faculty and members of co-sponsoring institutions.
Ashtanga Yoga Summer School
Taught by Maya Deshmukh.
Interested in learning ashtanga yoga? We are offering partial scholarships this July to kickstart your practice and join our Mysore program.
Requirements: Attend Mysore-style practice every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from July 1st-August 1st.
Mysore-style ashtanga is an individualized practice. To ensure that each student has the time and space for individual attention and instruction, this scholarship offer is limited to the first 3 students to sign up.
Why join?
Ashtanga vinyasa is a living tradition of yoga that is practiced according to the elegant logic of Krishnamacharya’s vinyasa krama framework, in a set sequence that progressively builds strength and mobility in the body as well as inner awareness and meditation on the breath.
In Mysore-style classes, each student is taught individually according to their unique needs and pace. Practice involves postures (asana), breathing practices (pranayama), chanting and meditation. The sequence of postures is learned progressively, and all elements of the practice are gradually integrated at a pace that is therapeutic for each individual student.
Ashtanga is for everyone! Ashtanga is accessible and adaptable for all bodies and all stages of life with the guidance of an experienced teacher. The only requirements are dedication and openness to learn.
About Maya: I started practicing yoga at fourteen, and it touched and changed my life profoundly and in ways I can probably never quantify. I started my first training as a teacher a few years later. I learned ashtanga yoga from my first teacher, Jonny Kest. I later learned ashtanga from Lisa Lalér, Stan Woodman, and many other excellent teachers around the world. At eighteen, I sat my first 10-day Vipassana meditation course. Together ashtanga yoga and Vipassana and anapana meditation are at the core of my practice and teaching. I teach the way my teachers taught me and am grateful to continue sharing the knowledge they have passed to me through this teacher-student lineage. Yoga is a deeply transformative practice, and its teachings unfold continuously if approached with curiosity, discipline, and joy. I try to practice and teach with that simplicity and practicality.
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?prodId=100081&sTG=23&studioid=5739730&stype=41
Donation-based Anahata Chakra Flow for Pride Month
Celebrate Pride Month at the shala with a donation-based anahata chakra-centered flow with Elizabeth. 100% of profit from this class will be donated to the New Haven Pride Center.
Yoga Basics Series
Taught by Ifeoma Nwokoye.
This class focuses on core principles of yoga, including asanas (postures) with a strong emphasis on alignment, pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation and yoga philosophy to build a foundation for a safe, joyful and effective practice.
This class is great for beginners and anybody seeking to deepen their practice.
About Ifeoma: I began practicing yoga in my 20's during a time of great transition and found that it was a rich portal to self discovery, awareness and healing. I hold two 200-hour certifications in Kripalu and Anusara yoga and have taught yoga, meditation and contemplative practices for years in community-based settings. In my classes, I emphasize physical and energetic alignment with attention and detail, while grounded in a heart centered and life affirming approach. As a nurse practitioner, I am passionate about health and have a deep respect for the body's wisdom.
Intro to Ashtanga Series
Taught by Aurelie Grahek.
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga is a traditional and dynamic practice, and Mysore-style practice is the most authentic method of learning Ashtanga. Named after the city in India where this practice originated, this approach empowers students to develop a meditative, self-directed practice with individualized instruction. In a Mysore class, students of all levels practice together at their own pace with 1:1 guidance from the teacher. This is the traditional way of learning yoga and is truly an "all levels" practice that is adapted to the individual! Though this format may feel intimidating at first for beginners, it enables each student to develop a personal yoga practice with time.
The goal of this series is to introduce the foundational elements of Ashtanga yoga, equipping you with the tools to begin your Ashtanga practice safely and confidently in Mysore-style practice.
We will cover:
Opening and closing mantras. Traditional Sanskrit chants in this lineage that set the tone and intention for practice.
Adaptation and alignment. Techniques to ensure proper posture and prevent injury, tailored to your body.
Breath, core and gaze (drishti). The essentials of Ashtanga yoga! Synchronizing breath and movement, engaging the core, and learning how to steady the gaze to create an internal focus.
Introduction to meditation. A brief exploration of meditative practices to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace.
Individualized guidance. Practical advice for practice with personalized guidance to meet your unique needs.
No prior yoga experience necessary! All are welcome.
About Aurelie: I have been practicing yoga for over 20 years, a discipline I discovered during my psychology studies at the University of Lille (France) in 2003 with Jean-Marc Scalecki, a two-time world champion in French boxing. Since 2012, I have traveled annually—over ten extended trips—to the source of Ashtanga Yoga at KPJAYI/SYC Mysore (India) to train in the traditional teaching of Ashtanga Yoga under Sharath Jois. In 2016, Sharath Jois granted me authorization (blessing) to teach the first and second series of Ashtanga Yoga. I assisted him from 2017 to 2024. In addition, I continue to deepen my practice with teachers like Petri Räisänen, Kino MacGregor, and Eddie Stern. I enhanced my understanding of physical adjustments through an intensive course in Toronto with David Robson. I also trained in supporting pregnant women in Ashtanga Yoga with Arielle Nash (a physiotherapist and authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher) and completed studies in Indian history and literature at the University of Lyon III ( France). I have been teaching Ashtanga Yoga for over 15 years and have been mentoring and training assistants on their path to becoming teachers for many years. Committed to honoring the uniqueness of each body and mind, my goal is to create a space of silence that fosters breathwork, physical care, meditation, clarity, self-discovery and personal growth.
Spring Equinox Sound Bath with Elizabeth
with Elizabeth Voytershark.
Join us for a deeply relaxing and repleneshing experience at our spring eqiunox sound bath on Friday, March 21st at 7pm.
The spring equinox is a time for planting seeds of intention for growth and renewal, connecting with your inner self, and honoring the balance of light and dark.
About Elizabeth: Yoga has been one of Elizabeth's guiding lights since she was 16. In 2019, she deepened her practice through certified Yoga Teacher Training (RYT 200) and is set to complete her additional training for her RYT 500 certification in April 2025. Elizabeth is also a certified Reiki Master Level III Practitioner, Meditation Guide, and Sound Healing Practitioner, weaving these healing techniques throughout her teachings to create a holistic and transformative experience. Over the years, she has had the honor of guiding students in a variety of yoga styles, from the gentle stillness of yin and restorative to the dynamic flow of vinyasa. Her classes emphasize the importance of balance—both on and off the mat—by embracing the interplay of yin and yang, effort and ease, movement and stillness. Through this approach, she encourages students to cultivate harmony within themselves, recognizing that true well-being comes from integrating both strength and surrender. When we find balance within, we align with the natural rhythms of the earth—the ebb and flow of the tides, the cycles of the moon, the changing of the seasons. In this alignment, we step into a dance with nature, becoming co-creators of our own reality. From this space of harmony, we can manifest a life rich in health, abundance, creativity, love, and wisdom. We open ourselves to receiving all that is meaningful to us, living in flow with the infinite intelligence that surrounds and resides within us. Time and time again, Elizabeth is reminded of the profound healing power that resides within each of us, and she is honored to help others awaken to their own inner light.
Tuning In: Developing Self-Awareness and Inner Harmony with IFS-Inspired Meditation with Dr. Rob Palmer
Taught by Dr. Rob Palmer.
Join Dr. Rob Palmer, a psychiatry resident at Yale and researcher in mindfulness meditation and psychedelic-assisted treatments, for a 90-minute guided meditation designed to foster self-awareness, clarity, and inner peace. Drawing on principles from Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, this session will help you explore the different aspects of your psyche, understand how emotions and stressors manifest in your mind and body, and develop tools to navigate life with mindfulness and balance.
All are welcome. No prior meditation experience or familiarity with IFS are necessary. Whether you're new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this session offers a supportive and accessible space to learn meditative skills you can immediately apply to your daily life.
About Rob: Rob is a Yale Psychiatry resident and researcher on mindfulness meditation and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. He has keen interests in Internal Family Systems therapy and other body-oriented therapeutic approaches.
International Women's Day Yoga with the Lumina Network
Taught by Lori Bonazzoli.
Join the Lumina Network at East Rock Shala for a donation-based vinyasa class with Lori Bonazzoli to honor the strength and resilience of women worldwide.
This inclusive, gender-affirming LGBTQ-friendly event is accessible for all levels and designed to create a welcoming space for everyone!
100% of the profit will benefit the Hope Family Justice Center in New Haven, a vital organization supporting survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Join to both support your wellbeing & support an important cause that provides resources, safety, and healing to those in need.
Let's practice together to celebrate community, empowerment, and solidarity!
This class is hosted by the Lumina Network at East Rock Shala. All are welcome. Reserve your spot in advance through Mindbody!
About Lori: I have been practicing yoga for 25+ years and teaching for 20 of those years. I started my journey with a seated meditation practice in North Carolina, then California, before returning to the East Coast. After exploring forms like Bikram for 8 years, I found vinyasa and have been boundlessly exploring its depths since. I formed and led an outstanding yoga studio, Balanced Yoga, in Westville for years and then found Costa Rica. I balanced my time between the studio and the playa, teaching between the two before focusing more on Costa Rica for a spell. After the world changed in 2020, my family did too, setting me on a new journey to incorporate the practices and teachings towards more empathy, grief, and perseverance.
The Meditator's Path with Khushi
Taught by Khushi Malhotra.
Have you ever been curious about the different styles and paths of Meditation? Join Khushi in a workshop to explore the philosophical underpinnings of meditation, practice different techniques from a variety of Yogic and Buddhist traditions, and discover which techniques may be best for your disposition. Khushi will also give guidance on how to deepen one's meditation practice and the stages of meditation. Open to all!
About Khushi: Khushi is a mother of one and a world traveler, spending her time between Indian Himalayas and the US. Khushi has been teaching yoga & meditation for over 18 years, conducting teachers’ trainings in combination with her Master’s in Clinical Social Work and a Master’s in Public Health. Khushi received her training and initiation from the Himalayan Institute under the tutelage of Tantric teacher Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. She has also completed advanced Vinyasa Krama teachers training with Srivatsa Ramaswami, a longtime student of Sri Krishnamacharya. Khushi’s teaching style is rooted in the classical texts, hatha yoga, tantra & Ayurveda. Her background in Vipassana meditation makes her a unique teacher, combining both the teachings of the Buddha and those of Patanjali. Khushiloves teaching a combination of subtle body energetics, strong alignment of all the koshas/bodies, and focus on the higher limbs of Yoga. Her skill is in Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy geared towards the individual even within public classes. Internationally, she serves as a guide through her mindful tourism company Simply Himalaya, taking people on deep immersions into the Himalayas, Guatemala, Europe and other places of strong energy to practice, serve the community and transform through meditation & connection to nature. These retreats serve as a platform to generate funds for APV School, a mindful and holistic primary school in the rural Himalayas of India, where she has been teaching for over a decade.
Ayurveda for Yoga Practitioners with Khushi
Taught by Khushi Malhotra.
Ayurveda and Yoga are sister sciences, each offering unique yet complementary tools for healing and wellness. While Yoga emphasizes physical, mental, and spiritual practices, Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body and mind through doshas, guna, prana, agni, and marma. Together, they form a complete system for achieving optimal health. In this workshop with Khushi, learn how you can integrate Ayurvedic practices into your daily yogic life.
About Khushi: Khushi is a mother of one and a world traveler, spending her time between Indian Himalayas and the US. Khushi has been teaching yoga & meditation for over 18 years, conducting teachers’ trainings in combination with her Master’s in Clinical Social Work and a Master’s in Public Health. Khushi received her training and initiation from the Himalayan Institute under the tutelage of Tantric teacher Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. She has also completed advanced Vinyasa Krama teachers training with Srivatsa Ramaswami, a longtime student of Sri Krishnamacharya. Khushi’s teaching style is rooted in the classical texts, hatha yoga, tantra & Ayurveda. Her background in Vipassana meditation makes her a unique teacher, combining both the teachings of the Buddha and those of Patanjali. Khushiloves teaching a combination of subtle body energetics, strong alignment of all the koshas/bodies, and focus on the higher limbs of Yoga. Her skill is in Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy geared towards the individual even within public classes. Internationally, she serves as a guide through her mindful tourism company Simply Himalaya, taking people on deep immersions into the Himalayas, Guatemala, Europe and other places of strong energy to practice, serve the community and transform through meditation & connection to nature. These retreats serve as a platform to generate funds for APV School, a mindful and holistic primary school in the rural Himalayas of India, where she has been teaching for over a decade.
Intro to Ashtanga Immersion
Introductory workshop (Sunday) taught by Stan Woodman and Mysore (M-F) co-taught by Maya Deshmukh and Aurelie Grahek.
Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic practice that teaches us how to cultivate profound inner strength and equanimity. Ashtanga yoga will transform your relationship with your mind, body and breath, improve your strength and mobility, and help you develop a lifelong personal yoga practice that will grow with you and connect you with community!
This workshop will give you the tools and confidence to join led ashtanga classes or join our Mysore program. Registration for this workshop includes the Sunday workshop as well as access to 4 days of Mysore classes Monday-Thursday following the workshop to ignite your practice! (2/10-2/13).
We will cover:
The history and philosophy of Ashtanga yoga
Postures
Breath control
How to continue your practice with confidence.
All are welcome. Beginners encouraged!
About Stan: Stan began a dedicated Ashtanga practice in 1998 with his first teacher Beryl Bender Birch who helped Stan develop the basis of his practice and teaching today. Stan eventually went to the source in Mysore India in 2003 and 2004 to study with Pattabhi Jois. Since then, he has made seven more trips to Mysore to study with Sharath Jois including the summer of 2016 Stan completed a two month teachers course in Mysore with Sharath. His practice and teaching has also been greatly influenced by his studies with David Swenson, Eddie Stern and Aliya Wise. In addition to his work as a yoga teacher, Stan’s education includes intensive coursework with special needs children through the Son-Rise Program at The Autism Treatment Center of America. Formerly licensed as a massage therapist, he has extensive knowledge in eastern and western philosophies and practices in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, myology, and neurology. Stan has served on the board of directors of several not-for-profits including Odanadi and The Give Back Yoga Foundation for empowering individuals through the gift of yoga. An avid extreme sports enthusiast, Stan loves a good challenge, especially when snowboarding or skateboarding. Stan has been featured in numerous magazines including Fitness, More and Organic Spa. He is the co-founder of Kaia Yoga studios from 2006-2018. He continues to live in Connecticut teaching Private Yoga and Mysore Program in Greenwich, CT.
Vinyasa Krama Practice Series
Taught by Khushi Malhotra.
Join Khushi in the exploration of Krishnamacharya's Vinyasa Krama sequences. These graceful and powerful sequences of over 800 asanas steadily build the practitioners inner awareness until easeful and joyful concentration is achieved for meditation. Vinyasa Krama follows the parameters of steadiness, ease, right effort, and complete absorption on the infinite nature of the breath. We will practice asana, pranayama, mudra, and bandhas as taught to Khushi by her teacher Srivatsa Ramaswami, who studied under Krishnamacharya for over 30 years. All are welcome!
February 7th, 14th, 21st and 29th. 4pm-5:15pm.
About Khushi: Khushi is a mother of one and a world traveler, spending her time between Indian Himalayas and the US. Khushi has been teaching yoga & meditation for over 18 years, conducting teachers’ trainings in combination with her Master’s in Clinical Social Work and a Master’s in Public Health. Khushi received her training and initiation from the Himalayan Institute under the tutelage of Tantric teacher Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. She has also completed advanced Vinyasa Krama teachers training with Srivatsa Ramaswami, a longtime student of Sri Krishnamacharya. Khushi’s teaching style is rooted in the classical texts, hatha yoga, tantra & Ayurveda. Her background in Vipassana meditation makes her a unique teacher, combining both the teachings of the Buddha and those of Patanjali. Khushiloves teaching a combination of subtle body energetics, strong alignment of all the koshas/bodies, and focus on the higher limbs of Yoga. Her skill is in Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy geared towards the individual even within public classes. Internationally, she serves as a guide through her mindful tourism company Simply Himalaya, taking people on deep immersions into the Himalayas, Guatemala, Europe and other places of strong energy to practice, serve the community and transform through meditation & connection to nature. These retreats serve as a platform to generate funds for APV School, a mindful and holistic primary school in the rural Himalayas of India, where she has been teaching for over a decade.
Ashtanga Led Primary and Discussion with Stan Woodman
Join us for our inaugural Ashtanga workshop at the Shala with visiting teacher Stan Woodman! Led primary follows the traditional parameters for group ashtanga practice with the traditional Sanskrit vinyasa count.
About Stan: Stan began a dedicated Ashtanga practice in 1998 with his first teacher Beryl Bender Birch who helped Stan develop the basis of his practice and teaching today. Stan eventually went to the source in Mysore India in 2003 and 2004 to study with Pattabhi Jois. Since then, he has made seven more trips to Mysore to study with Sharath Jois including the summer of 2016 Stan completed a two month teachers course in Mysore with Sharath. His practice and teaching has also been greatly influenced by his studies with David Swenson, Eddie Stern and Aliya Wise. In addition to his work as a yoga teacher, Stan’s education includes intensive coursework with special needs children through the Son-Rise Program at The Autism Treatment Center of America. Formerly licensed as a massage therapist, he has extensive knowledge in eastern and western philosophies and practices in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, myology, and neurology. Stan has served on the board of directors of several not-for-profits including Odanadi and The Give Back Yoga Foundation for empowering individuals through the gift of yoga. An avid extreme sports enthusiast, Stan loves a good challenge, especially when snowboarding or skateboarding. Stan has been featured in numerous magazines including Fitness, More and Organic Spa. He is the co-founder of Kaia Yoga studios from 2006-2018. He continues to live in Connecticut teaching Private Yoga and Mysore Program in Greenwich, CT.
Breathwork with Rajyogi
Taught by Rajesh Kanoi and co-hosted by East Rock Shala and the Yale Hindu Life Program at East Rock Shala.
Breath is a powerful tool for improving physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Breathwork with Rajyogi is a short in-person workshop for all, including those who are new to pranayama and breathwork. Participants will learn the basics of breathwork, focused on belly breathing and a powerful, healing technique called the Hanuman Master breath. These breathing techniques are profoundly healing adjunctive therapies that can help with many health conditions, including hypertension, indigestion, chronic pain, stress, and more.
About Rajesh: Rajesh Kanoi is a visiting breathwork teacher with expertise in applying breathwork to enhance physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing. He leads courses in-person, online and through S-VYASA.
Day 1: Saturday 10/12, 12:30pm-1:45pm
Day 2: Sunday 10/13, 12:30pm-1:45pm
Sign up via our Mindbody schedule.
Community Class
Join us for a donation-based community class. This is a gently heated vinyasa-based class open to students of all levels of experience.
Pay what you can (online or at the studio). 100% of donations go to Yale's Neighborhood Health Project.
Community Class
Join us for a donation-based community class with Sachi. This is a gently heated vinyasa-based class open to students of all levels of experience. Pay what you can.
opening day
celebrate our opening day with $10 classes all evening! we will be teaching guided ashtanga half-primary at 4pm and restorative yoga at 6pm. please see our schedule for more details. we can’t wait to meet you.