November in New York

new workshops, special classes, master teachers in town, Mamdani flyers and spooky pumpkins

My yoga teacher has been going through health issues this past year and noticed that after a round of treatment, or after receiving hard news, people would say to her “you deserve rest” or “you have earned relaxation”. We all say it, whether it be to ourselves or to others. My teacher pointed out that it’s a strange thing to say. It is not necessary to “earn” or “deserve” rest. Rest is part of being human. If you are tired, or overwhelmed, down, or just feel like hanging out, then rest is always allowed.

As we move toward November, and begin considering how giving thanks relates to our yoga and meditation practice, understand that giving yourself the ability and permission to rest is a big “thank you” to your body and mind for all they do. Remember that you don’t need to do anything at all to deserve or earn rest.

Now onto the NYC Yoga News. I’ve gathered and listed below (in no particular order) all the November happenings that stood out. Enjoy!

NY <3s Yoga | Yoga Basics Series with Gina Cunningham

November 1, 8, 15 | 4 - 5:30pm | $150 | Link

New to yoga or getting back into yoga after a hiatus? Join Gina Cunningham for a the Yoga Basics series. Learn or reacquaint yourself with essential yoga poses, breath awareness practices, and yogic philosophy that has applications both on and off the yoga mat. We encourage couples and friends to come and learn together.

Everyone Yoga | Fascia Release for Wellbeing

November 15 | 3 - 4:30pm | $50 | Link

You’ve probably heard the word “fascia” in our classes many times – this workshop will focus on teaching you practical and accessible tools to learn how to release it – all to add on to your wellbeing! Taught by Founding Teacher, Mackenzie.

Combining gentle pressure and mindful movement, Mackenzie will guide the group through techniques from the feet up including:

-Roller sequences (3 balls of varied sizes and firmness INCLUDED in tickets!)

-Facial massage (a great tool for any of our pals with jaw pain!)

There will be pauses for short “check-ins” in yoga poses to notice changes in sensation and alignment, and of course plenty of space for questions throughout the class.

These techniques are perfect for days when you just don’t have the time or energy for a full yoga class (*cough all of us new yorkers cough*) or when you need targeted relief for tight, tender areas. They also can seamlessly integrate into your daily lives:

-Rolling your feet during a meeting

-Releasing your legs while watching TV

-Pain support during a road trip or travel

Learn how to ease tension and support recovery with us this fall, no experience (yoga or otherwise) necessary. You will walk out feeling well equipped to continue your practice outside of the studio!

Souk | Hold Nothing: A Full-Spectrum Evening Practice with Elena Brower

November 18 | 6:30 - 7:45pm | $45 | Link

Bringing her new book to NYC, teaching for the first time here in several years, Elena will offer a practice at Souk based on her new book, Hold Nothing, on its actual launch day. Published by Shambhala, replete with stories, artwork, prompts and practices, Hold Nothing invites you to turn inward and fortify yourself to be a force for steadiness in our world. Expect a vigorous yet spacious practice with a meditation to close.

Last weekend I embarked on my journey to becoming a 500 hour RYT. We began with the basics: Sun Salutations / Surya Namaskar. No matter how many Sun Salutations I do, or how many times I review their framework, there is always something more to learn about them.

Heatwise | Yin & Essential Oils Workshop

November 22 | 5:30-6:45pm | $55 | Link

Join Amy for this sensory 75-minute yin yoga experience featuring restorative yin yoga shapes supported by props and paired with the scents of seasonal essential oils. The experience will balance a practice of grounding yin postures alongside meditations and reflections experienced through carefully curated essential oils designed to ease the transition into the warmer months, leaving you feeling thoroughly nourished and restored. *This workshop will be gently heated*

Brooklyn Flow | Shoulder Shape-Up & Tech Neck Reset with Denise Hopkins

November 8 | 12:30 - 2:30pm | $45 | Link

This workshop is designed to reverse the effects of tech neck and shoulder tightness by targeting the root causes: poor posture, shallow stress breathing, and underused support muscles.

We’ll blend yoga, therapeutics and therapy ball massage to target stuck fascia and chronic tension. You’ll learn how to retrain your posture and breath for less pain and more energy.

Integral Yoga Institute | The Bhagavad Gita in Daily Life

November 5 - 26 | 7-8pm | $5-$36 | Link

The Bhagavad Gita, a foundational scripture of Yoga, provides guidance for facing the everyday challenges of modern life. Its message is that Self-realization is achieved through skillful living in the world, not by retreating from it. We will draw from the Gita practical lessons of how our current challenges can be leveraged to unleash our inner strength and cultivate clarity and peace.

Whether you’re new to the Gita or returning with fresh eyes, this group offers a welcoming space to deepen your relationship with yogic wisdom and discover how its timeless guidance can help you live with more purpose, peace, and strength.

Swami Asokananda draws from years of dedicated practice and personal experience to make this ancient scripture accessible, relevant, and transformational.

Yoga Space | Headstands: Strength, Balance & Trust with Ozzy

November 1 | 4:30-6pm | $55 | Link

In this workshop, we’ll explore the physical, mental, and energetic dimensions of Sirsasana. We will blend theory, mindful preparation, and step-by-step practice to help you approach inversions with safety, confidence, and clarity.