Welcome to goodyoga, your urban ashram and home away.
news & events
goodtrip
goodtrip: Vargas Island, BC July 28 – September 4
$100.00 USD Nightly
goodyogis Simon and Gillian have invited all of us (that means you) to join them at their new home on a remote island off the coast of Vancouver, B.C.
Conveniently, there’s an old inn on the island that can accommodate quite a few of us. It’s rustic, but we will have comfy beds, showers, flushing toilets, and books … lots of books. There’s also a sauna and a few individual cabins for those who want private accommodations.
Included in the nighty rate is 2 yoga classes per day, an invigorating practice at sunrise and a restorative practice at sunset.
Participate in the a la carte good101 workshops in Philosophy, Anatomy and Alignment, if you’d like, or hike down to the isolated beach for swimming, surfing or kayaking. Or simply sit. Enjoy the silence.
We’ll be cooking our meals together and exchanging stories by the fire. Peace, quiet and goodcompany. We hope you’ll join us.
xo,
Ray and Flan
goodmala
108 Sun Salutations
in Observance of the Summer Solstice
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
6:30–7pm – Meditation
7–9pm – Sun Salutations
Beginners Welcomed.
Participate
Participants who raise $1,000 or more earn the month of July FREE for a friend!
Send your friends, family, and colleagues a link to this page & they can pledge any amount per Sun Salutation completed by clicking the sponsor a yogi link.
All you have to do is show up, do as many Sun Salutations as you can (up to 108), and we’ll take care of the rest. Do one or do them all. This is more of a relay than a marathon.
If you’d like to help, but are unable to attend & don’t know any participating yogis, why not sponsor the Yogi who completes the most Sun Salutations… or the least!
goodgala
thank you!
The goodgala was a tremendous success! We were able to raise a bit of security as we move toward our uncertain future. Furthermore, it was the best Birthday Celebration I’ve ever had.
By attending classes, helping our campaign with your contributions of time, money and gifts, you have eased the burden of our struggle to retain this building for your use until the end of time.
Extra Special thanks goes out to Rachel Egan who was instrumental in planning and execution of the event which went off without a hitch.
In addition, Patricia Maples, Sam Crew, Erica Veal, and Juan Carlos Velasco donated time, energy, food and booze that was beyond compare. All of these folks are working professionals and we encourage you to hire them for your parties. We’ll give you their numbers!
Live Footage, KA, Sunshine, and Abby Payne were incredible. We can’t wait to invite them back for chamber music soon. Robert Wegman, Joel Oppenheimer, Jeb Colwell and Aidan Koelher accompanied a tremendous jam, with Samantha Best, Leona Ross and Kathryn Nagar backing up the vocals. Levon Helm heard it in heaven.
The night was packed, so we didn’t get to pin the tailbone on the yogi and minor piñata malfunction halted the raffle, but we drew names this morning in your absence and the winners are:
Tobias Hahne
$60 Tune Up at Silk Road Cycles
Jonathan Small & Stephen
A bottle of Wine from Dandelion Wine
Sam Crew
$20 at Dandelion Wine
Sam Best
$25 at The One Well
Jen Gallatioto
Owl Pinata by Llaves Designs
Jen Schork & Rebecca Paul
$10 at Cookie Road
Robert Wegman, Rachel Martin & Ryan Luce
Shampoo Bar from Bird’s Eye Maples
Dave “Rachel Martin’s Boyfriend”
$40 at Pauli Gee’s Pizza
Dennis Boyd
$25 at No. 7 Subs
Ali Von Zielinksi
Foot Spa Kit from Raganella Botanicals
Kathryn Nagar
Jade Plant in a Handmade Pot from EAT
We’re still recovering from the festivities, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted with developments regarding the building and the business as they occur. Thanks again for a great event!
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goodtrip
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goodmala
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goodgala
schedule
teachers
Your practice will transform under the careful guidance of our teachers who are among the best in New York City. They’ve studied with the elders in India and the innovators here in the west.
At goodyoga, your teachers are also your neighbors. They are designers, musicians, writers, and academics, like you. Click on a teacher’s image below to learn more.
vanessa
I wandered into a yoga class one day at my gym and have practiced consistently ever since, although I date the beginning of the real work and equally real pleasure as the first day I walked into a Mysore Ashtanga practice room. I should thank Paul Dallaghan, now of Centered Yoga Thailand, for requiring those weeks of Ashtanga practice as part of my teacher training and then insisting when I tried to refuse.
While I’m thanking teachers, I give my gratitude each practice when I know exactly which teachers have made each movement, and all the patience, dedication, attention, thought and breath the asanas deserve, possible. Thanks to Eddie, Guy, Nancy, Chuck and Maty, the Darbys, Lino, Melanie, Thomas, Hamish, Lori, Amy, Tim and anyone else I’ve forgotten to name but not to appreciate.
But I’m not finished. Thanks too, to everyone who has shared a practice space with me–they have given me the honor of practicing my daily thanks in their presence.
One more: Thanks, maybe in advance, to everyone who has taken a class with me. It’s a pleasure to share.
teaching times
See schedule for updates.
rebekah
I have been practicing yoga asana for nine years. What began as a departure from dance to maintain fitness has expanded into a practice far beyond the physical.
Yoga has taught me how to meet life with increased physical, mental, and cosmic fluency, and with a smile, a cool head and friendliness.
My interest in classical hatha and modern yoga plumbs the repertoires of Vinyasa’s lyrical flow, Ashtanga’s disciplined rigor, and Iyengar’s precise alignment. I hope to share with others the great gift, the practical science, the omnipresent subtle surprise that is yoga.
Hailing from Smyrna, GA, I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 2005 now reside in Brooklyn, NY with my athletic cat Wolfy. I recently completed 500 hour certification at Yoga Sutra in New York City, and am furthering my studies of Sanskrit.
teaching times
M, 10am / C • goodflow
Tue, 10am / E • goodflow
Wed, 7:30pm / E • goodflow
Sat, 10am / E • goodform
Sat, 12pm / A • goodintro
Sun, 6:30pm / E • goodrest
mika
I am inspired by the essence of classical Hatha yoga, dynamic and intelligent Vinyasa flow sequencing and by the various teachers that have lit up my path along the way. I incorporate elements of my own practice into my classes while adding an eclectic range of music and offering a balanced blend of the mind/body connection through breath, anatomical alignment and core integration.
I have studied and completed my 500 hour certification with Sri Dharma Mittra, and began my studies with Lauren Hanna and Johanna Aldrich at Sonic Yoga. I recently completed a 75 hour advanced Kula flow certification with the ever inspiring Schuyler Grant.
On this transformational quest, I have learned a great deal about myself and feel blessed to be a continuous student on this journey. I am grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to spread the knowledge and love of yoga to others. I am passionate about the holistic approach to treating physical and emotional ailments through yoga and my massage work and aim to heighten my students and clients’ awareness, as well as my own.
teaching times
Tu, 7:30pm / E • goodflow
W, 10am / B • goodflow
Th, 10am / E • goodflow
F, 7:30pm / E • goodflow
leona
In 2006 I completed 100 hours of the 200 hour training at Brahmrishi Teacher Training under the gentle guidence of Margot Milcetich in Kent, Ohio. In 2008 I learned half of the primary series sequence of Ashtanga and received my 200 hour Yoga Alliance Certification from It’s Yoga, San Francisco with Larry Shultz. With disciplined asana, breath, bandhas and repetition of mantra/prayer I experience the sweet beauty and simplicity of focus, love, connection, peace of mind and compassion.
I want for others to have this experience.
Many thanks to all my teachers past, present and future. May all beings everywhere be happy and free of suffering. Om Shanthi.
teaching times
Tu, 7:30pm / E • goodflow
W, 10am / B • goodflow
Th, 10am / E • goodflow
F, 7:30pm / E • goodflow
flannery
I practiced yoga casually for almost a decade until an injury convinced me to deepen my commitment. Through my physical practice, I discovered the mental, emotional and spiritual benefits of yoga. Teaching seemed the natural progression of my practice. I couldn’t shut up about how happy I was. People asked questions and I knew some answers. The ones I didn’t know, I learned. I kept practicing. I kept learning.
500 hours of Certification later, I was offered a 2 month teaching position at a retreat in Sri Lanka, which initiated a further 4 months of travel throughout India, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos, immersed in Buddhist, Hindu and Ayurvedic practices.
I returned to India in February of 2011 to study with A.G and Indra Mohan, who studied with the legendary Sri T. Krishnamacharya (Teacher of B.K.S. Iyengar and Patthabi Jois) for the last 18 years of his life, and their son, Ganesh, an MD, Ayurvedic Doctor and Yoga Therapy expert.
In May of 2011, I briefly studied The Sutras with Srivatsa Ramaswami, Krishnamacharya’s longest standing student.
In New York, I’ve studied with Alan Finger, Jean Koerner, Jenny Aurthur, Charles Matkin, Rama Patella, Carrie Parker-Gastelu, Mary Aranas and Twee Merrigan. Worldwide, I’ve studied Thai Yoga with Chongkol Settakhorn at ITM in Chiang Mai, Thailand, at Amritapuri with Amma in Kerala, India and with many monks, renunciates and gurus in sacred forests and hard to find temples throughout Asia.
I am grateful to have taught in the company of the talented teachers at YogaWorks, PURE, East West, Levitate, The Gym and Equinox Fitness in Manhattan and Greenhouse Holistic, Sangha and Soma in Williamsburg.
teaching times
See schedule for updates.
cynthia
In May of 2009 I completed my 200-hour training certification from the Rasa School of Yoga in Montezuma, Costa Rica. My teaching style draws elements from Hatha breath work, the physical demands of Ashtanga and the dynamic flow of Vinyasa, focusing on breath, alignment, and meditation. My classes combine gentle encouragement and an energizing pace; aiming to leave the student feeling enlivened and relaxed.
As a teacher, I understand the importance of staying educated, and will always consider myself, above all else, a student.
teaching times
M, 10am / C • goodflow
Th, 7:30pm / E • goodflow
F, 10am / C • goodflow
Sun, 5pm / C • goodflow
amy
In 1999, the Ashtanga Yoga practice swept me into its power and beauty for the first time. In 2003, on my third year of study in Mysore, India, I was officially authorized by Guruji Sri K. Pattabhi Jois to teach the Ashtanga Yoga method. In 2009, I was elevated to Level 2 status, allowing me to teach both the primary and intermediate series. I have also received certifications from the Sivananda and Laughing Lotus Yoga Centers, and study in New York with Eddie Stern.
In addition to Ashtanga, one of my deepest joys is teaching yoga to NYC public school children through Bent on Learning.
Most importantly, I am profoundly grateful to my Gurus, Mata Amritanandamayi and Guruji, for opening my heart and gracing me with the opportunity to serve others.
As an artist, I also dance professionally, and sing and play bass guitar in the indie-folk band, Sunshine. I live in the land of Brooklyn, New York with my amazing husband Steve, and our very affectionate dog Shanti and cat Geetha.
In Ashtanga Yoga, I have discovered a vehicle with which I can continually grow as a person and through which I have learned that anything is possible. I feel so fortunate to be able to offer my knowledge and experience in the spirit of Guruji’s teachings. It is my hope that my students inherit the same wellness and blessings that I have received from faith and devotion to this divine practice.
teaching times
M-F, 7–9am / mysore ashtanga
Sun, 10am / mysore ashtanga
aidan
Iʼm very pleased to start teaching at goodyoga after completing my advanced studies teaching training with Flannery, here at goodyoga. I began studying yoga six years ago in various studios throughout NY. Then, in the intimate classes at this studio, where I received more specific alignment direction, I began to deepen my practice and focus on small details that made a big difference in my personal practice and in my body. The classes that I teach are rooted in an alignment-based Hatha style but incorporate elements of Vinyasa flow. I teach classes with a slow breath count but strongly encourage students to move at the pace most helpful to their own bodies.
While this is my first year teaching yoga on a regular basis I have taught movement to acting students for several years. Throughout that time I have incorporated meditation into my classes. It is more recent that I myself have developed a consistent daily mediation practice, and in recognizing the benefits for myself, I invite students to use the challenges of yoga to go inward and find calmness.
teaching times
Check schedule for new times.
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vanessa
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rebekah
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mika
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leona
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flannery
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cynthia
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amy
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aidan
classes
goodstyles
goodstart Absolute Beginners should start here. Attend goodstart every Saturday for 5 weeks and you’ll be ready to attend any B or E level class.
goodflow A goodbreath is a long breath. Allowing the movement of your body to follow the movement of your energy results in breath enhanced alignment and moving meditation.
goodform takes the opposite approach of goodflow. Facilitate alignment with blocks, blankets, straps and simple, precise, modifcations. Breath moves freely through an aligned form. A free breath leads to a relaxed body. A relaxed body leads to a focused mind.
goodcore The core is the core. Unlock strength you never knew you had . Engage your core to expand your breath into your heart. You’ll float in Arm Balances and fly in Chaturanga.
goodback Yoga is the single most effective treatment for back pain with an exponentially higher success rate than surgery. Alleviate symptoms you have and avoid future injurys with a strengthening, therapeutic practice.
goodrest Fluff your pillow, fold your blankets and leave the rest to us. goodrest is completely passive and seriously luxurious. You’ll forget you have a body after 75 minutes of Thai Massage, Aromatherapy and absolute stillness.
goodstretch Open up and let go. The tension melts away as we gradually progress from simple stretches to deeper expressions. With ease instead of effort, you’ll extend beyond your expectations.
levels: a,b,c,d,e
A • Absolute beginners are encouraged to start their practice here.
• Perfect if you’ve never taken a yoga class before or haven’t in a while.
• It is completely appropriate to ask questions during A’s.
• Students recovering from injury or illness will learn modifications.
• Pregnant students are welcome. Let the teacher know your good news, please.
B • Beginners and students who prefer a slower pace will like these.
• Most beginners will benefit from 3 months of B’s and E’s before moving on.
• Students recovering from injuries and illness will benefit from the slower pace of B level classes.
• Experienced students are welcomed to choose more challenging variations, when appropriate.
• Pregnant students are welcome. Let the teacher know your good news, please.
C • Challenging postures and sequences will be explored.
• C’s almost always involve vinyasa, synchronizing movement to breath.
• Students will become familiar with The Sun Salutation (“Surya Namskar”).
• Advanced variations of poses introduced in A and B level classes will be practiced.
• Students are welcome to practice basic versions of the postures.
• Deep back bends and balancing poses will be practiced.
• Arm balances and Inversions will be explored.
D • Demanding. Definitely not for Beginners.
• D level classes are intended for students with a regular practice of at least one year.
• Arm Balances and Inversions will be practiced, often in the context of a vigorous flow.
E • Everyone is encouraged to attend these well rounded sessions.
• Classes are limited to 15 people, so everyone gets individual guidance.
• Poses are taught from the most basic version with variations added for those who wish.
• Pregnant students are welcome. Let the teacher know your good news, please.
ashtanga
Pattabhi Jois and grandson Sarath
Origin
Ashtanga Yoga was originally taught by late yoga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and his family in their home city of Mysore, India. This method of teaching the Ashtanga system, with its unique sequence of dynamic yoga postures, was discovered in an ancient text by his teacher, Sri T. Krishnamacharya and developed by Jois so that each student can learn it at ANY level of experience, beginner through advanced.
In the Mysore class, each student memorizes the Ashtanga Yoga sequence and comes to develop a daily personal practice with the one-on-one guidance of a teacher. The entire Ashtanga sequence is taught in class in detail over a series of classes. Since each student is taught individually, each progresses at his or her own comfort level. This method allows for a meditative approach to yoga practice, frequent adjustments in postures, and the fostering of a strong student-teacher relationship.
Beginning a Mysore Practice
If you have a previous Mysore Ashtanga practice, you may attend your first session at goodyoga anytime.
At goodyoga beginners are welcome to attend their first orientation class on the following days:
• Wednesdays at 8am
• Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm
• Sundays at 10am
Commit to at least 3 classes in your first week to best observe the cumulative effects of the practice.
In Mysore Ashtanga, students come and go during the allotted period depending on the length of their practice. This allows for more freedom for when you can begin. In the initial stages, it’s best to have a teacher present during your entire practice. Therefore, please come as early as the class start time. Experienced practitioners may arrive when goodyoga opens at 6.30a It’s best to arrive no later than one hour before the class end time.
Please do not bring any Ashtanga reference books or practice sheets to class. You will learn the sequence by heart faster if you focus on the connection between your body and breath in class. If you need help remembering from time to time, ask your teacher.
Sustaining a Mysore Practice
A full-time Ashtanga student practices 6 days per week, with a Saturday holiday. Usually, a minimum of 3 days per week (i.e. every other day) to start is enough to retain the energy of class. You can increase that amount in time. Often, this happens organically.
goodyoga offers Mysore Ashtanga classes:
• 7–9a Weekday mornings
• 5–7p Tuesdays and Thursdays
• 10a–12p Sundays
Additional poses will be given to you when the teacher and your body deem appropriate. For your safety, PLEASE do not attempt postures on your own beyond what you are taught each day in class, and do not ask for more asanas. It is important to learn every pose, as well as how to get into and out of them correctly, by a trained teacher. Postures will be taught one by one, within the context of your overall practice. Ashtanga is a lifelong practice; in fact, it is in the Mysore method of study that you may eventually progress beyond the Primary Series. So stay focused, have patience, and enjoy the journey.
Moon Days
Both full and new moon days are observed as yoga holidays in the Ashtanga Yoga tradition. What is the reasoning behind this?
Like all things of a watery nature (human beings are about 70% water), we are affected by the phases of the moon. These phases are determined by the moon’s relative position to the sun. Full moons occur when they are in opposition and new moons when they are in conjunction. Both sun and moon exert a gravitational pull on the earth. Their relative positions create different energetic experiences that can be compared to the breath cycle.
The full moon energy corresponds to the end of inhalation when the force of prana is greatest. This is an expansive, upward moving force that makes us feel energetic and emotional, but not well grounded. The Upanishads state that the main prana lives in the head. During the full moon we tend to be more headstrong.
The new moon energy corresponds to the end of exhalation when the force of apana is greatest. Apana is a contracting, downward moving force that makes us feel calm and grounded, but dense and disinclined towards physical exertion.
The Farmers Almanac recommends planting seeds at the new moon when the rooting force is strongest and transplanting at the full moon when the flowering force is strongest.
Practicing Ashtanga Yoga over time makes us more attuned to natural cycles. Observing moon days is one way to recognize and honor the rhythms of nature so we can live in greater harmony with it.
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goodstyles
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levels: a,b,c,d,e
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ashtanga
location
On the border of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Down by the water on a quiet shady street … there you will find goodyoga.
about
goodyoga was founded in July of 2009, and has been providing an urban retreat to the local and global community ever since. Located in Brooklyn, New York, our studio offers daily yoga classes taught in the tradition of Sri T. Krishnamacharya. Every body is different and deserves individual attention. This is why our yoga classes are taught in a comfortable environment with no more than 15 students in the room at one time, that way our teachers can see each practitioner and give adjustments and suggestions for safe alignment.
Yoga is not choreography. It is therapy.
In addition to vinyasa classes, goodyoga offers restorative yoga, massage therapy by appointment, 200 and 500hr Certified Teacher Training, retreats and accommodation for students who want a retreat without leaving the city.