A Preview of What You Can Expect At This Main Event of Yoga

It’s easy and comforting to find a studio we love and fall into a steady rhythm, like a sleepy, Saturday morning hatha class. But sometimes we crave something to pull us out of our reverie and show us whole new approaches to positions, and refreshing paradigms for thought.

The Yoga Journal conference is one of those opportunities, and it is bringing its luminary-studded and well-organized brand of inspiration to New York City this spring.

From the looks of the schedule, the conference will showcase a diversity of styles, levels, approaches, remedies, and even colors of people. In the list of teachers I see a lot of white women, (are you even surprised?) but also men, and a sprinkling of Indian, Asian, and black teachers. There are founders of studios, scientists, writers, activists, artists, cancer survivors, spiritual leaders, a psychologist, a choreographer, and just plain experienced instructors who will be teaching everything from beginner classes to continuing education for teachers. Seriously, there is something for everyone.

Michael Pollan is giving the keynote (it can be attended separately from the conference), which is enough reason in itself to attend, but one of our own regular contributors, Sadie Nardini, will be teaching three mostly-asana classes also.

The major draw back is this: you’ll paying dearly for each class. Even if you engage in all three sessions, plus two special events every day, you’ll still be paying almost $50 per class or event. Is it worth it? Well, this could deepen your practice by many, many levels, and you’ll have access to some of the most famous minds and bodies of yoga today. If $225-$860 is a lot for you to spend on a weekend (and it doesn’t include food or accommodations) then I would meditate on it for a bit.

In the next few weeks, I will be posting rundowns of some of what look like the most exciting, challenging, or unique classes so stay tuned. Until then, you can see the whole schedule and teacher bios here.

Yoga Journal Conference

May 12-16

Hilton New York, NYC

$225 – $250 for one day pass

$460 for 2-day package

$860 for 4-day package