Dr. Raelynn Deaton Haynes is the owner of Willow Gardens Yoga Studios in Lockhart and Buda, Texas. A biologist by training, she and her husband ventured into entrepreneurship in 2018 when they acquired the studio and later expanded the yoga community into Lockhart.
Raelynn holds a Master’s degree and PhD in Biology and has been a professor at Texas State University for nearly 20 years, where she teaches in the Department of Biology. She is a published author and works closely with college students across many disciplines. A certified yoga, Pilates, and barre instructor as well as a holistic health and mental fitness coach, Raelynn brings a uniquely scientific lens to embodied practice.
Growing up in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky inspired a lifelong connection to nature that has shaped her work in field biology, the Peace Corps, international yoga retreats, and adventure travel. Raelynn has a deep passion for bringing yoga and movement to the world as a pathway to healing, confidence, and a longer, more peaceful life.
Saturday 11:15am–12:30pm
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga 
The primary series of Ashtanga yoga, known as Yoga Chikitsa (Therapeutic Yoga), is the foundational sequence designed to detoxify, align, and build strength and flexibility in the body. This specific sequence of postures begins with Sun Salutations, followed by standing poses, seated poses, and a closing sequence, with breath and movement synchronized through Ujjayi breath to build heat and focus the mind. In this special class, we’ll explore the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga and the pranayama practices woven into the ashtanga tradition. Accessible to all levels.
Intensity of Practice: (not specified) – All Levels
5% Discussion, 90% Asana, 5% Pranayama)
Sunday 2:30–4:00pm
The Yoga of Qigong — Letting Go for Fall
Autumn invites us into one of the most profound practices in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the art of letting go. The Metal element governs the Lungs and Large Intestine, teaching us that every ending creates space for something new to emerge. In this closing workshop, we’ll explore accessible TCM teachings on how the Metal element shapes our relationship with breath, grief, boundaries, and what we choose to carry forward — discovering release not as loss, but as an act of refinement. We’ll move into gentle, flowing Qigong and Yin Yoga practices designed to nourish Lung Qi, open the chest, and create spaciousness in the body, cultivating presence, resilience, and quiet gratitude as we integrate the retreat and carry its essence forward.
Intensity of Practice: 3 – All Levels — Yin Yoga and Qigong, no prior experience needed
20% Discussion, 50% Asana/Movement, 15% Pranayama, 15% Meditation