Friday, August 25th - Sunday, August 27th
Friday, 6-8pm
Yoga Sutras:
What am I? Where did I come from? What is the purpose?
For centuries the yogis have taught that when the mind is still, it’s easier to grapple with these big questions about life and in doing so, potentially ease your suffering. After falling into obscurity for several hundreds of years, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali emerged as a primary text for many modern schools of yoga. They teach an eight fold path to freedom, detailing physical and mental practices that will aid us in the journey. The philosophy itself is a fascinating remix of yet older traditions, melding together elements of Samkhya with Kriya and Ashtanga Yoga.
Saturday, 8-10am
Mysore class:
Mysore is a traditional method where you learn the Ashtanga sequence at your own pace through an assisted self practice. This method encourages individual responsibility of your practice with the support and help of the teacher. Students should at least be familiar with the standing poses in order to get the most out of class.
Saturday, 1-3pm
Jumping Back and Jumping Through:
So many students see the complicated transitional movements of Ashtanga Yoga and wonder: Is that even possible in my body? Jump backs and jump throughs require you to tap your muscular potential and embrace raw physicality. At the same time they require you to move your body with a nuance that triggers a sense of lightness. In this class we will break down the subtle body mechanics that make graceful transitions possible and then practice drills that get you connected to your base and the strength required to float.
We will detail both the fundamentals of these moves and also look at how they relate to more complicated arm balances. I once told my teacher that my arms were too short to lift up and jump back, so now a knowing smile comes to my face when I hear those same words from my students. This class will leave you feeling empowered, knowing that it may be hard work and a long journey, but you can jump back.
Sunday, 8-10am
Mysore class:
Mysore is a traditional method where you learn the Ashtanga sequence at your own pace through an assisted self practice. This method encourages individual responsibility of your practice with the support and help of the teacher. Students should at least be familiar with the standing poses in order to get the most out of class.
Sunday, 1-3pm
Yoga, The Nervous System, and The Gunas:
Add depth and fuel to your yoga practice with this workshop which overlays components of the Samkhya Philosophy onto the human nervous system, creating a framework for insight and change. This class will help you understand your instinctual reaction patterns and how to respond to life's challenges with skillful action,
Learn about the Vagus Nerve and how it regulates and relaxes the major systems of the body. See how it's possible to tap into increased connection to innate flow states and the relaxation response, which results in increased presence, as well as psychological and physical well being.
This class will dive into excerpts from the traditional yoga texts as we explore the ways our practice can create peace and empowerment in our lives. You will learn how to apply guided imagery, meditation, vocal techniques, and breath work. You will leave with a working knowledge of the parasympathetic nervous system and how to use it to modify the state of the mind and body.
Tuition: $200
A $75 non-refundable fee is included in the cost. No refunds within 30 days of the workshop.
About Joseph:
Joseph Armstrong teaches yoga with feet planted firmly in tradition and gaze turned towards the future. His search for a more present and peaceful life first led him to the practice in 2008. A few years later he was in India, studying intensively.
After finally overcoming a long struggle with addiction, Joseph began experimenting with Ashtanga Yoga. He understood quickly that the lineage was calling to him to deepen his practice. He underwent a 2 year apprenticeship program at the world renowned Miami Life Center, continuing his education under his teachers Tim Feldmann and Kino MacGregor. More recently he has completed 2 months of study in Mysore under Sharath Jois.
Joseph teaches yoga because attempts to do any and everything else ended disastrously. But when he finally devoted himself to his passion, he became an asset to himself and others. He hopes his practice allows him to be ever more loving and to exist gently.
Learn more at www.josepharmstrongyoga.com