Breath and Mind Practices

jennifer serious

Who are we? Why do we experience suffering? How can we be happy? These questions have been contemplated upon and studied through history. Ancient wisdom from yogic texts such as the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Yoga Sutras delve deeply into the mysteries and mastery of the mind, and has influenced the development and practice of Western psychology. Often, yoga students enter the classroom not just hoping for physical movement, but for some answers and relief on a deeper mental or spiritual level. This course is a deep dive into the different perspectives and approaches of the mind from both yoga philosophy and western psychology, the process and the impact of “othering” in context to yoga, and the intersection of yoga and mental health. We offer suggestions and methods to create a mentally healthy space in the yoga classroom, as well as incorporate strategies to support and draw boundaries for students who are searching or suffering. We will also reflect on how we can honor the roots of yoga traditions with integrity in context to the times we live in. Appropriate for both yoga teachers and yoga practitioners hoping to learn more about the intersection of yoga, mental wellness, and cultural awareness.

Students will learn about:

  • A glance at yoga history
  • The evolution of our understanding of “mind” from a western/psychology perspective
  • Different layers of the mind from ancient yoga texts
  • Stories from the Upanishads, chants from the Bhagavad Gita and the Sutras
  • Intersection of yoga and mental health
  • Use of language in class and its impact on our collective experience
  • Psychology of othering
  • Yoga ethics for integration without appropriation

This course is a part of the JOY of Yoga 300-Hour Teacher Training Core Curriculum, and also open to the public. If you are interested in pursuing a 300-hour certification, you can apply and register at any time and, once accepted, begin taking Electives, even before completing the Core Curriculum.

Recommended Reading

  • Siddartha, Herman Hesse

Schedule

  • Friday, 6 – 8pm (online)
  • Saturday, 1 – 5:30pm (in-studio + online)
  • Sunday, 1 – 4:30pm (in-studio + online)

Location

This workshop will be conducted online via Zoom.
Password and instructions will be sent privately to registrants 30 minutes before workshop begins.

Pricing

  • À La Carte: $350 *Eligible for 15 CEUs (continuing education units).
  • For students enrolled in the Core Curriculum for the current calendar year, pricing details can be found here.
  • Email Aurelia to register.

We’re sorry, but we don’t offer refunds or account credit on workshops or training.