Jordan Istead has a unique background, having worked as a brewer before transitioning into teaching yoga and meditation. In brewing, Jordan learned the importance of sensory awareness—an essential skill in crafting the perfect product. His interest in traditional brewing methods led him to discover the deep connection between brewing and meditation practices in monastic settings, where both served to support the monastery’s spiritual and physical needs.
Now, as a yoga and meditation teacher, Jordan brings this knowledge to his practice, teaching not only yoga flows and meditation, but also other techniques that help individuals gain more control over their body, mind, and overall experience of consciousness. His approach is grounded in compassion and a desire to help others connect more deeply with themselves.
Workshop – Mastering the Senses
Our senses play a key role in how we experience the world. During his time as a brewer, Jordan engaged in daily sensory analysis to improve his craft and create the best possible product. Now, as a yoga and meditation teacher, he combines this practical experience with traditional techniques designed to hone our sensory abilities.
In this workshop, you’ll learn ways to sharpen your senses (referred to as Indriyas) and explore practices related to sensory withdrawal (Pratyahara). These techniques will help you gain better control over your senses, leading to a more focused and mindful experience of the world.
Workshop – Understanding Consciousness for Yoga and Meditation Practitioners
Have you ever woken up late and immediately felt off-balance because you missed your usual routine of breakfast and coffee? During your commute, your mind keeps thinking about how much better you’d feel if things had gone according to plan. This shift in mindset is a simple example of how consciousness changes from moment to moment.
In this workshop, Jordan will guide you through some common questions about consciousness that arise in yoga and meditation. Drawing from his experience as both a meditation guide and a former brewer, he’ll explore topics like why our minds fluctuate and how our daily experiences shape our sense of self. From a disrupted morning to deeper concepts of enlightenment, this workshop will help you better understand the nature of human experience and consciousness. Jordan will present these ideas in a clear and approachable way for anyone to grasp, regardless of experience level.