Yoga for Black History Month

For BHM 2025, joy will be teaching four yoga classes throughout February 2025. These classes are open to Black people, people of African descent and afro-diasporic people and are free of charge. (Donations welcome.)

Each class will have a different focus, moving from deep rest, through soft movement and guided imagination into stronger sequences. They will make sense in sequence, but you can also drop in for one class only.

joy maps is a German-Jamaican writer, mover and rest practitioner. They were raised in London and south Germany, and have lived in Leipzig for six years. joy has been practicing yoga since 2012, and received teacher training in 2016 in Rishikesh, India. Their practice and teaching are founded in traditional Ashtanga Yoga, while also being deeply informed by teachings of Black (body) liberation and rest practices.

01.02. Rest! The first class will offer space for deep rest and restoration.

08.02 Dream! This week’s class will offer soft movement and a guided visualization practice.

15.02 Resist! This week's class will build strength from the feet up, offering grounding and stability.

22.02 Imagine! The final class will invite embodied imagination and slow strong movement, tending the seeds of a liberated future within our bodies.

No prior yoga experience is required. Mats, cushions and blankets will be provided. Come in comfortable, breathable clothing and include a warm layer and some thick socks.

Classes held in English. For questions around the classes, please reach out at joymapspoetics@gmail.com

Donations are also welcomed from anyone simply wishing to support my work, my art and my lavish habits of paying bills and eating good food. Accepted via PayPal: paypal.com/paypalme/adeolaschwarz