Video: Ashtanga Vinyasa Inspired Flow

In this video, we unbox the concept of decolonizing your yoga practice by removing authoritarianism and emphasizing self-study. This episode covers the cultural context of Ashtanga Yoga, the impact of colonialism and capitalism in shaping Western yoga practices, and the need for open-source teaching. Michael discusses historical gender biases, the guru-student power dynamic, and the issues of gatekeeping and groupthink in yoga communities. Learn about the importance of making yoga accessible and fostering community-centered approaches while balancing tradition with the evolution of Ashtanga Yoga. Discover how decommodification and recognizing inner intelligence can lead to true liberation in your practice.

00:00 Dismantling Authoritarianism with Ashtanga Yoga: Power, Practice, Justice
00:01 Introduction to Decolonizing Yoga
00:15 Historical Context and Cultural Impact
01:12 Examining Patriarchal Elements
02:14 Power Dynamics and Gatekeeping
03:37 Cultural Imperialism in Teaching
04:50 Appropriation vs. Appreciation
06:43 Open Source Teaching as Solution
08:12 Making Yoga Accessible
10:12 Balancing Tradition with Evolution
11:49 Self-Education and Awareness
14:05 Conclusion: Path to Liberation

Subjectivity vs. Objectivity in Ashtanga Yoga Practice

In this video, Michael Joel Hall discusses the important balance between subjectivity and objectivity in Ashtanga yoga practice. He explores how personal experience and objective observation impact our practice and progress. Michael emphasizes the need to balance inner experiences with feedback from teachers, historical standards, and self-reviews. The video highlights the significance of having worthy mentors and using feedback constructively to enhance practice and self-awareness.

00:00 Introduction to Subjectivity vs. Objectivity in Ashtanga Yoga
00:52 Balancing Personal Experience and Objective Observation
01:39 The Role of Feedback and Blind Spots
02:12 Trust and the Inner Compass
03:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this video, Michael Joel Hall discusses how Ash Yoga in 2025 is evolving by integrating physical fitness, self-inquiry, biomechanics, neuroscience, and mindfulness. Practitioners are embracing a personalized approach, blending tradition with modern insights to enhance the practice’s transformative potential. This balanced integration of physical and spiritual elements provides stability and meaning, reinforcing rather than weakening the discipline.

00:00 Introduction to Ash Yoga in 2025
00:05 Evolving Practices: Integrating Physical and Spiritual
00:28 Modern Insights: Biomechanics, Neuroscience, and Mindfulness
00:40 The Unchanging Core: Discipline and Self-Awareness
01:02 Strengthening Through Adaptation
01:11 Intelligent and Sustainable Transformation

Michael Joel Hall recounts his visit to the Gala Theater in Columbia Heights to watch a Spanish production of ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman.’ He reflects on the themes of deception, honesty, and betrayal within the play and draws parallels to his experiences in the federal government, nonprofits, and his Ashtanga yoga community. Hall discusses the damaging impact of small betrayals by well-meaning but mediocre people in positions of power and stresses the importance of radical honesty as a countermeasure to authoritarian tendencies. He concludes by highlighting the importance of integrity in maintaining the spiritual health of a community.

00:00 Kiss of the Spider Woman
00:21 The Play: Kiss of the Spider Woman
00:43 Themes of Deception and Betrayal
03:25 Personal Reflections and Broader Implications
06:56 Conclusion: Honesty and Community

In this video, Michael Joel Hall discusses the ‘Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Trap,’ a scenario where personal experiences of yoga teachers are misconstrued as universal truths. Highlighting the dangers of authoritarianism and high-demand dynamics in yoga communities, Hall emphasizes the importance of honoring individual experiences, promoting self-awareness, and fostering personal agency. He stresses the need for discernment, humility, and open dialogue, both from teachers and students, to ensure yoga remains a personal and explorative practice.

00:00 Introduction to the Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Trap
00:11 Subjectivity vs. Objectivity in Teaching
00:59 The Dangers of Authoritarian Teaching
01:26 High Demand Dynamics and Cult-like Behavior
02:03 The Importance of Honoring Student Experience
03:22 The Role of Humility and Discernment in Teaching
03:46 Conclusion: Maintaining Dialogue in Practice

This is just a little bit about me, Michael Joel Hall. I posted this as part of my welcome letter at DC Ashtanga. Join the community at DCashtanga.com to take free courses on Decentralizing Ashtanga, built proudly in Washington, DC.