Aligning Insights: Understanding Problem Cues in the Spine and Pelvis for Optimal Ashtanga Practice

Aligning Insights: Understanding Problem Cues in the Spine and Pelvis for Optimal Ashtanga Practice

Discover the vital relationship between the spine, pelvis, and optimal Ashtanga practice in our latest blog, “Aligning Insights.” We’ll explore essential alignment cues such as anterior and posterior tilt, rib flare, and the crucial technique of tucking the tailbone. Learn how to enhance your practice by understanding these problem cues and embodying healthier postural mechanics. With insights drawn from expert research, your journey toward a more aligned and fulfilling yoga experience.

Understanding the Causes of Suffering

Understanding the Causes of Suffering

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves entangled in a myriad of struggles, yet beneath these layers lies a singular root cause—avidya, or ignorance. This profound teaching from Yoga Philosophy invites us to explore the intricate relationship between our perceptions of self and the sources of our suffering. As we delve into the depths of dukkha and sukha, we uncover the transformative power of understanding how our thoughts shape our reality.

Adapting Ashtanga Yoga for Life Long Practice

Adapting Ashtanga Yoga for Life Long Practice

For many, Ashtanga yoga may evoke images of youthful, flexible practitioners twisting gracefully into challenging poses. This perception, deeply rooted in yoga’s modern history, suggests that the practice is predominantly tailored for the young and resilient. This belief, however, overlooks an essential truth about yoga’s adaptability and its potential as a lifelong practice.

Video: Power Dynamics in Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga

Video: Power Dynamics in Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga

This is a video about Power Dynamics in Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga. Reach out if you want some coaching for you practice. https://michaeljoelhall.com/coaching

00:00 Introduction to Shifting Power Dynamics in Ashtanga Yoga
00:06 The Guru-Disciple Model of the Past
00:23 The Rise of Critical Engagement
00:40 The Need for Autonomy and Self-Organization
00:57 Reckoning with Past and Present Abuses
01:07 Empowering Students in Modern Practice
01:20 Evolving Authority into Responsibility
01:30 Building a Partnership in Teacher-Student Relationships
01:39 Moving Forward: Mutual Respect and Earned Trust

Five Unexpected Ways Radical Candor Can Make You a Better Yoga Teacher

Five Unexpected Ways Radical Candor Can Make You a Better Yoga Teacher

Many yoga students walk into class thinking they need to “perform” the poses perfectly. If they struggle, they feel like they’ve failed. But when you use Radical Candor—balancing direct feedback with genuine care—you shift their mindset from perfection to progress.

Instead of saying, “That alignment is off,” try:

✔ “I love how focused you are—let’s adjust your stance a little so you can move with more ease.”

This tells them you see their effort and want to help them grow, not just critique their form.

Let’s explore a few more.

Yoga Enhances Health and Physiological Well-Being

Yoga Enhances Health and Physiological Well-Being

Ashtanga yoga serves as a powerful ally in enhancing health and fostering physiological well-being. From preventative care to symptomatic relief, discover the multifaceted ways in which yoga strengthens our bodily systems and promotes emotional balance. This insightful journey reveals how each practice not only revitalizes physical strength and flexibility but also nurtures mental clarity and emotional resilience. Join us in understanding how this ancient practice can harmonize your life, one breath at a time.