Getting Better at Causal Loops and Drawing Inferences

Revisiting Rule 1: Independent Variables Are Not Correlated Restating the Argument In Ashtanga Yoga, not all elements of practice are causally connected. For example, focusing solely on aesthetic performance (e.g., how a posture looks) often leads to false assumptions about progress. Understanding this independence helps practitioners avoid wasting energy on irrelevant or misleading correlations. Detachment (vairagya) serves as a guiding principle for staying grounded in what truly matters. Counterpoints, Holes, and Second Opinions 1. Do Variables Ever Exist in True Independence in Yoga? Counterpoint: Yoga philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things. The idea that two variables (e.g., strength and flexibility) are completely independent may clash with this holistic worldview. Can independence ever truly exist in a system as integrated as the body-mind connection? Alternative View: Instead…

Causal Inference Rules and How to Use Them

In systems thinking and yoga alike, progress requires recognizing hidden confounders and addressing them directly rather than being misled by surface-level correlations. When practitioners address the root cause, both seemingly related symptoms often resolve harmoniously. Rule 1: Independent Variables Are Not Correlated This rule states that if two variables are causally independent, there will be no observable association between them in the data. For instance, if Variable A does not influence Variable B, their correlation will be zero unless influenced by an external factor. Intersection with Ashtanga Yoga: In Ashtanga Yoga, this can be explored through the principle of detachment (vairagya). The yogic system acknowledges that not all elements in life are interconnected in meaningful ways, and discernment (viveka) is required to understand what truly impacts…

Introduction to Causal Inference

The eight basic rules for causal inference from Peder M. Isager’s blog provide an excellent framework for understanding how causal relationships emerge and interact with observable data. These rules resonate with core principles in both systems thinking and Ashtanga Yoga. Let’s explore this connection. 1. Independent Variables are Not Correlated In systems thinking, an independent variable can be seen as an external input or a system component that does not directly influence other parts. This rule aligns with the yogic principle of detachment (Vairagya) where actions devoid of expectations (causal independence) do not entangle one in their outcomes. 2. Causal Influence Creates Correlation This mirrors the idea in systems thinking that feedback loops (positive or negative) generate observable patterns. In yoga, cause-effect chains are understood…

What Is a Collider? How Ashtanga Practice Teaches Systems Thinking Through the Body

What Is a Collider? In systems thinking, a collider is a variable that sits at the convergence point of two or more independent causal pathways. Unlike a mediator (which transmits influence from one variable to another) or a confounder (which influences multiple variables), a collider is influenced by multiple independent sources—and this seemingly simple distinction creates profound complications in how we understand cause and effect. The mathematical structure looks deceptively simple:Variable X → Collider Z ← Variable Y Two independent causes (X and Y) both flow into a common effect (Z). But here’s where it gets interesting: when we condition on the collider—when we only examine cases where Z occurred—we create an artificial correlation between X and Y that doesn’t exist in the broader system….

Collider: Why Ability Privilege Perpetuates Itself

In systems thinking, a collider is a variable influenced by two or more independent factors—and Ashtanga’s authorization system contains a perfect example that explains why the current model is so resistant to change. Consider the collider: “Becoming an Authorized Teacher” This outcome is influenced by two largely independent variables: In an ideal system, both would be required for authorization. But the current Ashtanga authorization process primarily conditions on X (asana achievement), creating what statisticians call collider bias—a systematic distortion that produces misleading correlations. Here’s how the collider creates dysfunction: The Selection Bias When we only examine people who’ve achieved authorization (conditioning on the collider), we’re looking at a pre-filtered population. Within this group, we might observe that teachers with exceptional asana ability sometimes struggle with…

What Ashtanga Yoga Teachers Can Learn from NFL Coaching Excellence

The Performance Paradox In 2007, Tony Dungy became the first African American head coach to win a Super Bowl. But his real legacy wasn’t built on that February night in Miami—it was constructed over the following decade through youth mentorship programs, education reform initiatives, and community leadership that reached far beyond football. Dungy understood something essential: elite performance and transformational teaching require fundamentally different skill sets. The Ashtanga yoga world faces a similar paradox. The most accomplished practitioners—those who can effortlessly float through advanced series—often become authorized teachers. Yet the ability to perform complex asanas bears little relationship to the capacity to guide diverse bodies through sustainable practice. Like professional sports, yoga has conflated achievement with teaching excellence, creating a system where ability privilege determines…

Spiritual Rot Caused By Siloing and Wealth (and how to avoid it)

Spiritual Rot Caused By Siloing and Wealth (and how to avoid it)

In his compelling article, “Plutocrat Archipelagos” in MacGuffin Magazine, Jack Self offers an unflinching look into the secluded, fortified worlds of the ultra-wealthy. Through vivid descriptions of razor-wire fences, bodyguards, and gated communities, Self explores how these enclaves of extreme wealth serve as both physical and psychological fortresses, isolating their residents from the societal and environmental impacts of their wealth. The article dives into the unique, often paradoxical psychological profiles of those born into vast fortunes—highlighting how isolation, privilege, and a lack of consequence lead to existential crises and detachment from reality. Self’s reflections reveal not only the insular lives of the ultra-rich but also prompt questions about the cultural values that drive such isolation, inviting readers to consider how this separation impacts society at…

The Evolution of an Ashtanga Teacher

The Evolution of an Ashtanga Teacher Introduction Change and iteration? I’m good with those. I started out verbose—talking too much, explaining every little thing. Then I swung the pendulum toward the stereotypical Ashtanga script: minimal instruction, no props, traditional cues only. But ultimately, I came back to being real. The journey wasn’t a straight line. I had poor mentorship modeling early on in my Ashtanga career. It took a while to trust myself—to teach from what I knew to be true, not just what I was shown. I. The Early Years: Strict Adherence to Tradition In the early years of teaching, I thought I needed to model exactly what had been handed down to me. That meant ditching props—even though I had used them before…

The Five Obstacles to Yoga

The Five Obstacles to Yoga Introduction Every yogi, whether fresh-faced on the mat or seasoned from years of practice, eventually bumps into… something. A wall, a plateau, a discomfort, or an inexplicable resistance. In yoga philosophy, these aren’t random speed bumps — they are known, predictable, and profoundly human. Enter the kleshas — the five obstacles. These obstacles aren’t about flexibility or how long you can hold a handstand. They’re inner blocks that cloud perception, distort behavior, and make spiritual evolution feel like wading through peanut butter in a wet blanket. Understanding them doesn’t magically solve them (sorry), but it does provide a framework for self-inquiry, personal growth, and a yoga practice that transcends hamstrings. I. Avidya (Ignorance): The Root Obstacle In yoga, avidya is…

Kathy Griffin: Evolution Through Trials and Triumphs

Dive into the intertwined memoirs of Jennifer Lewis and Kathy Griffin for a captivating exploration of a comedian’s evolution. Uncover how Griffin’s journey, from a near-fatal low to her empowering embrace of a sober community, reveals the complexities of life behind the laughs. This blog delves into the raw, unfiltered narrative of Griffin’s career, challenging the norms of feminism in comedy, and highlighting the satisfying connections found between celebrity stories. Join us in unraveling the tapestry of trials, transformations, and resilience that defines the ever-evolving world of a comedian.