It is with great sadness that I share the news of Sharath Jois’s passing. At 53, Sharath’s passing is quite sudden. He is considered by many to be responsible for upholding the Mysore style of ashtanga yoga’s lineage. As such, for many in the Ashtanga community, Sharath’s teachings and presence became central to their (our) practice, and his loss will be deeply felt
This is a post created for Ashtanga Tech, Michael’s online esucation platform. What is Bindu According to Yoga Texts? In yogic philosophy and spiritual traditions, the term “Bindu” holds significant meaning and symbolizes various concepts associated with energy, consciousness, and creation. Bindu translates to “point”, “drop” or “dot” in Sanskrit[3]. In yoga, however, the concept of bindu goes beyond its literal interpretation, symbolizing the absolute, the infinite, and the unmanifest potential that lies within each individual[3]. Bindu is viewed as the cosmic seed from which all creation arises[3]. It symbolizes the unmanifest potential that preceded the materialization of the universe[3]. In yoga philosophy, bindu is associated with the fundamental concept of unity, representing the underlying oneness of all existence and symbolizing the union of individual…
In the world of yoga, and particularly within the Ashtanga community, there is often an unspoken undercurrent of competition. Whether it’s between teachers vying for students or different schools of yoga positioning themselves as superior, this competitive mindset can create division within a practice that is, at its core, meant to foster unity and growth. As teachers and practitioners, we must ask ourselves: Why do we see each other as competition rather than learning opportunities? How can we shift this dynamic to foster a more cooperative, supportive environment in the yoga community? In my years of teaching, I have noticed that this competitive spirit can often hinder both personal growth and the overall progression of the yoga community. Instead of viewing one another as rivals,…
Warm-Up Part 1: 20 Minutes A warm-up tailored to the demands of planche and handstand work, targeting shoulder stability, wrist flexibility, and core activation: Objective: Prepares wrists, shoulders, and core for stability and endurance, ensuring muscles are warm and active before the skill work. Part 1: Planche Foundations (15 Minutes) Starting with foundational planche positioning to set up form and stability before progressing to holds and leans. Objective: Build understanding and comfort with planche mechanics and develop initial stability. Focus on proper form with a steady lean to avoid wrist strain. Part 2: Handstand Foundations (20 Minutes) Now that shoulders and core are primed, transition to handstand fundamentals. These exercises will build balance and alignment. Objective: Establish a strong, balanced foundation for handstands with proper…
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…
To maintain equity for yoga teachers, compensation should vary based on whether the teacher is classified as an employee or an independent contractor, taking into account the responsibilities, expectations, and benefits associated with each role: 1. Employee Compensation Model 2. Independent Contractor Compensation Model 3. Additional Considerations to Ensure Equity 4. Hybrid Compensation Models Maintaining equity in compensation ultimately means recognizing the different responsibilities and benefits associated with each role—employee or contractor—and adjusting pay accordingly to ensure teachers are supported, valued, and able to sustain their livelihood. It also requires open communication and transparency so that teachers understand what they are being compensated for and have the opportunity to advocate for fair treatment.
I wanna start this essay by saying that I have come to this essay as the inevitable conclusion of the work that I have been doing in my market analysis of the yoga industrial complex (system). Like many things that I spent months researching inside tgis system, the conclusions were clear: because Yoga is inherently steeped in values like compassion, social responsibility, and friendliness, the production of yoga requires so many intangible stocks that the industry is a nonlinear system. This means we have to use behavior analysis to forecast trends as opposed to basic input output data. Thats the hard kind of systems theory. When I was 17 years old, the Navy wanted me to join their nuclear program and would have provided me…
People are wild. They never cease to crack me up (and often find a way to drive me crazy). “Everything I Know About Animal Behavior, I Learned in Lohman’s Department Store,” written by one of America’s great humorists, Irma Bombeck, is a collection of essays that was super informative and totally perfect for the last few weeks of room arrangement. Bombeck had a way of taking the poison out of life’s realities, seeing the funny and poignent in the most mundane of human experiences… you’ll forgive me for finding mat arrangement blasé, I’m sure. But, hey, if there’s one thing Irma Bombeck taught me, it’s that ordinary moments often hold extraordinary lessons—if you just look at them right. If you’re new to Ashtanga Yoga, you’d…
In the United States, the debate over whether yoga teachers should be classified as employees or independent contractors is complex and fraught with challenges. The truth is, the role of a yoga teacher often aligns more closely with the responsibilities and characteristics of a contractor rather than an employee. Flexibility and Autonomy One of the main reasons why being a contractor is a more accurate classification is the nature of the work itself. Yoga teachers generally enjoy a significant degree of flexibility and autonomy in how they operate. As independent contractors, teachers have the freedom to choose where, when, and how often they teach. They can work for multiple studios, offer private lessons, lead workshops, or teach online, building a diverse portfolio that aligns with…
If little me could see who I am today, I think he’d be proud—wide-eyed and amazed at how things have turned out. He’d see someone who practices yoga, who teaches, who learns, but more importantly, someone who actively works to make things better in his community. Not just talking about change, not just shouting for it at rallies, but someone who orchestrates the very places where change begins. Growing up, I always had a sense of justice, of wanting things to be better, but the way forward was never really clear. Back then, activism meant holding a sign, standing in a crowd, and hoping that someone listened. And those actions mattered—they planted seeds. But as time passed, I learned that true activism demanded more than…