Video: Mental Health Considerations

Video: Mental Health Considerations

This is a video about Mental Health Considerations for Ashtanga Yoga Practitioners. Visit michaeljoelhall.com/coaching to book a session if you’d like to chat about your practice.

00:00 Introduction: The Struggles in the Yoga Room
00:09 The Intensity of Ashtanga Yoga
00:35 Mental Health and Yoga Practice
01:01 Adapting Yoga for Mental Well-being
01:28 Modifications for Emotional Safety
01:50 Shifting from Tradition to Individual Needs
02:41 Reframing Ashtanga for Mental Health
02:47 Empowering Practitioners
02:53 Conclusion: Meeting Practitioners Where They Are

Ashtanga at Any Age: Inspiration from Alma Thomas and Cognitive Improvement Research

Ashtanga at Any Age: Inspiration from Alma Thomas and Cognitive Improvement Research

This week, my reflections are deeply anchored by my decade-long journey with a dedicated student, Ron. As our sessions evolved from power-packed vinyasa to the disciplined practice of Mysore, an intriguing question bubbled up: Why do older adults, like Ron, gravitate towards yoga? While the physical transformations are palpable, it’s the cognitive rejuvenation that’s turning heads. Delving into the tales of Alma Thomas, a late-blooming artist, and recent research from the University of Illinois, we uncover yoga’s holistic gift — a dance of physical mastery and cognitive bloom. For every Ron seeking a deeper ‘why’ in their practice, this exploration promises insights into the boundless potential of age and the brain’s synergy with yoga.