Systems Thinking and Spiritual Practice

Systems Thinking and Spiritual Practice

In both teaching and personal growth, one of the most powerful tools I have come to rely on is systems thinking. At its core, systems thinking is about seeing the interconnectedness of everything. It is a way of viewing the world, not as a collection of isolated elements, but as a network of relationships and interactions. This approach can be profoundly valuable when applied to spiritual practice, helping us understand not only how our thoughts, actions, and experiences are linked, but also how we are connected to the world and the people around us. “Because it comes back to systems thinking, right?” This phrase often echoes in my mind as I reflect on my teaching and the lessons I offer to students. Whether I am…

Prana and the Bathtub: Systems Thinking for the Ashtanga Practitioner

Prana and the Bathtub: Systems Thinking for the Ashtanga Practitioner

In our practice, we’re not just trying to keep the tub full. We’re learning to live in balance, where the ebb and flow of prana supports us as much as we support it. It’s not about avoiding leaks but recognizing that the small, subtle drains often compound our stress more than a single big crisis. The practice guides us in patching those leaks with awareness, restoring a harmonious flow where life feels less like a constant emergency and more like a nurturing partnership
In our practice, we’re not just trying to keep the tub full. We’re learning to live in balance, where the ebb and flow of prana supports us as much as we support it. It’s not about avoiding leaks but recognizing that the small, subtle drains often compound our stress more than a single big crisis. The practice guides us in patching those leaks with awareness, restoring a harmonious flow where life feels less like a constant emergency and more like a nurturing partnership.

The goal isn’t to always be on alert, like the little Dutch boy at the dam. Instead, we want to be more like the Indigenous stewards of land and water—understanding that the flow is only a problem when it’s out of balance. Otherwise, it’s a beautiful exchange, where prana nourishes us as much as we nourish it. This isn’t crisis management; it’s living in relationship.

When the Well Runs Dry: Burnout, Imbalance, and the Practice of Awareness

When the Well Runs Dry: Burnout, Imbalance, and the Practice of Awareness

A colleauge of mine feels overwhelemed and uninspired in their teaching, and feeling sore, sluggish, and resetful of their ashtanga practice . Sound familiar? I’ve sure as fuck been there. When the well is dry, it’s dry. No creativity, more irritation, and a creeping sense of burnout. Sure, our practice can help refill the cup, but one of its greatest gifts is its ability to alert us to imbalances before we hit empty. We might first notice it in outsized reactions to small annoyances—like my mom being more pissed at traffic than her own cancer. It’s a classic sign that something deeper is off, and it’s not just about the traffic. In our own system, when we’re flipping out over something inconsequential, it’s often because…

The Glitter and the Grind: Drag Queens, Yogis, and the Price of Dissent

The Glitter and the Grind: Drag Queens, Yogis, and the Price of Dissent

RuPaul’s Drag Race has had an incredible impact on the queer community in the United States, turning hardworking performance artists into household names with niche celebrity status. comes inevitable scrutiny and challenges.This dynamic reminds me of the issues within the Ashtanga yoga system, particularly around authorization, certification, and the balance between a marketplace driven by profit and power versus being a learning organization.

Scalability in Ashtanga Yoga Practice

Scalability in Ashtanga Yoga Practice

Ashtanga Yoga, while rigorous, is designed to be a lifelong practice. Scalability in this context refers to the ability to adjust the practice to suit different stages of life, physical conditions, and personal commitments. This adaptability ensures that Ashtanga remains beneficial and sustainable for practitioners, regardless of changes in their circumstances.

Integrating Systems Thinking into Ashtanga Yoga Community Support

Integrating Systems Thinking into Ashtanga Yoga Community Support

How tailored support networks and practical interventions can not only enhance individual practice but also strengthen our collective journey towards well-being.

From fostering collaboration over competition to extending our reach beyond the studio, we explore innovative strategies that enrich our community interactions and extend the benefits of yoga to broader societal contexts.