A New Path Forward for the Yoga Industry

A New Path Forward for the Yoga Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep flaws in the yoga industry, from unsustainable business models to the growing commercialization of the practice. This collection of essays explores the rise, collapse, and potential rebirth of the industry, offering solutions focused on sustainability, equity, and community. By addressing long-standing challenges, we have the chance to rebuild an industry that honors yoga’s spiritual roots while supporting teachers, students, and studios alike.

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…

Navigating Overtraining in Ashtanga Yoga: Signs, Solutions, and Self-Care

Navigating Overtraining in Ashtanga Yoga: Signs, Solutions, and Self-Care

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? You dive headfirst into the wonderland of Ashtanga Yoga, blissfully aware of the transformative power of each pose—until one day, the thought of stepping onto your mat feels more like a chore than a joy. Overtraining can sneak up on even the most enthusiastic yogis, often disguised as the eager pursuit of progress. In a world that glorifies hustle, it’s essential to pause and acknowledge that our bodies need time to recover as much as they need movement. Just like a speedy sports car requires a pit stop, o too do we, lest we find ourselves stalling on the yoga highway. This article will dive into recognizing the early signs of overtraining, crafting a holistic plan for self-care, and…

Self Practice and Grief

Self Practice and Grief

When I got to Goa, I felt anonymous again. In Mysore, I felt like everyone had heard. I was the ashtangi who got hate crime’d in the face after his house burned down. I wanted to be the tall pretty one. Or the smart one. But for now, I was very much the tragic one. Luckily, Rolf wasn’t watching the news. I was just one more 6’3 drop back for him to do. And he was happy to oblige– quietly sharing lite bits here and there in my ear about his work. But not so happy with it that I didn’t get assigned sone extra. Great. After 27 years of shrinking myself for others, I got to just be the big one. You gotta gang…

Context Matters for Indigenous Insight Practices

Decontextualizing indigenous insight practices—like those in traditional Ashtanga Yoga or other ancient systems—tends to diminish their efficacy because these practices are deeply embedded in specific cultural, spiritual, and historical contexts. This “embedding” isn’t a casual detail; it’s essential to how these systems work. When aspects of a practice are extracted or secularized, they lose the nuanced interconnections that support the whole system, similar to removing a keystone from an arch. For example, in Ashtanga Yoga, specific techniques and philosophies are not just exercises but methods developed within a layered understanding of ethics, community, and personal transformation. This is why teachers like Gregor Maehle emphasize that yoga is not just postures but part of a system that includes spiritual texts, breath work, ethics, and ritual. Removing…

The Paradox of the Yoga Flame

The Paradox of the Yoga Flame

In this piece, I dive into the heart of yoga’s transformative journey, examining the balance between the intensity of practice and the tranquility it nurtures. I challenge you to rethink what we truly seek from our yoga journey – is it the relentless pursuit of physical intensity or the quest for inner peace and harmony? Whether you’re a long-time yogi or just starting out, this article offers a fresh perspective that resonates with practitioners at all stages. Discover insights that might just change the way you view your yoga practice.”

From Fervent Flames to Steady Glow: A Yoga Odyssey Over Time

From Fervent Flames to Steady Glow: A Yoga Odyssey Over Time

Inspired by a conversation with Caroline Weaver, this piece delves into the evolving nature of yoga — from reflections on intensity to age. It questions our relentless pursuit of intensity in practice and invites us to savor its current state and the internal transformation it ignites. Join Caroline and I as we explore the shift from seeking external intensity to finding internal fulfillment and wisdom. If you’re intrigued by the deeper aspects of yoga beyond physicality, this article offers insightful reflections on balancing vigor with inner peace. Read now and discover how true transformation in yoga lies within us.

The Business of Yoga: A Guide for Mindful Ashtanga Practitioners

Are you an Ashtanga yoga practitioner who is considering becoming a yoga teacher? Or are you already a yoga teacher who wants to improve your business skills? Then this guide is for you! In this article, we will explore the business aspect of yoga teaching and give you tips on how to run a mindful business. The Importance of Your Niche As a yoga teacher, it’s important to find your niche. Your niche is the area of focus within yoga teaching that sets you apart from other teachers. For example, you may specialize in teaching Ashtanga yoga for beginners or yoga for athletes. By choosing a niche, you can build a brand around your expertise and attract students who are looking for that specific type…

A Guide to Yoga Insurance and Continuing Education for Practitioners”

Intro: Ashtanga yoga is a beautiful practice that can transform your body, mind, and spirit. But as with any physical activity, injuries can happen. That’s why it’s important for Ashtanga yoga practitioners to have insurance (should something happen) and continue their education (to prevent something from happening). In this guide, we’ll explore why insurance is important, where to get it, and what continuing education requirements you need to fulfill. Why You Need Insurance: Let’s face it, accidents happen. Ashtanga practitioners often push themselves to the limit, and injuries can occur. But did you know that yoga-related emergency room visits happen more often than we think? That’s why it’s important to have insurance to protect yourself against claims regarding unexpected yoga accidents. Plus, having insurance can…