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.

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…

Marketing Your Ashtanga Yoga Business: Tips and Strategies for Success

If you’re an Ashtanga yoga teacher looking to build your business, marketing is key. But let’s be real, marketing can feel overwhelming and daunting. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some tips and strategies to help you build your brand, connect with students, and grow your business. Daily Marketing Practice: Just as a regular yoga practice is essential for growth and flexibility, a daily marketing practice is essential for building your business. Set aside time each day to update your website or social media accounts, send out emails to your subscribers, or plan upcoming workshops and retreats. Consistency is key, even when your classes are packed or when attendance is low. To Brand or Not to Brand: While branding can be important in building…

From Studio to Retreats: How Ashtanga Yoga Teachers Can Build Experience and Income

Hello, hello, hello, Ashtanga yogis! Are you looking to build your experience and create new revenue streams as a yoga teacher? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll explore different teaching formats and opportunities that can help you achieve your goals. Let’s dive in! Part 1: Building Experience Part 2: Creating Revenue Streams Part 3: Maximizing Passive and Residual Income Part 4: Understanding the Importance of Connection Conclusion: Whether you’re looking to build experience or create new revenue streams, there are plenty of opportunities out there for you. By exploring different teaching formats and opportunities, you can find new and exciting ways to share your love of yoga with others. And remember, connection is at the heart of the…