Michael Joel Hall recounts his visit to the Gala Theater in Columbia Heights to watch a Spanish production of ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman.’ He reflects on the themes of deception, honesty, and betrayal within the play and draws parallels to his experiences in the federal government, nonprofits, and his Ashtanga yoga community. Hall discusses the damaging impact of small betrayals by well-meaning but mediocre people in positions of power and stresses the importance of radical honesty as a countermeasure to authoritarian tendencies. He concludes by highlighting the importance of integrity in maintaining the spiritual health of a community.

00:00 Kiss of the Spider Woman
00:21 The Play: Kiss of the Spider Woman
00:43 Themes of Deception and Betrayal
03:25 Personal Reflections and Broader Implications
06:56 Conclusion: Honesty and Community

Michael Joel Hall discusses his intervention strategies to address unhealthy group dynamics in Ashtanga Yoga practice. He emphasizes the need for critical thinking, encouraging student autonomy, and fostering an open, transparent, and inclusive environment. Hall advocates for a student-centric approach, prompting open dialogue, respecting individual choices, and avoiding hierarchical or dogmatic practices. He stresses the importance of evidence-based teaching, open leadership, and peer support. Hall highlights the necessity of maintaining ethical standards, respecting personal autonomy, and fostering genuine community connections without creating high-pressure commitments or abusive dynamics. The script underscores the significance of maintaining integrity, transparency, and community well-being in yoga teaching and leadership.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose
00:01 Addressing Unhealthy Group Dynamics
01:15 Critical Thinking in Yoga Practice
01:40 Encouraging Student Independence
02:26 Building Trust and Normalizing Doubt
02:57 Grounding Practice in Biomechanics
04:57 Fostering Democratic Leadership
05:40 Being Open to Oversight
07:00 Respecting Personal Choices
07:28 Avoiding Dogmatic Views
07:44 Promoting Inclusivity and Accessibility
08:36 Equal Standards and No Inner Circles
09:26 Transparency and Ethical Standards
18:10 Authentic Relationships Beyond Yoga
18:58 Financial Transparency and Community Support
19:44 Avoiding Abuse and Humiliation
21:17 Ethical Mentorship and Equity
23:13 Maintaining Integrity and Being Yourself
26:10 Community Membership as a Practice
26:51 Transparency in Teaching and Learning
28:56 Data-Driven Success and Community Impact
29:38 Personal Challenges and Community Support
30:10 Long-Term Practice and Growth
30:27 Adapting and Innovating in Yoga
30:58 Conclusion and Farewell

Michael Joel Hall offers a different approach to Ashtanga Yoga grounded in humanist values, personal agency, and inclusivity, rather than dogma or hierarchy. Inspired by Dr. Anastasia Somerville Wong’s work on non-religious pastoral support, Hall emphasizes creating a supportive community that encourages critical thinking, personal experience, and mutual care. Hall outlines signs of high-pressure, cult-like communities, such as suppression of critical thought, encouragement of self-doubt, prevalence of magical thinking, authoritarian leadership, non-accountability, excessive and intrusive rules, and financial and sexual exploitation. He contrasts these with healthy community traits like open discussion, personal autonomy, and ethical integrity. Hall’s philosophy aims to decentralize power, foster critical thinking, and honor each practitioner’s unique journey.

00:00 Introduction and Setup
01:44 Critical Thought in Healthy Groups
04:20 Encouraging Self-Esteem
05:42 Magical Thinking in Cults
07:26 Reason and Evidence-Based Approach
07:56 Charismatic Leaders and Special Knowledge
10:38 Authoritarian Leadership
11:46 Accountable vs. Authoritarian Leaders
13:11 Leaders Above the Law
14:25 Draconian and Intrusive Rules
17:08 Censorship and Control of Information
18:23 Elitism and Inner Circles
19:31 Threats to Those Who Leave
19:48 Financial and Physical Penalties
20:28 Respect vs. Shunning
21:33 Slander and Vilification of Outsiders
21:45 Us vs. Them Mentality in Yoga Communities
22:26 Spotting Negative Group Dynamics
23:13 Isolation from Outside Relationships
24:20 Group Identity vs. Individual Identity
26:05 Secrecy and Elitism in Groups
26:51 Negative Group Rituals and Punishment
27:23 Transparency vs. Secrecy
27:34 Mind-Altering Practices and Conformity
28:22 Managing Expectations and Consent
29:38 Shame, Guilt, and Fear in Group Control
30:31 Supportive vs. Controlling Environments
30:51 Obsessive Loyalty and Critical Thinking
32:30 Recruitment and Growth Obsession
33:55 Genuine Community vs. Aggressive Recruitment
34:55 Love Bombing and Idealistic Goals
36:42 Financial Exploitation in Groups
39:16 Punitive Punishment and Abuse
41:56 Sexual Exploitation in High-Pressure Groups
44:03 Gender Equality vs. Gender Control
45:29 Gossip and Community Safety
46:15 Normalization of Deception
46:40 Justifying Bad Behavior for Group’s Sake
47:03 Real Integrity and Ethical Standards
47:17 Values and Honesty in Tough Times
47:27 Maintaining High Ethical Standards

In this video, we unbox the concept of decolonizing your yoga practice by removing authoritarianism and emphasizing self-study. This episode covers the cultural context of Ashtanga Yoga, the impact of colonialism and capitalism in shaping Western yoga practices, and the need for open-source teaching. Michael discusses historical gender biases, the guru-student power dynamic, and the issues of gatekeeping and groupthink in yoga communities. Learn about the importance of making yoga accessible and fostering community-centered approaches while balancing tradition with the evolution of Ashtanga Yoga. Discover how decommodification and recognizing inner intelligence can lead to true liberation in your practice.

00:00 Dismantling Authoritarianism with Ashtanga Yoga: Power, Practice, Justice
00:01 Introduction to Decolonizing Yoga
00:15 Historical Context and Cultural Impact
01:12 Examining Patriarchal Elements
02:14 Power Dynamics and Gatekeeping
03:37 Cultural Imperialism in Teaching
04:50 Appropriation vs. Appreciation
06:43 Open Source Teaching as Solution
08:12 Making Yoga Accessible
10:12 Balancing Tradition with Evolution
11:49 Self-Education and Awareness
14:05 Conclusion: Path to Liberation

In this video, Michael Joel Hall discusses the ‘Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Trap,’ a scenario where personal experiences of yoga teachers are misconstrued as universal truths. Highlighting the dangers of authoritarianism and high-demand dynamics in yoga communities, Hall emphasizes the importance of honoring individual experiences, promoting self-awareness, and fostering personal agency. He stresses the need for discernment, humility, and open dialogue, both from teachers and students, to ensure yoga remains a personal and explorative practice.

00:00 Introduction to the Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Trap
00:11 Subjectivity vs. Objectivity in Teaching
00:59 The Dangers of Authoritarian Teaching
01:26 High Demand Dynamics and Cult-like Behavior
02:03 The Importance of Honoring Student Experience
03:22 The Role of Humility and Discernment in Teaching
03:46 Conclusion: Maintaining Dialogue in Practice

This episode is on the topic of subjectivity in Ashtanga Yoga. This video emphasizes the importance of internal experiences over external instructions, highlighting how true understanding comes from doing rather than merely discussing. Learn about the role of breath (pranayama), the significance of bandhas, and how individual taste and preference can shape your practice. Michael also touches on the balance between subjective experience and objective assessment, providing insights into refining your yoga journey for both nourishment and growth.

00:00 Introduction and Greeting
00:03 Understanding Subjectivity in Ashtanga Yoga
00:33 The Importance of Internal Experience
01:08 The Role of Bandhas and Breath
02:12 Developing Personal Practice
03:36 Balancing Subjectivity and Objectivity
04:03 Challenges in Self-Assessment
05:08 Community Influence and Objectivity
05:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, MJH delves into the methods of qualification for an Ashtanga Yoga teacher, contrasting traditional practices with modern approaches. Hall discusses the historical context of authorization by Patabi the current certification processes. He highlights issues with evaluation models, explaining the benefits of a non-linear understanding of system dynamics over linear assessments. Hall shares personal experiences, including conflicts in teaching methods, and emphasizes the importance of ethical frameworks and personal growth for both teachers and students in Ashtanga Yoga.

00:00 Ashtanga Yoga Assessment Paradigms
00:13 Historical vs. Modern Certification Methods
01:15 Challenges in Modern Certification
02:18 Open Systems, Closed Systems, and Narrow Minds
03:11 Personal Teaching Conflicts and Adaptations
04:13 Linear vs. Non-Linear System Dynamics
05:57 Holistic Criteria for Assessing Teachers
06:26 Balancing Physical and Ethical Development
07:16 Questions for Personal Practice and Teaching
08:35 Conclusion: The Importance of Ethical Teaching

In this episode, I delve into the importance of balancing objectivity and subjectivity in Ashtanga Yoga practice. Objective analysis focuses on measurable aspects such as alignment, breath length, stance, and body placement. However, maintaining awareness of your subjective experience—your personal journey and internal responses—is equally crucial. The video also highlights the role of a skilled teacher and the significance of developing your internal compass to guide your practice, empowering you to adapt practices to your unique needs.

00:00 Objective Analysis of Practice
00:26 Embracing Subjective Experience
00:53 The Role of the Teacher
01:11 Developing Your Inner Compass

The Art of Assisting in Ashtanga Yoga: Beyond Physical Adjustments

In this video, Michael Joel Hall, a seasoned Ashtanga Yoga teacher based in Washington DC, delves into the nuanced art and responsibility of assisting in yoga practice. Hall emphasizes that assisting is not about fixing students but about supporting their personal practice through presence and understanding. Drawing on systems thinking and yoga philosophy, he discusses the significance of verbal, visual, and physical assists, the importance of consent and trauma awareness, and the spiritual dimension of assisting within the framework of the eight limbs of yoga. The key message is to support the students’ exploration and self-organization rather than imposing corrections, advocating for a holistic approach that respects individual needs and fosters mutual growth.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:08 The Art and Responsibility of Assisting
01:04 Purpose of Assisting in Ashtanga Yoga
01:48 Supporting an Intelligent System
03:21 Spiritual Practice of Assisting
05:50 Types of Assists: Verbal, Visual, Physical
08:17 Consent, Touch, and Trauma Awareness
10:27 Feedback Loops in Assisting
12:36 Adaptation and Individualization

Subjectivity vs. Objectivity in Ashtanga Yoga Practice

In this video, Michael Joel Hall discusses the important balance between subjectivity and objectivity in Ashtanga yoga practice. He explores how personal experience and objective observation impact our practice and progress. Michael emphasizes the need to balance inner experiences with feedback from teachers, historical standards, and self-reviews. The video highlights the significance of having worthy mentors and using feedback constructively to enhance practice and self-awareness.

00:00 Introduction to Subjectivity vs. Objectivity in Ashtanga Yoga
00:52 Balancing Personal Experience and Objective Observation
01:39 The Role of Feedback and Blind Spots
02:12 Trust and the Inner Compass
03:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts