Introduction: When Effects Distort Our Understanding of Causes In 1946, statistician Joseph Berkson noticed something peculiar in hospital patient data: diseases that should have been independent appeared to be negatively correlated. Cancer patients seemed less likely to have diabetes, and vice versa. This observation seemed to contradict everything known about disease independence. The answer to this paradox would eventually reveal one of the most counterintuitive principles in causal reasoning—the collider effect. A collider is a variable that sits at the convergence point of two or more independent causal pathways. The structure looks deceptively simple:Variable X → Collider Z ← Variable Y Two independent causes (X and Y) flow into a common effect (Z). But here’s the paradox: when we condition on the collider—when we only…

Revisiting Rule 1: Independent Variables Are Not Correlated Restating the Argument In Ashtanga Yoga, not all elements of practice are causally connected. For example, focusing solely on aesthetic performance (e.g., how a posture looks) often leads to false assumptions about progress. Understanding this independence helps practitioners avoid wasting energy on irrelevant or misleading correlations. Detachment (vairagya) serves as a guiding principle for staying grounded in what truly matters. Counterpoints, Holes, and Second Opinions 1. Do Variables Ever Exist in True Independence in Yoga? Counterpoint: Yoga philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things. The idea that two variables (e.g., strength and flexibility) are completely independent may clash with this holistic worldview. Can independence ever truly exist in a system as integrated as the body-mind connection? Alternative View: Instead…

In systems thinking and yoga alike, progress requires recognizing hidden confounders and addressing them directly rather than being misled by surface-level correlations. When practitioners address the root cause, both seemingly related symptoms often resolve harmoniously. Rule 1: Independent Variables Are Not Correlated This rule states that if two variables are causally independent, there will be no observable association between them in the data. For instance, if Variable A does not influence Variable B, their correlation will be zero unless influenced by an external factor. Intersection with Ashtanga Yoga: In Ashtanga Yoga, this can be explored through the principle of detachment (vairagya). The yogic system acknowledges that not all elements in life are interconnected in meaningful ways, and discernment (viveka) is required to understand what truly impacts…

The eight basic rules for causal inference from Peder M. Isager’s blog provide an excellent framework for understanding how causal relationships emerge and interact with observable data. These rules resonate with core principles in both systems thinking and Ashtanga Yoga. Let’s explore this connection. 1. Independent Variables are Not Correlated In systems thinking, an independent variable can be seen as an external input or a system component that does not directly influence other parts. This rule aligns with the yogic principle of detachment (Vairagya) where actions devoid of expectations (causal independence) do not entangle one in their outcomes. 2. Causal Influence Creates Correlation This mirrors the idea in systems thinking that feedback loops (positive or negative) generate observable patterns. In yoga, cause-effect chains are understood…

In systems thinking, a collider is a variable influenced by two or more independent factors—and Ashtanga’s authorization system contains a perfect example that explains why the current model is so resistant to change. Consider the collider: “Becoming an Authorized Teacher” This outcome is influenced by two largely independent variables: In an ideal system, both would be required for authorization. But the current Ashtanga authorization process primarily conditions on X (asana achievement), creating what statisticians call collider bias—a systematic distortion that produces misleading correlations. Here’s how the collider creates dysfunction: The Selection Bias When we only examine people who’ve achieved authorization (conditioning on the collider), we’re looking at a pre-filtered population. Within this group, we might observe that teachers with exceptional asana ability sometimes struggle with…

The Evolution of an Ashtanga Teacher Introduction Change and iteration? I’m good with those. I started out verbose—talking too much, explaining every little thing. Then I swung the pendulum toward the stereotypical Ashtanga script: minimal instruction, no props, traditional cues only. But ultimately, I came back to being real. The journey wasn’t a straight line. I had poor mentorship modeling early on in my Ashtanga career. It took a while to trust myself—to teach from what I knew to be true, not just what I was shown. I. The Early Years: Strict Adherence to Tradition In the early years of teaching, I thought I needed to model exactly what had been handed down to me. That meant ditching props—even though I had used them before…

The Five Obstacles to Yoga Introduction Every yogi, whether fresh-faced on the mat or seasoned from years of practice, eventually bumps into… something. A wall, a plateau, a discomfort, or an inexplicable resistance. In yoga philosophy, these aren’t random speed bumps — they are known, predictable, and profoundly human. Enter the kleshas — the five obstacles. These obstacles aren’t about flexibility or how long you can hold a handstand. They’re inner blocks that cloud perception, distort behavior, and make spiritual evolution feel like wading through peanut butter in a wet blanket. Understanding them doesn’t magically solve them (sorry), but it does provide a framework for self-inquiry, personal growth, and a yoga practice that transcends hamstrings. I. Avidya (Ignorance): The Root Obstacle In yoga, avidya is…

Three Radical Shifts as You Grow in Yoga There’s a moment—somewhere between your second Utkatasana and your fourth sun salutation—when you realize yoga is working on more than just your hamstrings. Sure, you came to class for the promise of better posture or to finally get your feet behind your head without causing orthopedic concern. But then something… shifts. Maybe it’s the way you start to breathe when someone cuts you off in traffic. Maybe it’s the fact that you now notice your jaw clenching before your jaw files for emancipation. These shifts aren’t random. They unfold through what I’ve come to see as three radical, interconnected layers of transformation: goal setting, energetic awareness, and intuitive integration. And spoiler alert: none of these involve getting…