The Importance of Explicit Communication in Teaching

Teaching, at its core, is about conveying information in a way that leads to understanding. Whether it’s teaching yoga, guiding students through complex subjects, or addressing legal matters, the clarity and precision of communication are paramount. In my experience, explicit communication has proven to be an essential tool, especially when working with autistic or neurodivergent individuals. Interestingly, I have found that this same level of explicitness is often required when working with lawyers. As I’ve observed, “The lawyers and the autistic people require the same stuff. You have to have everything explicitly broken down.” The necessity for clear, step-by-step instruction is not unique to one specific group but is vital across a wide range of learners. This essay will explore why explicit communication is so…

Adapting Ashtanga Yoga for Life Long Practice

Adapting Ashtanga Yoga for Life Long Practice

For many, Ashtanga yoga may evoke images of youthful, flexible practitioners twisting gracefully into challenging poses. This perception, deeply rooted in yoga’s modern history, suggests that the practice is predominantly tailored for the young and resilient. This belief, however, overlooks an essential truth about yoga’s adaptability and its potential as a lifelong practice.

Five Unexpected Ways Radical Candor Can Make You a Better Yoga Teacher

Five Unexpected Ways Radical Candor Can Make You a Better Yoga Teacher

Many yoga students walk into class thinking they need to “perform” the poses perfectly. If they struggle, they feel like they’ve failed. But when you use Radical Candor—balancing direct feedback with genuine care—you shift their mindset from perfection to progress.

Instead of saying, “That alignment is off,” try:

✔ “I love how focused you are—let’s adjust your stance a little so you can move with more ease.”

This tells them you see their effort and want to help them grow, not just critique their form.

Let’s explore a few more.

The Burden of Caring and Its Complexity

The Burden of Caring and Its Complexity

Caring for others is often considered a noble and virtuous responsibility, one that evokes feelings of compassion, duty, and love. However, the act of caring is not always straightforward. It is a complex burden that requires more than just emotional investment. For those who have taken on the role of caregivers, the emotional toll can be immense, and the line between caring for others and simply managing the logistics of caregiving often becomes blurred. The reality is that caring for someone isn’t the same as being good at it.

Embracing Change Through Our Ashtanga Practice

Embracing Change Through Our Ashtanga Practice

I want to acknowledge the challenges many of you may be experiencing. It’s a time of uncertainty, and I understand how it can impact our mental and emotional states.

To support you during this period, I’ve updated our newsletter to include a more robust collection of writings focused on wisdom from our practice, as well as systems and processes that can enhance our journey together in Ashtanga Yoga. My intention is to provide you with resources that not only nourish your practice but also offer insights and reflections that can help us navigate these turbulent times.

Yoga Teachers and Movie Extras: A Comparison of Pay and Value

Yoga Teachers and Movie Extras: A Comparison of Pay and Value

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG), now SAG-AFTRA, has long been an advocate for actors, including those in non-speaking roles such as movie extras. Under SAG’s protections, even extras—often seen as the most replaceable individuals on set—are guaranteed minimum pay rates, overtime compensation, meal breaks, and safety standards. These guidelines ensure that even those performing the most seemingly minor roles are treated with dignity and fairness. The union’s advocacy for extras highlights the importance of collective representation in industries where the workers might otherwise be vulnerable to exploitation. With SAG backing them, movie extras gain access to stable pay, healthcare, pension contributions, and a guaranteed level of workplace safety that would be nearly impossible to secure on their own. Yoga Teachers Without Collective Protection In contrast,…

The Courage to be Vulnerable and Thrive Beyond Fear

The Courage to be Vulnerable and Thrive Beyond Fear

In a world that often champions perfection, “Embracing Imperfection: The Courage to be Vulnerable and Thrive Beyond Fear” invites you to explore the beauty of authenticity. Discover the profound connection between risk, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to confront our fears. From understanding that true courage is not the absence of fear to recognizing the potential within discomfort, this blog reveals how embracing our imperfections can lead to extraordinary growth. Join us on a transformative journey where we challenge the norm of perfectionism, lean into our vulnerabilities, and ultimately, reinvent ourselves through courageous action. Are you ready to step out of the shadows of fear and into the light of your true potential?

How Yoga Teachers Can Thrive Financially!

How Yoga Teachers Can Thrive Financially!

🧘‍♀️ Are you a passionate yoga teacher struggling with financial stability? In this video, Michael Jolley delves into the crucial steps for creating a sustainable business model in the yoga industry. Discover how financial equity and community support can revolutionize your career. 💰 Learn to budget and master financial literacy for future disruptions. 🌐 Explore the potential of online platforms and community-centric offerings to expand your horizons beyond studio classes. 🧩 Together, let’s reshape the yoga profession for financial stability while continuing to spread the joy of yoga. Don’t miss out on these invaluable insights for a strong and secure career! #YogaBusiness #FinancialStability #MindfulLiving

Pros & Cons of Being a Yoga Contractor: Is It Worth It?

Pros & Cons of Being a Yoga Contractor: Is It Worth It?

Are you ready to explore the life of a yoga contractor? 🌟 Discover the unique balance of freedom and responsibility in the yoga industry. As a contractor, you get to choose when, where, and how often you teach, giving you unparalleled creative control. Yet, with this autonomy comes the challenge of missing out on traditional benefits like health insurance and paid leave. The secret to success is in financial planning and understanding deductions. Join us in unpacking these insights and learn how yoga professionals can navigate these waters. #YogaContractor #FreedomAndResponsibility #YogaCareer