Monday
April 14, 2025
Spring · 8 entries

Integrating the Physical and the Spiritual
This video features Michael Joel Hall discussing the inherent link between physical mastery and spiritual depth in Ashtanga Yoga. Hall explains the integrative approach of the Tristhana method which combines breath (pranayama), posture (asana), and gaze (drishti) to create a holistic path of transformation. He emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between body and spirit, where physical practice enhances mental clarity and emotional balance, and spiritual engagement infuses intention into movements. Progress in Ashtanga Yoga is measured by how the philosophy is applied to physical postures and further integrated into everyday life. 00:00 Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga 00:18 The Trisana Method: Breath, Posture, and Gaze 00:42 Symbiotic Relationship Between Body and Spirit 01:03 Applying Philosophy to Practice 01:35 Conclusion
Read the essay →Ive recieved a lot of shame and pressure from my colleagues over the years about my open approach — an approach that is now considered the gold standard in circles that respect both the science of strength and conditioning and yoga as an indigenous insight practice.
Am I mad? No. I’m too busy being blessed.
Since my parents needed full-time care for a while (and my clientele has been largely in person) ive been busy. My book got backburnered for a few months. I want the world to have it.
Im so happy that people who dont have the same caretaking work that I have are available to usher in the conversations i want to be having. And I hope my little talking heads have been valuable to you guys. Sometimes my colleagues get a bit myopic and territorial. I’m appaled by that, especially since my approach dismantles that.
As the federal government’s yoga consultant, ive been busy. You get it.
Since i work with people in real life, these systems and processes I have refined over the last 10 years have been siloed. I want them out in the open.
I don't owe you my services and I don't always need to
care about your feelings. If I write, I don't need to tell
your story. If I sing, I don't always want to sing for my
supper. My comedy doesn't need to make you laugh
and my music doesn't need to make you dance. If my
art makes me wealthy and famous, I don't owe you a
discount or collaboration. If my art is unknown, you
don't get to measure its worth by audience size. My art
may talk about love even if I've never been in love. It
may preach kindness while I still learn to be kind. My
art may be flawless but I'm still imperfect and human.
I don't owe you anything other than your time if l
asked for it and your money's worth if you paid. My
debt is to myself, for the time of my life I spent
learning my craft. My gratitude belongs to the
universe, for sending itself a message through my
creations, for making me a vessel of the divine.
Leo Herrera
- POST, page 45
@herreraimages

