Field Ledger Archive
13,278 entries across the years, 2003–2026.
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May 2019
Whats one thing for sure we know about patterns?
They repeat.
In yoga practice, we’re attempting to wake up to our patternings— to become cognizant of their presence and to ask ourself, honestly: “is this useful?”
In order to change a pattern, we don’t engage in “unlearning.” Why would we want to give up our wisdoms? Instead, we plant seeds. Seeds that will grow into patterns that are useful. And then, after some time, we cycle back and ask again. Is this useful?
See the pattern?
One day, the seeds we plant will not require us to plant more. And that’s when we begin to stop the process of karma— and maybe, just maybe, find liberation.
But it only comes through a willingness to ask and answer honestly. And it only comes with enough patience to let certain things play out. To, as the kids say, “let go of that which does not serve us.”
Like @spaceykacey says, it’s a slow burn.
They repeat.
In yoga practice, we’re attempting to wake up to our patternings— to become cognizant of their presence and to ask ourself, honestly: “is this useful?”
In order to change a pattern, we don’t engage in “unlearning.” Why would we want to give up our wisdoms? Instead, we plant seeds. Seeds that will grow into patterns that are useful. And then, after some time, we cycle back and ask again. Is this useful?
See the pattern?
One day, the seeds we plant will not require us to plant more. And that’s when we begin to stop the process of karma— and maybe, just maybe, find liberation.
But it only comes through a willingness to ask and answer honestly. And it only comes with enough patience to let certain things play out. To, as the kids say, “let go of that which does not serve us.”
Like @spaceykacey says, it’s a slow burn.
in image#gratuitous
in image40
@michaeljoelhall
MEMORIES
MAY 8, 2017
@michaeljoelhall
MEMORIES
MAY 8, 2017
@balancegym Working
on
balancing
my
imbalances
on
balancing
my
imbalances
in image@balancegym
Working
on
balancing
my-
imbalances
Working
on
balancing
my-
imbalances
Rollin thru
Wednesday
like
Madonna
at 60
rolls
thru
JFK
Wednesday
like
Madonna
at 60
rolls
thru
JFK
in image7A
Rollin thru
Wednesday
like
Madonna
at 60
rolls
thru
JFK
Rollin thru
Wednesday
like
Madonna
at 60
rolls
thru
JFK
in imageomgbeckyp
SWEAT-DC
sweatdc
omgbeckyp
Thanks @sweatdc for
helpin me start my
Wednesdays RIGHT.
(02) 643 1870
SWEAT DC
Yasss yogis who lift
Ive probs neyer made
my teacher
@michaeljoelhall so
proud #yogiswholift
SWEAT-DC
sweatdc
omgbeckyp
Thanks @sweatdc for
helpin me start my
Wednesdays RIGHT.
(02) 643 1870
SWEAT DC
Yasss yogis who lift
Ive probs neyer made
my teacher
@michaeljoelhall so
proud #yogiswholift
Fun Facebook poll: whatâs missing from most yoga schedules that you really want. What do you look for in one?
still an accurate reflection
of my priorities.
of my priorities.
in imageYour memories on Facebook
Michael, we care about you and the memories that
you share here. We thought that you'd like to look
back on this post from 5 years ago.
If
Michael Joel Hall
7 May 2014 at 09:56
I was going to make a post about a real #ashtangachallenge
being 4 full weeks of uninterrupted practice. Then I found
pics of hot dudes. The end.
still an accurate reflection
of my priorities.
Michael, we care about you and the memories that
you share here. We thought that you'd like to look
back on this post from 5 years ago.
If
Michael Joel Hall
7 May 2014 at 09:56
I was going to make a post about a real #ashtangachallenge
being 4 full weeks of uninterrupted practice. Then I found
pics of hot dudes. The end.
still an accurate reflection
of my priorities.
For @barbellsntacos
X5
265
24”
more of this malarkey
Oh yeah, and 8 good mornings
5 rounds.
There were 8
dB lunges too.
There were 8
dB lunges too.
8 8 Cossack squat get ups focusing on hip IR
in image8 sack squat get ups focusing on hip IR
8 cossack squat get ups focusing on hip IR
8 cossack squat get ups focusing on hip IR
I did not
let perfection
inhibit proficient.
let perfection
inhibit proficient.
Chose
pleasure
over
pedantic
pleasure
over
pedantic
There comes a time and place where the voices inside your head shows the crack in the curtain. The place where you can see the wizard. The place where you see that the emperor had no clothes. The stuff of ancient allegory and parable.
If we're listening and looking outside and inwardly enough, patiently enough, we can catch it. How much is enough? Enough is enough.
When you are able to to divinate between the harsh inner critic and the guidance of our individual, yet universal, deep innate wisdom-speaker, then the journey inside becomes revelatory. Don't worry-- you are already enough.
For me, Running was it for a long time. Revelations upon Revelations. Yoga maybe took longer, but was sweeter to the tounge. Vipassana style mediation was the most intense, but worked the best. Turns out I really needed to not talk for about two weeks to start listening. For me, that was enough.
That last one, vipassana, actually had broad stroke applications that I was able to use everywhere.
It changed my yoga practice. It enhanced it. My enoughness grew.
I practice and teach Ashtanga yoga in manner that allows for revelation to occur in an individual way for the practitioner, while utilizing tried and true methodology that has broad stroke application to practice.
If you wanna learn to find your enoughness... If you want to learn a practice that is holistic, healing, and enjoyable....
Come learn with me: @dcashtanga at @eaton.dc
M: 5-7pm
T-F: 7-10am
T-Th: 5-7pm
Vinyasa at #eatondc
T: 12p
W: 1:30p
Th: 1:30p
If we're listening and looking outside and inwardly enough, patiently enough, we can catch it. How much is enough? Enough is enough.
When you are able to to divinate between the harsh inner critic and the guidance of our individual, yet universal, deep innate wisdom-speaker, then the journey inside becomes revelatory. Don't worry-- you are already enough.
For me, Running was it for a long time. Revelations upon Revelations. Yoga maybe took longer, but was sweeter to the tounge. Vipassana style mediation was the most intense, but worked the best. Turns out I really needed to not talk for about two weeks to start listening. For me, that was enough.
That last one, vipassana, actually had broad stroke applications that I was able to use everywhere.
It changed my yoga practice. It enhanced it. My enoughness grew.
I practice and teach Ashtanga yoga in manner that allows for revelation to occur in an individual way for the practitioner, while utilizing tried and true methodology that has broad stroke application to practice.
If you wanna learn to find your enoughness... If you want to learn a practice that is holistic, healing, and enjoyable....
Come learn with me: @dcashtanga at @eaton.dc
M: 5-7pm
T-F: 7-10am
T-Th: 5-7pm
Vinyasa at #eatondc
T: 12p
W: 1:30p
Th: 1:30p
Valor: great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.
It's a character trait worth honing. Here's how: 🤜🏽 Stand by your moral code in the face of adversity *and* in the face of overwhelming convenience. 👊🏽 Use your privledge to elevate the marginalized. 🤜🏽 Defy your own marginalization through direct action. 👊🏽 Question everything, and if you see something, say something. 🤜🏽 Do no harm, but take no shit.
If doing the right thing was always profitable, everyone would do it. Just because it isn’t always doesn’t mean it can’t be.
Be brave enough to do things right. Talk is cheap. Action indicates priority.
If you need me, you can find me out here in these streets speaking truth to power. I'll see ya there.
This is yoga.
It's a character trait worth honing. Here's how: 🤜🏽 Stand by your moral code in the face of adversity *and* in the face of overwhelming convenience. 👊🏽 Use your privledge to elevate the marginalized. 🤜🏽 Defy your own marginalization through direct action. 👊🏽 Question everything, and if you see something, say something. 🤜🏽 Do no harm, but take no shit.
If doing the right thing was always profitable, everyone would do it. Just because it isn’t always doesn’t mean it can’t be.
Be brave enough to do things right. Talk is cheap. Action indicates priority.
If you need me, you can find me out here in these streets speaking truth to power. I'll see ya there.
This is yoga.
(and also with you)
in imageMAY THE
FQ
Th
BE WITH
YOU
FQ
Th
BE WITH
YOU
in imageWhen it's only Cinco de Tres and you're
already Cinco de Fucked up
(2whitepeoplehumor
TEmAnm
Jose Queruo
Esperial
already Cinco de Fucked up
(2whitepeoplehumor
TEmAnm
Jose Queruo
Esperial
YES
in imageRecently played
MADONN
I RISE
MADONNA
Conf srims on a dane
I Rise
Confessions on a
Dance Floor
YES <
Chill
Unwind with these calming playlists.
Refractions
Study Break
Refractions
Photay, Ross from Friends,...
Study Break
Billie Eilish, Khalid, Juice W..
Your heavy rotation
Lunawy Child Clt Uot Chin
ME
MADONN
I RISE
MADONNA
Conf srims on a dane
I Rise
Confessions on a
Dance Floor
YES <
Chill
Unwind with these calming playlists.
Refractions
Study Break
Refractions
Photay, Ross from Friends,...
Study Break
Billie Eilish, Khalid, Juice W..
Your heavy rotation
Lunawy Child Clt Uot Chin
ME
4th series research
at the gym.
at the gym.
in image4th
series research
at the gym.
OVIH
series research
at the gym.
OVIH
in imageTHIS IS WHAT ATHEISTS BELIEVE
April 2019
@kcbyonce
is the
literal best
is the
literal best
in imagekcbyonce
TRADE
@kcbyonce
is the
literal best
DOL
Liked by matthew_davis_1 and 65 others
kcbyonce We had such a blast this weekend at
@tradebardc for the CTRL!!!.
Shout out to @kaloramaphoto & @pineappletuna for the
awesome photos.
My party "Slay My Name" returns Sunday May 12 at
Trade!!!
60
"
TRADE
@kcbyonce
is the
literal best
DOL
Liked by matthew_davis_1 and 65 others
kcbyonce We had such a blast this weekend at
@tradebardc for the CTRL!!!.
Shout out to @kaloramaphoto & @pineappletuna for the
awesome photos.
My party "Slay My Name" returns Sunday May 12 at
Trade!!!
60
"
In order for contemplation practice to work, we must find a place to practice where the conditions are tolerable enough that we can sit long enough to concentrate. Our space at @eaton.dc is certainly that.
The physical location of practice can provide that, sure, but more importantly, the actual posture itself must provide that.
Ashtanga Yoga, taught in the Mysore style, functions very well at creating both an abode for attention and as a physically therapeutic modality for self healing. If we pick variants of foundational postures that target our specific limitations, then we have a chance to heal them.
In this way, more “advanced” postures function diagnostically— and then, later, also therapeutically. The practice of Ashtanga Yoga systematically addresses the body.
Here, #parsvakonasanab is being performed in a manner that develops internal shoulder rotation, extension, and retraction and also hip flexion in spinal rotation. This has been done to help create more mobility for postures like #pasasana and #marichyasanac
This process allows us to slowly adapt. The discomfort of growth must be manageable. It also very clearly highlights that the posture itself is a framework for development, not an end goal.
HEYAM DUHKHAM ANAGATAM (2.16)
Pain that has not yet come is avoidable.
The physical location of practice can provide that, sure, but more importantly, the actual posture itself must provide that.
Ashtanga Yoga, taught in the Mysore style, functions very well at creating both an abode for attention and as a physically therapeutic modality for self healing. If we pick variants of foundational postures that target our specific limitations, then we have a chance to heal them.
In this way, more “advanced” postures function diagnostically— and then, later, also therapeutically. The practice of Ashtanga Yoga systematically addresses the body.
Here, #parsvakonasanab is being performed in a manner that develops internal shoulder rotation, extension, and retraction and also hip flexion in spinal rotation. This has been done to help create more mobility for postures like #pasasana and #marichyasanac
This process allows us to slowly adapt. The discomfort of growth must be manageable. It also very clearly highlights that the posture itself is a framework for development, not an end goal.
HEYAM DUHKHAM ANAGATAM (2.16)
Pain that has not yet come is avoidable.
in imageDoes this make me a lunk,
@planetfitness?
YES
NO
@planetfitness?
YES
NO
What’s that sound in the distance? Chanting.
I searched in the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga in order to discover its most potent form, and what I found made a mess of my sensibilities. I chanted with esteemed professors of the Sanskrit college whilst banana leaves were scanned into computers for posterity. I listened to casual talk about the infinite with men who devoted their lives to the study. And i practiced under the looming and smiling visage of a now disgraced Brahmin “master” who died before I came to the fertile soil of Mysore.
What for? For an understanding of yoga, and then later for an accreditation to teach just that. The laugh of it all is that my ranking inside of the authorizing organization has been based on physical accomplishment, not my pedagogical ones.
This makes some sense when you consider the selection process... how often you turn up for practice and how deep down the syllabus you are able to dive. Progression by attrition— can you outlast the impetus to turn away.
I could.
But now, on the other side of having received “the gurus” blessing to teach, i wonder about its value. The heirarchical nature of the guru-shishya model leads to some concerns on my end. I don’t have a problem with heirarchy... i have a problem with blind faith and abuse.
For example, was i too fat? The “guru” had certainly told me to stop eating so much if i wanted to make an asana happen. I had been eating my feelings more than the rice for months at that point. No. Thank you.
I don’t have a stomach for the “vande gurunam” any longer because it’s this kind of encouraged prostration to authority that leads to the police being quietly ushered away from world tours of retired Sanskrit scholars, young woman being taken out of shalas in stretchers, and gay boys having dormant eating disorders stoked.
As director of @dcashtanga i still encourage chanting— but the chants we chant are older than the dirt of mysore’s palace. I still encourage practice in its most raw form— contemplation, breath, movement, and stillness— and I trust that the practice will become self evident of its excellence.
I searched in the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga in order to discover its most potent form, and what I found made a mess of my sensibilities. I chanted with esteemed professors of the Sanskrit college whilst banana leaves were scanned into computers for posterity. I listened to casual talk about the infinite with men who devoted their lives to the study. And i practiced under the looming and smiling visage of a now disgraced Brahmin “master” who died before I came to the fertile soil of Mysore.
What for? For an understanding of yoga, and then later for an accreditation to teach just that. The laugh of it all is that my ranking inside of the authorizing organization has been based on physical accomplishment, not my pedagogical ones.
This makes some sense when you consider the selection process... how often you turn up for practice and how deep down the syllabus you are able to dive. Progression by attrition— can you outlast the impetus to turn away.
I could.
But now, on the other side of having received “the gurus” blessing to teach, i wonder about its value. The heirarchical nature of the guru-shishya model leads to some concerns on my end. I don’t have a problem with heirarchy... i have a problem with blind faith and abuse.
For example, was i too fat? The “guru” had certainly told me to stop eating so much if i wanted to make an asana happen. I had been eating my feelings more than the rice for months at that point. No. Thank you.
I don’t have a stomach for the “vande gurunam” any longer because it’s this kind of encouraged prostration to authority that leads to the police being quietly ushered away from world tours of retired Sanskrit scholars, young woman being taken out of shalas in stretchers, and gay boys having dormant eating disorders stoked.
As director of @dcashtanga i still encourage chanting— but the chants we chant are older than the dirt of mysore’s palace. I still encourage practice in its most raw form— contemplation, breath, movement, and stillness— and I trust that the practice will become self evident of its excellence.
3 more weeks
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