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english.elpais.comEva Millet, writer: ‘The constant pursuit of perfection is a recipe for guilt, frustration and unhappiness’Eva Millet discusses 'FAFO parenting,' a trend advocating that children learn from natural consequences rather than constant adult intervention. She argues that intensive parenting models—respectful, conscious, attachment—have created exhausting pressure on parents, especially mothers, by demanding✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
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August 1 in years past

August 1, 2025 · 2 entries
✎ Essay · Practice

Avoiding Fixation on Perfect Form in Ashtanga Yoga

The Trap of Perfect Alignment in Yoga: Embrace Internal Balance Michael Joel Hall discusses the pitfalls of obsessing over perfect alignment in yoga Asana. He emphasizes that the body is dynamic and that chasing an idealized form can lead to strain, frustration, and injury. Hall advocates for alignment that supports internal balance and sustainable practice rather than just external aesthetics. He reminds viewers that progress in Ashtanga Yoga is about stability, breath, and awareness, and that pain should be seen as a warning sign, not a marker of progress. 00:00 Introduction to Alignment in Yoga and Perfection's Pitfalls 00:43 True Alignment: Internal Balance and Awareness

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Chasing perfect alignment in Ashtanga is a trap. The body is not a static structure. It is a living system that changes daily. Fixating on an idealized form can absolutely lead to strain, frustration, and duh injury.

Turning the practice into some sort of like rigid stick that has a sharp edge rather than a dynamic process of growth. Alignment should serve internal balance, not just external aesthetic. Forcing form can cause harm. Alignment should support the body, not push it into shapes. It isn't ready for.
in imageMICHAEL JOEL HALL
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, Shala Director, and Founder
CHASING PERFECT
FRUSTRATION, AND,
EXTERNAL AESTHETIC.
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August 1, 2024 · 2 entries
August 1, 2023 · 3 entries
August 1, 2018 · 6 entries
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August 1, 2017 · 4 entries
I don't have a phone for a bit! You'll have to message me here or email if you need me!
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At Aarti's wedding, I felt so honored to be able to share this life with, as Puja put in her speech, a family whose values align with mine. 💖💖💖
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August 1, 2014 · 2 entries
August 1, 2012 · 2 entries
August 1, 2011 · 2 entries
August 1, 2010 · 4 entries
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english.elpais.comEva Millet, writer: ‘The constant pursuit of perfection is a recipe for guilt, frustration and unhappiness’Eva Millet discusses 'FAFO parenting,' a trend advocating that children learn from natural consequences rather than constant adult intervention. She argues that intensive parenting models—respectful, conscious, attachment—have created exhausting pressure on parents, especially mothers, by demanding✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
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August 2026
english.elpais.comEva Millet, writer: ‘The constant pursuit of perfection is a recipe for guilt, frustration and unhappiness’Eva Millet discusses 'FAFO parenting,' a trend advocating that children learn from natural consequences rather than constant adult intervention. She argues that intensive parenting models—respectful, conscious, attachment—have created exhausting pressure on parents, especially mothers, by demanding✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
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July 2026
Greg Cooke Yoga Club membership

Mike Minded Daily — July 28, 2026

Fw: Quick video (Re: 5:30 Choir - July 26 (Seventeenth Sunday Ordinary Time)

Gather content and topics for the July 28 edition

↳ Review notes/drafts from July 28

↳ Pick top 3-5 stories or points to cover

Write the daily digest

↳ Draft intro

↳ Write body sections

↳ Add a closing line/CTA
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New member: Maia Wagner — needs follow-up

Greg Cooke Yoga Club membership

Mike Minded Daily — July 28, 2026

Fw: Quick video (Re: 5:30 Choir - July 26 (Seventeenth Sunday Ordinary Time)

Gather content and topics for the July 28 edition

↳ Review notes/drafts from July 28

↳ Pick top 3-5 stories or points to cover

Write the daily digest

↳ Draft intro
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(The page appears to be blank lined paper with no handwritten text visible, except possibly a small mark or punctuation near the right side around line 19.)
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(The page appears to be blank lined paper with no handwritten text visible, except possibly a small mark or punctuation near the right side around line 19.)
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Venue Hire last min offer

New member: Maia Wagner — needs follow-up

Greg Cooke Yoga Club membership

Mike Minded Daily — July 28, 2026

Venue Hire last min offer

New member: Maia Wagner — needs follow-up

Greg Cooke Yoga Club membership

Mike Minded Daily — July 28, 2026

Venue Hire last min offer

New member: Maia Wagner — needs follow-up

Greg Cooke Yoga Club membership

Mike Minded Daily — July 28, 2026
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A I wonder why I keep getting taken back to last Tuesday.

Venue Hire last min offer

New member: Maia Wagner — needs follow-up

Greg Cooke Yoga Club membership

Venue Hire last min offer

New member: Maia Wagner — needs follow-up

Greg Cooke Yoga Club membership
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