indoor

112 entries · oldest first

2009
Anyone wanna see my practicing?

I've been working on the flexibility in my thoracic spine as part of my 2009 goal of getting my foot to the back of my head whenever I want it there.

We're getting there. Also, apparently my ass is getting too big for my shorts. Thats nice.
2014
2016
2017
A rare peek inside the mysore room. Are you interested in going further in your yoga practice? Working one-on-one with a teacher is an incomparable experience. Go further, go deeper. What do you want to work on? Reach out michael@michaeljoelhall.com
2018
1. Organize Yourself:
Spine braced.
Shoulders packed.
Knees drive out. 2. Control Yourself:
Lateral Movements.
in image1. Organize Yourself: Spine braced. Shoulders packed. Knees drive out.
2. Control Yourself: Lateral Movements.
1. Organize Yourself: Spine braced. Shoulders packed. Knees drive out. 2. Control Yourself: Lateral Movements.
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
deconstruct
in imageStitch coming
drnicoletruesdell
deconstruct
Being Gay and Not Queer
Recommend Reading (both Free in Guerrilla Resource Library - link in BIO):
E. PATRICK JOHNSON AND MAE G. HENDERSON's (editors) "BLACK QUEER STUDIES A CRITICAL ANTHOLOGY" (Book)
C. Riley Snorton's "BLACK ON BOTH SIDES A RACIAL HISTORY OF TRANS IDENTITY" (Book)
you can't understand the relationship between queerness
this account is the best advertising for what I coach for athletes, yogis, and muggles.

If I were a professional content creator instead of movement specialist, I’d like it to look like:
in imageHIP STRENGTH EXERCISES?
WHEN YOU REALIZE YOUR HIPS CAN ALSO MOVE SIDE TO SIDE & I ROTATE SO YOU ADD THESE 3 EXERCISES INTO YOUR ROUTINE & YOUR HIPS AND LOW BACK HAVE NEVER FELT STRONGER
this account is the best advertising for what I coach for athletes, yogis, and muggles.
If I were a professional content creator instead of movement specialist, I'd like it to look like:
@mimiriegeryoga
10 years— wow wow wow.
So fun to be a part of this crew’s learning journey. (Also— @yogaheightsdc is so cute)
in image@mimiriegeryoga 10 years– wow wow wow. So fun to be a part of this crew's learning journey. (Also– @yogaheightsdc is so cute)
"we need more people with different identities sharing the practice"
in imageCERTIFIED BY SHARATH OR
Do you need to be authorized to teach ashtanga?
"we need more people with different identities sharing the practice"
laurenashtangayoga
I'M NOT CERTIFIED BUT I'VE
Do you need to be authorized to teach ashtanga?
"we need more people with different identities sharing the practice"
laurenashtangayoga
2024
in imagelarugayoga I will tell you, after years of doing Bhekāsana, I never feel like I get the chest high enough, hahaha.
.
But with that said, is it wrong to strive for it? Why not? As I reach for growth in any pursuit, I might miss, and I might fail, but at least I strive for something beyond what I am capable of in this moment. It's not for everybody, and that's okay. As long as there is grace and acceptance for where I am now, I can still reach for the stars. ✨ ✨ ✨
Ashtanga Yoga is a system of yoga.

A system is a dynamic network of components that interact to produce specific outcomes. It includes:

1. Elements: The individual parts that make up the system.
2. Interconnections: The relationships and interactions between the elements.
3. Function or Purpose: The goal the system aims to achieve.

Systems exhibit lifelike qualities, even if they consist of nonliving elements. These characteristics include:

• Self-Organization: Systems can arrange themselves into orderly patterns without external direction.
• Self-Repair: Systems can mend themselves when disrupted within certain limits.
• Resilience: Systems can withstand shocks and continue functioning.
• Evolution: Systems can give rise to entirely new systems through innovation and adaptation.
in imageSystems often exist within these larger systems
And there is a dynamic and adaptive nature to
Self repair where systems can mend themselves w
Here are some of my current favorite lower back strengthening and compression strategies and their intended application.

As always, reach out if you want some in person or virtual coaching— or find me in the mysore room @theyoga.club
Here are some of my current favorite lower back strengthening and compression strategies and their intended application.

As always, reach out if you want some in person or virtual coaching— or find me in the mysore room @theyoga.club
Doing the impossible is a matter of breaking it down into possible pieces, with a dash of faith and patience.

Here are some additional handstands and Compression Drills/ Strategies for Intermediate Series.

Join @ashtanga.tech and me for an immersive intermediate series intensive. Explore the path to personal mastery with us in Nashville at @yogashalanashville ! This isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about individual growth and mastery. Let’s journey together towards personal excellence on the mat. See you there! 🌟
2025
Mindful Movements and unexpected reactions. Link to full video in bio. Wanna chat about your practice? Reach out for some coaching.
in imageINHALING AND EXHALING WITH THE JAPA,
TO SOMETHING THAT'S QUITE SIMPLE.
THIS IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT,
High Pressure Dynamics and Surveillance is NOT ok!

The federal government is now monitoring people for anti-authrotiarian views on the Internet and blocking critics of the right from entering the united states. Its not just geopolitics, though.

I once had an Ashtanga Yoga Teacher so high on her own stash she contacted a trusted friend @chocoestates and mentor of mine to tell them that @pegmulqueen was a danger to me because she regularly encouraged me to write.

People are so out of their own scope of practice, and they dont even know it.

Prg and Kristen (not friends independently) regularly made me believe Imy words were powerful and worthy. that ashtanga professor made me believe i was untrustworthy. People are sooooo controlling, and I missed it!

Im amicably divorced— my charisma is both fine and it has its limits. i’m old enough now to have enough data about myself to understand that.

It’s really simple – – are the rules of your organization in place to foster an independent community based on values and personal mastery, or is the organization solely designed to establish the leader in a position of unquestionable authority? More on YouTube!
in imageSurveillance occurs not in the community spirit but in a way.
Disobedience is Punished
Are your decisions being control. | Opposition to Critical Thought | der-approved sources encouraged | Contradictory or confu
Right?
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confu...
Surveillance occurs not in the community spirit but in a way.
Disobedience is Punished
Are your decisions being control. Opposition to Critical Thought der-approved sources encouraged Contradictory or confu
Right?
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confu...
Surveillance occurs not in the community spirit but in a way.
Disobedience is Punished
Are your decisions being control.
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
Right?
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confu
Surveillance occurs not in the community spirit but in a way.
Disobedience is Punished
Are your decisions being control.
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confu
Right?
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confu
When leaders make decisions for their constituency behind closed doors without consulting said constituency, an organization is no longer designed to serve the people. This creates a sense of hierarchy, and inside of that hierarchy leaders are placed above the law.

more on YouTube!
in imageHow can you take a peek and see if their leadership is not accountable?
Accountability and Transparency
Another sign a group is high pressure called to is when leaders aren't
Are Your Leaders Accountable?
They all engage on all peer level or collaborate with outside advisors. Accountability and Transparency
How can you take a peek and see if their leadership is not accountable?
Accountability and Transparency
Another sign a group is high pressure called to is when leaders aren't
Are Your Leaders Accountable?
They all engage on all peer level or collaborate with outside advisors.
Accountability and Transparency
Being a part of something is wonderful. Movements, clubs, communities. These organizations shouldn’t demand a loss of your personal identity or sense of sense of self. High pressure communities have a way of twisting these conversations because of the inherent philosophical paradox of self and not-self in Ashtanga philosophy.

More on youtube!
in imageIndividuality is often suppressed in favor of group think.
Meanwhile, a group identity demands you only do their activities have their
Does it encourage personal development and critical thinking? Groupthink Beliefs Promotes critical thinking Fosters individuality Unique Individuality Identity Loss vs Unique Individuality Identity Loss k" dominates
Individuality is often suppressed in favor of group think.
Meanwhile, a group identity demands you only do their activities have their | Group Identity vs Individual Identity | Group Identity | Individual Identity | Rights | Activities | Beliefs | Groupthink | promotes critical thinking | unique Individuality
Does it encourage personal development and critical thinking? Groupthink Beliefs Promotes critical thinking Fosters individuality Unique Individuality Identity Loss vs Unique Individuality Identity Loss k" dominates
Are you told not to talk about what goes on inside your organization? The secret recipe for Popeye’s chicken? Sure, keep that locked up. But clarity around who gets promoted and how shouldn’t be hidden or secret. Who’s not telling you the why? Why not?

More on youtube!
in imageIt's where one performs secret ceremonies with initiation rights.
"Groupthink" dominates
Conduct closed ceremonies
Inner Circles
Secret Rites and Rituals
Negative Group Rituals
on shaming
Focus on punishment
looking at the universal experience, we do not shame or shun.
"Groupthink" dominates
Conduct closed ceremonies
Inner Circles
Is it tradition and graduated learning or weird cult stuff? closed? Yes Closed Ceremonies Secret Teachings Painful Initiations No spicion
Shame, guilt, or fear? How to spot controlling vs supportive environments. Look out for a femanx of excessive loyalty and suggestions to disregard critical thinking.

More on youtube!
in imageIs there shame, fear, or guilt when talking to your teacher? Support or Not? Shame, Guilt, Fear Supportive Environment Addresses conc compassionate pports open discussion of feelings thought
Subversively this is promoted over and over. / Replacing critical thought / Obsessive loyalty / Loyalty / Neglect of relation... / Zealous commitment and dependence on leaders / ...idation / Primary sou... validati... / Impact on s... h
It means recognizing a leader's salability and a healthy
gnition of leader's fallibility
Balanced Commitment
Leader Loyalty/Dependence vs Balanced Commitment
Obsessive Loyalty
Los...udgment
Over...
ok communal elopment
Is there shame, fear, or guilt when talking to your teacher? Support or Not? Shame, Guilt, Fear Supportive Environment Addresses concerns compassionately Supports open discussion of feelings thought
Subversively this is promoted over and over.
Replacing critical thought
Obsessive loyalty
Loyalty
Neglect of relation...
Zealous commitment and dependence on leaders
...idation
Primary sou... validati...
Impact on s... ...h
It means recognizing a leader's salability and a healthy
recognition of leader's fallibility
Balanced Commitment
Leader Loyalty/Dependence vs Balanced Commitment
Obsessive Loyalty
Loss of Judgment
ook communal
elopment
Is there shame, fear, or guilt when talking to your teacher? Support or Not? Shame, Guilt, Fear Supportive Environment Addresses conc compassionate pports open discussion of feelings thought
Subversively this is promoted over and over. / Replacing critical thought / Obsessive loyalty / Loyalty / Neglect of relations / Zealous commitment and dependence on leaders / idation / Primary sou validati / Impact on s h
It means recognizing a leader's salability and a healthy
gnition of leader's fallibility
Balanced Commitment
Leader Loyalty/Dependence vs Balanced Commitment
Obsessive Loyalty
Los udgment
Overc
ok communal elopment
Is there shame, fear, or guilt when talking to your teacher? Support or Not? Shame, Guilt, Fear Supportive Environment Addresses conc compassionate ports open discussion of feelings thought
Subversively this is promoted over and over. | Replacing critical thought | Obsessive loyalty | Loyalty | Neglect of relation... | Zealous commitment and dependence on leaders | ...idation | Primary sou... validati... | Impact on s... ...h
It means recognizing a leader's salability and a healthy
recognition of leader's fallibility
Balanced Commitment
Leader Loyalty/Dependence vs Balanced Commitment
Obsessive Loyalty
Loss of Judgment
ook communal elopment
Is there shame, fear, or guilt when talking to your teacher? Support or Not? Shame, Guilt, Fear Supportive Environment Addresses conc compassionate pports open discussion of feelings thought
Subversively this is promoted over and over. Replacing critical thought Obsessive loyalty Loyalty Neglect of relation... Zealous commitment and dependence on leaders idation Primary sou validati... Impact on s... h
It means recognizing a leader's salability and a healthy
recognition of leader's fallibility
Balanced Commitment
Leader Loyalty/Dependence vs Balanced Commitment
Obsessive Loyalty
Loss of Judgment
ook communal elopment
Is there shame, fear, or guilt when talking to your teacher?
Support or Not?
Shame, Guilt, Fear
Supportive Environment
Addresses conc compassionate
ports open discussion of feelings
thought
Subversively this is promoted over and over. Replacing critical thought Obsessive loyalty Loyalty Neglect of relation... Zealous commitment and dependence on leaders ...idation Primary sou... validati... Impact on s... ...h
It means recognizing a leader's salability and a healthy
recognition of leader's fallibility
Balanced Commitment
Leader Loyalty/Dependence vs Balanced Commitment
Obsessive Loyalty
Loss of Judgment
ook communal elopment
Is there shame, fear, or guilt when talking to your teacher? Support or Not? Shame, Guilt, Fear Supportive Environment Addresses conc compassionate pports open discussion of feelings thought
Subversively this is promoted over and over. / Replacing critical thought / Obsessive loyalty / Loyalty / Neglect of relations / Zealous commitment and dependence on leaders / idation / Primary source validati / Impact on s...h
It means recognizing a leader's salability and a healthy
gnition of leader's fallibility
Balanced Commitment
Leader Loyalty/Dependence vs Balanced Commitment
Obsessive Loyalty
Los...udgment
Over...
ok communal
elopment
hy boundaries
person
ment
Do you find that you are encouraged to bring people into your organization? It’s a great thing to do, who doesn’t wanna share something great? When you apply your critical thinking skills, if it looks like you’re more important for clout or cash, somethings up.

In DC, we have a few different teachers, each with differences in approach, each with people who vibe with that approach. It’s nice that people have choice here, and in a healthy community you’ll see as much ease with referring out as you will see recruiting in. Easy come, easy go. Why? These are people, not revenue streams or clout bolsters.

More on YouTube!
in imagebelieve what I say and it grow through selling something that sells well.
Loss of critical judgment
Activities centered around recruitment
Narrow Focus
In Ashtanga Yoga, many senior teachers have commoditized their relationships | Loss of critical judgment | Activities centered around recruitment | Narrow Focus | personal development | communal development
This is not genuine, not personal, and not communal development. | Loss of critical judgment | Overlook communal development | Activities centered around recruitment | Narrow Focus
believe what I say and it grow through selling something that sells well. | Loss of critical judgment | ok communal development | personal ment | Activities centered around recruitment | Narrow Focus
In Ashtanga Yoga, many senior teachers have commoditized their relationships | Loss of critical judgment | Activities centered around recruitment | Narrow Focus
This is not genuine, not personal, and not communal development. | Loss of critical judgment | Overlook communal development | Activities centered around recruitment | Narrow Focus
believe what I say and it grow through selling something that sells well.
Loss of critical judgment
Activities centered around recruitment
Narrow Focus
ook communal development
In Ashtanga Yoga, many senior teachers have commoditized their relationships | Loss of critical judgment | Activities centered around recruitment | Narrow Focus | personal development
This is not genuine, not personal, and not communal development.
believe what I say and it grow through selling something that sells well.
In Ashtanga Yoga, many senior teachers have commoditized their relationships | Loss of critical judgment | Activities centered around recruitment | Narrow Focus | personal development
This is not genuine, not personal, and not communal development.
Loss of critical judgment
Overlook communal development
Activities centered around recruitment
Narrow Focus
Financial transparency creates an equitable environment for both parties. The teacher’s income needn’t be a secret.

If teaching Mysore is a labor of love, it’s nice that the students know. But burn out happens when financial needs arent being met. It’s OK to talk about this stuff.

If your organization is values based, it’s not a crazy assumption to hold that the leader or director should also hold those values.

if doing the right thing, we’re always profitable, everyone would always do it. but just because it isn’t always profitable, doesn’t mean it can’t be.

More on YouTube.
in imageYou'll see this happens often and there's likely goingto be a lack of
Financial records open
Financial
omic Exploitation Financial Transparenc
bers pressured for donations
Economic Exploitation
I always wonder how are these people sharing their power? | Financial records open | Financial | Economic Exploitation | Unclear finances | Financial Transparenc | ic Exploitation | bers pressu donations
You can't pressure people for donations more than what you communicated. Financial records open Financial Economic Exploitation Unclear finances
You'll see this happens often and there's likely goingto be a lack of
Financial records open
Financial
Economic Exploitation Financial Transparency
bers pressured for donations
Economic Exploitation
I always wonder how are these people sharing their power? Financial records open Financial Economic Exploitation Financial Transparency Economic Exploitation Unclear finances
You can't pressure people for donations more than what you communicated. | Financial records open | Financial | Economic Exploitation | Unclear finances
You'll see this happens often and there's likely goingto be a lack of | Financial records open | Financial | Economic Exploitation | members pressured for donations | Financial Transparenc | omic Exploitation
I always wonder how are these people sharing their power?
Financial records open
Financial
Economic Exploitation
Unclear finances
Financial Transparenc
ic Exploitation
bers pressu
donations
You can't pressure people for donations more than what you communicated. | Financial records open | Financial | Economic Exploitation | Unclear finances
You'll see this happens often and there's likely goingto be a lack of | Financial records open | Financial | Economic Exploitation | members pressured for donations | omic Exploitation Financial Transparenc
I always wonder how are these people sharing their power?
Financial records open
Financial
ic Exploitation
Financial Transparenc
bers pressu
donations
Economic Exploitation
Unclear finances
You can't pressure people for donations more than what you communicated. | Financial records open | Financial | Economic Exploitation | Unclear finances
I used to say that teachers should never sleep with their students. I still feel that way broadly, but a number of people in mentorship roles and friendship roles have had long, long relationships with former students. My teacher cremated her husband last year, him being perhaps my dearest heart’s teacher. She was his student 20 years ago.

Time delays in a system can help highlight the difference between a pragmatic, transparent room with agency and a room with an authoritarian vibe. Are sexual relations between leaders and community members given clear protocols for safety? Generally, i think not. This is not a efficacious strategy.

I think the best bet is don’t sleep with your students, I think the second best bet is make sure that there is a transparency and accountability if a relationship starts.

I’m no HR expert, but your yoga teacher probably didn’t go to seminary school to hear all this. And anyway, its not like that has a 100% score, either. We can anticipate and intervene better, I think when we remain pragmatic and transparent.

More on youtube!
in imageIt's like you shouldn't fuck your students. Grooming Leaders abusing power Power dynamics Sexual exploitation Safeguarding Non-existen[t] [safeguar]ding Poor sa[feguarding]
population and you understand and That they are already inherent power
But you know you can like allow that to not Happen by having a zero
It's like you shouldn't fuck your students. | Grooming | Leaders abusing power | Power dynamics | Sexual exploitation | Safeguarding | Non-existen...ding | Poor sa...
population and you understand and That they are already inherent power
Leaders abusing power
Power dynamics
Sexual exploitation
Safeguarding
Non-existent safeguarding
Poor saf[eguarding]
Prompt
But you know you can like allow that to not Happen by having a zero
It's like you shouldn't fuck your students. Grooming Leaders abusing power Power dynamics Sexual exploitation Safeguarding Non-existen[t] [safeguar]ding Poor sa[feguarding]
population and you understand and That they are already inherent power | Leaders abusing power | Power dynamics | Sexual exploitation | Safeguarding | Non-existent safeguarding | Poor saf[eguarding] | Promp[t]
But you know you can like allow that to not Happen by having a zero
It's like you shouldn't fuck your students.
Grooming
Power dynamics
Leaders abusing power
Sexual exploitation
Safeguarding
Non-existen[t] [safeguar]ding
Poor sa[feguarding]
population and you understand and That they are already inherent power
Leaders abusing power
Power dynamics
Sexual exploitation
Safeguarding
Non-existent safeguarding
Poor saf
Prompt
But you know you can like allow that to not Happen by having a zero
Theres a theory that people want strong male leaders instinctually because of their value to survival for our ancient kin. Brian Klaas posits that we call authoritarian leadership “Strong Man Tactics” for that very reason.

As a big, strong, dude— i get how this might be inconvenient news.

According to Antwerp School of Business: “Research shows that introverted leaders are often better equipped to tackle complex problems than their extroverted counterparts. They tend to be more open to others’ input and create space for collective collaboration.”

As a gregarious person, I can see how this might be inconvenient news.

They continue: “This is essential because solving complex challenges requires collective leadership. Leaders who can unite diverse perspectives and co-create solutions are best positioned to address today’s pressing issues.

Yet, despite the need for collaboration and diversity, we continue to favor outdated leadership models centered on strength and dominance. This is not what we need now, but it’s what we keep choosing.”

in order to not find an entropy towards accumulating power without earning it through service, I remain mindful of these sentiments. it doesn’t cost me anything to do that, I’m still as good as I ever was. I just come in this package.

Look around at your community: is there a narrative of inclusion and openness? Do you see it reflected in diversity of membership? What about community thought leaders? Leadership?
in imageDo men have more authority in a group? Exclusion from leadership Control Woman and queer people especially Purpose Group continuity Regardless of gend
Do men have more authority in a group? Exclusion from leadership Control Woman and queer people especially Purpose Group continuity Regardless of gend
you know, that's none of your business. | Exclusion from leadership | Control | Woman and queer people especially | Purpose | Group continuity | Regardless of gend...
you're going to see that women get a platform also and you can kind of notice | Equal opportunity | Gender Control vs Equality | Gender Control | Women Control | Tightly controlled | Excluded fr... | from key sions
Do men have more authority in a group? Exclusion from leadership Control Woman and queer people especially Purpose Group continuity Regardless of gend[er]
you know, that's none of your business.
Exclusion from leadership
Control
Woman and queer people especially
Purpose
Group continuity
Regardless of gend
you're going to see that women get a platform also and you can kind of notice | Equal opportunity | Gender Control vs Equality | Gender Control | Women Control | Tightly controlled | Excluded fr... | from key sions
Do men have more authority in a group? Exclusion from leadership Control Woman and queer people especially Purpose Group continuity Regardless of gend
you know, that's none of your business. | Exclusion from leadership | Control | Woman and queer people especially | Purpose | Group continuity | Regardless of gend...
you're goingto see that women get a platform also and you can kind of notice | Equal opportunity | Gender Control vs Equality | Gender Control | Women Control | Tightly controlled | Excluded fr... | from key sions
Do men have more authority in a group? Exclusion from leadership Control Woman and queer people especially Purpose Group continuity Regardless of gend
you know, that's none of your business. | Exclusion from leadership | Control | Woman and queer people especially | Purpose | Group continuity | Regardless of gend...
you're going to see that women get a platform also and you can kind of notice
Equal opportunity
Gender Control vs Equality
Gender Control
Women Control
Tightly controlled
Excluded fr...
from key sions