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2012
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2014
Instructions for glitter tattoo. Hoping to convince Lauren to join Instagram with snail mail campaign. Figured it was safe to post here, as she won't see it ;). #instaWags
Monday, June 30, 2014 · 1:00 pm
Instagram
@davidgarriguesyoga leading a talk today. Cloistered nuns, faith, doubt, and the weird shit we do to better understand the spirit.
Sunday, October 26, 2014 · 6:21 pm
Instagram
"Why is Other Daddy not home? It's Monday!" Because he works @thetombs now. "Can I go? I'm a service animal!" Let's give it a while before we harass @mroike at work, okay? It's only day 3!
Monday, November 3, 2014 · 3:01 pm
Instagram
Though I know the depths of pain, anguish, and sadness, I firmly believe in deep and abiding happiness. There is a method, and I've been going at it for some years now. In the morning, at #kaliyogadc, the #dcashtanga community comes together to make shapes with our bodies, tuning in to our relationship with gravity and time -- whilst simultaneously revealing our cravings and aversions. For this focus-challenged guy, it's intense work, but knowing where to look and how to breath makes all the difference. These precious moments of insight combined with the the heat of just staying put create the fire from which happiness arises. #b&wchallenge day 1/4. Thanks @ladyhawkzuzu for tagging me.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014 · 9:21 am
BDcashtangaInstagramKaliyogadcLovePractice
2015
"Sit" by Vikram Seth

Sit, drink your coffee here; your work can wait awhile.
You're twenty-six, and still have some life ahead.
No need for wit; just talk vacuities, and I'll
Reciprocate in kind, or laugh at you instead.
The world is too opaque, distressing and profound.
This twenty minutes' rendezvous will make my day:
To sit here in the sun, with grackles all around,
Staring with beady eyes, and you two feet away.
Thursday, February 19, 2015 · 11:01 am
Instagram
Four (almost five now) years ago My father gave me three elephants.
I left one at the Ashtanga Yoga Center amongst a parade of kin. Under a chart of postures-- just aside of books, stacked akimbo. They were for my teachers, David and Keith.
I thought them very special.
Unsure of what to do with this diminutive glass menagerie, I gave one to my best friend, Michael. "Why should I have both," I thought.
I hear that elephants mate for life.
Leaving has never been so hard. I took this photo on the alter @mroike made for us.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 · 9:19 pm
FamilyFriendsInstagramPractice
I love *some* indian sweets. The gamble of sugar roulette. Milk Peda was a win. Condensed milk cookie it's not pictured in the case because I ate them.
Saturday, February 28, 2015 · 10:30 am
Instagram
The sound of my Karandavasana fail froze the Shala for a second. Sickening. Luckily, it looks worse than it feels, and I still have mobility. At least I lifted 😉
Tuesday, March 10, 2015 · 9:44 am
InstagramPractice
Repost from @gmd81 -- What life are you really loving? Who makes your decisions? What road are you following? You have the power to be a leader. To step aside from the path of normal, to unplug from the matrix and to set your life on fire. But it takes a risk, a leap of faith. Do you truly believe in yourself? If life is a gift, isn't every single day worth living to its absolute fullest? #live #now #quote #instagram #quoteoftheday #benjaminfranklin #startyourlife #empower
Saturday, March 14, 2015 · 8:26 am
BenjaminfranklinEmpowerInstagramLiveNowQuoteQuoteofthedayStartyourlife
Here it is, the final crescendo of the 7 fiery Uranus/Pluto Squares burning through outdated societal and personal paradigms since June 2012... a Great Cosmic Bonfire roaring through our inner and outer spaces... liberating and illuminating new expanses of awareness... creating fertile opportunities for the seeding a of brand new existence... "Kali is here. That means that deep transformation is at work in your vibrational reality... Kali is the fiercest Goddess. She rips away what is no longer needed... she is the One who can cut the ties to your anchor, for you have new waters to sail now, dear Carrier of the Light." ~ Sophie Bashford "Monday March 16th 2015 at 6:50pm PDT/9:50pm EDT, Uranus and Pluto will square (90*) each other for the 7th and last time since 2012. The wild awakening of the 60s' conjunction (0*) of Pluto and Uranus in Virgo wasg to a deeper and higher consciousness, opening up doors of new perception and states of awareness. This was to prepare humanity for our future.
#todayspattern #todaysrangoli ##rangoli #mysore
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 · 10:24 am
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"Given Uranus square Pluto's intensities, it may feel like an urgency to finish up, close out projects or goals or relationships, and prepare for something new to arrive. Take a moment now to think about the final changes you want to make before we enter a quite different era. Consider what you've done so far and how you can put on the finishing touches. What bits can you release, what parts of life can you make more soulful, how can you reclaim power for yourself?" ~ Anne Nordhaus-Bike
http://www.opednews.com

#todayspattern #todaysrangoli #rangoli #mysore
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 · 10:28 am
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I'm too tall for the tarps 😡 oop. Nikki asked me to wear proper trousers and a sleeve into the city to make for a better experience. It was good advice. I thought of @tara_lizbeth telling me to "put on a denim!" before going out, not liking my short-shorts. Growth is there.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 · 12:29 pm
InstagramReflections
Complimented this gal on her fly glasses. We'd never met. We were both surprised-- we've both been coming a while. Her: Hong Kong for a while, back to Toronto. By way of Barcelona. Me: Oh, just DC. This small community is still so huge.
For the record she thought my glasses were fly, too.
Thursday, March 26, 2015 · 11:28 am
Instagram
Bead shopping at Chandra Diamond with @emmaoneill -- she is making malas for japa at the request of her students.
Friday, March 27, 2015 · 4:04 am
Instagram
My tailor, Ganesh, preparing my shirt alterations. Last year, he did an incredible job. Glad to find him down the correct back alley on my first attempt.
Friday, March 27, 2015 · 5:48 am
Instagram
Still under wraps.... Shhhh... Can't wait to share the incredible work that Duncan at @inkfideltattoo created for me. I had such an incredible experience with then in Goa.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015 · 12:25 am
Instagram
The FBI called: case closed. Hate crime by way of the media, but how do you talk about black on white violence? No more leads.
Do you want your blood stained clothes returned? DNA, nay nay.
Burn it. Burn that shit. Just like the house. Burn it all and get rid of the blood.
So much anger between communities-- easier to sell papers by calling it black-on-queer. Black-on-white crime opens too many doors. It doesn't sell papers. It makes us ask too many questions.
Maybe we can understand better the anger. Maybe we can better understand each other. Maybe we can live without boundaries-- maybe we can live in a place of unity. Maybe we already are, except we're pretending we aren't-- and maybe that's the place from which the feeling of pressure and subsequent hate comes.
I'll never be the same again-- but that's always true. Cycles of death and rebirth. But I'm not this body, and I'm not this mind... But I am. And you are too.
All is full of love; case closed.
Saturday, April 11, 2015 · 12:05 pm
Instagram
#MortalsWelcome

I got heady with @jrene01 about the commodification of yoga (and our own general badassness) -- who is selling what to whom... And why?

Asana is method of using the body as a tool for fostering insight. That's it.
This instagram challenge gives it the exact right level of seriousness.
Have fun! Go out and live your life!

And lest I deign myself to good to participate in an IG challenge, here's what I said to myself: get your head out of your ass, Hall. It really should only be that far up there in titibasana b 😉 Love you, @pegmulqueen !
#besties #ashtangadispatch #utkatasana #yoga #yogainthepark #acroyoga #partneryoga
Sunday, May 3, 2015 · 9:06 am
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#Repost @ashtangadispatch with @pegmulqueen ・・・
#MortalsWelcome Day 12: Hanumanasana: Hanuman is the super-strong, super-rad flying monkey who can carry mountains, jump over seas, and tie you in knots. This champion of Rama teaches us devotion and represents prana, or life force.
Every super hero also needs courage in the face of fear and Hanuman is there to help! Just call him through his hymn, the Hanuman Challisa, and fear will be kept at bay as the energetic and powerful lord Hanuman helps champion your battle.

#ashtangayoga #yogaeveryday #yogi #yogini #inspiration #instapic #instaphoto #namaste #pushmedaily #motivated #pasasana #yogaig #inspired #yogadaily#yogaposeweekly #ypwcomp #iloveyoga #beautiful#strikeapose #health #happy #yogafit #igers #om #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #hanuman #hanumanasana
Tuesday, May 12, 2015 · 3:35 pm
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The perfect photo to repost on the eve of my 32nd birthday!
・・・#Repost @mroike with @repostapp.
・・・
#tbt My man @michaeljoelhall as an aspiring child actor. So cute!
#tbt My man @michaeljoelhall as an aspiring child actor. So cute!
Thursday, May 21, 2015 · 1:31 pm
InstagramMilestones
I had a wonderful time at the ashram cohosting a retreat with my first beloved yoga teacher. This beautiful mandala was outside the LOTUS (light of the universal shrine) interfaith strike at the satchidananda ashram. It was with Karuna's guidance that I found myself at the Sivananda ashram deepening my yoga studies in 2008. #todayspattern
Monday, June 29, 2015 · 3:59 am
ArtInstagramTodayspattern
How can we remove Trump's lease from the Old Post Office? This has long been one of my favorite places in the city, and it disgusts me to have his name on it.
Saturday, July 25, 2015 · 8:50 pm
Instagram
The thing about this video is that it's sped up. Incredibly so. This is a 2 1/2 minute kapo. As I get stronger, as I do more with my body, the poses don't come as easily. So I wait. And I work. And I breathe. I remind myself that this is not how I'll die. Not here. Not like this.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015 · 7:15 pm
Instagram
Some of the weird stuff I've been up to with @nopantspartydude -- learning to find my explosiveness, getting balanced, and having f-u-n.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015 · 8:07 pm
Instagram
There is a seemingly never ending cycle of freezing, forgetting, and re- remembering that happens in this life.
If you make it in this world long enough, it all looks the same. Harder, faster, more gives way to the "thank god I'm still alive and have lungs to breathe." The hard truth is that if you make it long enough, all your old friends will be dead.
You've got to be ready to give it all back, or you'll just cry and cry and cry. Your best friend, your beautiful face, your Instagram identity.
I'll tell you a secret: 12 years ago, thoroughly off the deep end of grief, at the bottom of a drug fueled haze, I saw that the universe was made of love. I had lost my best friend in a tragic accident. I couldn't hold that much pain in my heart.
That was a long time ago now, I reckon. Heartbreakingly, in that span of time, I had forgotten her exact voice

Not so long ago, on a shamanic journey, my dead best friend came to me and told me to let go of all this sadness and pain. "nothing ever really dies," she said. "That's not how it works." I had already learned that lesson once. I can hear hear her voice again. "I push myself up through the dirt and shake my petals free. I'm resolved to being born again, and so resigned to bravery." -- Dar Williams
Friday, August 7, 2015 · 11:13 am
FriendsGriefInstagramLove
"Make a career of humanity, commit yourself to the noble struggle of equal rights. you will make her greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in District of Columbia 1959
Friday, August 14, 2015 · 12:00 am
InstagramReflections
We kayaked all the way to gravelly point, with the planes landing and taking off right over our heads. Too awe-struck to even get a picture. 4 miles!
Monday, September 7, 2015 · 7:35 am
Instagram
Caught stretching by @mroike -- the funny thing about paying attention to sensations in the body is that you actually start to feel your body. A paradox arises where pain tolerance goes up, but also one's ability to sense that very same pain. From this paradox comes the ability to end suffering in two ways: letting go of a need to fix which is unfixable and taking action upon that which is.
Sounds familiar.
Thursday, September 10, 2015 · 11:12 am
Instagram
WHY DOES YOGA AT WORK *work*? $300 billion a year is lost to burn out. $1 trillion in distraction.$ 100k for low back pain over the span of employment.ive been teaching yoga at federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, for the last 8 years. Folks just don't skip work on their yoga day... and it helps with chronic back pain -- chronic back pain being the second most common complaint a physician hears about next to the common cold. Catch me on Cox TV tonight talking with @jackiefell about yoga subsidies within the federal government. FOR EVERY DOLLAR SPENT ON WELLNESS A BUSINESS SAVES $3.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 · 7:04 pm
InstagramTeaching
You could take all this, take it away
I'd still have it all
'Cause I've climbed the tree of life
And that is why, no longer scared if I fall

When I get lost in space
I can return to this place
'Cause, you're the one

Nothing fails
No more fears
Nothing fails
You washed away my tears
Nothing fails
No more fears
Nothing fails
Nothing fails

I'm not religious
But I feel so moved
Makes me want to pray
Pray you'll always be here
Thursday, September 17, 2015 · 10:43 am
InstagramReflections
Wanna take a #tourof2nd ?? @ashtangadispatch is sponsoring the curation of thoughts and images surrounding the second series of Ashtanga yoga-- called bum-bum-bum, "Intermediate Series.
Join @jrene01 and me @michaeljoelhall for a new posture every day in November!

Use #tourof2nd . . . And get posting!

4⃣ lucky winners a 🆓 copy of our 2nd series Dispatch!
. . .

These posture can be challenging, daunting, and incredibly informative to how we're doing on the mat and off. They also come with lots of stories, filled with animals, dieties, and adventure!
Come play. . . .

Follow and tag all 3⃣ for tips and ideas for practice. Our hope is to make 2nd series less of a challenge 💕 through our challenge! 🌟 share 🌟 follow 🌟 tag 🌟 and of course ... #practiceeverydamnday 🌟 . . . 📷 by @meghanreuck
Sunday, October 18, 2015 · 2:09 pm
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November is creeping up.
Wanna make some shapes with me, @jrene01 , and @ashtangadispatch ??? Share your pic, your thoughts, and your perspective all this month.
The Ashtanga yoga method is so much more than the shapes we make with our bodies-- there's the community, the teachers, and a technique for fostering insight.
As Oscar Wilde said "life is too important to be taken seriously" -- so let's have some fun! -- Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
Friday, October 30, 2015 · 9:27 pm
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Stopped by the @dcimprov last night and peeked at my old locker-- all my stickers are still there!
The lineup there for November is awesome!
Saturday, October 31, 2015 · 1:12 pm
Instagram
"Trini & Tristhana"
#tourof2nd #day1

The Ashtanga yoga practice as taught by Jois is a moving meditation, and for there to be a meditation there must be an object upon which the meditator meditates.
The looking place, the breath patternings, and the observation of balance are three facets of a singular jewel, and this jewel is called "tristhana". The tristhana is the object of meditation for the Ashtanga yoga practice.
The third vinyasa of the surya namaskara is done on an inhalation, and my teacher cues it by saying "trini! -- head up!" during led class.
Vinyasa means "to place in a special way", and since we're doing a breath and movement practice, we call linked breath and movements "vinyasa"

Memorizing the vinyasa count lets the mind settle and drop into attention on the bodies relationship with gravity.
Having a looking place settles the senses. I look at my nose in this posture, as it keeps me from wrinkling my forehead. I'm scared botox will mess up my third eye, so this is the dristi for me! Ha! ---
Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter #Tourof2nd
Sunday, November 1, 2015 · 3:40 pm
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“Four to the Floor”
#tourof2nd #day2

In the early 2000’s, I was a young queer kid cutting his teeth dancing on boxes (shirtless). When that familiar 4/4 beat of a good house groove came on, everyone would book it to the dancedloor-- answering the siren’s call of “four to the floor!” This, you could say, was our mantra.
The Sanskrit word mantra consists of the root man- “to think”, or perhaps mamas as in “mind," and the suffix -tra, meaning “tools or instruments.” So, mantra is an instrument of thought.
Ashtanga yoga is a counted method, and keeping track of what that count is can be tricky. When I first started practicing alone, I could never remember if I had done both sides. Here’s a way to get started memorizing the count, and also make sure you get both sides: remember “four the floor”. Why? Because chatturanga dandasana, four limbed staff pose, is the fourth vinyasa of the Surya Namaskara A. In the Surya Namaskara B, it comes at 4, 8, and 12.
Notice that they’re all divisible by 4. If you can remember the mantra “four to the floor”, then you always know when to do Chatturanga Dandasana in the sun salutations.

Richard Freeman talks about any mantra being a good mantra so long as it works. Eventually, if we repeat the mantra over and over enough, it has power but no meaning— it just devolves back into its root sounds, it seeds. These seeds are powerful. This is one of th reasons I enjoy the sanskrit count so very much. It gets out of languaging I’m familiar with and lets the breath-movement-count become a chimera, greater than the sum of its parts.

That being said,  perhaps the sanskrit is too obtuse or feels like cultural appropriation. Maybe its good to know that I use a great deal of mantras in my practice that come from popular culture and have also thoroughly lost there meaning... except in the way that they hone my focus.
So, when you can remember “four to the floor,” you might also want to remember that chatturanga is "light as a feather and stiff as a board"— and also that "tight is light.” --
Visit @ashtangadispatch & @jrene01 4 more.
#yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration
#gayyoga #ashtanga #menofyoga
Monday, November 2, 2015 · 6:23 pm
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"Updog & Infinity"
#tourof2nd
Beginning in samasthithi, I am a ray of light: infinite, interminable energy.
I begin the sun salutations by reaching to the sky, daring the energy to upwardly rise- then sealing it with the hands.

Containing the energy inwardly and plugging to the earth comes with the second position:  allowing the energy to move from sky to earth, and harnessing it in the middle, at the thorax and pelvis.

With the hands so strong, and the energy sealed into the body, the this vinyasa arrives with an inhalation to head up. Somehow now the legs are light, the hands are strong, and I begin to enter into relationship with gravity.  Over intellectualizing mass, strength and orbit hinder the sheer bliss of moving energy at will.

To arrive at the fourth vinyasa, my hands root into the earth, drawing the rest of me up from the ground. Defying gravity, there is an identification that this energy has no real beginning point and no real end, either. In chatturanga, I allow the body to become a tight vessel for compressing energy.
Here, I try to feel all of the domes of my body aligning and lifting— the dome at the arch of the foot, the pelvic floor, the heart, and the soft pallette. if I have skill in my action, all of those whirling circles will line up for one ephemeral, evanescent moment of exhalation, becoming strong as a staff (and yes, some wizards walk with gnarled staves). With all of this potential energy bottled up in the vessel of the flesh, I  take the fifth vinyasa into upward facing dog. Aha! It is here that I trust my heart to direct the energy up and over. No head in the way, here. The legs shoot energy back infinitely, and my heart beams ahead, perhaps even back up to the sky.
Finally, I find the center of the center, and I let it yoke me back into a contained position, sealing off the energy, and letting it whirl around as I recharge for five exalted exhalations. Then, I reverse course, returning to a singular pillar of light— even standing. A place from which anything is possible. -

Host: @jrene01
Sponsor: @ashtangadispatch
Tuesday, November 3, 2015 · 11:36 pm
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"Contentment and Sacrifice"
#tourof2nd

What are you willing to give up for practice?
The first thing that I did for the last time was marathon running. The recovery time was just too much. Then, it was the extracurricular american style flows. “I have enough to work on,” I thought.

At conference, on my first trip the KPJ Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, South India, I asked Sharath if I would have to give up sports. He said that at some point, if I wished to progress, I would.
So I did. I sacrificed the olympic lifting, the CrossFit, and the sprints to the fire of asceticism. I thought it would help my kapotasana. I thought it would make bakasana easier on my wrists.
Really, I thought I was sacrificing for practice. I spent three years begrudging the decision.

I was confused… I thought that success in asana was success in yoga.
But, contentment is the first of our niyamas, and I was certainly in a place of malcontent. Strong people are useful! And picking up heavy shit makes me happy. Putting it down does too. Racing, playing, jumping— I enjoyed all of them.
As it turns out, in the sacrificing of my own joy, to the benefit of no one, I was getting in my own way. Could I have sacrificed low quality fuel to the fire?
So I made a choice to make myself happy, and risk losing postures. Risk sliding backwards.

Guess what? Practice, and all is coming. (but please don’t tell Sharath ;-)) Thanks to @nopantspartydude for the personal training and @humblebeastcf for a community whose motto is "train hard. Stay humble." And also @davidgarriguesyoga for helping me get back to the fundamentals, like #trikonasana --
Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter #ashtangay #yogadudes #menofyoga
Wednesday, November 4, 2015 · 7:14 pm
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"Living Traditions"
#tourof2nd

I hear stories of this guy named Derick Ireland. He passed away a few years ago, but taught on the beaches of Goa and Greece. He wasn’t so much, on the surface, into the “spiritual” side of things. He wore ankle weights, practiced in less than a speedo, and sold a valid practice off the back of his own gorgeous aesthetic.  I’m told that Guruji had him bind his arms as you might see in an american flow style class. I imagine it was to accommodate his big ol’ biceps.
Funny, that. Remarkably, his legacy is such that he is remembered as a pioneer. He inspired practice in people who are now certified, and have legacies all their own. The John Scotts, The Petri’s, they all met a man who helped spark passion and practice.

Anyway. Bind your arm or leave your palm up. You do you.
--
❤️❤️❤️Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @michaeljoelhall and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Friday, November 6, 2015 · 12:29 am
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“Monkey Paw”
#tourof2nd

@Pegmulqueen and I met when I was in my early twenties. She had a blog, and I wrote essays. I got shy.

Down the line, we were both @lululemon ambassadors and found ourselves in Vancouver the first ambassador’s summit. 
There, we connected, honestly and openly. She convinced me to do what my Iyengar teacher had told me to do: go practice Mysore. She held my hand for my first day. Really, she mentored me in a lot of ways.

The ambassador’s summit made me take hard looks at the commercialization of yoga. We were asked to goalset and brainstorm, and in the picture you see here, I’m wearing my shirt from the ambassadors summit. It says “I will be on the cover of Yoga Journal by May, 2013”

I wanted to be told I was pretty, to be told I was good enough. I wanted to be a celebrity. To have some “respected” publication tell me feed those needs.
Fuck that noise.

I got in. Instead of getting into the magazine because I was pretty, I got into the magazine because some dudes beat the shit out of me. I was hospitalized and needed money because my insurance lapsed while I was in India, and my community rallied around me. I had helped people, and then they helped me. It’s unbelievable to me to this day.
So @yogajournal wanted to do an article. Who should write that article, you might wonder? Duh. Peggy. She’s an incredible writer, as you may know.

But celebrity and adulation for aesthetic is as much a trap as wanting too much. Do you want to be known or do you want to do good? You can have it both ways, but if you ask for the former, you’ll not get the latter.
You couldn’t have told me that, then.
#Pasasana is called noose pose, and it will strangle you to death.

You better be willing to surrender your constructed beliefs of self and let the practice work its magic. What do you covet? It’s all a god damned trap.

Becareful what you ask for, you just might get it.

Maybe I want to be on the cover of @ashtangadispatch now 😉 --
Host: @jrene01
sponsor: @ashtangadispatch -
#yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Friday, November 6, 2015 · 7:08 pm
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"Weddings"
#tourof2nd
Saturday is a rest day for a lot of folks.. But I often take Sundays off. Today I have a wedding to attend-- there is nothing better than spending time with your very best friends. -- Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
Of course, you will substitute @ashtangadispatch for yourself above. But this way, you can just copy and paste at the end of your posts to make it easy.
I think this one is going to do really well, btw. 🙂
Sunday, November 8, 2015 · 1:41 am
AshtangaAshtangadispatchFriendsInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifferencePractice
"A Plague of Locusts"
#tourof2nd
What if you had to hold this posture forever? What would you do?
Would you shift the dristi to stay fresh and curious? Would you just settle in and relax, letting it unfurl?

Is there a middle way? --- Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @michaeljoelhall and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Monday, November 9, 2015 · 1:59 am
AshtangaAshtangadispatchInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifferencePracticePracticedaily
"Head and Heart Games"
#tourof2nd
#Dhanurasana , a posture which demands you cling for dear life and literally kick your heart open.
Bear in mind a few things when dragging your heart open, kicking and screaming. Perhaps the best advice comes from my folks on this subject:
Make like prom night and keep your knees closed while you're crackin' that heart. 😉

Don't underestimate the great load your shoulders will bear while you kick to infinity -- if you don't get strong and stable shoulders, the load will hurt you over time. Sounds an awful lot like love, eh?

Lastly, use your head!... I played with the head position a bit to explore the movement of energy & muscular recruiting patterns. 😏 --- Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Monday, November 9, 2015 · 10:58 pm
AshtangaAshtangadispatchDhanurasanaInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifferencePractice
My hands are callused from kayaking and barbells. I like them a little weathered, it reminds me of my Dad's hands.
He gave it to me years ago. Did I not like it so much?
Now it makes me feel like a superhero. Is that an "M" or an "H"? My, how tastes change. Love you, Dad!
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 · 11:43 am
FamilyInstagram
“Sex Sells”

#tourof2nd

About three years ago, my dear friend @suenodevida_ecu me to do some nude modeling with her for an exhibit. This was done by Lamine http://LHARTEK.com in the renaissance style.

Kristen’s about 5’3, and I’m about 6’3. She’s full of fluidity and strength, and I thought we’d pair nicely together. I was intrigued at what the artist would create.
The exhibit went well. This #ustrasana is from that exhibit.

Don’t let the nudity fool you— I’m not selling sex, nor am I selling yoga: I’m selling art. I see very attractive people selling yoga products also.

When you see sexed up asana photos or fancy circus tricks, does it give you pause?
Ask yourself: what are they selling? Is it a branded practice of some kind designed to ensure that they make money from multilevel marketing?
Is it themselves? Do they need to sell themselves as a product to you?
Is it material? Do you like the cute shorts they’ve got for sale? (if so, buy them!) Is it their expertise?

Is it yoga? Are they using sex to sell yoga?
Yoga is not to be sold. Use sex to sell shorts, magazines, or (gasp) more sex. But don’t use sex to sell yoga, it doesn’t need it.
When do we begin to use use yoga to sell sex? Like fancy asana to sell celebrity?
When does it become pornography? The pimping out of yoga?
Is this healthy?
You are not a market nor a commodity!
That said, do support your local artist! And go make Art (digital self portraits!). Don’t create an environment of institutionalized prostitution amongst skilled laborers teaching mindfulness techniques, and be wary of their pimps.

Me, I’m selling magazines. And I believe in it's value. -- http://ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine
*5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01
##yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 · 8:55 pm
AshtangaAshtangadispatchInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifferencePracticePracticedaily
"Strength"
#tourof2nd
They are all strength poses. Strength on strength makes length.
Flexibility and no strength becomes breakable.
Strength and softness? Functional flexibility.
Cultivate tenacity, openness, and curiosity.
It will serve you well.
Don't be afraid to stand strong and push back-- Don't be a pushover.
While we're at it, don't be a dick, and be sure to leave space for mystery.
We're all infinitely strong and infinitely resilient. Perseverance, friends.
Sometimes you really do have to push! But remember to get out of your own way. 🌸--- Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Wednesday, November 11, 2015 · 9:21 pm
AshtangaAshtangadispatchInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifferencePracticePracticedaily
"Not Correct"
#tourof2nd
#bakasana

Rolf poked me in the tummy and said "not strong" -- then I was to pike to handstand and land bakasana.
Because i needed strength.
It was prescriptive for me. I land the posture differently now, but things shifted.
Now I just like to play-- and I've been trying to give handstands back for a long time 😡 🏀🏈🏉🙈 Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Sunday, November 15, 2015 · 10:51 am
AshtangaAshtangadispatchBakasanaInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifferencePractice
"Behind the Scenes"
#tourof2nd
#bharadvajasana
Generally, these clips are not taken from my daily practice. I do them later, because setting up my camera is likely just me creating kleshas in my practice-- obstacles. Most often aversion, but sometimes craving.
The poses we like are as tricky as the poses we hate-- they both get in the way of the yoga happening. 😍=😟 Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Sunday, November 15, 2015 · 11:01 am
AshtangaAshtangadispatchBharadvajasanaInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifferencePractice
"SOMEWHAT SERIOUS"
#tourof2nd
This posture is named for Matseyendrath who is said to have founded Hatha Yoga, so it is VERY auspicious.
That said, it's "ardha," meaning half... So really, it's only KINDA auspicious. 😌😋😇 Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Sunday, November 15, 2015 · 11:10 am
AshtangaAshtangadispatchInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifferencePracticePracticedaily
"Ego"
#tourof2nd
#ekapadasirsasana
Put your leg behind your neck and pray it doesn't take your head off with it.
This posture is not without risk and for so many is an extreme challenge, with all its moving parts. Maybe this is the point?

Ahamkara, the I-maker, is born of buddhi, the intellect. This posture challenges the seat of intellect.
Avidya, aka Ignorance, is the biggest obstacle to yoga. With regards to this posture, I can spot two ways ignorance (and ultimately suffering) arise: misidentification of pain as pleasure and false identification of self as not self.
So! A) Don't hurt yourself, and B) Don't confuse your true nature with the tools of perception. You are so much more than this posture!

Don't suffer! ----👻💀👀--- Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Sunday, November 15, 2015 · 7:22 pm
AshtangaAshtangadispatchEkapadasirsasanaInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifferencePractice
"Snuggle"
#tourof2nd
#yoginidrasana
So very snug,
like a bug in a rug.
Legs, use 'em both
To get a hug.
Sleep yogi sleep
Nuzzle in deep
Ankles, pillows...
Don't be crude!
Tho this pose misconstrued
Could make a man
Be both lewd & rude.
##🌻🐓🙈🙊🌈 Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Monday, November 16, 2015 · 10:44 am
AshtangaAshtangadispatchInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifferencePracticePracticedaily
"One Wing at a Time"
#tittibhasana
in the primary series you hatch A chicken from the embryo of shoulder pressure. What if you could construct the wings of a firefly from the sails of your boat? 🐜🔥🐝
Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 · 5:00 pm
AshtangaAshtangadispatchInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifferencePracticePracticedaily
"Busy"
#tourof2nd
#pinchamayurasana

Forgive the delay, I've been busy getting ready for @davidgarriguesyoga Primary series intensive at @aysphiladelphia -- I've worked with David a few times a year for a bit now, and I am realizing just how much of an influence he has on me. I could not as for a better mentor.
He has so many considerations for every asana-- and yet also allows autonomy. I get a new perspective on how he works every time I study with him-- just so many layers and strategies. And fun 🙂 This time I'm a fly on the wall and a designated footholder. So much to learn.
This is feathered peacock pose-- with a little liberty taken. Maybe I'll gets big fancy feather for my quill to make the samyana portion exciting 😉 we were asked to make a few promises to ourselves this go round: the third & final? Enjoy yourself.
Yes sir. 🎉🎢
Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Thursday, November 19, 2015 · 4:31 pm
AshtangaAshtangadispatchInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifferencePinchamayurasanaPractice
"Foundations"
#tourof2nd
#ardhasirsasana
aka: #halfbend
In the sacred text portion of today's intensive @davidgarriguesyoga told us the story of Siva's blue neck.
As a kind of poison was choking the earth, Siva came to action and took the poison from the sky and found himself in a pickle: he could not swallow the poison, nor could he spit it back out.
So he sat with it, the poison safely in his neck. From this, his color changed.
Have you heard the opening chant for the Ashtanga yoga practice? The halalas mentioned are the poisons for which practice is the answer.
In small ways, we learn to sit with things as they actually are, not rejecting, projecting, or justifying.
When that skill gets stronger, we up the ante. So, perhaps you can see what I'm getting at here? 💡💎🔦
Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Friday, November 20, 2015 · 1:32 pm
ArdhasirsasanaAshtangaAshtangadispatchHalfbendInstagramIntermediateseriesKidsmatterMakeadifference
"Makara"
#tourof2nd
Makara is the name of my kayak. I love being out on the river, playing pirate.
Makara is a fierce sea-creature in Hindu mythology. The front half of this beast is a land based animal, often an elephant, crocodile, stag or deer. His hind part is depicted as an aquatic animal, in the form of a fish or seal tail. Sometimes, even a peacock tail is depicted.

#karandavasana might be a Himalayan goose, sure, but to me she is a chimera named Makara.
Picture the image of the body as a rickety ship, sailing across the sea of suffering to the oasis of true nature, called bliss. It, as @davidgarriguesyoga says, is unseaworthy-- takes in water-- may just sink.
But, if you fear so much you never start the trip, you're sure do die in the depths of the fear. So you sail-- and with enough faith and courage, you may just make it.
The alternative is that you die right where you are, and as @rupaulofficial says, "none of us are making it out alive." None of us are making it without takin' on some water, so you might as well sail.
For me, makara cum karanda has helped me to love the adventure, see the sacred geometries, and fall on my face many times. You just get back up. 🐥🔥💦🐋 Find the entire Intermediate Series (and more) in the latest Ashtanga Dispatch —> visit ashtangadispatch.com/themagazine. *5% of all proceeds go to @eaglemountboz, a small charity making a BIG difference by providing outdoor adventures for kids with disabilities.
And visit @ashtangadispatch and @jrene01 for more practice ideas!
#yogagivesback #makeadifference #yogachallenge #ashtangadispatch #yogainspiration #intermediateseries #practicedaily #ashtanga #kidsmatter
#yogadudes #ashtangay #menofyoga
Friday, November 20, 2015 · 1:47 pm
AshtangaAshtangadispatchInstagramIntermediateseriesKarandavasanaKidsmatterMakeadifferencePractice
Scooter adventures with @dzanr ! His Honda Activa is no Piaggio. Neither is my Hero Maestro, but I got to take the day off from driving.
Sunday, December 20, 2015 · 1:48 am
Instagram
"The brighter the light of a candle, the greater the circumference of darkness." -- Albert Einstein

Bye, 2015. I hate you. I love you. Thanks for everything. Having a full spectrum of human emotions is a gift in and of itself.
Now get the fuck out.
Thursday, December 31, 2015 · 8:37 am
Instagram
2016
Can anyone tell me if this is a legit car? Dune buggy? @_kfd_ ??? Either way, it's front end makes the cutest little car-face.
Monday, January 4, 2016 · 4:56 am
Instagram
If only I had snapped faster. That, friends, is a dog on a scooter.
My scooter at home says "no pets" in the boot-- this is much more logical.
Monday, January 4, 2016 · 4:59 am
Instagram
That time you were selected to represent Goa's amazing tattoo artist, Duncan @inkfideltattoo in the 1st Annual Goa Tattoo Festival in the category of "Traditional Style-- Eastern" -- pics courtesy of @highonlifeglobal
Saturday, January 16, 2016 · 1:08 pm
Instagram
I remember @tarabrach talking about emotions being like storms in one of her Wednesday Dharma talks. It stuck with me.

Forgive my paraphrasing, but emotions, they're like weather patterns. Keep your eyes on them and wait em out. They're bound to change.

The clouds will break, and sure as anything, that ol' grey sky'll shift.

Just you wait and see.
Sunday, January 17, 2016 · 10:25 am
Instagram
The best piece of advice I've ever received regarding travel is "Don't leave until you've left." This silhouette welcomed me on my first somewhat anxious hello, and kept me company as I licked my wounds of goodbye. Now, it gives me a kind of peace as a piece of my history.
Thursday, January 21, 2016 · 11:12 am
Instagram
"Paradise Beach," promised Junida. Her fellow traveler said it was stunning, the best (and purest!) around. He laid out the route to the very best spot. "It's quite far," she told us.

We followed a map written on the back of an old napkin (or envelope). Photographed by phone, the hand drawn map led north, out of India's smallest state and into Maharastra.

Passing woman wearing saris as we traversed dirt roads, it was clear we weren't in Goa anymore. A similar sentiment crept in as the catholic iconography gave way to temples to Kali and Ganesh.

Soon, we were at Redi fort, an inlet away from "Paradise Beach."

Sometimes the view of Paradise from the side is better than paradise itself.
Thursday, January 28, 2016 · 6:21 pm
Instagram
Easy come, easy Goa.
Bottom left, this time last year. The smile looks less forced this year, huh?

My heart feels good.
My body feels good.
My hips feel amazing.

Serving you romance novel cover realness.
Saturday, February 13, 2016 · 3:35 am
HealthInstagramLove
This is still technically a high-5, right? I cropped this from a dope shot over at @pegmulqueen -- go check it out.


I love the full shot of this, and the other one is great, too...I'm super into the beach heart we made.

@jrene01 is *werking* that hat
Monday, February 22, 2016 · 6:55 am
InstagramNature
My homie, Jo. @ladyhawkzuzu has dedicated her life to helping others pick themselves up and find love for their self. Bootstraps, backbends, and balls. She kept the community cohesive, helped with small details, and got the dirt under her nails for DG's Kovalam intensive. She's the shit.
Friday, February 26, 2016 · 1:24 am
Instagram
David's dedication to making the process of yoga available and tangible to absolutely anyone inspires me. He teaches me yoga, he teaches me to teach yoga. He holds my foot for me when I can't, and he let me fall down. He encourages autonomy, pragmatism, and devotion. "Keep practicing-- it makes a difference! Even when it doesn't seem like it. With time, you will find self knowledge. You will become a seer!"
Friday, February 26, 2016 · 1:32 am
Instagram
"Heeeey senator's son," yelled the lady who panhandles on my corner. We've known each other for years. "Normally you're dressed like the guy who dates the senators son," said Chris.
Monday, March 7, 2016 · 9:19 pm
Instagram
The last time I had this much mud on my face, I was at Carnival. Haldi Chadan mud pack from fab India. Basically, a turmeric face mask with @lybra20
Saturday, March 19, 2016 · 7:48 pm
Instagram
It's important to receive assistance sometimes. This week I helped assist @davidgarriguesyoga with his 2nd series intensive. To me, it's a big deal that my fellow students allowed me the space to learn David's methodology in a different way. Thanks, team.
Monday, March 21, 2016 · 6:06 pm
Instagram
The Lord of Obstacles, Ganesh, and I are exploring together on this gorgeous day. @jrene01 and I kiki'd and created for a bit.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016 · 10:11 am
Instagram
I've been sharing Hatha Yoga techniques with the office of Housing and Urban Deveopment for almost eight years.
Their depth and skill grows, consistently. The staff changes, and there is always someone new. I love meeting people where they are (metaphorically and literally) and gesturing them towards better health of body, mind, spirit. I'm so enriched when the gesture becomes action and the action becomes ... Something greater.
I feel privileged to watch consciousness expand in unexpected places, with unsuspecting people.
Three things I've been told this week:
"I'm not scared anymore" "I was able to use what I learned during labor" "I didn't know I could do that."
Wednesday, March 23, 2016 · 1:25 pm
InstagramReflectionsWork
I'm not looking at my hand; I'm not looking at my nose. I'm looking inside at the God that has deigned to do drag as MJH.


You're seeing the whole universe concentrated down into man form, and that man form is learning to concentrate long enough to see himself as the whole of the universe.


The universe is never mistaken, she's ceaseless, and made of bliss!What a gift this sometimes faulty yet never imperfect bag of bones is!


Category is: side angled linebacker sensitive kid butch queen realness.
10s across the board.


I didn't make this shit up, and I've got @rupaulofficial and @davidgarriguesyoga to remind me that this look is *sickening*.
Friday, March 25, 2016 · 11:04 am
Instagram
Out in Arlington? Thursday is the last day of my afternoon Mysore engagement @littleriveryoga !! It's been great, and I'm so tickled to have gotten to share.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016 · 4:03 pm
InstagramPractice
A picture of my Dad when he was younger. They all call him "Big Mike." My Aunt Karin has been collecting, cleaning up, scanning, and saving pictures of our family. I'm so grateful for her archiving work.
Funny for me, my nickname in Goa this year was the same as my Dad's. I've always been little mike or just plain mike. Looks like my dad was little mike once, too.
Saturday, April 2, 2016 · 8:18 am
FamilyInstagramReflections
What did I do this weekend? Small group workshops with lots and lots and lots of individual attention. Great conversation. Fantastic questions. Lots of seeing, doing, and learning, and sharing. More soon!
Sunday, April 24, 2016 · 7:31 pm
InstagramTeaching
Serving it to you fresh out the oven. Aka a super hot yoga room. Wishing I had enough interest for a men's advanced yoga basics class.
Monday, April 25, 2016 · 5:51 pm
Instagram
Think yoga is too girly? Don't let gender disparity become a barrier to entry! Come learn & muck about with a bunch of dudes.
Saturday, April 30, 2016 · 1:56 pm
Instagram
Never a dull moment: "Ain't no power like the power of the worker cause the power of the worker don't stop."
Sunday, May 1, 2016 · 4:00 pm
Instagram
I love my job-- this evening, I'm teaching rooftop yoga for Carr Workplaces. Does your office need a little de-stressing ?
Monday, May 9, 2016 · 9:55 am
Instagram
"Morning Milkshake"
aka: how to tell if Michael can focus--
One avocado
1 tablespoon homemade sunflower seed butter
3 cups kale
One scoop plant fusion chocolate protein powder
seven ice cubes
One and a half cup almond milk
three packets Stevia
---
Thinking of @esitzler and @sipnglo -- my philly favorites.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 · 6:31 am
Instagram
I learned a lot in Goa. One of the surprises? A tempering of my attitude towards teacher trainings. More critical thinking, less knee-jerk.
I met two really wonderful people, both in Goa for a 6 week training.
It demanded of them that they be in community with other practitioners. That they willingly laid down some of their creature comforts. The impact Adam & Julia had on my thinking makes me very happy. I was wrong. Not all teacher trainings are bad. Heck, I am so grateful for my time at the sivananda ashram.
If I'm to believe getting a whole page in Julia's book means I had some impact on her too, then I'm pretty tickled. I certainly made clear my preference for the teacher – apprentice model 😉
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 · 11:39 am
InstagramReflectionsTeaching
Homie, you trippin'. Also, that aborted fetus on the side is not a good look.
Tho, I want Obama girl's contacts here-- hey girl! Hey!
Serving you executive office Halloween realness. Won't find those at party city
Friday, May 13, 2016 · 6:34 pm
Instagram
Saw "The Object Lesson" at @studiotheatre 's Studio X. Catch it in its last week (tix are only $20!) -- a hoarders dream. Interactive set, who knows what you'll find.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016 · 11:02 pm
Instagram
My coach, Jeff, was going on about competitive athletes-- "some people take these scores seriously," he says. Sharks and minnows, driving in a developing nation, etc.
Anyway, after feeling like my commitment to sparkle motion was being questioned, I came in second.
Smooches, bitches.
Monday, June 6, 2016 · 7:00 pm
Instagram
Just another day at @littleriveryoga -- asked my buddy @carsonclaycalhoun to help me with my backbending cycle. I love these folks.
Facts:
1. men do yoga.
2. tall guys do yoga.
3. hot guys, too.
Seriously, I love the big dude yoga club.
Saturday, June 18, 2016 · 11:30 am
FriendsInstagram
Why put your feet on your head? Read the benefits. BKS Iyengar says "The subjugation of the ego leads to harmony and happiness. "
Saturday, June 18, 2016 · 2:32 pm
Instagram
Rawr.
Cheetah versus tiger. @arnoldrecords or @michaeljoelhall in the big cat version of "Mother, May I Sleep With Danger?"
Saturday, June 18, 2016 · 9:25 pm
Instagram
Like a pacing tiger or an under-walked dog, if we don't move, we lose something.
It feels good to feel good-- but my, how I can forget. it's like those pandas that won't mate, or the sloth bears that only live to 15.
We have to awaken the dormant intelligence that knows how to live ecstatically.
Running takes me inside.
Picking up heavy things confronts listlessness.
Yoga reminds me who I am.
We're all beasts. Go outside & play. Get inside and play.
Love yourself.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 · 10:25 am
Instagram
Iced Earl after 4, Ceremony Roaster's iced coffee before 12. New coffee spot at 7/Sansom -- @arterialagents -- check 'em out.
Saturday, June 25, 2016 · 12:09 pm
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There is so much to LOVE about Philly! Getting to hang with @esitzler and the community at @aysphiladelphia is high on that list.
Saturday, June 25, 2016 · 11:48 pm
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Charlie spent time fertilizing @lybra20 's yard, but came to practice for the final day of @davidgarriguesyoga intensive in Philly.
Sunday, June 26, 2016 · 9:40 am
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Abby did some release work on my jaw-- I've broken it twice. I took this picture because I could not just feel the difference, but see it too.
Heeeeeey wistful gaze.
Monday, June 27, 2016 · 8:11 pm
Instagram
Home practice, at the folks. It's rainy, and kinda has a chill. Reminds me of Goa just before dawn.
My body is stiff from sleeping outside on the ground. I normally do standing at home. Today? I decided to enjoy the challenge of chattering aunts, roaming little cousins, and the less-than-strong coffee Dad makes.
I'll be practicing yoga all day, with a loving family with diverging opinions on every subject you can have an opinion on.
any-who! helluva thump! huh? Sooooooo distracted.
Sunday, July 3, 2016 · 11:36 am
FamilyInstagram
Getting tested for HIV is scary. At @whitmanwalker it takes 1 minute to get your results.
When I was in my early twenties, those few days before you got your results were an absolute horror.
Then, the test took 20 minutes. Amazing how scared you can be for 20 minutes.
It's not like that anymore. Get tested. Take a friend.
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 · 6:28 pm
Instagram
I love working on the leg behind the head postures. In fact, I love working on every posture in my practice-- in as many ways as possible. Outside, I have no props, the grounds as uneven as I am, and Charlie might tackle me it any time. After thinking about Derek Ireland's short-shorts, I went into Logan Circle & did my practice. Intending to show off, I ended up with this. Figures. Yoga bloopers.
#menofyoga #gayyoga #yogadudes #YogaEveryDamnDay #boysofyoga #yogaguy #yogaeveryday #ashtanga #yogabloopers
Wednesday, August 10, 2016 · 4:52 pm
AshtangaInstagramPracticeYogabloopers
This does not show the full extent of the crowd even a little. @deborahcox -- kill in it! She did Aida! I wanna see her in "The Bodyguard"!
Sunday, August 14, 2016 · 7:49 am
Instagram
Today, I did a photo shoot with @livelyogini -- I forgot that this could be fun.
Parched? Stay thirsty just a bit longer -- I'm sure we got something good, . 😉
Tuesday, September 20, 2016 · 9:48 pm
Instagram
I'm sharing tips, tricks, drills, and more next weekend from my journey into an open heart, strong legs, and distress tolerance.
My experience is not unique. Over and over, I've seen people flourish and amaze themselves.
It's all about breaking it down into pieces... And then putting it back together. I mean, who doesn't want pain free backbends?

Sound useful?

Please join us:
http://tinyurl.com/mtmbackbend

http://tinyurl.com/mtmbackbend
Saturday, September 24, 2016 · 9:36 am
Instagram
The grand opening of @oceanprimedc exceeded imagination. The lobster tails were prepared perfectly. Kazi's steak got mouthful raves.
Can't wait to come back and try more.
Monday, September 26, 2016 · 8:01 pm
Instagram
Never a dull moment. Apparently 14th Street Asian Bistro Cafe paid Maria $8.00/hr and the minimum wage is $11. She asked to be paid & was fired.
Saturday, October 1, 2016 · 5:34 pm
Instagram
Why do the same folks that are against federal assistance (drug testing, get-a-job, etc) and question corporate welfare & bailouts support Donald? Because his tax evasion is legal?
It seems to me that if we had folks paying closer to a fair amount, we'd be able to eliminate poverty in the States. Less defense spending, more sustainable growth on our turf.
How is wanting, for All Americans, a life free of healthcare related debt and malnourishment a radical/arguable agenda? How far would the 1 billion in taxes unspent go?

Doing something that you know is wrong when no ones looking shows a lack of character.
Monday, October 3, 2016 · 5:15 am
InstagramReflections
They come together to support each other with love. They care very dearly about the well being of others. They take their civic duties seriously. I am so very grateful to each and every person with whom I have shared open arms and hearts, especially those @dcashtanga
Friday, November 11, 2016 · 6:33 pm
InstagramPracticeReflections
Can you spot Ganesh? This is my little alter at @dcashtanga ... From the darkness before daybreak 'till dawns early light, his shadow spreads wide-- the shadows of his ears becoming the wings of an angel.
His presence is harder to spot by the time the city begins its bustle, unless you know where to look.
I really love early morning practice, even when it's truncated so as to both support my community and to maintain healthy sleep... But man, catching the auspicious hour sure does reveal things that can't be found in the light.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 · 10:36 am
InstagramPractice
Charlie has been assisting at @littleriveryoga in the afternoons while @livelyogini is in Arizonia with @davidgarriguesyoga. He likes a good alter, too.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016 · 7:57 pm
Instagram
People have been asking what Charlie will be doing while I am in India. Well, after his disappointment with the election and concern about losing his jet setting ways with an unstable economy, Chuckles got a sidehustle driving for Lyft.
Thursday, December 1, 2016 · 10:51 am
Instagram
I arrived in Delhi only to find the ATMs all out of money and a shutdown all over at the city.
Folks were taking to the streets in protest, and all of the monuments would be closed.
I couldn't get to my hotel by rickshaw or car.... So at 5am, I took a car to Agra.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016 · 3:26 am
InstagramTravel
Atop the Agra fort was tied a gold chain that went over the river-- and affixed to the chain were tens upon tens of bells.
To tug upon the chain would grant you an audience with the king. Anyone, regardless of rank, could jingle the chain.
This required massive bravery, as wasting the King's time comes with major punishment.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016 · 7:17 am
Instagram
Juhu beach in Mumbai. Made the best of my lay over. I'd sooner get in the water in varnassi than go in here. The trash! And I swam in the Potomac this year 😡

Anyway, here's a guy who did a thing and has a cannon.
Saturday, December 17, 2016 · 10:50 am
Instagram
When you sneak out of the airport -- the joys of being gone for 2 months with only a carry-on -- and find a Starbucks to do work. Mumb-buh-bye. Fun facts: they don't take American gift cards (they have their own!) // they play Christmas music // m Americano was great // spelled "Mike" perfectly
Saturday, December 17, 2016 · 10:51 am
InstagramTravel
Turns out, in this economy, driving for Lyft wasn't paying the rent. So, Charlie got a second side hustle as a daytime bartender. His tips have been through the woof.
Friday, December 23, 2016 · 10:59 pm
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2017
Today's check-in is from Ashtanga's advanced a section.

#Vishvamitrasana was so challenging to me that I didn't think I was ready to be working on it. it seemed so hard. I was left with a whole new world to research, explore, and discover.
Thank god for teachers like David and Rolf who encourage autonomy and agency... They reminded me that there is no room for shame or guilt in this kind of endeavor, while giving me the tools to practice lovingly and intelligently.
They trusted that I'd get my shit together.... And they didn't mind that it took a few years.
I am so grateful for the privilege of getting to be a student. Oh, I love Rolf, and oh I love Goa.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 · 2:39 am
InstagramPracticeReflectionsVishvamitrasana
Sprout let me try on his Manicorn cowl (it! has! a! cape!)-- he told me I could be a womyncorn if I wanted-- "the unicorn federation doesn't discriminate."
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 · 8:45 am
Instagram
Practicing dynamism -- working each vinyasa as a part of a whole.
Each dynamic position, each"count" in the vinyasa krama, has an infinite number of breaths that can be explored. But much like garment construction, you have to eventually piece it back together and hope it wears well. @rupaulofficial and @michellevisage would read you to filth if you came out on the runway in just a sleeve, but a well constructed frock gives you a polished look. Oh, sure, the dristhi might be off, or the hem of the skirt, but so long as you're keeping that waist cinched... Sorry. You know I get distracted by drag queens. Anyway.
Rolf told me to go practice in the afternoons on the beach. "Keep your back to the ocean, and work on your ticktacks. Many people learned that way." Playfulness is so important to me, and dynamism sparks just that.
Thursday, January 5, 2017 · 3:53 am
InstagramNaturePractice
I fell and face planted everyday for a long, long time.
The left side of my body is distinctly unlike the right. The times I've broken ribs, the times I've broken my jaw, the rod that was in my leg after my car accident. The plates in my face and skull after the assault.
Every little bit of my history adds up to this body as it is, and I'm so grateful to have it... It is such a wonderful instrument for contemplation. By returning to practice time and again, a practitioner begins to notice where the imbalances are and can go into them to gently encourage balance. And, by going into the weaker parts lovingly, also a kind of acceptance of what is can take place. In the act of dispassionate curiosity built on love and wonder, the bodymind organism begins to thrive. The imbalances aren't the enemy. Neither is the mind, nor the body. They just are what they are-- and by concentrating and looking inside,a quiet spectacle of infinite bliss reveals her dance.
Friday, January 6, 2017 · 2:46 am
InstagramReflections
I grew up a lot like an only child-- my brothers are so much older than me. So, often, my inner world and solitude were made rich by default
The kids at school were quite mean, and so to were the thoughts in my head. Kill yourself, they all hate you, you're smart and ugly and no one will ever like you. Fat fat fat.
The online queer community helped me a lot when I was a depressed obese teenager who secretly liked boys and power rangers. They accepted me.
Yoga has helped me separate my thoughts from the thing inside that sees the thoughts, and I'm able to remember I am not simply this body, not simply this mind. I am made of God-stuff, and so is everyone else.
Anyway, give yourself permission to laugh-- this life we have is, as Wilde said "too important to be taken seriously." The world is full of bullies, laugh laugh laugh. There is almost nothing more empowering than getting a taste for the comedic timing of this universe.
Saturday, January 7, 2017 · 12:08 am
FamilyInstagram
Went to an event called "Ecstatic Dance" -- a jungle pavilion overlooking the sea with an excellent DJ. Only allowed to share love & movement. No talking, no drugs, no booze. It was lovely & inspiring. Like dancing at home when no ones around... with friends.
Saturday, January 7, 2017 · 12:32 pm
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Sunday's are often my rest day (heh: Saturday's, too) -- but when you're feeling like a pretty peacock on the beach, maybe you just gotta shake yo' tailfeather.
I saw @harmony_ashtanga and @waldenjessica talking about "being curious about what is possible" -- and ohhhh man-- doesn't the potential of limitless potential just make you wide-eyed, giddy, and wonderful? Doesn't the curiosity tickle your heart strings?

Tomorrow it's back to practice with community, so maybe I'll slow down on the beach videos.
The truth is, I rarely see my postures this way. At #DCAshtanga we have a "no cameras in the Shala" rule that has exceptions for kids & animals... and occasionally as a learning tool. I stick to it pretty strongly personally, too. Heck, Rolf doesn't even want us to bring our phone to the shala (and probably doesn't like that I've been talking about him on here...). Thanks for sharing some play time on the beach with me. Maybe I'll share more?

Fun fact: I packed everything for this trip into a carry-on. 🏊👙(count the short-shorts)
Sunday, January 8, 2017 · 1:58 am
DcashtangaInstagramNaturePractice
I'm hearing these horror stories about manatees in red hats descending on my city, demanding fish and fried mayonnaise balls. You know what that hat days, eh? @carterstevens
Somehow they've learned English enough to harangue the queers and POC with micro & macro aggressions.
My past:
Most of my early 20s was spent in straight dive bars after work at the DC Improv. I got in a lot of fights -- Drunk guys felt like they could get away with not-so-subtle digs...and I had no problem using my words and my arms to defend myself. It didn't take much to set me off.
I also generally had a surly tits-drunk crew of straight-bros that got excited to talk shit back. They're great men. Typically, things diffused before it got too real. Turns out, most of these bigots were chicken shit.
Things were different then-- both the cultural acceptance of belittling gay folk, and the shortness of my fuse. Sure, I'm not at bars till last call much anymore, but I think it's more than that.
We can't go back. I'm not saying fight these folks with fists, tho, I wonder if maybe I wasn't doing my yoga, which of the bamas would be dead. jokes.
Seriously: Don't be a door mat. Call a bigot a bigot. Don't let the physical manifestation of privilege and patriarchy intimidate you. And, if you are afraid, feel your feelings and if you can speak up: do it. "Tell 'em boy bye. Middle fingers up."
Friday, January 20, 2017 · 12:26 am
InstagramReflections
On my last full day, I finally did it.
Do you have something that scares you? 4 years ago, my teacher started me on this sequence.
I've resisted. I was scared... it was too hard by myself. I had other things to work on.
When I confessed I hadn't been working on them so much, my teacher just laughed... And helped me get back to work. The same little program as before, fleshed out again.
Sometimes we need someone to hold our hand; sometimes, our feet to the fire. Often: both.
I'm really tickled.
Saturday, February 11, 2017 · 2:20 am
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I'd love to tell you how often I've been told I'm too fat. The number has a Wilde impossibility to it, so much so that you will know it is true.
When I weighed 100 lbs more, it was less shocking than it is now. And yet: less surprising. Maybe it's age.
I get a thrill of subversive go-fuck-yourself now. I see it more starkly, as I get my intellect-genetic-earth based rhythms.
Madonna, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears stay with me in my heart because of the lashes and the backlashes they create through the medium of Pop. Especially Madonna. Gaga's conversationally specific now, though.
I just want it to stop, and know it won't. We have to find our own rhythms, our own balances. That's each and everyone of our own work... But in the interim:
Im gonna hope that you wear colors if you like them and short-shorts if you want them. And, maybe suggest you get rollerskates, too. But that last one is just me.
Saturday, February 11, 2017 · 3:25 am
InstagramLove
Jason and I have known each other since we were 18/19.
We closed down bars together, and eventually he opened one.
We are the people of DC. We ain't got no box to be put in.
We watched Annie Hall together on the national mall. We've had conversations about the literal sound of farting in yoga versus the not-flatulance-fart noise. I didn't know he was here... But I was not dead shocked to cross paths.
You can't make old friends.
Sunday, February 12, 2017 · 6:31 am
FriendsInstagram
Such a beautiful day for primary outside.
Combining the forces of prana and apana in a dynamic way that brings a sense of grounding and stability in the moments of expansive heights. Playing with capacity, letting the buddy hum to the tune of "I am" and "I can".
Friday, February 24, 2017 · 5:06 pm
FriendsInstagram
Workshops & Teaching!

March 26:
Kali Yoga
8-9: Intro to Mysore ($45)
9-10: Pranayama ($20)
10-11: Bandha ($20)
11-12: Led Intermediate and Ashtanga Pranayama ($20)

April 8:
Mind the Mat
1-3p: Tour of Primary Series ($45)

April 9:
Kali Yoga
8-9: Intro to Mysore ($45)
9-10: Pranayama ($20)
10-11 Bandha ($20)
11-1:00: Led Intermediate and Ashtanga Pranayama ($20)

April 22:
Ashtanga Nation
11:15am-12:45am: Intro to Pranayama Techniques
1:00-2:30: Deconstructed Vinyasa Patterns: The Psoas

May 6:
Mind the Mat
1-3: Tour of Intermediate Series ($45)

May 7:
Kali Yoga
Intro to Mysore 8:00-9:00
Bandha Workshop 9:00-10:00
Pranayama Workshop 10:00-11:00
Led Intermediate and Ashtanga Pranayama: 11-1:00
Monday, March 6, 2017 · 5:13 pm
InstagramPracticeTeaching
Inside each and everyone of us is a beautiful soundless sound.
To my soul, it sounds like freedom. Free of suffering. Play the song, play the song.
Clear and resonant.
Play the song.
Thursday, March 9, 2017 · 11:22 am
Instagram
Britney's "Glory" (deluxe-- with Mood Ring!) is a perfect companion for a speedy 70 minute primary.... But please, turn that racket OFF for sivasana.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017 · 11:35 am
InstagramPractice
Recorded some of the stuff I do when I'm horsing around at @balancegym -- svadhyaya isn't always fun, but so nice when it is!
Thursday, April 20, 2017 · 2:51 pm
Instagram
TFW your friend tells you the library is open and you think you're going to get read to filth... but actually they just have to go because the library really is open. @bibliophile1800
Tuesday, May 2, 2017 · 11:11 am
Instagram
Post singing lesson selfie. Two years with Dr Miskie-- and I've learned and grown so much. She's been trying to convince me to day this for a long time: "im a singer."
Thursday, May 4, 2017 · 11:25 am
Instagram
You do t always know when you're looking in the wrong place for what you think you need. Trust your intuition, and question it, too. Actively practicing compassion, kindness, dispassion, and selfless service helps you see the signs you mught have missed... Even while you were practicing.
Monday, May 8, 2017 · 11:22 am
Instagram
Such a wonderful way to spend a Saturday-- mysore style ashtanga yoga with a rich and diverse community of kindhearted practitioners! @livelyogini and @mhendric1 at @ashtanganation do such a wonderful job of teaching and holding space. I encourage all of my @dcashtanga brethren who are looking to practice in community on Saturdays to check them out, 8:30-11.
Saturday, May 13, 2017 · 1:42 pm
InstagramPractice
Kindness, love, and bliss are infinite metrics that are tells of practice. You have to be willing to be hurt, to feel your pain, to apologize, to forgive and to get woke. Its not easy, but its worth it. Practice and all is coming.
Monday, May 15, 2017 · 1:11 pm
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I'm somewhat responsible for his trust issues. Watch for falling birds -- especially Himalayan geese. Sorry, Charlie!
Sunday, May 21, 2017 · 1:06 pm
Instagram
In the practice of Ashtanga yoga, concentration on the subtle perceptions of the body leads to stability and tranquility. We get better over time at managing the teeny tiny shifts that keep us calm and collected... Which doesn't mean things dont go off balance. They do-- we just dont panic, stay cool, and do our best to get back to the sweet spot. A really useful skill.
Come practice with me at @dcashtanga
3423 14th St NW (hosted by @kaliyogadc )

Wed 6:30-9:30,
Thurs 6:30-1
Fri 6:15-7:45 (led primary)
Tuesday, May 23, 2017 · 8:16 pm
InstagramPractice
What do you do when it starts to rain after sun salutations? Do you curse the salutations for not delivering on their promise?
At @dcashtanga -- we laugh a lot. It's all such serious business this yoga stuff, it's good to develop a predilection for good humor. After all, the universe has a sense of one, and it's often a bit dark.
Practice and all is coming 😉 We're open on:
Thursday 'till 1, and
Friday is led primary at 6:15
Wednesday, May 31, 2017 · 6:15 pm
InstagramPractice
Through the practice of constraint upon the kurma nadi, the yogin gains steadiness.
Through the practice of constraint upon the light in the head, he gains the visions of the adepts.
Or through a flash of illumination (pratibha), everything.
Thursday, June 1, 2017 · 6:39 pm
Instagram
You can break down this stuff three ways: work, play, and deliberate practice. For my dear friend @livelyogini & I, we wanted to take some of the time we've spent with deliberate practice of the Ashtanga methods D.C. and utilize its skills differently, in a form of play.
@antoninaletunovskaya gave us a contortion/acrobatic private, and we got to P L A Y-- and it was SO MUCH FUN. As a student of integrative studies at George Mason, I developed a taste for knitting together and leaning into different and often disparate fields of study and especially their experts.
It was such a great experience-- Antonia is an absolute gem. At 29 and 34, Maggie and I get to say we did something we've never done. Luckily, as teachers of Ashtanga Yoga, we're in the business of believing the impossible is possible.
Fun is fun, and play is play. Good practice requires deliberate attention.
Let your practice let you play!
Friday, June 2, 2017 · 6:07 am
InstagramPractice
The Ashtanga Yoga practice, as taught to me by my teachers in the tradition of Sri K Pattabhi Jois, is incredibly powerful.
It is a spiritual practice, in so far as it helps you find the best of what's inside of you... and brings it out. Your spirit. Who you are on the inside-- your natural, beautiful self. Your god stuff.
Are you interested in - developing physical fitness: strength, flexibility, and grace?
-Establishing mental and emotional fortitude, leading to: resilience, distress tolerance, and general stability of attitude - healthy relationships-- with others as well as with yourself. - brining clarity to your natural rhythms and cycles.
Taught one one one in a group setting, students are free to come and go at their leisure.
Join us M-Thurs, 6-9:30 at @kaliyogadc
Fridays, 6:15-7:45 (led primary)
Sunday 8-10a (open practice)
I'm also available for private sessions. -- Here I am with Whitney Paterson @yogawhitney -- a phenomenal student and trusted apprentice/assistant. She's made two trips to Mysore to study with one of my teachers, Sharath Jois (the director of the ashtanga yoga institute). She's a kind hearted woman, a gifted ayuevrdic consultant/practitioner, and has dutifully co-taught with me.
Next month, she'll be starting the @dcashtanga afternoon sessions. M-W, 4:30-630!
Monday, June 5, 2017 · 3:03 pm
InstagramPractice
WHAT MAKES A GOOD MANTRA?

One that works!

I often sing "When you're good to mama" from Chicago to myself when I notice that I'm indulging a bit too heavily off syllabus during practice. The line "The system works! Caaaause the system works... the system called... reciprocity!" Stands out strongly in my mind.
Here, as I make a shape that is not within the system of Ashtanga, i am reminded that I am participating in contortion, not practicing the system of yoga as prescribed by my teachers. When I'm tempted to go off track, I have to gently remind myself to come back.

There is a brilliance to the system of yoga refined by Pattahbi Jois and Krishnamacharya over 80?-odd years in Mysore.
It radically opens the body, strengthens the nervous system, and stabilizes the mind. It also allows me to do all kinds of other modalities of human movement, performance, and play.

Having strong support inside the system, from my teachers, also makes the hard times easier-- like when I fall off my bike, push too hard, or discover a place that needs a (seemingly too slow) but of strength.
Frankly, you can't expect a radical restructuring to always be fast and easy, and as such, when the work demands it, I know how to work and modify... and I have faith that it'll be ok.
Just because I can make this shape doesn't mean I have a grounding in a system of yoga... but because I have a grounding in a system of yoga, I can make this shape.
Sing to with me: "RECIPROCITY!!!"
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 · 2:23 pm
InstagramPractice
I've been a member of this gym for almost 15 years.
Discovering my love of fitness and sport helped empower me in my youth, and keeps me strong in ways far beyond muscle mass as an adult.
Strong people are more useful; and being smart and pretty has no bearing on ones capacity for physicality. Basically, you can be smart, pretty, and strong -- so why not?
Perhaps that message is taboo....?
Friday, June 9, 2017 · 1:21 pm
InstagramLove
I learned to pretend to be a cat my first day of yoga. I didn't want to be called a cow. So funny how my sweet little ego bristled when confronted with something that sounded to it like a pejorative! As though our identity couldn't be anything we willed it to be? He hurt so badly.
Today, I'm pretending to be a very good contortionist with an absolutely infinite amount of options. It's all make-believe, afterall.
Inside of this, I'm also vowing to make a mudra, a gesture that conveys an idea, as @davidgarriguesyoga calls such things.
The idea being conveyed through this gesture? With right effort, you can feel the infinite amount of connections hidden within the universe and they all come back to a single point.
Can you see it? (I see a big ol' cow in there, too! 😂)
Saturday, November 11, 2017 · 3:55 pm
InstagramReflections
Primary, in the nook between my kitchen island and my tchotchkes and curio cabinet. What used to be a radiator now holds kitchen gadgets. I loved practicing next to the radiator because it was sooooo warm. Once, I somersaulted into the radiator -- ow! -- trying to get my hands to the floor in prasarita c. We've been through a lot together, this spot and I... in fact, it's my favorite spot to practice (radiator or no). @katelynntully
Sunday, November 19, 2017 · 11:47 am
Instagram
@davidgarriguesyoga is doing a Led 1/2 Primary and talk on Thanksgiving at @ashtanganation -- 8am. Wanna take a yogi field trip? I excited-- this is his first time teaching in Northern Virginia in quite some time. Come raise money to fight childhood obesity (a cause near to my heart!).
Monday, November 20, 2017 · 6:07 am
InstagramLovePractice
Even as she molded this flesh like clay, she knew it wasn't hers. The parts of me that stuck to her were as happenstance and inevitable as the parts of her that stuck to me. She was not god, not molding me in her image, but wanting only for me to find mine. And to love it. It's through a kind of grace I see her in me, as I see me in me. As I strive to see God in me, all the more. I feel lucky that I see me in her.
It's an alchemy, to teach a person to spin pain into love. It's an art to see God in all things. But pain has no owner. No shape, no form. There can be no ownership of the infinite.
You'd be surprised at which bone is said to be the holiest. A foot stepping down can feel like crushing bondage. Unmasked and inverted, that same foot can bring liberation. It can also be missed completely.
Sunday, November 26, 2017 · 2:18 pm
InstagramReflections
Musica universalis, literally the music of the universe. This music may not actually be audible, but is in fact observable in the relationship of movement and object proportions— particularly prescient when discussing celestial bodies— the sun, the moon... and perhaps also the human heart. Called “the harmony of the spheres,” science has observed changes in Saturn’s rings due to its own moons, gaps caused by a pull relative of the moon’s size. These gaps are observable from a distance, visible with the eye, yet the forces themselves can’t be seen. Music to hear without ears. A rhythm to the universe. A reminder of our own relative nature.
Sunday, December 3, 2017 · 2:20 pm
Instagram
“We call this mosquito net green. But how do you know what I see as green looks like what you see as green? No, all we can say is that we both agree that this thing we see is that which we both call green... which tells us nothing about either the net or the color.”
Wednesday, December 13, 2017 · 6:49 pm
Instagram
At #DCAshtanga, we value cultural exchange, and denounce bigotry, appropriation, and oppression of all stripes. Here 👁 am doing forest yoga, not to be confused with Forrest Yoga.
You’ll note I’m doing my Ashtanga practice in the forest (which is not Mysore style, it’s just ashtanga, since Mysore is what you call it when it’s taught like it was/is taught in a specific place). That said, 👁 do sometimes do Mysore style Ashtanga yoga in the forest, when I️ practice with my teacher... who teaches in the forest (and isn’t Ana Forrest ;)). Forest yoga isn’t necessarily Forrest yoga, and ashtanga isn’t necessarily Mysore. I’m being a bit glib... but the drill down here highlights difference between appropriation and exchange, something we take seriously at #DCAshtanga. Check out a class with @gratefulweirdo in the Forrest tradition at @kaliyogadc and of course you can stick around to learn Ashtanga, Mysore style, with me, or one of our incredible teachers, who learned from someone who studied the method in Mysore (me!).
Thursday, December 14, 2017 · 7:45 pm
DcashtangaInstagramPracticeReflections
Chia porridge made with coconut milk and topped with papaya, red bananas, strawberries, blue berries, goji berries, and my absolute favorite: chikoo. Oh! And dried coconut. A true yogi’s breakfast at #beanmeup
Saturday, December 16, 2017 · 12:56 am
Instagram
My favorite spot for an egg sandwich. This year, in the interest of making sure my nutrition doesn’t suffer, I’m asking for three eggs. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Saturday, December 16, 2017 · 8:00 am
Instagram
Scooter hair and new sunglasses— two of my absolute favorite “little things” about my time abroad. After watching Atomic Blonde on the plane, 👁 knew 👁 was due for a pair just like these.
Sunday, December 17, 2017 · 3:46 am
InstagramTravel
2018
I was reminded that Shankrathi was coming up by this beautiful lady.
Shankranthi is a harvest festival, one of the highlights being the adorned cows.
Saturday, January 20, 2018 · 7:13 am
Instagram
Back in Panjim, after the shortest visit with @livelyogini -- but a total adventure.
I had almost forgotten quite how amazing dusty ol' Mysore is. Kingfisher is 70 rupees for a big bottle strong in Goa. It's like 215 there. Funny, no?
Saturday, January 20, 2018 · 11:55 pm
InstagramPractice
Each of us has a perspective that is informed by where we are at any given time. Here, quite literally, the golden hour looks different than it does in America. The light hits the earth in a different kind of way... Colors take on a different vibrancy. Scattered everywhere throughout India are places of worship. In Goa, a former Portuguese colony, the places of worship are more Christian, but in Mysire, they're strongly Hindu. So similar but also so different. It makes me think about how the same we all are, but how much we are shaped by our past. How can you describe a sunset without taking into account these things? What about God? How can anyone ever think they truly know anything?
Sunday, January 21, 2018 · 10:46 am
InstagramNature
Jo lives without a smartphone. She doesn't text. In fact, she checks her emails to coordinate plans.
For the last five years, weve just happened to bump into each other-- every year.
Monday, January 29, 2018 · 6:50 pm
Instagram
My teacher's buddy carved this ages ago. The water has smoothed it a bit, and it looks almost as though it was formed via the laping of waves. 🌊
The beach is covered in shacks now-- many advertising the rock, capitalizing on its beauty. On one hands, so nice to see the entrepreneurial spirit, on the other, a shame to lose the natural purity and rich beauty of an as-yet undiscovered gem. 💸
If not for the seekers, mystics, artists, and entrepreneurs I wouldn't be here. 🌅
Rememberance is necessary for the development of grit and resilience (and for faith!) but it can also lead to abiding suffering. 🤷‍♂️
Imma just be up here doing a dodgey dancer and let the rupees fall where they may. 🙂
Thursday, February 15, 2018 · 12:14 am
FriendsInstagramNature
🔮Ready for some woo-woo??? 🔮

I have a few friends from DC visiting an #ashtanga retreat center in Goa. Taking a visit to #arambol (a bit of a hike from the retreatcenter) they took a 🎥of this rad #tightrope walker -- thinking of me and my love for the weird, they posted the clip on the internet and tagged me. Guess what?? I had just done the same thing, but hadn't posted! A few minutes later, we ran smack into each other... Just next to the performer!!🎪
🔮I felt conjured by white magic. 🔮
In New Orleans, as in Arambol, there are performers everywhere. The unwritten rule of ettiquiette is that you are free to watch, but taking pictures should lead to 💰💰💰
The age of the performer and the vibe of the older gal collecting the money gave me the heeby-jeebies. She was young and the lady was very gruff... Do. Not. Like. And I love throwing money at drag queens, strippers, and circus performers-- yikes!😳
Stair was the owner of the yoga studio that housed and incubated me as I became a #mysore style #ashtanga #yoga teacher. Thank god she was kinder to me than that scary old lady. 👵🏾👵🏾👵🏾
I try not to doubt the power of the universe to give stage direction, and this was just one more chance to see it in action. There is magic everywhere (especially NoLa and Goa) I think yoga helps us listen and hear for the cues, and our seniors can either really help us with that-- to see and feel the magic... 🎩
... Or they can stiffle and silence and take advantage -- something akin to labor violations. Allowing for beauty and growth and magic doesn't mean not seeing the ugly, the oppression, and the macabre.
✊🏻
Yoga's not all rainbows and kittens.
Saturday, February 17, 2018 · 3:35 am
ArambolAshtangaInstagramLoveMysoreNaturePracticeReflections
🚥What should be abolished must first be cherished. —Tao Te Ching chapter 36 🚥

Before I left to study with my teacher in Goa, a student of mine at @dcashtanga asked me what to do when practice begins to feel like a chore.
Ugggh. Anyone who's practiced anything for a long freaking time knows this kind of feeling, I think.
The truth is, practicing with very firm attention to detail creates a solid foundation -- bio-mechanically and spiritually. It's necessary. And when it comes to deliberate practice, you are not promised entertainment. You're promised skill development....
But sometimes it sure does get snooze-aroo. 🙄

Here's what's dope: Arjuna says that "yoga is skill in action" in the gita. This is where yoga is forged -- and it's from this very same foundation that one can begin to let go and create -- moving from the explicit to the implicit. Aka: "don't think, go. "🏃 And so I say: go have some fun! Play isn't practice, but don't forget to make sure your practice let's you play. Life isn't meant for supporting practice... Practice is to support your life! 😉

The great irony (oh, how I love the universe's sense of humor) is just how much thinking is needed until we can stop... And go. 🚦

This fall, I'll be teaching a variety of workshops on how to work methodically, and also how to find the play-- Things that I've seen work over and over again. We'll also talk about what doesn't always seem to work so great. 🏋🏻🤸🏻‍♂️ Interested? I'll be announcing my schedule soon 🙂
Sunday, February 18, 2018 · 3:37 am
InstagramPracticeReflectionsTeaching
💪🏻💀The body is a phenomenal tool for understanding the phenomenal world. Just as gravity and relativity help us explain and predict, so too can our bodies do the same for our individual relationship with the here and now. 🤸‍♀️💪🏻Am I breathing? How am I balancing? 🥗I shared falafel with three French woman this evening -- strangers. Each over 50, and world-wise. 🌅They asked me questions about the overlap and intersection of Shankaracharya and Hatha yoga.
Its a topic I find fascinating -- and so do they. The conversation, like the falafel, was excellent and nourishing. I can't wait to come home and continue to share. "Parampara!" said one of the ladies, as I dodged a question's straight answer. I'm so grateful for this stream of knowledge.
I teach my first public class on the subject of hips and explicit directive @kaliyogadc on March 10, in DC. See ya there.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018 · 11:47 am
InstagramReflections
Mayurasana: the posture named for the peacock.

This one doesn't get its title from the full plume of the birds tail feathers, but because your elbows dig so deeply into a soft tummy, it's said to give the yogi the digestive power of the beautiful bird. 😱

I came home from my trip wishing I had those powers. 🤢

Peacocks are able to eat venomous snakes and be totally a-ok. Watch out, Taylor Swift! (Please don't come for me, Swifties!! It's a joke!! 🐍

On a less gross 💩 note, how useful would it be if you could digest the toxicity of something in order to ultimately find nourishment? It'd prolly make eating a salad in Goa a little easier 😉

One form or ignorance that's super common is a misidentification of pain as pleasure-- so how do we heal? The snake is only poisonous to those susceptible to its venom.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 · 7:07 pm
InstagramPractice
Hips, man, they get such a bad rap. Everyone wants 'em open, but the actual effort can seem crazy daunting. Your hips want to be happy! They're a ball and socket joint -- lending themselves to a vast array of possibilities. Let's get in there and play!!! 🍑

On Satutday, March 10, @kaliyogadc I'll be teaching a workshop from 2-4 all about exploring the hope. We're going to look at how to access areas inside ourselves that have been blocked off and forgotten -- letting them be felt, seen, heard, and given the healthy attention they deserve. Just like anything, once we do that, a dialouge can happen. 👋🏼 Healthy dialouge builds strength. This is one of the pieces we'll play with... And if it's not available, you'll learn how to look, listen, and ask there right questions to find your way!
🎶: @leatherandsushi
Thursday, March 1, 2018 · 7:02 pm
InstagramTeaching
Caught "Parrallel Universe" at @artechouse -- DC's first dedicated space for showcasing experiential and large scale immersive installations using the medium of technology for art. 🖼
Played with #ekapadarajakapotasana -- a posture that requires strong grounding⬇️ combined with a sense of creating forward momentum ⬅️-- and from these two qualities, an inevitable sense of moving from down to up ↕️and from forwards to back.↔️
Monday, March 5, 2018 · 6:45 am
EkapadarajakapotasanaInstagramPractice
“WHAT DO I DO WHEN I’M NOT ENJOYING PRACTICE?”☝🏽 You are not guaranteed to enjoy practice as a general rule, but enjoyment of practice is so important. Here’s the thing: you’re responsible for your own joy. 💓 💟Be curious! Ignite the inner detective and see if you can find something interesting inside of yourself to explore!
💟Do more... but differently! See if you can find something in your practice you haven’t explored in a while, and bring some fresh energy to it. You never know! It might be so engrossing that you’re stoked to get back on the may tomorrow!
💟Do a little less! Back off just a bit and get the lay of the land. 💟Share with a buddy! Yoga is inherently an internal process... but maybe talking to a friend... or just practicing with them or near them will get you amped again. 💟 fuck around a little... it’s fun. Practice isn’t necessarily fun— but it can be. Don’t be afraid to combat miasma with mirth. —
Interested in bringing fresh eyes to your practice? I’ve got a supple spine workshop coming up at @mindthemat on Saturday, 3/31. Link in bio💪🏻
Monday, March 12, 2018 · 10:56 am
FriendsInstagramTeaching
THE TRUTH IS HARD TO SWALLOW WHEN YOU'RE CHOKING ON YOUR PRIDE

A pretty bold sentiment-- but, at the core of yoga is an aim to see the world as it actually is: unfettered by illusions and delusions. Raw. Real. Sometimes we want to cling to our precious illusions because we like them. Those can be the hard ones to give up. 🙈

In this pic I'm working with @davidgarriguesyoga -- I wanted so badly to have already found what I was looking for -- more extension in my throasic spine-- that I felt at a stalemate. Like, I wanted to already have it so badly, I got in the way of my own getting it. Somehow, I short circuited my own ingenuity and enjoyment. 📷I like this picture, because I remember the feelings from receiving THIS VERY assistance. It was an a-ha. I knew for sure I had not found yet what I was looking for, but I knew for sure it was there waiting to be found. AND I HAD FELT WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR!
There is a great joy in knowing you don't know but also sensing that with determination, you can find out. Getting a second set of eyes that you trust is invaluable.
Available to each of us is an infinite state of contemplative poise-- and if we weren't kinda in our own way, we'd have it all the time. So, what do we do? We practice at the contemplation and the poise, taking in the truth as best we can. Getting a taste for these feelings, a familiarity.
It's a bold thing to be a seeker of truth. Find me at my workshops at the link in the bio or join my teacher for a RARE local weekend workshop the weekend of April 6 at @ashtanganation In Northern Virginia.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 · 10:39 am
InstagramPracticeReflectionsTeaching
What do you think of when you try to imagine the most ideal circumstances for practice? Perfectly even floors? Temperature just right? Body totally on point? Supportive teacher by your side? I think those are pretty common. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤔 I, for one, hate practicing in the cold, and don’t like practicing in a stuffy room (gimmie that air flow!). ❄️☃️ This year, many of my students took up home practice while I was studying with my teacher. From a business perspective, this is scary... what if they don’t come back? For the sub, it’s disheartening (why don’t they like me???). Not to worry-- from my own experience, this is one of the great joys (and dare I say essential factors) in cultivating a personal relationship with practice: the ability and desire to just go do the damn thing. You can do it anywhere, anytime. Not when, ya know, everything's perfect... (It helps to visit a bestie in miami tho 💁🏼‍♂️ ). My teacher, Rolf, is about a foot shorter than me. To help me help him, and to help me help myself, he's equipped me with ways to work on things that allow me to learn and work independently.
At @dcashtanga we teach one-on-one in a group setting on a daily basis, empowering people with the skills to execute a physical contemplative practice with safety, skill, and longevity. 😍

For those who live just a bit (or a lot) too far, I like to travel on occasion and bring techniques and ideas that may be fresh or useful or different so as to help them develop a functional toolkit-- so they can practice anywhere. 🔧

Just like with my time away, where conditions can be near perfect, it's nice to work on the hard scary stuff in a supportive environment with clear direction -- but it's also great to develop the ability to work solo.
After all, yoga is a journey from the self to the self through the self. So, don't be afraid to work with what you've got... Like a palm tree between your legs. If you'd like to explore the backbending and hand balancing techniques going on here, join me at @mindthemat March 29 (click the link in bio to join me for a supple spine workshop 😉
Sunday, March 18, 2018 · 12:28 pm
InstagramPracticeReflectionsTeaching
Backbends, decoded:

In order to develop a supple spine, we need to identify the parts supporting it (and address their intrinsic needs!) ___________________
1️⃣First things first, Identify the parts: shoulders, hips, spine.
Shoulders: 👉🏽right side flexed, externally rotated, upwardly rotated, tilted, protracted.
Hips: 👉🏽Right extended, left flexing
Spine: 👉🏽Extending, focusing on thorasic extension especially. Neutral cervical, resisting the focus only on lumbar.
____________________
🔢Got it? If you're confused by these terms, hit me up for a one-on-one (yoga teachers should know this stuff especially!) or come see me in the mysore room at @dcashtanga ..: or join me for a supple spine workshop. Link in bio 👆🏼
_________
I can help you piece it together... And show you how to address specific limitations that may be hindering your practice. Hit me up.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018 · 9:36 am
InstagramPracticeTeaching
Which witch is which?

So many of my friends follow the moon and the stars and set intentions and play with crystals and read tarot cards and cast spells. 🔮Confession: I love it.
The overlap of yoga and mysticism doesn't surprise me. It's in the attention to subtle details— many in fact-- all at once! --that allows us to hear the universe’s stage direction. While some might divinate using cards, rocks, or tea leaves, I’m in the business of letting the body help me hear divinely. It’s this kind of subtle (yet ultimately gross) form of listening that lets these kinds of complex poses come out to play.
Sometimes these postures look like they've been forged via witchcraft... or like alchemy.... but naaaahhhhh. 👁Hate to spoil it, but there is no eye of newt required. It’s just yoga 🦎

We’re building this shape and more today at @mindthemat In Del Rey. Come play at 1!
Saturday, March 31, 2018 · 11:47 am
FriendsInstagram
There are only so many foundational postures and set up positions that we utilize in yoga practice-- but their applications are broad!

The more comfortable and capable you get with the foundations, the more opportunities you get to explore their broad applications.
What foundational postures do you see here?
Saturday, April 28, 2018 · 10:17 am
InstagramPractice
I'm super excited to announce a yoga, philosophy, and community building retreat with one of my fave people in the whole wide world.
Join Maggie and me in gorgeous Knoxville, MD for a weekend of Ashtanga yoga and outdoor adventures.
Check bio for sign up link!
Saturday, June 16, 2018 · 12:31 pm
InstagramPractice
Guys!! We sold out all 22 spots for the Mysore Magic Retreat! @livelyogini and I are ready for August! If you hit snooze on this one, we're sorry you missed it, too! Feel free to head to my bio and sign up for the wait list!
Friday, June 29, 2018 · 10:24 am
InstagramPractice
Last month I was interviewed by the one and only Chris Parkison for the DC Yoga Podcast. We dug into:
--the changing landscape of the yoga industrial complex; why teachers can't make a living, why studios fail, and how to circumvent the traps inherent in the mainstream yoga world.
--my journey into teaching; ashrams, India, the corporate world, and combating appropriation
-- we also chewed the fat like bros do.
I hope you'll go listen and tell me what you think!! Link in bio!
Saturday, September 1, 2018 · 11:52 am
Instagram
Last month I was interviewed by the one and only Chris Parkison for the DC Yoga Podcast. We dug into:
--the changing landscape of the yoga industrial complex; why teachers can't make a living, why studios fail, and how to circumvent the traps inherent in the mainstream yoga world.
--my journey into teaching; ashrams, India, the corporate world, and combating appropriation
-- we also chewed the fat like bros do.
I hope you'll go listen and tell me what you think!! Link in bio!
Saturday, September 1, 2018 · 12:50 pm
Instagram
Wanna become a more effective and efficient practitioner and professional?

Join me for my course on Applied Anatomy for Yoga -- This four week course is every Tuesday, beginning October 2nd at @kaliyogadc in DC.
According to the International Association of Yoga Therapists, the two main causes of injury in yoga come from “excessive student effort” and “inadequate teacher training.” By learning how to practice in a manner that is built on a solid foundation of movement science, course members will learn how to practice smarter, not harder— taking the excess out of the effort.

We’ll cover major landmarks, joints, and articulations, weed out misconceptions and incongruences, and have a lot of fun along the way.

Checkout the link in my bio for more info!
Tuesday, September 18, 2018 · 9:40 pm
HealthInstagramTeaching
What’s one thing we know for sure about weather? It’s gonna change. I know that, you know that, and yet i still get so bent out of shape as we move from Summer to Fall.
What a silly thing! It’s not like i have any say in it. Short of moving to India or Florida or some such like a snowbird, which you know I’ve tried, why not try to use that energy on something substantive?
This year, I’m making a pact with myself to not complain about the change of the season. The truth is that i don’t *like* winter the way i LOVE summer— but why bitch about the inevitable? Just like death and taxes, we know for sure that change is always a’coming.

So, I’m not going to lean into my dislike. I’m not gonna bitch or roll in the muck of self harming lamentation. Why? Cause all it does is make me feel worse. If it made me feel better maybe it would be ok— but it doesn’t, so it isn’t. And it’s such an easy trap to fall into.
i think the universe has an incredible sense of humor— it’s just very dark.
After all, we're all just careening to hell in a handbasket— these fantastic baskets of flesh and bone that are guaranteed to break down along the way. And we all take ourselves oh-so-seriously.

Since I can’t change the weather, I’m going to try to change my attitude. These are skills from yoga, for sure.
Saturday, September 29, 2018 · 4:12 pm
InstagramReflections
Hip Articulation!

You don’t need to know the names of every potential movement a joint can make in scientific terms to be a good yoga teacher — but it can definitely help.
In Tuesday’s anatomy class, we covered possible hip articulations: -extension
-flexion
-abduction
-adduction
-internal rotation
-external rotation

We also covered active and passive flexibility as well as open chain and closed chain strength building.
As though that weren’t enough, we also covered which muscles dowhat in order to make these different positions possible. Does this stuff interest you?

Hit me up in the Mysore room @dcashtanga or check out my anatomy courses. Link in bio!

Don't see one near you? Hit me up and I'll bring em your way 😉
Thursday, October 11, 2018 · 4:08 pm
InstagramPractice
Kapotasana: Two Ways

Here are two different ways of approaching Kaptoasana, both with my student Madeline. In the first part, I'm functioning as a support structure both physically and mentally for her. I’m a big ole prop. Because Kapo was relatively new for her, working hands on together was super helpful, as sometimes going to scary places is easier with a friend.
In the second, Madeline is going about Kapo in a hands-off way, using a prop set-up (we use all kinds of different setups at @dcashtanga). Over the last few months, Madeline has become more confident and capable, so she can feel where she really is more effectively. She’s learned how to work on her own and it shows.
Modern postural yoga uses the body as a reference point for understanding the deeper dimensions of insight practice-- like the ability to internalize the sense and focus, allowing for meditation to come on line. An effective posture builds strength and flexibility-- so that you can work in a non harming way; it calms the nervous system-- building distress tolerance; it also works systematically with other postures to unlock certain understandings-- like a physical crossword puzzle keeping the mind and the body sharp.

The thing with these "bigger postures" is that  everyone has their own set of limitations-- both real and perceived-- and working with a good assist or prop setup helps us move from the unreal to the real. That is gooooood yoga, right there.

In the Mysore room, we teach yoga that allows for autonomy and agency. Teachers aren't put on pedestals, and theres no heirachy-- everyone can practice, and even better, folks learn how to practice on their own.

This November, I'm teaching a workshop series on assisting. Over the course of this series, we'll go over the philosophical and the practical of assisting in a yoga room. Participants will learn how see bodies and construct an approach that teaches using voice, intention, and touch. A good assist can offer guidance, make corrections, and sometimes even help with adjustments that a practitioner may not be able to make on their own-- so that they may learn how to *do it on their own!* The link's in the bio.
Thursday, November 1, 2018 · 10:39 am
InstagramPracticeTeaching
Wanna work on leveling up your assisting game in the yoga room?
Im gonna spend three weeks (nov 13, 20, 27) at @yogadragons sharing a ton of my practical experience on putting together a usable schema for approaching practitioners-- and provide space for everyone to get practical hands on experience.
I'm keeping the numbers tight so that everyone has an opportunity to interface a ton. You can expect lively discussion and small group hands-on work.
Link in bio!
Friday, November 9, 2018 · 5:52 pm
Instagram
New Classes!! 3 new days to catch me, at my first regular public drop-in classes in over a year.
Join me at the hippest new hotel in the city with the MOST fabulous and chill yoga room— the Eaton Workshop:

Tuesday:
12-1
Wednesday:
1:30-2:30
5:30-6:30p
Thursday:
1:30-2:30

Classes are $11!
Thursday, November 15, 2018 · 10:42 am
InstagramTeachingTravel
Virañci — he who creates.
Kinda looks like rain cloud to me 🤷🏻‍♂️ This posture comes in the middle of the middle of the third series. After having completed some major arm balancing and deep twists, this guy has you work with this set-up three different ways— seated up right in prayer, in a bound arm position, and then in an arm balance.
This is the third aspect of the A part of the posture. The B part gets weirder.
Next week I start creating and holding space for creation at the @eatonworkshop. Classes are $11, and I’m beyond excited to show you guys the space.
Classes this week:
Tuesday
12-1
Wednesday
1:30-2:30
Saturday, November 17, 2018 · 3:38 pm
InstagramTeaching
Why the shapes, and how does that lead to self realization?
We construct shapes and patterns with our bodies to hone in on the ever-shifting nature of the mind.
Because somewhere inside of each of us is something unmoving and infinite. And only by watching that which shifts can we begin to hone in on that which doesn’t.
It is with these bodies (and brave, tenacious wills) that we create a sacred space for internalization— for observing the profoundly wild inner landscape — and take a stab at making sense of it all, and finding stillness in it.
So how do we find that which doesn’t change? We use our resources: a body that feels, a mind that discerns, and a heart that senses the abode of that unmoving, unchanging thing— infinite and luminous.
Our true self.

The paradox of course, is that as brightly as our god-like infinite, unlimited self shines, we are incapable of looking directly at it... a reminder of the great sense of humor the universe possesses.
And so, we find mirrors. In our friends, our spouses, our teachers, and that very nice cashier lady at Whole Foods. And, of course, our Postural practice. ..
** Drop in classes at the Eaton Workshop, 1201 K St NW
Tues 12pm- Wed 1:30 -Thur 130
**
Workshops this weekend at @mindthemat **
Mysore daily with @dcashtanga at @yogadragons
Monday, November 26, 2018 · 7:12 pm
InstagramPracticeTeaching
I wish I could give out Ashtanga Yoga merit badges— today’s would be “I was kind to myself. ”
Practicing yoga with a contented mindset matters a great deal— really, what we’re doing on our mats is exploring our inside world to find a place where we can be self-satisfied. Cause you know, there isn’t any person out there that can satisfy you except you.
.
In order to do that work, we’ve also gotta maintain enthusiasm and heat around practice. Balancing that with our own self-satisfaction is hard— how are we to want to improve while also feeling like we’re golden just as we are?
.
By identifying the kind of satisfaction and the kind of work that makes us feel more and more free. The kind that doesn’t make us suffer more. The kind that helps feel satisfied and enthusiastic not just in practice but in our life.
.
In DC, a lot of folks take a push-hard get-results mentality to their work and their personal lives. They’re so miserable and don’t know why. They don’t want to be. So they push harder in all the ways— including on their mat. Maybe it’s not just dc.
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What’s sort of funny/poignant/ironic to me is that the place in which folks could stand to push extra hard is that whole “being kind to yourself” angle. Laying off from pushing so damn hard is actually way harder than literally pushing hard— and it builds a ton more heat and breeds a ton more joy, contentment, and cleanliness of mindstates.
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But doing the less “hard” thing (even when it brings them all the deep goods folks want way down inside) is so impossible that people push-push-push until they break. And then they wear their wounds as though they were honorifics on a sash. What if we could bring that same intensity to our self-compassion?
Tuesday, December 4, 2018 · 6:13 am
InstagramPractice
The power in "power yoga" comes from developing the ability to be skillful in one's action. This is what we're practicing. .

Do you see these blocks? They are just blocks. They are neither inherently good, nor bad. They can foster strength just as easily as they foster self limiting beliefs. They are simply “building blocks” without objective— that which is being built is specific to the individual using them. I have heard others say differently. I am always wary of someone who tries to make their experience my experience. .

In practice, very early on, it looks like the aim is to make a shape.... that the ability to make a posture is the skill of yoga... and i dare say, at first, it is. But I would also posit that this kind of idea is somewhat limiting of the deep potential this practice has for developing a cornucopia of other desirable skills, including the skill of self realization. .

When others tell you that practice must be this way or that, do you wonder why? The Ashtanga Yoga practice is so inclusive and vast, why should we be limiting of the tools we can collect? Why should we limit our own resourcefulness, in fact our very own skillfulness?
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What if the skill we are working on in practice is taking a step back without a sense of failure? How might we be able to foster out of the box thinking, more expansive thought?
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What of the skill related to taking a step forward without a sense of completionism? How can we view the means as the ends instead of the ends as a goal. .
What if the skill of deep empathy? How can we relate our body to privilege? .

What of the skill of recognizing sameness without ignoring difference? And how about it’s inverted sister, honoring difference without ignoring sameness?
.

When you see these blocks, do you see an effort at universal oneness, weakness, or effort at compassion? In my understanding of yoga, they are exactly what you make of them. .

Better make it good.
Thursday, December 6, 2018 · 11:19 am
InstagramPractice
Book learning can only get you out of so many jams. But carrying water up a hill? That has value. And you know, Rhodes Scholars can dead lift more and more through periodization, just like anyone else. I may never be able to multiply fractions on the fly, but I can teach you to carry your own weight. Strong people are useful.

Join me this week:

Eaton Workshop
1201 K St NW
Wednesday 1:30
Thursday 1:30

hmu for passes if you haven't
Wednesday, December 26, 2018 · 10:50 am
InstagramTeaching
What moves you?

It's either something from the inside or something from the outside.
Real empowerment comes from using that which you already have to move in the direction you’d like to go.
It's you versus gravity. Muscles versus inertia. Egalitarianism versus classism. Equality versus marginalization. If your handstand isn't giving you the power to fight back against bigotry, what's the fucking point?

Like I said... What moves you?
Friday, December 28, 2018 · 8:57 am
Instagram
2019
It’s 2019 and things are same same, but different. ⁣
⁣
I’ve arrived in India to spend the next month as a student of yoga under the guidance of my teacher, Rolf. I’ve made this trek many times, but one thing I know for sure: no two years are the same.⁣
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I’m different. Life is different. This trip will be different. And when I come home, things will be different. ⁣
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But also, the same. Inside of the inevitability of change there is also the polar opposite: that which remains constant. I am still me. ⁣
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I look forward to discovering and clarify that which is immutable—the things that are constant.⁣
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—⁣
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Friends, what do you want to see here? In my insta stories, I’ll share the random goings on of my day, but what would you like in this space?⁣
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Please let me know!
Thursday, January 10, 2019 · 10:15 pm
Instagram
Fresh off the plane, I strapped in for a bit of yoga. ⁣
⁣
These days, the yoga industrial complex is ripe with controversy and scandal— ranging from inappropriate student teacher interactions, to prop usage, to glorified Ponzi schemes. Of course, there’s a great deal of “this is Yoga” and “that’s not yoga” running around, too.
None of this, i am reminded, is yoga. ⁣
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Yoga doesn't fear controversy nor does it fear innovation, because yoga is a state of being, not a static commodity to be bought or sold. ⁣

The esoterica of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya’s learnedness is sexy— especially for the appropriative sort— after all, he learned yoga from his guru in a cave, purportedly mastering thousands of asana under his teachers watchful eye. The intensity of the idea of that experience sometimes takes away from the fact that he also held degrees in all six vedic darshans (think: Indian philosophies). ⁣
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He wrote books and taught teachers— including the teachers of my teachers— BKS Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and AG Mohan. I dare say he was an innovator. He also was firmly rooted in capital Y Yoga. ⁣
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This is the lineage from which i come.
Not 5 hours into my stay in Goa, I made a point of finding my Iyengar teacher, Ian. Not unlike Rolf, he keeps no great internet presence— but I knew where to look. ⁣
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Rolf and Ian shared a teaching space behind a cafe called Artjuna the first time I came to Goa. Ian still teaches here, but not today. ⁣
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No, today one of his colleagues is holding a weekend workshop. The esteemed HS Arun, not unlike his teacher Iyengar, is an innovator in the use of props— particularly the chair. ⁣
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I could not feel more lucky. It is not the journey to India that makes the yoga here so rich— it is the relationships. Ian and Rolf are dear friends, and Arun and Ian are too. I snuck into the back, grateful to be at the feet of my teachers- and glad to be inspired in the multitude of ways in which we can use this human experience to help people find the essence of Yoga. ⁣
Saturday, January 12, 2019 · 1:20 am
InstagramPracticeReflectionsTeaching
“Of Fruits, For Fruits, By Fruits”⁣
⁣
Meet Sean, fashion designer⁣
Owner of @shoopdooplondon ⁣
Scotish by birth, salesman by trade, and unlikely bard by any account— the man has a story to tell and an outfit to sell you. I should know— he sold me my favorite items to wear this past year: my collection of fruit hats. ⁣
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Its true, It wasn’t his gregariousness that caught my attention so much as the shirts. Yes indeed, the fabulousness of a crisp white shirt, with cotton candy colored flamingos in replicated pattern, left my mouth agape. Sean, with more wry than whiskey, wouldn’t mind telling you thats exactly how he’d like me to leave it, either. ⁣
⁣
Sean’s sense of humor feels to me informed by curated intellect and appreciation for the absurd— the first thing he said to me when i walked into his stall at the Wednesday market last week, after “Do I know you?” was “would you like some cold Hamberders?” ⁣
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His sauciness and honesty extends beyond an occasional dick joke to the changing nature of world politics, Goan-grown scandal, and the challenges queers face across the globe in general. We talked fabric shopping in Thailand, hat production in Delhi, and how to find love when youre not manning a typical shop. ⁣
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Sean’s designs can be found under his label “Shoop Doop”, available online. During the Goan tourist season, he has a shop in Ashwem Beach. He also makes the market rounds—the Saturday Night Market in Arpora, the Wednesday Market in Anjuna, and even one at the new Friday market at Hilltop in Vagator called “the Goa collective.” ⁣
Friday, January 18, 2019 · 3:53 am
Instagram
Values Over Rules⁣
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When I first started teaching Ashtanga Yoga in the Mysore style, I took a trusted counselors advice and established boundaries around my student - teacher relationships that were as close to water tight as i could get. I wanted a total lack of porousness to ensure I was acting from an ethical and honest place. ⁣
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Like many things, this served me well until it didn’t. My first apprentice’s Shala turns two this year— and I am oh so very proud of her. As i understand it, my highest aim as a teacher is to watch my student grow until one day they eclipse me. And well, ol’ girl is giving me one heckuva run for my money!⁣
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As @livelyogini has grown, she has inspired a higher excellence in me, just as I have hoped to do for her. The symbiosis of the relationship is one of my greatest personal and professional joys. ⁣
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Part of that includes a necessary shift in hierarchical overtones— she is my dear friend and trusted counsel now. In the grand scheme of things, it means that rules have to change as paradigms shift— and because none of this is Permanent, it is highly anticipatable that rules absolutely will. ⁣
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No, rules don’t last forever. ⁣
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But values might. Like love, compassion, valor, integrity, and friendliness. But hierarchies? They’re meant to crumble. ⁣
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In @dcashtanga ’s most recent newsletter (are you signed up??) i shared a bit about how flowers have a capacity to hear bees, and how yoga relates. The truth is, some days youre the flower and some days you’re the bee— and we’re all just participating in making honey. ⁣
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@ashtanganation is one heckuva hive— ⁣
⁣
Amrita Bindu Upanishad⁣
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18. After studying the Vedas (that is recorded knowledge) the intelligent person who is solely intent on acquiring knowledge and realization should discard the Vedas altogether, like the man who discards husk to obtain rice?⁣
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19. The milk is always white even though cows are of diverse colures. The intelligent person regards Jnana (learning) as the milk and the many branched Vedas as the cows.⁣
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20. Like butter hidden in milk, pure consciousness resides in every being. That ought to be constantly churned out by the churning rod of the mind
Saturday, January 19, 2019 · 4:07 am
InstagramPracticeTeaching
I took a backbending class in Arambol with a guy named Balu yesterday. ⁣
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I kept the “Jungle Book” references to myself because 1) I don’t always have to go for low hanging fruit and 2) he didn’t seem like the kind of guy that would find my nonsense funny. ⁣
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(I always go for low hanging fruit 🍌🍌🍌)⁣
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Some of the best stuff in my movement arsenal comes from folks not at all associated with yoga: the wrist stretches i learned from the pole dancing folk, all the handstand stuff from the circus folk, and all the squat and strength stuff from my Olympic weightlifters— it’s all gold. Balu's class certainly wasn't Ashtanga by the numbers, but gosh it had some good stuff. ⁣
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I'm at the part of my trip where I can’t wait to share what I’ve gleaned. ⁣
ps: I loved this Gorilla smoking a fat joint because he reminded me of the Gorilla Namaskar I’ve been teaching — not ‘cause of Balu! 😉
Wednesday, January 23, 2019 · 10:42 pm
InstagramPracticeReflections
In some of the weirder corners of the yoga world, practice is said to create Amrita bindu— a sweet nectar that collects to bring about immortality. ⁣
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According to tantric texts, it develops in the bindu chakra, found just under the cowlick. When awakened, this elixir of youth begins to drip down our throats. ⁣
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As the great swedish chantuese @robynkonichiwa might say “come get your honey.” As we enter into 2019, I am filled with a great deal of excitement. It is time for growth— it is time for the Amrita to flow. ⁣
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You know what they say... no mud, no lotus? Don’t you feel like 2018 has prepared us (well) to blossom?⁣
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@dcashtanga shifts to the @eatonworkshop this March. ⁣
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High potency practice, individualized. Wanna know more? Comment below ⤵️
Saturday, January 26, 2019 · 7:53 am
InstagramPracticeReflectionsTeaching
“Old is Gold,” Maria said approvingly of my decision to rent a scooter from the same gentleman as the last few years.

My land lady, in her gruffly-sing-song voice repeated herself "Old is gold,” as we eyed two uneven stacks of plastic chairs. Both were low enough to sit upon, though one was a good foot taller than the other.
Maria, being a solid foot shorter than me, took the lower stack, hefting her weight without concern.. Fearful I would break my stack (and consequently my ass and ego), I removed a single chair from the top and set it next to hers.

Here we are six years later.
The thing i love most about being both a student and a teacher in the ashtanga yoga tradition is the very same thing i love most about the human experience — developing relationship.

She shoulda told me to move the chair.
Join me and @dcashtanga at the @eatonworkshop starting March 4th.
Saturday, February 2, 2019 · 12:12 pm
InstagramPracticeTeaching
On the banks of the Arabian Sea the temples, mosques, and churches all beckon in sight, sound, and smell. ⁣Here, i find it particularly hard to miss the confluence of faith traditions— especially when they are painted so brightly.⁣⁣
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If i were to chose a faith on aesthetic alone, I might select whatever is housed in this bright little roadside siva temple. But looks is a funny way to pick a faith, isn’t it? ⁣⁣
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I read that the (still under construction) La Sagrada Família in Spain got some press for having a rather impressively, ahem, *hung* Jesus— now, that’s one way to get a congregation. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Do you think Buddhism would have a broader reach if ol’ Buh did some sit-ups? ⁣⁣
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The gag here is that the aesthetic of the practice of yoga is not really what YOGA is all about.

Ashtanga yoga can be brilliantly subversive— it’s like a pill wrapped in peanut butter. There’s a powerful self knowledge technology under the hood of this thing that is totally void of dogma, and as such can interface beautifully with and be complimentary of varied practices— such as all of the aforementioned faith traditions and even some arm balances. ⁣⁣
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This practice is an internal one and when taught properly, becomes far less about the contortion and far more about accessing innate inner wisdom. Due to the history of yoga practice (well before the calisthenics), it’s hard to even pin down exactly how many steps, or limbs, there are (kinda like ol’ siva). ⁣⁣
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In the practice of ashtanga (that is, eight limbed) yoga, it’s good to have a teacher that can help you get your body and mind resonating harmoniously— because then, between the waves and ripples our true spirit is revealed— like how your voice sounds perfect in a room full of “om”s or “amens”. ⁣⁣ It was a gift to me to find an insight practice that resonated due to its physical nature. ⁣A gift I want to share. ⁣

Let’s build a practice that resonates with you! Comment below and let’s get started.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019 · 6:58 am
InstagramPractice
What are you willing to put your neck on the line for? Is it justice for all? Are you a Social Justice Warrior?⁣
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It’s Black History Month in the states, and I see and hear very few white people celebrating/ commemorating/ commenting on the past of our black brothers and sisters. ⁣in the Ashtanga Yoga world, I have seen very few of my seniors taking up the sword for feminism, queer rights, or the empowerment of the disenfranchised. Heck, who has spoken up for sexual assault victims in our own community? ⁣
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Why not? ⁣
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Regular yoga practice begins to tear down the boundaries between “you” and “me” and “them” and “us”. It also emboldens and empowers the practitioner to make choices that lead to less long term suffering— as deeply entrenched as some of our own pain pain inducing habits and patterns are — and how precious the illusions seem. ⁣
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Combine the two, the feeling of oneness between creatures and the desire for liberation from bondage and pain, and you almost can’t help but become an ally to those who are marginalized in a society in which you have sway. In fact, to not use your voice to elevate is an act of rite cowardice. ⁣
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I love the term Social Justice Warrior. Take a look at this excerpt from the Bhagavad Gita and tell me if you can see why: ⁣
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O Arjuna, the Atma that dwells in the body of all (beings) is eternally indestructible. Therefore, you should not mourn for any body. (2.30)⁣
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Considering also your duty as a warrior you should not waver. Because there is nothing more auspicious for a warrior than a righteous war. (2.31)⁣
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Only the fortunate warriors, O Arjuna, get such an opportunity for an unsought war that is like an open door to heaven. (2.32)⁣
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If you will not fight this righteous war, then you will fail in your duty, lose your reputation, and incur sin. (2.33)⁣
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People will talk about your disgrace forever. To the honored, dishonor is worse than death. (2.34)⁣ —

Join me at the @eatonworkshop this March for led classes and Mysore with @dcashtanga — hit me up for more info.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 · 11:43 am
InstagramMilestonesPracticeTeaching
⁣”You have to match their impedence,” @berylbenderbirch so elegantly mused. My ears perked up. As an athlete, I felt seen and heard when ms Birch spoke of facilitating a person like me’s practice of yoga—that being an active, sometimes social individual’s —on The Yoga Talks Podcast with @jbrownyoga . So often the physical aspect of practice gets derided as “low” or something— and in fact it’s through my bodily connection (or lack there of) that I’m able to access interior mind states. That my impedance. ⁣
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She knows a little something about matching impendence— she’s helped thousands upon thousands of runners pick up a long lasting and sustainable yoga practice by offering yoga classes to the New York Road Runners. ⁣
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For a lot of folks, this brings to mind helping overtaxed runners stretch out some achy calves— and it very much is. But, and this is where it gets so deliciously subversive — teaching a class called “Yoga for Runners” doesn’t mean simply teaching calf stretches to marathoners— it means helping them learn how to use a really enjoyable and therapeutic sequence of body positioning to develop deeper states of attention. ⁣
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It’s from those deeper states of attention that the really juicey stuff starts to happen— like when meditation states start to spontaneously blossom out of those deep concentration states. And god, are runners able to concentrate on their poor aches legs. ⁣
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I’m one of the ones that was reached by finding *that* yoga teacher and *that* yoga class at my gym. ⁣
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Come see me at @balancegym on Friday’s at 12. I’m back March 1.
Monday, February 18, 2019 · 8:24 am
FoodInstagramPracticeReflections
Folks stick their head in the sand when things get too complex or complicated or nuanced. Happens all the time.
This looks like I’m putting my feet on my head when in fact, I’m pulling my head up to my feet.
You can’t necessarily tell exactly what lesson is being extracted from a given situation just by looking. You can guess, infer, assume, and project. But you can’t necessarily know.
The practice of Ashtanga Yoga has the potential to bring about a feeling of deep compassion for other living creatures by developing it internally for yourself. It gives practitioners the chance to make small adjustments and watch how they play out over time.. and to course correct if the impact isn’t suitable to the needs of the individual.
So, do you use your practice to push your head further into the sand or do you use it to pull it out?
Thursday, February 21, 2019 · 11:43 pm
InstagramPractice
If you ain’t growin’, you dyin’
It’s the last week of residency for @dcashtanga at @yogadragons — a place we are truly proud to have In our blood.
We shift to @eatonworkshop on March 4.
My teaching schedule this week:
**Mysore at @dcashtanga Wed-Fri
Wednesday & Thursday:
@eatonworkshop at 1:30
Friday:
@balancegym At 12.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 · 8:16 am
InstagramPracticeTeaching
Maha Shivaratri and Meaning Divination⁣
⁣
Once a year, in late Winter, there is a Hindu celebration called Maha Shivaratri — which means "the Great Night of Shiva." For a number of years, I was fortunate enough to be in Mysore, India for this ostensibly solemn celebration. Shiva is a yogic icon, being considered “the Lord of Yoga.”⁣
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For secular practitioners of yoga like me, the celebration is one for reflecting upon the infinite yet narrow intersection between destruction and regeneration— to wit, overcoming darkness and ignorance. Siva personifies that here. ⁣
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Unlike most Hindu festivals which occur during the day, this one is held at night. You spend the event remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, non-injury to others, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.⁣
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Whilst the vigils went all night long, what i remember when going from temple to temple was the look of sugar-wired excitement in the children’s eyes, getting to run around all night long. ⁣
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Yes, as a secular observant of a sacred celebration, my memory banks were hard-codes with the pure joy and trouble and fun and exhaustion. ⁣
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—-⁣
During the Vigil Night of Shiva, Mahashivaratri, ⁣
we are brought to the moment of interval ⁣
between destruction and regeneration; ⁣
it symbolizes the night ⁣
when we must contemplate on that which ⁣
watches the growth out of the decay. ⁣
During Mahashivaratri we have to be alone ⁣
with our sword, the Shiva in us. ⁣
We have to look behind and before, ⁣
to see what evil needs eradicating from our heart, ⁣
what growth of virtue we need to encourage.⁣
Shiva is not only outside of us but within us. ⁣
To unite ourselves with the One Self ⁣
is to recognize the Shiva in us.⁣
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—The Theosophical Movement, Volume 72[⁣
—-⁣
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On the dawn of Maha Shivaratri, @dcashtanga has our first day at the @eatonworkshop —⁣
Mon-Fri: 7-10a⁣
Mon-Thur: 5:30-7p. ⁣
Doors are 1/2 hour ahead. ⁣
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Schedule:⁣
Mon 12:45-1:30 Ashtanga Lite @balancegym⁣
Tue 12:00-1:00 Flow/Vinyasa - Eaton
Wed 1:30-2:30. Flow/Vinyasa - Eaton ⁣
Thu 1:30-2:30 Flow/Vinyasa - Eaton
Fri 12-1 Atheltes Yoga - Balance
Monday, March 4, 2019 · 6:01 am
HealthInstagramPracticeReflectionsTeaching
Ya ever have someone at a house party that has absolutely no chill? And it kinda fucks up the vibe? (if you haven’t, it might be you gurrrl). 🏡

I reckon we can all recognize “chill” — and ya either got it or ya don’t. Yoga helps you get it. With consistent practice, you develop a capacity to examine and adjust in a way that keeps you from freaking the fuck out when things get a little dodgey. It keeps you chill when maybe conditions aren’t optimal. 💅🏼 It’s nice when yoga practice is really useful. Be a better party guest. Practice. 🥳 “The highest Sadhana (spiritual practice) is to bear insult and bear injury. “ — Swami Sivananda
Monday, March 11, 2019 · 7:56 am
HealthInstagramPractice
There has to be a way to invite joy into the mundane. To encourage patience and persistence. ⁣⁣
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If not, life would be one misery to the next, with only ever fleeting moments of bliss in between. It simply cannot be that. ⁣⁣
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If there wasn't a way to mine ecstasy from the ordinary, what a cruel joke this human experience would be. ⁣⁣
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Anyone who is paying attention can see that the universe has a sense of humor-- and the joke might be dark, but it's not cruel. ⁣⁣
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Get out there and create. No one is going to have fun for you. ⁣
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*** ⁣
Join me for backbends-- two parts: first 90 minutes of applied anatomy and then 90 minutes of play. Saturday, March 23rd 12-3:30 at @eatonworkshop -- Send me a note on here to sign up. It's gonna be super fun.
Thursday, March 14, 2019 · 6:21 am
InstagramTeaching
“Look around and see if you can find a single genuinely happy person—fearless, free from inse­curities, anxieties, tensions, worries. You would be lucky if you found one in a hundred thousand. This should lead you to be suspicious of the programming and the beliefs that you and they hold in common. But you have also been programmed not to sus­pect, not to doubt, just to trust the assumptions that have been put into you by your tradition, your cul­ture, your society, your religion. And if you are not happy, you have been trained to blame yourself, not your programming, not your cultural and inherited ideas and beliefs. What makes it even worse is the fact that most people are so brainwashed that they do not even realize how unhappy they are—like the man in a dream who has no idea he is dreaming. ⁣
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What are the false beliefs that block you from happiness?“ ⁣
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— The Way to Love: The Last Meditations of Anthony de Mello (a Jesuit priest)⁣
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—⁣
My teaching schedule is updated on the site (link in bio) and I’m teaching a backbends workshop this Saturday at @eatonworkshop In conjunction with @dcashtanga 12/23, 12-3:30 in two parts— anatomy first and practice second. ⁣
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Come for either or both. Message me to sign up.
Saturday, March 16, 2019 · 10:02 am
InstagramPracticeTeaching
Balancing with the Equinox (that's on the 20th!!)—⁣
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The myth is that you can balance an egg on its end on the equinox-- but what about a person on one leg?⁣
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This chimera of a posture is a combination of good ol’ tree pose and uthitha hasta padangusthasana.⁣
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Use it to develop and research:⁣
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-active mobility: try not to use your hand to put the foot into place. ⁣
-balance: watch how you have to micro adjust while changing leg positions.⁣
-irradiation: use anjali mudra to create and keep useful tension/tensile integrity in the body. ⁣
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The posture facilitates neuromuscular development, end range of motion strength, and of course heightens proprioceprion. ⁣
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Learn more about the Equinox in the @dcashtanga Newsletter, or come to class with @michaeljoelhall and give it a try!
Tuesday, March 19, 2019 · 5:32 am
InstagramPractice
spring sprang sprung!

Go forward long enough and you're gonna find yourself back where you started anyway-- might as well get into it. ---
A) backbend workshop at the Eaton Workshop this Saturday. Are you signed up? Message me for a spot. Anatomy 12-1:30, practice 2-3:30.
B) sending out a free class with the newetter. are you signed up?
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 · 10:47 am
InstagramTeaching
Backbends this Saturday at @eaton.dc
12-1:30, anatomy for practitioners and professionals
2-3:30, Asana playground (super fun practice)

Come for one of come for both. Link in Bio.
Friday, March 22, 2019 · 1:13 pm
InstagramPractice
OH wow! Our first newsletter from Yoga with MJH in, like, forever! Sign up... and get a free class in the next issue. Link in Bio!
Saturday, March 23, 2019 · 10:35 am
Instagram
It’s not how it looks, it’s how it feels.
Things don’t always feel how they look.
Things don’t always look how they feel.

Leave space.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019 · 11:33 am
Instagram
I used to be 300+ pounds. I was an obese teenager. ⁣
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A well-timed car wreck that ended with me having my jaw wired shut for a few months helped me lose the first 40. It killed my football career, but gave birth to the second of many of my lives. ⁣
Diet, exercise, ephedra, and yoga got me out of the next 60 in a few years. I’ve always had twenty come and go. ⁣
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At 35 (soon to be 36!) I’m purposefully gaining 20 pounds. Had you told me at 16 that in twenty years I might wanna put on twenty pounds... i would probably keel over from laughter (and then find someway to internalize the idea that you were calling me fat because i was so project-y). ⁣

I trust and believe in a body’s resilience. ⁣I trust and believe in human resilience. I believe in our capacity to affect change. ⁣
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To feel my(growing!) waist across my own thigh and not have a wellspring of negativity feels not just like freedom but like an act of rebelliousness towards a culture that wouldn’t have me as I am. ⁣ ⁣

One thing we know for sure about this existence: the outside is always changing. ⁣
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Entering into dialogue with different layers of the self whilst concurrently using whatever tools are at your disposal is empowering not just to the body but to the whole mind body organism. ⁣
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One of the greatest things about having a body is that it will change. Good thing that's guaranteed.
Thursday, March 28, 2019 · 9:33 am
Instagram
Working with the shoulders for supta kurmasana:⁣
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Since putting on lean mass for the summer (lifters gonna lift), i have had to improve my active range of motion in all of my major joints. Bigger arms and legs means more space requirements, safely. ⁣
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Here’s what’s happening:⁣
🧸start in bear sit,strongly pressing down through the legs, maintaining strong external rotation⁣
1️⃣ retract, externally roatate, and flex the shoulders. ⁣
2️⃣ internally rotate the shoulders, circumduct, extend the shoulders as strongly as possible. Depress ‘em too. ⁣
3️⃣ flex the elbow joint and hold. ⁣
4️⃣ relax, then reverse!⁣
5️⃣ retract, then extend the elbow joint⁣
6️⃣externally rotate the shoulders and circumduct around again—come towards shoulder flexion. ⁣
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Relax!⁣
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Pro tips: ⁣
✅keep it meditative— watch your breath! ⁣
✅Be alert for compensations— wrists love to do the shoulders job!⁣
✅Don't be surprised if one side is faster/slower/etc!⁣
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Give it a try and tell me how it goes!⁣
Monday, April 8, 2019 · 8:43 am
InstagramPractice
Active hips for supta kurmasana:⁣ ⁣
Supta K is a big posture-- it's full of demands! Both the shoulders and hips are in positions that have roational articulations under load via body weight, making things all the more challenging.
That's ok-- if you've come this far, it’s time to work not just harder, but smarter. At @dcashtanga we’re all about finding the most efficient route — knowing that the most efficient route isn’t always the most obvious. ⁣
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Last time I covered the rotational articulations for the shoulders, this time we'll cover the hips. ⁣Heres what’s happening:
⁣
🧸Get in bear sit. ⁣
1️⃣ Shift the weight into the right hip. You may have to roll in on the opposite leg to pin the knee to the ground. Really, really glue the right knee to the floor. Then begin to externaly rotate the thigh from the hip joint. Your shin will come up while the thigh stays down. Switch. Be alert for weird compensations, like the ankles trying to do the hips job. ⁣
2️⃣ now, move from external rotation to internal rotation in one of the hips. Stay active through the stable leg, driving down and externally rotating while the other internally rotated and adducts. ⁣
3️⃣ try to wedge your shoulders behind your knee joint, then flex the knee strongly to switch the weight into the hands. Keep that as you sit down. Then, try to externally rotate the hip while maintaining hip adduction (feeling the thighs squeeze to the midline). ⁣
4️⃣ externally rotate, adduct, and flex one hip while you internally rotate the other. Use the floor to facilitate strength and flexibility devopmenr by resisting the elbow and shoulder down into and off of the floor. Get the body and the thigh nice and snug. ⁣
💪use the same shoulder patterns previously offered in the last video to create some space and explore your movement potential. ⁣
5️⃣ Alternate sides patiently, working the arms more and more across the back. ⁣
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🧘🏻‍♂️Be patient-- this isn't frenetic, it's meditive. ⁣
👐🏾Don't worry if you don't touch your hands while going slow-- you're developing strength and control under pressure.
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 · 6:43 am
InstagramPractice
The practice and philosophy of yoga has entered into fitness realms and mental health paradigms-- but truly, it is an ancient wisdom tradition for healing from the inside. ⁣⁣
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This posture is called Kasyapasana, so named for the sage Kashyapa. ⁣⁣
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One of the seven ancient rishi's from the Rig Veda (many of whom have postures named for them in third series), his name also means " turtle." He is sometimes said to be the son of Marichi. Kashmir, a region in India, may be a translation from Kashya's Lake. ⁣⁣
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⁣⁣Looking at yogas historical texts helps illuminate it's most potent purpose— something that transcends both the mental and the physical, bringing in the spirit. This selection from Atharvaveda, Book XIX, Hymns L51-53 could be useful before heading into a challenging yoga asana series:
⁣⁣
Undisturbed am I, undisturbed is my soul,⁣⁣
undisturbed mine eye, undisturbed mine ear, ⁣⁣
undisturbed is mine in-breathing, undisturbed mine out-breathing,⁣⁣
undisturbed my diffusive breath, undisturbed the whole of me.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Thereafter rose Desire in the beginning, Desire the primal seed and germ of Spirit,⁣⁣
O Kama dwelling with the lofty Kama, give growth of riches to the sacrificer, (...)⁣⁣
Prolific, thousand eyed, and undecaying, a horse with seven reins Time bears us onward,⁣⁣
Sages inspired with holy knowledge mount him, his chariot wheels are all the worlds of creatures.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Kala [Time] created yonder heaven, and Kala made these realms of earth,⁣⁣
By Kala, stirred to motion, both what is and what shall be, expand,
Kala created living things and first of all Prajapati,⁣⁣
From Kala self-made Kasyapa, from Kala Holy Fire was born
Thursday, April 11, 2019 · 6:58 am
InstagramPracticeReflections
Transcendence. ⁣⁣
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One of the gifts that yoga brings is the ability to move beyond the normal, the typical, the obvious. ⁣⁣
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It's the ability to see into parts unseen, feel more deeply, all the while suffering less for having done so. ⁣⁣
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And to discover that it has been right there in front of you, all along, means that it is, in fact, nothing special. Just not typical. Available to anyone willing to make a real effort. ⁣⁣
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And that is not normal. Transcendance means giving up on normal and special. And that relenquishing of desire to be the center of it all, without losing an appreciation for your perspective at the center of it all.... ⁣⁣
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That brings deep abiding peace.
Saturday, April 13, 2019 · 11:28 am
Instagram
It’s a helluva thing to lick your wounds and count your blessings at the same time. ⁣ ⁣
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Cuts sting worse for a moment when you clean them, after all— but thank whoever-you-fucking-thank that you have this chance to fucking clean them at all. ⁣⁣
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Ashtanga Yoga specifically asks you to table your “woe-is-me” narrative and sobermindedly go about the work of suffering less.⁣
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As @gratefulweirdo ‘s Bubbie told her, “if you push it down from the top, it’ll come out the sides”— and the practice of yoga asks you to put your sorryies in a sack and deal with your shit. ⁣
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We don’t cut off whole parts of ourself in yoga— we don’t shy away. No, we hold space for pain so that we can heal ourselves from the inside. ⁣
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The process starts with noticing and befriending the ignored and blocked— and one of the things i love most about Ashtanga Yoga is that it allows you to do so from so, so, so many starting points— which is great, cause folks are coming *from* so many different starting points. So many wounds.⁣
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But it all unfurls and unfolds from just right where you are. ⁣
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For me, it has been a process of learning to love my body. My tummy. My voice. ⁣
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Like Mama @rupaulofficial says, “if you can’t love yourself, how the hell ya gonna love somebody else?” ⁣
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Listen, real talk: that process takes just as long as it takes. But, like I said, it starts right where you are. ⁣
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#survivor
Sunday, April 14, 2019 · 11:36 am
InstagramPracticeReflectionsSurvivor
Tension gets a bad wrap.⁣
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Oh, sure: when it’s misplaced, it’s awful. But, imagine yourself over a chasm, with an old suspension bridge from side to side as your only route. Which kind of bridge would you wanna cross? The one that’s all loosey-goosey or the one that looks taut and firm? ⁣
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Imagine your feelings in that scenario. Without structure, there’s so much extra space for insecurity. Risk, risk, risk. Inside of a yoga pose, things are not so different. You will feel better when everything is balanced and strong. ⁣
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Ashtanga yoga helps you figure out what to tighten up, so that you can relax some. Sometimes it’s our body (often), sometimes it’s our mind (often). Regardless, when we strike the right balance of integrity, we get cool, calm, and collected. And after having done this same process of assessing and testing, it gets easier and more dynamic. Less thinking more doing.
This process helps us develop discernment over time. Our intuition and problem solving skills ratchet up. And we chill out. This is good! ⁣
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You’ll be ready for damn near any bridge ya come to.
Monday, April 15, 2019 · 7:45 am
InstagramPractice
This ancient posture is called "triangle," so named because you "try" and make an "angle. "⁣
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Uttithta Trikonasana A might be an all time favorite. It really means "extended triangle" anyway, and the B part is the twisted one in ashtanga yoga nomenclature. ⁣
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Here are a few tips for this particular variation:⁣
🔼 start with the legs about one legs length wide. ⁣
🔺fully externally rotate the shoulders (literally so challenging!)⁣
🔽to come into the posture, internally rotate the back hip a bit while you externally rotate the front. ⁣
⚠️ bend the front knee as much as you need (and keep the muscles on). This posture is all about the hip first, not the hamstring. You can begin to straighten later. ⁣
▶️when you come down to catch the toe , flex the bottom hip-- really feel the spine getting closer to the leg, particularly around the navel. ⁣
🔻keep the lower back neutral on the way out and in so that you can get strong hip work and a psoas stretch out of it. If the lower back gets all sway-y it may not feel as good. ⁣
📐Let the big toe come up, keeping it's knuckle down, so that you can catch it. Then shift the weight a bit into the toe box so that it naturally smooshes back down without scrunching the other toes.⁣
◀️let that bottom forearm roll in some for balance. Don't change the shoulder to do it. ⁣
▶️ make a choice about your balance and needs-- try retracting and depressing your shoulder blades here (retract) to see if it helps you lengthen the spine. ⁣
🔺do you feel both side of your front foot pressing evenly? Keep your abs strong and adjust from the hip till you get the center of mass balanced over the foundion. ⁣
👁 Look at the place where the thumb touches the index finger.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 · 6:48 am
HealthInstagramPractice
This ancient posture is called "triangle," so named because you "try" and make an "angle. "⁣
⁣
Uttithta Trikonasana A might be an all time favorite. It really means "extended triangle" anyway, and the B part is the twisted one in ashtanga yoga nomenclature. ⁣
⁣
Here are a few tips for this particular variation:⁣
🔼 start with the legs about one legs length wide. ⁣
🔺fully externally rotate the shoulders (literally so challenging!)⁣
🔽to come into the posture, internally rotate the back hip a bit while you externally rotate the front. ⁣
⚠️ bend the front knee as much as you need (and keep the muscles on). This posture is all about the hip first, not the hamstring. You can begin to straighten later. ⁣
▶️when you come down to catch the toe , flex the bottom hip-- really feel the spine getting closer to the leg, particularly around the navel. ⁣
🔻keep the lower back neutral on the way out and in so that you can get strong hip work and a psoas stretch out of it. If the lower back gets all sway-y it may not feel as good. ⁣
📐Let the big toe come up, keeping it's knuckle down, so that you can catch it. Then shift the weight a bit into the toe box so that it naturally smooshes back down without scrunching the other toes.⁣
◀️let that bottom forearm roll in some for balance. Don't change the shoulder to do it. ⁣
▶️ make a choice about your balance and needs-- try retracting and depressing your shoulder blades here (retract) to see if it helps you lengthen the spine. ⁣
🔺do you feel both side of your front foot pressing evenly? Keep your abs strong and adjust from the hip till you get the center of mass balanced over the foundion. ⁣
👁 Look at the place where the thumb touches the index finger.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 · 6:55 am
HealthInstagramPractice
Find your light. Stand in it. ⁣
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When the universe tells you a little to the right, move. You can't see your blindspots, but you can know that they're there. You'll know when the time is right. ⁣
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Remember: the universe is not here to see you fail.
Saturday, April 20, 2019 · 8:12 am
Instagram
I often call yoga a wisdom tradition or insight practice. Here's a bit from Daniel Ingram's "Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha”:⁣⁣
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"The primary agenda for doing insight practices is to increase our perceptual abilities so that the truths mentioned by the great mystics become obvious to us. ⁣
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Thus, rather than caring what we think, say or do, or caring about what altered state of consciousness we are in, when training in wisdom we actively work to simply increase the speed, precision, consistency and inclusiveness of our experience of all the quick little sensations that make up our experience, whatever and however they may be. ⁣
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Thus, the essential formal insight meditation instructions are : find a place where the distractions are tolerable, pick a stable and sustainable posture, and for a defined period of time notice every single sensation that makes up your reality as best you can. ⁣
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Just as with concentration practices, more time and more diligent practice pays off.”
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 · 10:58 am
InstagramPractice
After seven years or so years of practice, I wondered to myself “where are the mystics? The wizened ones? The enlightened? Those that had reached the highest states of yoga?” ⁣⁣
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In the interest of believing by seeing, i set off on a journey to find the ones who knew the methods that would bring about samadhi— because it had been attained. I had a hard time understanding why I knew so many yogis with so little experience of yoga. ⁣⁣
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Along the way I learned that enlightenment is a wisdom - truth state that is available to absolutely anyone willing and able to put in the work that will lead to it. ⁣⁣
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I learned that our ability to stay in the state of samadhi, of deep intertwinement with all things, can come easily but to keep it requires both great discipline and great relinquishing. ⁣⁣
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I learned that in fact, it is nothing special. ⁣⁣
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I learned most of all that I didn’t know how to look for what I was looking for. The folks I sought were hiding in plain sight. ⁣⁣
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Here’s something you must understand: these states of consciousness are available on day one, if only for a fleeting second. ⁣⁣
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In fact, it is in our efforts to track as many sensation patterns as we can in that fleeting second that we develop the concentration skills to enter these states. ⁣⁣
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If you want it, you can have it. ⁣⁣
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I do not guard the secrets, I do not gatekeep these altered states. These consciousness states are for everyone— after all, when the tide comes in, all boats are lifted. ⁣⁣
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Let’s be clear: I can not say that I am enlightened, but I can say for sure that I have tasted the nectar of these practices. ⁣⁣
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I now want nothing more than to share what i have learned and to continue learning. ⁣⁣
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Real yoga promises abiding peace and freedom and so much more to all devoted aspirants; and all that is required is to try. These are very good reasons to practice. ⁣⁣
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Best of all, you absolutely should not take my word for it. If it is true, all of this will become self evident. Pick your guide wisely, and give it a try— you will see the evidence of its brilliance. My journey continues.
Thursday, April 25, 2019 · 6:18 am
InstagramReflections
What’s that sound in the distance? Chanting. ⁣
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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. ⁣
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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. ⁣
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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. ⁣
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I could. ⁣
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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. ⁣
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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. ⁣
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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. ⁣
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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. ⁣
Sunday, April 28, 2019 · 11:36 am
InstagramPracticeReflections
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. ⁣
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The physical location of practice can provide that, sure, but more importantly, the actual posture itself must provide that.⁣
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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. ⁣
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In this way, more “advanced” postures function diagnostically— and then, later, also therapeutically. The practice of Ashtanga Yoga systematically addresses the body. ⁣
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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 ⁣
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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. ⁣
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HEYAM DUHKHAM ANAGATAM (2.16)⁣
Pain that has not yet come is avoidable.
Monday, April 29, 2019 · 10:47 am
InstagramMarichyasanacParsvakonasanabPasasanaPracticeReflections
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.
Saturday, May 4, 2019 · 5:47 pm
Instagram
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. ⁣
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If we're listening and looking outside and inwardly enough, patiently enough, we can catch it. How much is enough? Enough is enough. ⁣
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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. ⁣
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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. ⁣
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That last one, vipassana, actually had broad stroke applications that I was able to use everywhere. ⁣
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It changed my yoga practice. It enhanced it. My enoughness grew. ⁣
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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. ⁣
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If you wanna learn to find your enoughness... If you want to learn a practice that is holistic, healing, and enjoyable....⁣
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Come learn with me:⁣ @dcashtanga at @eaton.dc ⁣
M: 5-7pm⁣
T-F: 7-10am⁣
T-Th: 5-7pm⁣
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Vinyasa at #eatondc⁣
T: 12p⁣
W: 1:30p⁣
Th: 1:30p⁣
Monday, May 6, 2019 · 9:12 am
EatondcInstagramPractice
Whats one thing for sure we know about patterns? ⁣
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They repeat. ⁣
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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?” ⁣
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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?⁣
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See the pattern?⁣
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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. ⁣
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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.” ⁣
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Like @spaceykacey says, it’s a slow burn.
Thursday, May 9, 2019 · 6:50 am
InstagramPractice
“Like Oscar Wilde goes to Sesame Street.”⁣
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Finding rainbow connections in a Yucatan cave with my favorite partner in crime.⁣
📸 and 💟 @yasmikey (luh ya, papi). ⁣
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Today’s word is “cenote”!⁣
Sunday, May 19, 2019 · 11:28 am
Instagram
Yoga for Self Inquiry — honing your sacred vision— a workshop... for getting under the surface and exploring the depths of your self. ⁣
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We’ll talk philosophy, meditate, journal, and vision board. Best of all: we’ll be in community. ⁣
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Friday, May 24 at 7pm — @eaton.dc — eventbrite link in bio.

What do you want to manifest?
Monday, May 20, 2019 · 2:31 pm
InstagramTeaching
This has been a year of growth. My work, my imagination, and my love. ⁣
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I’m learning how...⁣
... to be in relationship. ⁣
... to compromise — without feeling compromised. ⁣
... to share. ⁣
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⁣I’m learning how...⁣
... to be more patient. ⁣
To be more trusting. ⁣
To be a better partner. ⁣⁣
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I’m learning. ⁣
I’m growing. ⁣⁣
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In love. In work. In life. ⁣
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Together, with @yasmikey
Tuesday, May 21, 2019 · 4:10 pm
InstagramLoveReflections
If someone wants to practice yoga because they think it looks cool, let them do it. ⁣
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Meeting practitioners where they are matters. Both in a literal physical sense (at their schools, neighborhoods, work places) but also very much demonstrations and presentation. ⁣
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I’m going to paraphrase and addendum a story i heard from @rupaulofficial — a retelling of a similar story from the Buddha:⁣
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Between two islands is a great body of water. The first island is the Island of Sleep, the second the Island of Awake. A young man on the sleepy isle wants very much to awaken, and as such he is inspired to build a raft to take on the sea. ⁣
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Patiently and persistently, he fashions a raft to take on the sea. Astonishingly, he makes it to the other side. ⁣
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Now, having made it to the Isle of Awake, he continues onwards. He makes his way about the island, running into an old man. ⁣
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The old man is surprised to see him still clinging to his raft. “Why do you still carry the vessel, boy? Do you wish to return to sleep?”. ⁣
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“No, but what if i need the raft?”” says the younger man. ⁣
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“If you think you still need the raft, you don’t sound like you plan on staying. The purpose of the raft was to cross the sea. You have crossed the sea.” ⁣
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“But what if i want to go back and help others find their way?”⁣
—⁣
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For me the story is a reminder to let go of the dogma associated with all spiritual practice, that transcendence when it arrives really has arrived. That being said, what if the boy had never been inspired to build the raft in the first place? What good would he have been done staying on the island?⁣
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If you wish to help people across the sea, you better be a damn fine raft maker. And, if you don’t need the raft any more— good for you— but why not give others a hand?
Friday, May 24, 2019 · 11:31 am
Instagram
Intro to Mysore, Tuesday & Wednesday, June 11 & 12.
Includes 2 weeks of Mysore at @dcashtanga — Come learn the basics in a comfortable environment with a small group.

Check link in bio.
Proudly in residence at @eaton.dc
Monday, June 3, 2019 · 9:42 am
InstagramPractice
Happy international yoga day.
The well of gratitude I have for organizations like @ashtanganation @ashtanganashville @ashtangaphiladelphia @hotspotdupont and folks like @davidgarriguesyoga @suenodevida_ecu and so many more run deep.
Blessed for the community at @dcashtanga at @eaton.dc —
Friday, June 21, 2019 · 10:30 pm
InstagramPracticeReflections
We are under attack. We are being murdered. We are not all the same kind of free. ⁣
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“Freedom’s what you do with what's been done to you.” — Jean-Paul Sartre⁣
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I am speaking up. I am speaking out. ⁣
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Hate crimes have nearly doubled in Washington in the past two years. And it’s a trend followed by the rest of the nation.⁣
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“D.C. is at an all-time high,” professor Brian Levin The District had 209 hate crimes reported in 2018, up from 179 in 2017, 107 in 2016 and 66 in 2015.⁣
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The nation saw the largest number of transgender homicide victims on record in 2017, with 29 killed. Last year, it was 26. And most of them were black transgender women.⁣
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The FBI data, however, likely dramatically underestimates the true number of hate crimes against the LGBTQ community, experts, say, given flaws in the current data collection process and massive discrepancies with the much larger number of self-reported incidents.⁣
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A better gauge of hate crime trends in the U.S. may be the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), a household-based survey administered by the U.S. Census Bureau. This self-reported data suggests that Americans experience closer to 200,000 hate crimes each year – a far cry from the FBI’s estimate of approximately 7,500.
Thursday, July 4, 2019 · 9:03 am
Instagram
One of my teachers' teacher passed this week. I have been deeply impacted by this woman, and I never met her. Let her words be a guide. She had 30 years of teaching under her belt by 55, the age upon which she finished collecting ages. ⁣
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Once again, the death of my teachers' teacher has become a teacher to me. ⁣
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Your teachers matter. Their ethics matter. Good, bad, and otherwise. ⁣
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Yoga teachers: your education matters. Your relationship to your practice matters. ⁣
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If your practice isn't making it harder to stomach inequality whilst also lighting inside of you a fire to use your actions to ensure everyone can burn brightly, I'm not sure what your practicing, but it isn't yoga.
Sunday, July 14, 2019 · 2:40 pm
InstagramLove
Today I was lucky enough to get @dcashtanga ‘s own @mikestefani (@flowyogacenter ‘s evening Mysore guy!) to help me with some stuff I’ve been working on. We've done some of this together, and I needed a buddy to help me out, so we coached each other a little. ⁣
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You might recognize some of it from what @yogawhitney (director of takoma @yogaheightsdc ‘s ashtanga program!!) and i were going through together. ⁣
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Lots of fun, great care and patience, and boy it feels good. Maybe we should do another workshop?⁣
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anyway, practice practice practice.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019 · 5:00 pm
FriendsInstagramPracticeTeaching
A member of the greater DC/NOVA yoga community, @andreharrisyoga came in to visit today at @dcashtanga . He lives in Washington (state, not DC) now, and only gets back to visit about once a year. I love seeing him!⁣
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Lately, he has been struggling with injury. Life is like that, ya know? @livelyogini And he went over a bunch of great tactics including #FRC over at @ashtanganation ⁣to help him get stronger. ⁣
I recognized the work they had done (Maggie and I have worked together a lot over the years), and was able to facilitate further. The truth is, André wanted to work on his tick-tok (and so did I!) but we had some more pressing issues to resolve. ⁣
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Together, we explored upstream and downstream to find compensatory movement patterns that have perhaps been leading to some of the injury, and examined how to remove the pattern by introducing a new one. ⁣
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If it came automatically, we’d all move perfectly. We don’t. Andre’s patience with the developmental drills and upstream/downstream modifications left him able to practice the ashtanga yoga syllabus — elegantly into the primary series. ⁣
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Same-same, intermediate. ⁣
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Pretty cool. ⁣
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After all the slow and steady and elegant; and then transition-y, we finally got to work on the tik-tok!!⁣
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I wanted André to share with me some of his progress while he works on these things, and so i got the ball rolling with video. ⁣
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Here’s one way we work to develop motor skills somewhat autonomously in the Mysore room. We went from being totally assisted, to using a chair, to using pads. ⁣
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Teamwork, patience, and persistence. They go a long way.
Friday, July 26, 2019 · 10:48 am
FrcHealthInstagramPracticeReflections
“The senses are like a mirror. Turned outward, they reflect the outside; turned inward, they reflect the pure light. By themselves, the senses are innocent, but when allowed to turn outside they attract everything and transfer those messages to the mind, making it restless. Turned inward, they find peace by taking the form of the mind itself.” – Sri Swami Satchidananda⁣
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You are made of all things pure and awesome!⁣
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Paradoxically, creating boundaries around our energies can help to become less bound. To internalize the senses and go inward can be revelatory — it highlights how we’re using our energies... and what might be mucking them⁣
up. ⁣
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Some tips for keeping your energies tended to: ⁣
-practice fasting / taking breaks from sensory inputs via meditation, retreat or other. Go somewhere and get silent. ⁣
- make a mindful choice of media! Bad vibes in often = bad vibes out. Sensory impressions can be harmful! Listening to people talk shit can make you feel like shit. ⁣
- start tuning into that third eye— redirecting seeing can encourage other senses to follow. try to “see” with your other senses!⁣
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Later today, go outside and stare up at the sky! Let yourself get lost in the space between the clouds.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 · 11:03 am
InstagramMusicPractice
With a long enough timeline, there are no mistakes. ⁣
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I have a personal philosophy around grievous errors in both life and practice that is predicated on the notion that a willingness to learn from and take ownership of behavior and action means that we have an infinite capacity to learn. And grow. ⁣
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Forgiveness of others and forgiveness of ourselves requires honesty and contrition— with the only real apology that matters being the simple act of doing better. ⁣⁣
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In spiritual practice, it means that there is only learning and growing until we die. This philosophy encourages sober minded observation and radical honesty. It also demands that we give the same to others. ⁣⁣
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And, in this life, if we’re lucky, there will be many chances to practice these tools. ⁣⁣
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“The only way to learn forgiveness is to be betrayed. You might understand the intellectual concept of forgiveness, but you will only learn how to truly forgive when someone has done something that requires you to love them and let it go. Life demands these hurtful experiences for you to learn how forgiveness feels; it could be no other way. If there is anyone in your life that you must forgive, instead of seeing them as someone who has hurt you, try to see them as someone who was sent to teach you forgiveness and thank them for this precious gift—then forgive them, and let it go. “ – Jackson Kiddard ⁣
⁣
My teachers are human; they are not infallibe. They are people, just like me and you. Though I’ve dug deep into the Indian tradition of a guru-student relationship, I have done my best in later years to not put my mentors on pedastools— it’s not fair to them. They are guaranteed to fall. ⁣and, it allows them the very same human process I want for myself and for all creatures— learning, growing, and doing better.
Monday, August 5, 2019 · 11:10 am
Instagram
About ten years ago, i set a goal for myself to be on the cover of yoga journal. Today, i made it to the homepage.
10 years in, I think that's about right. Time and dreams change. Markers of success evolve.
Back then, I imagined that my perfect form and smiling face would make a valuable representation -- and mark an internal validation.
As practice is wont to, I eventually had a realization: I could do better. I wanted to share something more substantive than just form. The marker for validation had shifted dramticay.
I wanted to share some part of what practice had shared with me-- something that has helped me grow and thrive and that I have seen do the same for others time and time again.
Well, here we are. I talk about resilience. I share a modified primary series. I tried to use explicit language so as to maximize value and minimize confusion. .
I'm honored and thrilled. Simply in existing, it represents those who might feel marginalized.
I'm out, I'm queer, and I'm big. I'm a yoga practitioner. What I've shared is what I know to be a powerful and potent practice steeped in tradition and that has a veracious efficacy.
I hope you find it useful, for yourself or for others.
Link in Bio.
Monday, October 28, 2019 · 6:38 am
InstagramPracticeReflections
The badges of honor and momentos of acclaim that come from climbing to your highest highs are nothing compared to the capacity we create internally of looking at our lowest lows with a fresh perspective.
After all, you can not chart a mountains range in meters without knowing sea level. And the best place to find the next peak is from the top of another.
In truth, though, you may have to climb all the way down to get all the way up. Better enjoy the climb.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 · 7:07 am
InstagramNature
"God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve,” said the preacher from the bully pulpit. Meanwhile, “If Michelangelo had been straight,” one lesbian comedian was heard espousing, “the Sistine Chapel would have been wallpapered.” Continual research into the infinite and enough time with my lesbian sisters tells me that she’s prolly got this sorted out.
Thursday, November 7, 2019 · 11:05 am
Instagram
2020
January brought an unseasonably warm day— and so I went into nature and rejoiced. How do you rejoice?⁣
⁣
The practice of yoga is one for carving away on the calcified dust and dirt that almost opaquely blocks the mind and spirit from their truest form of bliss absolute. ⁣
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Yoga allows any practitioner an opportunity to descale their senses, like Saul cum Paul, and wake up to the interconnected nature of body, mind, and spirit. By getting at the center of the center, each aspirant can get free. ⁣
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Free from the bondage of poisoned existence. The chains of oppression. ⁣
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Real yoga creates a sliver of transparency to the internal forms of knowing— revealing to anyone who will look that there is only one of us inside— and from that gleam of light, and avenue towards freedom from the oppressive external and internal voices that would limit our majesty. ⁣
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Then comes the real cost of admission: what do you do with this awakening?⁣
—-⁣
Retreat to Ecuador April 12-19,⁣
10 Hour Anatomy Weekend: Jan 25-26⁣
Online Coaching: DM Me⁣
⁣
If you want more from your yoga practice, I want to help. Links in bio. ⁣
⁣
Whether it’s how to better work with the mind, the body, or getting directly at the spirit. Links in bio:
Monday, January 20, 2020 · 9:36 am
InstagramPractice
Yoga practitioners can often be segmented out into categorical archetypes based on their approach to practice:
Scientist.
Artist.
Athlete.

Do you approach your yoga practice from a place of curiosity and experimentation? You might be the scientist archetype.
Do you approach it from a sense of creation, craft, and beauty? You might be the artist.
Are you concerned with jumping further, faster, and farther? You guessed it: athlete.
Regardless of where you fall in terms of approaching the shapes, some anatomical knowledge can go a long way to honing your construction.
Want to learn more? Join me on Saturday and Sunday for an applied anatomy immersion at @vidafitnessdc —- send me a DM for more info!
Wednesday, January 22, 2020 · 11:51 am
InstagramPractice
Yoga practice has an external form and an internal form. The external can show up nicely in pictures for those who take pictures nicely.
Internal forms show up relationally. They can’t be captured by a camera.
The way I see it:
-You can practice externally without practicing internally.
-You can practice internally without practicing externally. -External practice has a shorter shelf life than internal practice.
What does all of this mean?
The better long-term investment in your time is on the internal form.
So why practice externally at all? Frankly, If you can’t be alone with yourself, what are the odds that someone else will want to be in your company, either?

To get better at being better, having a practice that helps to improve your ability to be alone also helps you in your ability to be in relationship.
To be a better lover, brother, father, or community member: -learn a practice
-find some open space and practice
-get an accountability buddy -be alone, together.
If you are looking for a place to start, DM me. I teach practice one-on-one — in person and online.
Already started and need some coaching or an accountability buddy? Let me know.
Friday, January 24, 2020 · 11:22 am
FriendsInstagramPractice
If you wanna be wonderful, you gotta remain full of wonder. ⁣
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Call it what you will, and organize it however you like, but near as i can tell: the entrance to the "kingdom of heaven" is truly inside of each of us. ⁣
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Heaven? It’s the experience of making harmless and honest the existence you keep. The contentment and the effort, all at the same time. The relational harmony? Nothing like it. ⁣
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And Hell?⁣
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It’s existence, knowing you have not made right the trespasses you have come to note in your own history. Not asking for forgiveness, knowing you should. Not making the effort to do better, and knowing you could. This consciousness of conscience let's youvohiwbwyen you're out of alignment. ⁣
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Living an aligned life requires waking up, accepting, and committing to growth. The reward is great— but wow— no wonder folks want to stay asleep.
Thursday, January 30, 2020 · 6:53 am
InstagramReflections
There is nothing that isn’t sacred inside of yourself. The quest for self knowledge is full of highs, lows, toils, and snares— but look how far you’ve already come.
Join me for an adventure! We’re headed to Montanita, Ecuador- April 13-20! The links in the bio.
Monday, February 10, 2020 · 9:40 am
Instagram
When was the last time you let yourself dive deeply? Join me for an Ashtanga Adventure Retreat to Ecuador. *️⃣We’ve got that Early Bird rate for one more week. ⬆️Link in bio.
Monday, February 17, 2020 · 9:38 am
InstagramPractice
Having trouble finding the next step? That’s where Ashtanga Yoga (and I) come in. ⁣
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This yoga system is a lot like the game show Jeopardy— it gives you the answer first, and makes you come up with the questions. That’s why it’s brilliant, and oh-so personal. ⁣
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Ashtanga Yoga gives practitioners the framework to solve little puzzles— physical, emotional, temporal. ⁣
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In order for practice to work, we have to look inside for clues. They help to tease out what excellence, ethical living, and alignment truly mean to each of us as individuals. ⁣
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The Mysore style gives you a collaborative partner so that you can get some assistance in finding the next step— then get support in taking it. ...with friendliness and compassion. ⁣
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Then the next one. ⁣
And the one after that. ⁣
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Developing a yogic mindset is life changing— it allows you to trouble shoot without crumbling, to heal without spite, and to release long held labels without giving up either quality or personal values. ⁣
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Yoga Sutras 1:43-When the memory is well purified, the knowledge of the object of concentration shines alone, devoid of the distinction of name and quality. This is Nirvitarka Samadhi, or Samadhi without deliberation.
—-
Join me in the mysore room with DC Ashtanga, in Ecuador for an Ashtanga Adventure Retreat, or book a private online or in person. Link in Bio.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020 · 7:00 am
InstagramPractice
Classes Cancelled? I gotchu. Livestream link via Patreon is in the bio.
Most of my schedule opened up as we as a global community work to mitigate risk of viral transmission. Like so many of you, if I don't work, I don't get paid... And as someone who loves what they do, I want to continue bringing you reports and insights from the vast did of yogic studies... And to keep reveling in your discoveries!

Over the years I've released class recordings and videos to my students. A few months ago, my dear friend and student @emerymargaret suggested I start a Patreon for students who want more of my content. After seeing my incredible colleague and mentor Kristen @suenodevida_ecu use it as a platform for sustainability education and permaculture development, I was emboldened to give the platform a go.
You'll find different tiers and a poll for what other kinds of tiers you might want. Please, sign up and let me know what you want!
Monday, March 16, 2020 · 9:56 am
InstagramTeaching
Hi guys! Just checking in. The zoom classes I’m teaching are going great and the short live-streams have been so much fun to make. My new website is live. I’ve got a huge discount on private yoga sessions, too (50% off!). Go check stuff out and tell me what you think.
Thursday, March 26, 2020 · 4:14 pm
Instagram
prasarita padottanasana d⁣
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Or: Meditations on patience, persistence, and the exquisite and essential internal form. ⁣
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Sometimes, it feels that there isn’t enough— that I’m not enough. That none of its enough. The evidence, right there!, says there isn’t enough. ⁣
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A gap to great. Not enough. Not enough. ⁣
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But I know there is an infinite well spring. I know that the answer, as it always tends to be, resides inside. ⁣
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Here, im slowly ramping up the connection to the internal forms that may just reveal the external forms. ⁣
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Perhaps the video is a bit boring, but the physical analog to the internal work is hard to miss. ⁣
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These techniques can be taught— whether it be on banana leaves, cow dung lined shalas in the jungle, or zoom— these things can be taught. ⁣
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See you in class! Link in Bio.
Friday, April 3, 2020 · 8:02 am
InstagramPractice
The promise of yoga is power. ⁣
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The kind of power that frees you from the suffering that comes with the drama of the routine rise and fall... and the unexpected. ⁣
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Speaking of all things unexpected, the deepest potency of practice only reveals itself when the deep moments of desperation knock on the doors of our routine realities. ⁣
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These times of fraught and worry and sorrow— they come uninvited, though they should never be unexpected. ⁣
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And, in these moments, when all manner of hell and high water come a-knockin’, only then are we given the chance to open the door— and, such as it is when it comes to self discovery, we discover that no matter what door we open, it’s just us on the other side. ⁣
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Every door, every time. ⁣
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And through yoga, we learn to stay lifted. To let that door open and close. To not fear the knocking. ⁣
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And we learn how to help others stay lifted, too. ⁣
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—⁣
Newsletter goes out today— sign up now to get it!
Monday, April 13, 2020 · 9:05 am
Instagram
When things start to look a little skewed, it’s good to notice. Perspective is a helluva thing.
Did you get this weeks newsletter? I talk about noticing patterns. If not, go sign up 🙂
Monday, April 20, 2020 · 6:12 pm
Instagram
A no-nonsense way of going about finding peace:

First things first: have faith (shraddah) that peace is attainable for you.
Cultivate vitality (virya) — it’s hard to feel good when you feel like shit! Do the things that nourish your ability to be present in the moment.
This means some responsibility is in order: You have to wake up to noticing yourself feeling good— which also means waking up to when you feel bad so that you can note the difference. Then, when you notice yourself feeling good and maybe a bit happier or peaceful, your mission is to remember (smriti) it! It can help you have
faith that those vibes are legit.
Once you get good at noticing yourself vibing right, try to stay with it for longer periods of time— it’s totally possible. It’ll grow! You gotta try and stay present!
Lastly— once we’re able to be present for longer periods of time, things have a way of sorting themselves out. We suffer less, seemingly paradoxically by just being awake to all of our feelings as they come in. Somewhere inside the good and the bad is the truth— and it doesn’t done from rejecting any of it. And the truth brings wisdom... and the wisdom is how we can stop this process of self delusion and hurt making.
So there you have it: holding space inside of yourself for a personal experience of wisdom truth revelation means not rejecting, but experiencing. Not controlling, but observing.
We can wake up to love. We can wake up to now. We can wake up to wisdom (prajna). When these truths start showing themselves, you don’t wanna miss ‘em. It’s on the back of these truths that we can ride into a lasting peace. (Yoga sutras 1.20)
Friday, May 1, 2020 · 11:42 am
Instagram
pride yoga: June 27 - 10am- Logan Circle- irl & online w/ @dcfray - free - link in bio - please socially distance and bring a towel or blanket 🙂
Friday, June 26, 2020 · 6:46 pm
Instagram
There is a weight on our collective shoulders.

Take a stand. Rise up.

Newsletter goes out this week.

Toss me your email if you want to be included (or sign up online).
Tuesday, June 30, 2020 · 9:08 am
Instagram
I wanna point you to my Integrative online Functional Anatomy Training Program. Link in bio.

In September, I’ll be launching a 10-month integrative online Functional Ashtanga Training. We dive *deep* into functional anatomy, contextualized yoga humanities, and a collection of the most potent pranayama and meditation practices I have discovered in my 20 years of dedicated practice. I’ve spent two years developing this program, which includes 4 functional joint assessment for each participant (so you can measure your progress), 150+ 20 minute learning videos (I’m still recording!), curated readings, and measured learning objectives (homework + quizzes). Of course, I’ll have office hours. It’s capped very, very small for this first cohort, and costs 3,000— but I’m gonna take 500 off if you sign up early. With a $500 deposit, I’ll offer a monthly payment plan for 10 months (with no upcharge— gross).
Tuesday, July 7, 2020 · 6:19 pm
InstagramPracticeWork
In what ways do we allow ourselves to be exploited in order to minimize further exploitation? In what ways are we complicit in systemic abuse?

Yoga practice gives you the tools to wrestle with these questions, and digest the venom, like a peacock with a cobra.

Our first Functional Ashtanga Training email goes out this Friday. Sign up in the bio if you want to learn how to integrate this practice into something meaningful.
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 · 1:21 pm
InstagramPractice
Principles over principals, please.

How do the scientific principles of #functionalrangeconditioning meld with the moral principles of #ashtangayoga ?

Let's discover, together.

Join me for an online workshop with @mainlinemysore called “Building a Better Wheel” on august 15 (it’s gonna sell out)

...or join me for a year long online yoga immersion/intensive for integrative Ashtanga called "The Functional Ashtanga Training Program".

Together, we'll work to use solid effective principles to become our own principals.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020 · 7:24 am
AshtangayogaFunctionalrangeconditioningInstagramPracticeTeaching
Are you looking for support in your yoga practice?

Let me help you establish (or re-establish!) a practice to which you are committed, with tools that are science-backed, respectful of their origins, and effective.

The Functional Ashtanga Training program is an organized collection of the most potent approaches I have found after two decades of travelling the planet, seeking out the most realized teachers I could find.

I’d like to share with you what I’ve learned.

The early bird commitment incentive ($500 off!) ends 7/31.

Link in bio, and space is limited.
Sunday, July 26, 2020 · 8:01 am
InstagramPracticeTravel
The Functional Ashtanga Yoga Training h̶a̶s̶ ̶o̶n̶e̶ ̶s̶p̶o̶t̶ ̶l̶e̶f̶t̶ is sold out. Sign up for announcements about upcoming mentorship modules if you're interested, then take rest.

Already signed up? I have a surprise coming your way. #thefayt
Saturday, August 8, 2020 · 8:56 am
InstagramPracticeThefayt
Can’t decide if you should go outside and vote today?

Vote for your gay friend.
Vote for your non-white friend.
Vote for your uterus.

Don’t have one?

Then vote as an act of self love and firm commitment to participation. Maybe you will make one!

Operators are standing by.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 · 8:43 am
Instagram
2021
What is pratyahara? It's the skillfulness of being with yourself-- free of a need for outside distraction. Talk about important (especially right now).

It brings with it other awesome skills: focus, resilience, and the ability to make meaningful, intentional choices that you can be confident you had a say in.

It's manageable, attainable, and opens the door for much more.

In this session, we'll work with time-tested sensorsy awareness techniques for the eyes, the ears, and the body-- and learn how to apply what we learn on and off the mat.

Sign up at https://yogashalanashville.com
Thursday, March 11, 2021 · 1:06 pm
Instagram
Passive range holds for hip external rotation and flexion for active strength at end range.

Which poses do you think this could help?
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 · 12:19 pm
Instagram
A pink triangle has been a symbol for various LGBTQ identities, initially intended as a badge of shame, but later reclaimed as a positive symbol of self-identity.
Thursday, March 18, 2021 · 9:38 am
Instagram
Prasarita Padottanasana with heel grip. Focusing on posterior tilt of the scapula. I’m using this setup for alleviating alleviating upper crossed syndrome (commonly found in overhead athletes) and rounded shoulders (ashtanga/vinyasa practitioners). Excellent isometric strength training for shoulder posterior tilting, shoulder external rotation, and shoulder depression. Also good for forearm supination and grip strength. Base width and hip flexion can both create variability in shoulder upward/downward (superior/inferior) and spine segmentation. Focus on getting geniohumoral joint in line with elbows (approx 130) via abduction and thorasic segmentation. Application is particularly useful after pec minor stretching.

Found commonly in Bishnu Ghosh style yoga, currently being modeled with head in position to work anterior neck strength in conjunction with posterior scapular tilt and mild thorasic extension to create a well braced neutral upper back and spine.

Posture inspired by @holly.yogs.lightly
Friday, March 19, 2021 · 9:25 am
InstagramPractice
Marichyasana A, modeled with a block and a bind.

This pose has a peculiar demand: *major* ankle dorsiflexion. A requisite for this posture is strength and flexibility in the ankle such that the knee can go forward and beyond the toes so as to get the center of mass towards and beyond the center of the foundation.

This can be a struggle for some, as these deeper ankle positions were not commonly taught in yoga rooms for many years, nor was deep squatting common in gym settings.

Thankfully, that has very much changed in the last 5 years.

Finding a position that allows for controlled articulation in the ankle is key for improving controlled articulation in other places... but finding a manageable setup pays dividends that are not so easy to see here.

Forward folding and pressure onto the forehead region is associated with the relaxation response and a great way to bring a feeling of safety into your mind-body organism. Utilizing the parasympathetic nervous system (think: rest & digest), this posture is a great way to support both anatomical and physiological changes that benefit the practitioner. Don’t let this poses stress you out, in other words. Adjust the setup for maximum personal benefit.
Monday, March 22, 2021 · 8:40 am
InstagramPracticeReflections
Keeping the butt down when side bending is tough.... but so worth it!

A common compensation for lateral flexion of the spine is asymetric hip elevation— and its easily masked/ignored with asymmetric leg positions. Those outter hip and thigh muscles on the pelvis are designed to move the leg away from the midline and help create an anchor so that you can work with gravity to side bend the spine. But what happens when one side starts to lift up?

The solution is in clue— find a way to keep your butt down! In this set up, I’m exploring end range of motion strength in hip external rotation and abduction— and using my bottom arm to avoid compensation (aka give my hip a chance to stay down!!).

When able to control the foundation (especially from the closer-to-center proximal part), in this case the strength of the hip, you get better at controlling the movement of the spine— and then can even add weight to it by reaching the other arm over head.

“Tight” adductors (the squeezer-inners) lead to weak abductors (the pusher-outters)— so start where you are — create a setup that helps you target what you wanna target... and enjoy the ride!
Monday, April 5, 2021 · 10:17 am
HealthInstagram
Side bending, aka lateral flexion, done from an inverted position challenges the stability of the foundation. Keeping the head on the ground can help immensely, but the shoulders and their associated muscles reap a lot of benefit because they have to keep the weight anchored. This is in some ways easier in lotus because of its compact nature... and in some ways harder, because finding true hip extension as opposed to lumbar extension isn’t so easy... give this a try and tell me how it goes.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021 · 7:25 am
Instagram
Side bending is one of the most lovely ways a spine can move.

Here’s a love letter to this humble tadasana variation.

1) I love that you are so free of frills. Your simplicity and elegance highlight how even the most minuscule of changes can impact the way things feel in a posture dramatically.

2) I love that you let me decide how much to push and how much to pull-- I just have to lean and breathe. You help to highlight the push and pull from the side of the body, but also the deep muscles inside like my transverse abdominals and disphrapgm! You help me understand the layers of stability a posture can have— and you don't make me go very far to discover what is comfortable and stable!

3) I love that you help so many kinds of backs feel so good! Little side bend, you do a world of good for folks who have rounding, swaying, or curving to the spine-- things like kyphosis, lordosis, and scoliosis.

Thanks, side-bend!
Thursday, April 8, 2021 · 8:09 am
InstagramPractice
2023
I stopped posting to Instagram because I felt fairly certain it was responsible for a great deal of harm that has come to a great number of people.

As a teacher of yoga, I felt irresponsible using it to as a platform to promote the work that i do, knowing that it can do such great harm. So, ya know, I only posted to my stories and basically used it as a way to send memes to like 4 of my besties.

But, ya know, I have an awesome little yoga studio @theyoga.club to promote. And, I want to make more money as a yoga teacher.

So, here I am again, knowingly running the risk of presenting half truths, using pictures as commodities, and banking on the fact that good looks and pretty pictures go a long way.

Wish me luck! How do you all make heads or tails of the ethics around this?
Thursday, February 9, 2023 · 2:57 pm
InstagramReflections
I had the most wonderful time teaching at @yogashalanashville — such an incredible group of people.

Cory— thank you so much for welcoming me into your home and sharing so much with me! Cory (@coryyoga) and Richard (his wonderful husband), are just the literal best. And boy, I even made a new friend (shout out to Heather @magiccityyogi from @birminghamyoga ).

Thank you so much @yogashalanashville for being so much fun, for being so interested in our work, and for being so darn cool.

Until the next time, Nashville!
Saturday, February 11, 2023 · 11:51 pm
Instagram
“Where’s the yoga here?” is a question folks often begin to ask themselves when they learn more about how yoga actually works.

Yoga as a practice is designed to cultivate deep states of peace and well-being. A state where we feel unafflicted by life’s highs and lows… where we see things as they really are.

What I teach is the Yoga of Synthesis— a framework for personal observation. This requires bearing witness to ourselves.

The five principal of yoga are:
1) Exercise
2) Breathing
3) Growth mindset
4) Diet (food *and* information)
5) Relaxation.

It can be really confronting to realize that we’re underrested and overtrained— or any other combo that highlights personal deficits that interfere with our attachment to gross shapes.

It’s not “do more with less” or “no pain, no gain.”

Its more like “How can I eradicate violence in my life.” And “how can I be a better friend?”

But that stuff, you can’t really see it in pictures. You can’t tell off the bat if you’re inside of a joy factory or a misery machine. Yoga rooms should be Joy Factories— most folks do a good job of creating misery machines all by themselves.

As a teacher of yoga, my job is to teach people to see more clearly by offering them instruction around what we’re really looking at— and, generally it’s not the macro shape— but the subtle forms.

It’s hard to get good data!

The simple truth of the matter is that it’s often in letting go of the big excitements and the construction of the sorrow of defeat. It’s letting go of the highs and lows.

It can be tempting to sell yoga off the backs of pretty people doing pretty poses, or promising transcendental experiences.

It’s all far less exotic than that…

Believe it or not, the Yoga of Synthesis is happening all day long— our work on the mat each morning helps in that process. If you’d like some help finding the yoga in your yoga practice, feel free to reach out.
Thursday, February 16, 2023 · 10:34 am
InstagramPracticeReflections
Adventures in the Arts with @judydcz -- We saw the American Ballet Company's production of Romeo & Juliet at the Kennedy Center.

Finding the energy to do the things that give us more energy can feel frustrating at times. I've been someone who had to "guard" his down-time, and I get it. But seeing performance art, catching up with friends, and generally being out in the world and in community also has a way of recharging my batteries.

It's a balance... But ultimately, the question becomes whats draining, what's sustaining, and what's nourishing.

Be a fountain, not a drain. Seek fountains.

If your engagements and responsibilities have precluded you from being in community, I want you to know I wish you well.

The pandemic has done a real number on people. Being around people who had to pretend like they were scared of going out so they didn't have to go to their domineering bosses idea of an "office" did a real number on people. Actually being scared did a real number on people. Watching loved ones die while your unemployment ran out and your business owners kept their PPP money and friends got raises and cars and houses... well, that did a real number on people. Being these people did a real number on people.

May we all heal from this collective trauma.

Cause listen... I know this is a hot take...I gotta tell ya... There's nothing quite like seeing art in person with people.
Saturday, February 25, 2023 · 8:34 am
Instagram
Sometimes tying yourself in a knot helps when you feel like you’re all tied in knots. Feeling grateful for my friends who help with both. We’ve been working hard on making something very special for our ashtanga community. Feel free to message if you’re interested in a training for Ashtanga teachers (and those with established practices) that want to learn how to help support their community.
Monday, April 24, 2023 · 12:13 pm
FriendsInstagramPracticeReflections
🧘‍♂️ Teaching Ashtanga Yoga in the Heart of Birmingham, Alabama! 🧘‍♀️

Had an amazing time at Birmingham Yoga @birminghamyoga , owned by the wonderful Heather Sullivan @magiccityyogi 🧡 Teaching Ashtanga, hanging with my dear friends (Hi, Cory Bryant @coryyoga !!) - we filled our days with invigorating practice and filled our bellies with delicious tacos. 🌮✨

Yoga, friends, and good food - what more could you ask for? 😄 #AshtangaYoga #BirminghamYoga #YogaLife #YogaCommunity #GoodTimes #TacoLove #ashtangayoga
Monday, October 9, 2023 · 8:44 am
AshtangayogaBirminghamyogaFoodGoodtimesInstagramPracticeTacoloveYogacommunity
Lessons from Led Intermediate - In the world of Ashtanga, the road to Led Intermediate is a unique and transformative journey. It's a path that offers profound lessons—lessons that reflect our mindset, challenge our limitations, and encourage us to embrace the long view.
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Link in bio. Get it in your inbox, sign up to my newsletter.
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 · 3:33 pm
InstagramPractice
Youthful Enthusiasm and Ashtanga Yoga - Discover the parallels between a novice photographer's journey and an Ashtanga Yoga beginner. Learn the lessons of overconfidence, adaptation, and continuous learning. 📸🧘‍♂️
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Link in bio. Get it in your inbox, sign up to my newsletter.
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 · 4:28 pm
InstagramPractice
In Times of Crisis, Pratyahara - In times of crisis, the practice of Pratyahara can help us navigate the overwhelming influx of information and emotions. It's not about tuning out the world, but rather pausing and gathering ourselves to respond with clarity and compassion. Discover how this ancient yogic practice promotes self-awareness and supports those who are suffering.
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Friday, October 13, 2023 · 9:01 am
Instagram
No, @holly.yogs.lightly , the avalanche of posts wasn’t a cry for help. Ive been quietly building a platform for more impactful teaching, and I’m implementing updated systems and protocols. And, you know me, things don’t always go perfectly on the first go. So this week all of my scheduled posts went out on the same day. 🤣🤣
Doesn’t matter— imperfect is fine by me. I’m proud of the care that has gone into making this stuff for you guys. The intentionality. Thank you guys for being interested in what I share. Newsletters out each Friday.
Saturday, October 14, 2023 · 4:25 pm
Instagram
Pranayama for Stress Reduction - Experience the calming and stress-reducing effects of 1-1-2-1 pranayama—a 6-second inhale, hold, 12-second exhale, and 6-second hold. Enhance oxygen exchange, balance the nervous system, and boost mindfulness, lung capacity, breath control, and energy balance. Seek guidance for medical conditions, and practice mindfully for ultimate benefits.
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Friday, October 27, 2023 · 12:09 pm
InstagramPractice
Pranayama for Balanced Energy - Unlock a wellspring of energy and calm through the harmonious rhythm of Ujjayi pranayama, a 6-second inhale, 12-second breath retention, 6-second exhale, and 6-second breath hold. This controlled breathwork not only enhances breath control but also sharpens your mental focus and reduces stress. Dive into this transformative practice and experience the serenity that lies within your breath, revitalizing your daily life with lasting vitality and mindfulness.
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Friday, November 3, 2023 · 11:40 am
InstagramPractice
New Post Alert!

Confronting the farce of conscious consumerism, this week's dharma talk became a journey into stark reality. As an Ashtanga Yoga teacher, I grappled with the hypocrisy of our consumption patterns. From the Washington Post’s strike to Kristen Krash’s @suenodevida_ecu radical shift in Ecuador, these contrasting scenarios reveal the deep chasm between minor lifestyle changes and true liberation from consumerism. Acknowledging Carl Jung’s wisdom, we explore the unavoidable pain inherent in our societal system. This article delves into making conscious, albeit limited, choices while fostering compassion for our constraints. It's a candid exploration of the struggle to find balance in an imperfect world.
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Link in Bio.
Friday, December 8, 2023 · 7:11 pm
InstagramPracticeReflections
“Are you a Chaos Muppet or an Order Muppet?”

You know I’m chaos. Explore the challenges and joys of being a ‘chaos Muppet’ Ashtanga Yoga teacher. In my article, I discuss finding a balance between the structured discipline of Ashtanga and a spontaneous, adaptable teaching style. The piece highlights the importance of being true to oneself in teaching and the advantages of blending structured methods with creative freedom. This approach fosters an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.

Read the full article here in my blog. Link in bio.
Friday, December 15, 2023 · 12:33 pm
InstagramPractice
2024
Picture this: I’m Michael Joel Hall, not just a yogi but a story in motion. There’s an exciting new chapter unfolding - and so I thought I’d take a pause to reintroduce myself. Big main character energy there, I get it. But the algo demands!

A lot of you started following me because of your experience with me as a yoga instructor. Well, that plot continues to play out with the launch of @ashtanga.tech.

Ashtanga Tech is where our yoga dialogue takes a deeper, more engaging turn. If you’re all about immersing in yoga insights and discussions, follow me there.

A little gift for you: use LAUNCH30 at http://ashtanga.tech for an exclusive 30% off on memberships.

I’m still steering @theyoga.club in Yoga Circle, where I teach yoga one-on-one in either group or private settings. And while I’ll still be around here, sharing and connecting, the elearning platform I’ve built is WILD and i can’t wait for the ashtangis to play with it.
Saturday, March 2, 2024 · 8:33 am
InstagramMilestonesPractice
“I want to pay more than lip service to things like non-harming, contentment, inclusion, and peace. Even more so, I want to really be clear on the things I see get really obfuscated (looking squarely at my colleagues rn tbh): autonomy, personal agency, consent, and agency. This goes beyond “memorizing the sequence” and requires looking at our speech, beliefs and presentation.

I think things like personal agency and autonomy are often being limited by action if not word. I’ve seen authoritarianism and group-think arise in spaces, often the end result being spaces that present an exclusivity. There are ways around this trap, but it requires confronting the issues head on. ”

Do I have your attention?

Get clear on the pieces making up your Ashtanga Yoga practice by applying systems thinking. Learn how a holistic approach can lead to informed and sustainable decisions in your practice.

On the blog, link in bio. “Enhancing Ashtanga Yoga Through Systems Thinking”
Friday, March 29, 2024 · 10:41 am
InstagramPracticeReflections
From Violence to Vision— Using Ashtanga Yoga to dismantle systemic oppression and promote healing.

This articles contains reflections from my enriching experience in Birmingham, Alabama and Nashville, Tennessee, alongside friends like Heather Sullivan and Cory Bryant.

Uh, oh! MJH is posting about hate crimes on main!

This explains the appeal of systems thinking after a life-altering hate crime. Ashtanga Yoga can be a vehicle for inclusivity and empathy, challenging entrenched systems of oppression.

Let’s talk about it.

link in bio
Friday, May 3, 2024 · 1:50 pm
InstagramPracticeReflections
ASHTANGA TECH
INTERMEDIATE SERIES INTENSIVE

Practitioner & Teacher Tracks

Join us in East Nashville at @yogashalanashville for a weekend of exploration into Ashtanga’s Intermediate (2nd) Series!

June 14-16, 2024 with Michael Joel Hall @michaeljoelhall , Heather Sullivan @magiccityyogi & Cory Bryant @coryyoga .

Scan the QR Code to get started!
Monday, May 13, 2024 · 7:51 am
InstagramPractice
Intermediate Series Weekend Intensive in Nashville, June 14-16 at @yogashalanashville with Cory Bryant @coryyoga and Heather Sullivam @magiccityyogi
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 · 7:45 pm
Instagram
Been working with @mikematspace for years— he continues to explore movement and mindset eclectically (and purposefully). This is all him — he just kinda kicks into me to figure it out. Watching people grow and explore and heal and flourish is part of my day-to-day and boy i feel blessed. The beauty of it all helps with the miggidy-muck of it all. 😉
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 · 2:17 pm
InstagramReflections
Understanding Individual Capabilities 🌟

The foundation of effectively managing a diverse group lies in understanding the unique strengths, limitations, and skills of each student. This understanding allows me to craft a practice that respects each practitioner’s current physical condition while gently pushing their boundaries to foster growth.

For instance:
✨ Beginners and seasoned vets will require understanding of foundational postures and practices, focusing on building strength and flexibility slowly to prevent injuries.
✨ More advanced practitioners might work on refining their technique and deepening their existing practice, possibly exploring more advanced series and variations.

Progressions and Regressions 🔄

It is essential to understand that a person can't move where they can't move, and just because they can do something doesn't mean they should.

There is no moral heirarchy created from range of motion standards. As such, a critical tool in my teaching arsenal is the use of progressions and regressions. Each asana can be scaled to match the practitioner’s current ability, ensuring that no student feels left behind or out of place.

This approach not only accommodates different levels but also personalizes the practice for each student, ensuring that they all receive appropriate challenges and support. 💪🧘‍♂️✨

Thanks, Ron!
Thursday, June 20, 2024 · 10:18 am
InstagramPracticeReflections
🫣Learning from Mismanaged Expectations 🙃

I dont always get it right. An example of how feedback has directly influenced my teaching approach came from my experiences leading the primary series classes. Initially, I integrated specific learning objectives into these classes, which diverged from the traditional format that students expected. This misalignment of expectations often led to disappointment, as students were not prepared for a non-traditional approach. They wanted the count and just the count!

The feedback made me realize the importance of managing expectations effectively.


Now, I make it a point to clearly communicate the structure and focus of each class beforehand, ensuring students know what to expect. Led Primary is led primary, and workshops are workshops. This clarity has improved the receptivity of students to the lessons being taught and has enhanced their overall class experience.

Understanding the importance of clear labeling and consistency in communication has been a significant growth point in my teaching practice.

**
If you’re looking for support as a practitioner and teacher, reach out.
Monday, June 24, 2024 · 5:35 am
InstagramPracticeReflectionsTeaching
Understanding how our bodies adapt to specific physical demands can significantly enhance our practice. This is where the SAID principle, or Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demand, becomes invaluable. The principle posits that the body adapts specifically to the types of stress it encounters. For Ashtanga Yoga practitioners, integrating strength training exercises like pulldowns can lead to remarkable improvements in asana practice, particularly in poses that require strong and stable latissimus dorsi muscles.

**read more at michaeljoelhall.com/blog
Thursday, June 27, 2024 · 12:21 pm
InstagramPractice
RuPaul’s Drag Race has had an incredible impact on the queer community in the United States, turning hardworking performance artists into household names with niche celebrity status. With popularity and celebrity comes inevitable scrutiny and challenges.This dynamic reminds me of the issues within the Ashtanga yoga system, particularly around authorization, certification, and the balance between a marketplace driven by profit and power versus being a learning organization.

Newsletter out today. Dm your email and I’ll add ya!
Friday, June 28, 2024 · 11:08 am
InstagramPractice
Life’s wild. Yoga helps us find a stillness in the midst of it all.

There’s a great deal of fun to be had in these old bones. Might as well enjoy your life. Bodyweight transitions next week at @theyoga.club.

Come play!
Saturday, July 13, 2024 · 9:38 pm
Instagram
They closed down the @lululemon in my neighborhood because the theft was just too high. Bummer.

I was a brand ambassador for lulu for a few years. My image got used nationally. It was super cool. Lululemon helped me leverage my skillfulness as a teacher into something more meaningful. By offering opportunities to teach via their community development projects (for which i was paid and dressed) i was able to reach across the city to find intereated practitioners.

So weird to have been an influencer before there were “influencers,” or to have been ‘sponsored’ by a brand. But its true! And it was great! People in hugh paying positions liked seeing me in new, expensive clothes. It opened doors.

They invested a lot in my leadership development and I wonder now about what it means to be a community organizer (which i would call myself) and using that as a juxtaposition for compariosn to how we define influencer (which I would not label myself).

in some small way, I knew that I was picked because I looked chipper and non-threatening while still being somehow masculine. I had to reckon on leveraging my lookw and charisma for business AND service opportunities.

Long term, I wonder which is better for the wallet? To be a local brand ambassador or an Internet influencer? Which is better for the soul? Same same? I mean, when I got published in @yogajournal for my work on yoga during times of political unrest, it was my knowledge and hard work that got me in the door— but lulu was right there to help me look my best. I appreciated that.
Friday, July 19, 2024 · 10:45 am
InstagramReflections
Want a peek in at the bodyweight transitions workshop?

Our new format is really open and communal— im loving it.

Couldnt make it in person to @theyoga.club ? Take the followup course at @ashtanga.tech !

It includes 15 micropractices to help you explore more bodyweight transitions. Message me here/DM me if you want access to the course 🙂
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 · 2:53 pm
InstagramPracticeTeaching
You don’t have to be trans to experience gender euphoria. Having a body capable of radical transformation is a gift, and even cis folks should recognize that!

Many sensitive souls have faced belligerent questions about whether they are a boy or a girl. Children still ask, and as Bob the Drag Queen says, if you tell them you’re a girl (and you are a boy), they’ll say, “No, you’re not!” which means they knew the answer already. For whatever reason, it doesn’t feel great to have your gender questioned.

Gender euphoria is a feeling of joy or satisfaction that occurs when someone’s gender identity aligns with their gendered experience, rather than the gender they were assigned at birth. It can also include feelings of comfort, confidence, and certainty. Gender euphoria is often considered the opposite of gender dysphoria, which is a feeling of discomfort or distress that arises when someone’s gender identity doesn’t match their gendered body parts or experiences.

It’s a difficult experience to feel male, be in a male body, and have others tell you you’re part girl. As Madonna wrote in “What It Feels Like for a Girl”:

“Girls can wear jeans and cut their hair short
Wear shirts and boots ‘cause it’s okay to be a boy
But for a boy to look like a girl is degrading
‘Cause you think that being a girl is degrading.”

To feel aligned with my masculinity without feeling a need to degrade or repress femininity is euphoric. Get into it.
Thursday, July 25, 2024 · 10:05 am
Instagram
Here's a fun one for main.

Find what you need quickly— New AI Librarian at @ashtanga.tech

Bodyweight transitions at the end of the month @theyoga.club

You know. we’re busy.

Sept:
6:30am led standing/mysore/morning quick start
Functional Anatomy Weekend.
Monday, August 19, 2024 · 7:25 pm
InstagramPractice
✨ If you know a yoga teacher who’s facing burnout, it’s important to remind them that they’re not alone. Teaching can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its challenges. ❤️

Encourage your friend to prioritize self-care and reflect on their personal practice’s deeper values. 🧘‍♀️✨ Revisiting foundational teachings from yoga texts can reignite passion and provide valuable insights. 🌱

Let’s support each other in exploring strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout— help each other advocate for a less toxic industry, back off when your suffering burnout from system dynamics, and come back together to make sure that our talents combined helped everyone involved come out on top.

Together, we can help our community thrive! 💪💖 #YogaCommunity #SelfCare #BurnoutPrevention #YogaTeachers #SupportEachOther
Saturday, August 24, 2024 · 8:26 am
BurnoutpreventionInstagramSelfcareSupporteachotherYogacommunityYogateachers
The opposite of entropy is negentropy — think negative entropy. Negentropy refers to order, structure, or organization within a system. While entropy represents disorder, randomness, and decay, negentropy is associated with the creation of order and complexity.

In practical terms:
- In living systems, negentropy is the process by which organisms maintain structure and order (like cells organizing and functioning properly).
- In information theory, negentropy can represent organized, predictable, or highly informative data.

While entropy naturally increases, processes that introduce energy, structure, or organization (like in living organisms or engineered systems) work against entropy by generating negentropy.

Here’s what’s really interesting for Ashtanga practitioners, I think: the more isolated a system, the more likely entropy is to arise. So the question becomes:

How do we fuel our practice and make it more and more open while also allowing for enough isolation to get an unpredictability of emergence that takes us to something greater than the sum of our parts?

I believe it is viewing our whole life as interconnected, and I think that’s the magic of the yoga of synthesis, the great yoga revolution from the last century that is slowly being lost this century.
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 · 7:29 am
InstagramPracticeReflections
One of the things I love about being a yoga coach is that I get to work with people from all walks of life interested in bettering themselves. Personal mastery is a pursuit with many faces, and essential if we wish to help elevate our greater community. Its a real gift to be a collaborative partner with folks on the pursuit, and I’m not so evolved that I dont still feel honored and excited to celebrate the success. I love working with people to find their awesomeness. Thanks for sharing this journey, @mikematspace !!!
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 · 1:04 pm
Instagram
Our most recent transitions workshop went great. You can catch the replay on @ashtanga.tech — Our next intensive is applied functional anatomy for practice and asissting, and that's Sept 28/29!!
Sunday, September 1, 2024 · 10:38 am
InstagramPracticeTeaching
Nice 17 minute Accessory Workout for Ashtangis

3 Rounds- 30 Sec between sets
Bent Over Rows x 12
Front Raises x 12
Goblet squats x 12
Pull Throughs x 12
Monday, September 2, 2024 · 1:54 pm
Instagram
Shifting into training and out of rehab on the @vitruvian is wild. I used the trainer for about 2 years while rehab after getting hit by that pesky car. When I got it for the studio, i knew at least one person would use it— and id have no excuse to not stay on top of my PT.

Im so stoked to now get to experience the performance benefits of this technology in a new way. If you play your cards right, you’ll need 3-4 days between workouts, completing a workout in under 20 minutes.

Thats 40 minutes a week compared to 4 hours a week. Ive got packages available at michaeljoelhall.com. DM for a 20% off coupon for a resistance training or transformation package at michaeljoelhall.com
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 · 6:09 am
HealthInstagram
A love letter to my muse:

Ron started digging into yoga asana with me around 65 or so. He started digging into the yoga philosophy around 80 or so. I am at my most inspired, right now, in 2024 in no small part to this man. I have a feeling of reverence for my brother, senior, mentor, and friend — and its so strong that if i dont tell the world, its some kind of sin. Ron and I are growing together and I have never had a student teacher relationship like this before.

I shared this with Ron, and he laughed and said “you woke up and wrote this?”

“Yes, Ron. I know I tell you all the time, but I wanted to share this with you before i shared it somewhere else.”

“You never meet a miserable grateful person,” says Ron.

You get it.

This was recorded during led primary at @theyoga.club
Thursday, September 5, 2024 · 7:13 am
FamilyInstagramPracticeReflections
In this video, I share a little bit about what @theyoga.club is, what I'm doing, and why I'm doing it. TLDR: I don’t wanna be the last generation of my yoga lineage, and that means making sure other working yoga professionals can thrive without sacrificing their values. To do so requires community, mentorship, and a leadership that sees teammates instead of competitors. If that sounds good to you (or you know a yoga teacher for whom this would sound good!!)— please reach out.

You can do this job and make money doing it.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 · 1:13 pm
Instagram
Sharing my passion for healing the poison of condition takes on so many forms— but its root is from my own sustained interest in living a harmonious, loving life free of violence. This doesn’t mean free of conflict— it means honesty.

The numbers on the @vitruvian dont lie 😂 thank goodness we’re having fun.
Friday, September 13, 2024 · 1:30 pm
Instagram
My first yoga business turns 15 years into, and we sis it without screwing over anyone, ever. Find another business that can say that.

It’s clear to me that the traditional models of running yoga studios are not working, at least not for the long haul. There’s got to be a way to preserve yoga’s core teachings while creating a sustainable career path for teachers. Maybe that means smaller, teacher-owned studios, or perhaps a guild or union that protects the rights of yoga professionals. We can’t keep ignoring the structural issues that exploit teachers and dilute the practice.

I know there’s no easy fix. But as practitioners and teachers, we have a responsibility to stay true to the heart of yoga, even if that means making hard choices in a world increasingly driven by profit. Yoga has always been about balance—balancing strength with flexibility, effort with ease. Maybe the same can be said for navigating the modern yoga industry—finding that middle path between commerce and authenticity.

Reach out if you want to talk.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 · 6:17 am
Instagram
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep flaws in the yoga industry, from unsustainable business models to the growing commercialization of the practice. This collection of essays explores the rise, collapse, and potential rebirth of the industry, offering solutions focused on sustainability, equity, and community. By addressing long-standing challenges, we have the chance to rebuild an industry that honors yoga’s spiritual roots while supporting teachers, students, and shalas alike.

Head to michaeljoelhall.com/blog to read more!!
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 · 10:49 am
Instagram
The commodification of yoga doesn’t just dilute its spiritual and personal dimensions—it also leads to exploitative behaviors within studios. I’ve seen studio owners adopt practices that undermine both the integrity of yoga and the well-being of their teachers.

I’ve been lucky enough to watch my newsletter get unfollowed by two local studio owners, and I’ve had three other others reach out directly about how they can help change the dynamics inside of their studio.

Its telling who get offended. It tells me they aren’t accidentally ignorant, which means they’re purposefully malignant. Willful ignorance in this instance is malice.

This career doesn’t have to be a dead end, nor does it need ti be exploitative.

Yoga teachers, you have the power. Take it back.

Yoga studio owner/operators— is your rent too high to pay a livable wage? Feel trapped? Youre not the first one to end up in this position.

Question 1: are you practicing?

Feel free to reach out if want to chat.

If youre new here, some quick receipts: I was the director of operations for local six-location chain, ran a six figure yoga business as owner-operator, was a #board member for a yoga nonprofit, and my mysore program has been running for over 10 years consistently… aaaaand I have had the fortune to have more than five of my students go into business for themselves as studio owners, mysore teachers, and corporate wellness pros.

Like my daddy says “if doing the right thing was always profitable, everyone would do it. But it doesn’t mean it can’t be.”

This, friends, is where the rubber hits the pavement.
Thursday, September 26, 2024 · 5:57 am
BoardFamilyInstagramPracticeTeaching
I’ve been saying this for a long time now, but in order to truly see the bigger picture, we must embrace systems thinking. Holistic change in the yoga isn’t about isolated fixes; it’s about viewing the entire community as an interconnected ecosystem. Every element within yoga, and i mean every—teachers, students, landlords, and the economy—is interconnected. Challenges like low wages, high rents, and the devaluing of vocational education aren’t isolated; they’re symptoms of larger, interconnected issues— systemic issues. As owners, operators and professioanls, we have a chance to innovate and strengthen the entire ecosystem by addressing root causes, creating multiple streams of value, and fostering deeper community engagement, Let’s move beyond fragmented fixes to lasting change.

Read more:
The Importance of Systems Thinking in Yoga
https://michaeljoelhall.com/the-importance-of-systems-thinking-in-yoga-seeing-the-bigger-picture/
Monday, September 30, 2024 · 10:51 am
Instagram
At the start of 2022, I almost quit teaching full time. I was devastated. I had made the 30k from my online TTC last 1.5 year, and I went through a large chunk of my savings. As an employee for only one organization, I was cheated by the PPP fiasco. I had other studios use me to scam more mokey out of the government- they got tens of thousands. I got $30, weekly.

The financial challenges that many yoga teachers face have been an enduring issue within the industry. For years, teachers have struggled to earn livable wages, often working long hours with little job security, no benefits, and limited opportunities for growth. The COVID-19 pandemic, which devastated the yoga industry and shuttered studios worldwide, exposed just how precarious this financial situation was. Many teachers were left without income, unprepared to weather such a crisis. It has become increasingly clear that financial equity for yoga teachers is not just a matter of fair wages—it’s about creating sustainable business models that can withstand future disruptions.

In my work, I have become passionate about addressing this issue, with the hope of helping yoga teachers learn how to create financial stability for themselves. As I’ve expressed before, “I want to help yoga teachers to learn how to create a business model that’s sustainable and learn how to save money so they can survive the next pandemic.” This is not just about surviving the current crisis but preparing teachers to thrive in a world where uncertainty is the norm.

After having traveled the world and received education from some of the most respected yoga teachers is in the world, having received almost the highest accreditation I can inside of my lineage— if I can’t make it, who can?

I want us to bring honor to our teachers and be if service to our communities— and it’s very hard to do that when you’re starving.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 · 6:12 am
InstagramReflections
Raw thoughts on the yoga ecosystem— or the yoga industrial complex, depending on how you frame it. Unfiltered. Unedited. This is how I wrote my book, talking, sharing. Dictation.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 · 9:57 am
Instagram
I live in a city where the right to assemble is protected and honored, and I don’t take that right for granted. Little me would be proud to see how deeply this right has become a part of who I am—a person who not only values the power of gathering together but works to make it possible for others. There’s something inspiring about watching democracy in action, even when it’s messy, even when dissonant voices clash. It reminds me that the power to create change, even amid disagreement, is worth celebrating and protecting

To the younger me, who felt that spark of injustice but didn’t know what to do with it, my journey now is proof of what persistence can achieve. It shows that activism isn’t just a phase or a moment of outrage—it’s a lifelong commitment to staying active, to doing the work, to choosing to be part of the solution. It’s not just about being present when it’s easy or when the crowds are large. It’s about being present every day, in all the small actions that add up to meaningful change.

Read mire at mjh.yoga
Sunday, October 6, 2024 · 8:45 am
InstagramMilestones
Sharing a gem that reminds me of @johnschumacheryoga — his audio workshops on iHanuman were my every day classes for a long time when I was first learning to home practice with structure (a time before ashtanga!).

I had memorized all of my teachers faves, and so of course she encouraged me to take his workshops. I was making less than 30k in DC in 2008, ya know? I couldnt really afford it, so I saved. And those recordings helped reach me where I was. When I finally got to the workshop, John complimented “an intelligent lift in the side chest”— to see the pride in my teachers eyes in that moment… I’ll never forget.

I was nervous and i learned so much about boundary setting as a teacher by using some of the moments from the workshop as reflection points— like when he told me i didn’t need to thank him for his instruction as he was instructing. Looking back, it gives me a kind of second hand embarrassment and also the warmest smile

I dont think ive ever bad chance to thank him publicly. His good name opened doors for me with teachers that I admire and respect— simply by being a student of one of his students.

Thanks for making sure your teachings could reach those with a sincere interest in learning. Hope to pay the same forward.
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 · 11:33 am
InstagramPracticeReflectionsTeaching
Ever wondered how a union could revolutionize your yoga teaching career? In today’s fast-evolving yoga industry, many teachers struggle with low wages and uncertain job security. But forming a union could be the game-changer we all need! 🌟 #YogaRevolution #TeacherEmpowerment #FairWages

So, I started a yoga association, which I'll call @indieyogapros colloquially. We're gonna need members. Collective power can enable yoga teachers to negotiate fair pay, secure benefits, and improve working conditions. Drawing inspiration from successful guilds like the Screen Actors Guild, find out how yoga teachers can create a community that values their labor.

Let’s work together to transform yoga teaching into a sustainable profession, ensuring it’s not just a side pursuit but a fulfilling career choice. Join the movement and be part of this exciting new era for yoga teachers!
Monday, October 21, 2024 · 11:41 am
FairwagesInstagramReflectionsTeacherempowermentYogarevolution
Ever thought time is more than a straight line? Dive into the theory that connects the rhythm of your heartbeat to the universe with polyatomic time crystals. Find out how it's reshaping our understanding at mjh.yoga
Monday, October 21, 2024 · 3:50 pm
Instagram
Curious about unconventional strategies for entrepreneurial success? 🌟 Discover how yoga teachers can elevate their business game by adopting strategies from exotic dancers! 🚀 In this eye-opening video, Michael Joel Hall dives into systems thinking to explore how yoga instructors can enhance their financial autonomy by learning from the best practices of exotic dancers.

Explore how to build a robust personal brand, the importance of diversifying income streams, and the power of understanding your clientele to increase earnings. This isn't just about flexibility on the mat but also in business. Push your boundaries and transform your yoga teaching into a thriving enterprise.

Watch as we break down how adopting an entrepreneurial mindset can change your career trajectory.

#YogaSuccess #EntrepreneurialMindset #BusinessStrategies
Monday, October 21, 2024 · 4:31 pm
BusinessstrategiesEntrepreneurialmindsetInstagramYogasuccess
Can the yoga industry emerge stronger after COVID-19? 🧘 Join Michael Johal as he explores how the pandemic has unveiled critical challenges within the yoga world. Discover how to turn these challenges into opportunities for genuine, sustainable change.

In this video, you'll learn about:
- The seismic shift in yoga practices and the rise of digital adaptations
- How to prioritize community, equity, and sustainability as core values
- Strategies for supporting professionals and maintaining yoga's spiritual essence

Witness a call to action for all who are passionate about practicing and teaching yoga. Let's create a thriving, community-driven ecosystem that respects tradition and addresses modern needs. ✨

Watch now and become part of a pivotal movement for yoga's rebirth.

#YogaTransformation #PostCOVIDYoga #SustainableYoga
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 · 7:30 am
InstagramPostcovidyogaPracticeSustainableyogaTeachingYogatransformation
Are you struggling to achieve financial stability as a yoga teacher? Join Michael Joel Hall, founder of the Council of Independent Yoga Professionals, as he shares powerful strategies for achieving financial equity. Learn how diversifying income streams, embracing online teaching, and understanding financial literacy can transform your yoga career into a sustainable journey.

Highlights of this video:
- The importance of creating sustainable business models.
- Exploring innovative ways to diversify income beyond studio classes.
- Practical financial tips including budgeting, saving, and investing.
- Empowering yoga teachers to value their labor and resist exploitative practices.

Support us at https://indieyogapros.com

Let's not just survive in the world of yoga but thrive with financial stability. Watch the video, and let's grow together! 🌟

#YogaTeachers #FinancialStability #EmpowerYourself
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 · 11:56 am
EmpoweryourselfFinancialstabilityInstagramReflectionsYogateachers
Maximize your earnings as a contractor! Set your own rates and align them with the demand for your skills. Explore more at indieyogapros.com or mjh.yoga or join us for monthly webinars and courses to elevate your career! 📈
Thursday, October 24, 2024 · 4:20 pm
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For what I long felt was an imaginary nectar, i realize now that my framework was too limited. Bindu's mysteries go beyond just yogic texts. sSome go as far as linking it to cosmic consciousness: in Vedanta, the power of Shiva and Shakti in Kashmir Shaivism, and the union of consciousness in Kundalini Yoga.

I had heard tell of its depiction as 'ojas' in Ayurveda and as spheres of light in Tibetan Buddhism (though the word is different).

This video is a journey into understanding the interconnectedness and intangible essence that enrich our yoga practice and daily lives.

#Bindu #CosmicConsciousness #YogaJourney
Friday, November 1, 2024 · 4:17 pm
BinduCosmicconsciousnessInstagramPracticeReflectionsYogajourney
'Bindu' —a concept that represents the unmanifested potential within us all. 🌌

Unravel the cosmic seed from which all creation arises, and learn how meditating on this concept can lead to transcendent states of consciousness. Explore how the duality of Bindu—symbolized by the white and red points—echoes the balance of masculine and feminine energies within Hatha yoga. 🌿✨

Dive deeper into this fascinating subject and see how ancient texts resonate with modern scientific understanding of consciousness. Ready to explore? Hit play and uncover the potential of Bindu within you! #Bindu #Meditation #YogaJourney

More at ashtanga.tech
Saturday, November 2, 2024 · 9:01 am
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Unlock the secrets of the Yoga Sutras for a transformative journey into the mind and spirit! 🧘‍♀️ In this video, we explore the profound themes penned by Sage Patanjali, focusing on mind mastery and overcoming obstacles. 🌿 Discover the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and how they can guide your practice toward achieving Samadhi, the ultimate oneness with the universe. Whether you're seeking inner peace or deeper self-awareness, these teachings offer insights into true liberation. Join us now to unveil the wisdom within. #YogaWisdom #Patanjali #SelfDiscovery

Study along with us at ashtanga.tech
Monday, November 4, 2024 · 4:15 am
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Join us @theyoga.club with @fela.sol on Tuesdays at 6:45. Today’s election burnout relief is free and for the community. Please come. Please vote.
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 · 1:13 pm
Instagram
Unlock the secrets of the Yoga Sutras for a transformative journey into the mind and spirit! 🧘‍♀️

In this video, we explore the profound themes penned by Sage Patanjali, focusing on mind mastery and overcoming obstacles. 🌿

Discover the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and how they can guide your practice toward achieving Samadhi, the ultimate oneness with the universe. Whether you're seeking inner peace or deeper self-awareness, these teachings offer insights into true liberation. Join us now to unveil the wisdom within. #YogaWisdom #Patanjali #SelfDiscovery
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 · 4:15 am
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Imagine exploring a journey that transcends the ordinary and delves into the heart of universal intelligence. 🌌✨ In this video, Michael helps us understand the key teachings of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, unraveling the layers of a practice that goes beyond mere physicality.

Samadhipada emphasizes living in the 'now', Sadhanapada guides us towards focused attention, Vibhutipada warns of the distractions from powers, while Kevalapada leads us to ultimate liberation and freedom. 🧘‍♀️💡

#YogaSutra #Patanjali #YogaJourney
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 · 10:15 am
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Have you ever questioned why deep meditation is integral to yoga? In this enlightening video, we delve into the concept of Samadhi from the Yoga Sutras to uncover its significance in spiritual development and yoga practice.

Samadhi isn't merely a state to achieve; it's a transformative technique that encapsulates the essence of yoga, allowing you to deeply connect within. Explore the journey through Ashtanga Yoga, where deep contemplation helps you gain insights into the universe and yourself.

Join us as we uncover why Samadhi is the answer to 'What is Yoga?' and how it enriches your practice by creating harmony and profound connection.

#Samadhi #YogaSutras #DeepMeditation
Thursday, November 7, 2024 · 4:16 am
DeepmeditationInstagramPracticeSamadhiYogasutras
Discover the life-changing teachings of Yoga Sutras Book 1, where mastery over the mind is key. Learn how these foundational ideas guide us to our true nature, free from misunderstanding. The sutras reveal the forms of samadhi and emphasize the importance of practice and nonattachment—concepts that are essential for overcoming life's obstacles like illness and doubt. By focusing on kindness, compassion, and pranayama, you can calm the mind and transform your life. Explore these profound teachings and awaken to a deeper meditation on the meaning of life, such as Om. #YogaSutras #Mindfulness #Samadhi
Friday, November 8, 2024 · 4:15 am
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2025
“Be yourself, everyone else is taken,” said Oscar Wilde. A gem, that man was. You’d think being yourself was easy. Sometimes yoga practice gets routine a loses its essence— discovering curiosity into the nature of who you are. And you’d think that your yoga practice would make that easier.

So, who’s really calling the shots?

After working as a yoga professional inside innumerable agencies and organizations, I think there’s a way to help find a deeper value to your practice. It means getting real.

Embrace the Yoga Executive Mindset: Lead Your Practice and Life with Purpose.

Check it out at mjh.yoga/portal
Thursday, January 2, 2025 · 5:04 pm
InstagramPracticeReflections
What if yoga could transform the way you lead your life?
🧘‍♂️🌟

Yoga goes beyond physical poses to become a strategic tool for personal and professional growth. Viewing yourself as the CEO of your own life can lead to enhanced mindfulness, adaptability, and a deeper purpose.

From cultivating resilience to celebrating small victories, learn how to craft a life of holistic growth and joy with yoga.

Join me at mjh.yoga/portal to get started.
Friday, January 3, 2025 · 9:47 am
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Yogic agency is your ability to decide:

Where to focus: Are you attuning to your breath? Feeling the stretch in a specific muscle? Observing your mind’s chatter?

What to focus on: Is today about pushing into new physical boundaries, or is it about practicing kindness and restraint?

How hard to push: Are you leaning into the challenge, or backing off when your body asks for rest?

What to measure to track results:: Are you satisfied with your effort and its impact, or do you want to adjust your approach?

These choices might seem small, but they are profound. They represent your power to create a vision for your practice and take steps toward realizing it.

Go to mjh.yoga/portal to take the yoga executive course for free.
Friday, January 10, 2025 · 6:26 am
Instagram
Why do we do things that suck? Because of group think, peer pressure, and maybe a lack of understanding of what we really like. What makes us feel really good. And that which is worth it. Pure stuff doesn't cost a lot of money. The yoga kinda, anyway. Learn more at ashtanga.tech.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 · 3:41 pm
InstagramPractice
Why do we suffer so much worrying about death? It's coming for all of us. What about our looks? They're impermanent, too. Getting stuck on these things is a sure fire way to be miserable later. It's okay to like 'em, just be ready to leave 'em. Learn more about combating ignorance at ashtanga.tech.
Sunday, February 2, 2025 · 3:37 am
InstagramPractice
It takes courage to be vulnerable. Push back. I've got a lot more resources for my feds who are finding themselves needing some support. Link in bio
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 · 10:51 am
Instagram
I practice and teach mysore style ashtanga yoga, which is a little different from other styles of yoga. People are often confused about what makes it special and they Have a good reason to be so confused. Let's get into it.
Thursday, February 13, 2025 · 6:51 am
InstagramPractice
Radical candor is honest and compassionate feedback that is growth focused.

Trust is the connective tissue that holds us together—it allows us to share our challenges and triumphs openly.

By fostering an environment where honesty and compassion coexist, we enable students to engage deeply with their practice. This approach not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens the collective experience.

When we embrace radical candor, we create a feedback loop that nurtures personal development while reinforcing trust. Together, we can navigate the complexities of Ashtanga yoga with clarity and support.

💜✨
#MJHYoga #RadicalCandor #CommunityBuilding #Mysore
Saturday, February 15, 2025 · 5:27 pm
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Why should yoga teachers have the same protections as movie extras? This video delves into the disparity between the well-protected world of SAG AFTRA actors and the often overlooked yoga teachers. 🔍 Discover why organizing could empower yoga professionals with fair compensation, job security, and benefits: essentials they currently lack as independent contractors. Join us as we explore the need for collective representation and the strides being made towards a dignified future for yoga teachers.
Monday, February 17, 2025 · 6:13 am
Instagram
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? This was a little more than 10 years into my practice and also 10 years ago. My practice has given me so much more than I have given it. If you want help with guidance on a lifelong practice, sign up for some coaching.

O hai bb charlie.
Monday, February 24, 2025 · 9:47 am
InstagramPractice
“I take care of a lot. And caring isn’t the same as being good at something.”

This quote resonates deeply with me as I navigate my own journey of caring for my aging parents. As I step into this new role, I've realized that the emotional investment I have in their well-being doesn’t always translate into confidence or competence in the practical aspects of caregiving. Each day is a balance of love and logistical challenges, where the clear lines between support and responsibility often blur. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to not have all the answers just because our hearts are fully engaged.

I’d love to hear from you! What quotes inspire you on your own journey? Share your thoughts or your favorite quotes in the comments below!
Monday, February 24, 2025 · 5:57 pm
InstagramLove
Decouple scapular protraction from retraction. Good ol’ Scap Pushups.

Find hundreds more of these exercise exercises to make your body feel better at ashtanga.tech
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 · 7:07 am
InstagramPractice
In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you. - Deepak Chopra

This quote resonates deeply with my journey through Ashtanga Yoga. As I practice the Tristhana method, I find that focusing on my asanas, ujjayi pranayama, and drishti helps me cultivate a sense of inner calm amid life's challenges. These core elements guide me back to my center, allowing me to connect more profoundly with my breath and body. It's a beautiful reminder that within the flow of movement, I can discover stillness and clarity.

https://michaeljoelhall.com/embracing-the-tristhana-method-a-beginners-guide-to-the-heart-of-ashtanga-yoga/
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 · 2:21 pm
InstagramPractice
It’s not a bad shape. But its not a classic chatturanga. Doesn’t mean it’s not great prep for something else, or beneficial in its own right. Binaries are for shallow thinkers.
Friday, February 28, 2025 · 4:23 pm
Instagram
Uncomplicate Prasarita Padottanasana A-D

This is the most confusing count most folks run into, bar none. The series of poses known as Prasarita Padottanasana A-D, also known as the Spread Feet Intense Stretch Pose, are also a great entryway to researching how we distribute weight, how we establish foundation, and how we draw the energy into the central channel of the body.

https://michaeljoelhall.com/unraveling-prasarita-padottanasana-a-d-the-power-of-the-count-in-your-ashtanga-practice/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Saturday, March 1, 2025 · 11:34 am
InstagramPractice
The Emotional and Physical Challenges of Yoga Practice

Advancing in yoga, particularly in the Ashtanga tradition, is a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to confront both physical and emotional limits. Over the years, I have found myself at the intersection of personal expectations, teacher guidance, and the inevitable boundaries of my own body. The process has been as much about internal growth as it has been about mastering the physical postures. In Ashtanga, this challenge is heightened by the structured progression through the series, where each new posture represents both an achievement and a new set of demands. “I will not be cracking. Thanks so […]

https://michaeljoelhall.com/the-emotional-and-physical-challenges-of-yoga-practice/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Sunday, March 2, 2025 · 4:42 pm
InstagramPracticeReflections
Suffering comes from misunderstanding. More on YouTube, or DM me if you reach out for coaching if you'd like to chat about your practice.
Sunday, March 2, 2025 · 5:33 pm
Instagram
Video: Ashtanga Yoga Means Personalized Practice

This is a video about Ashtanga Yoga's Personalized Practice. Visit michaeljoelhall.com/coaching to book a session if you'd like to chat about your practice.

00:00 Introduction to Autonomy in Practice
00:07 The Importance of Adaptability
00:27 Factors Influencing Sustainable Practice
01:04 Honoring the Method Through Adaptation
01:17 Challenging Traditional Norms
01:29 The Role of Structure in Practice
01:44 Moving Beyond a Single Way to Practice
02:08 Conclusion and Next Steps

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-ashtanga-yoga-means-personalized-practice/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Sunday, March 2, 2025 · 5:54 pm
InstagramPractice
Understanding Hip Joint Adduction: An Approach to PAILS & RAILS

**Unlocking Your Hip Mobility: The Power of PAILS & RAILS**

Dive deep into the transformative world of hip joint adduction and discover how this often-overlooked movement can elevate your ashtanga yoga practice. By mastering the techniques of Progressive Angular Isometric Loading (PAILS) and Regressive Angular Isometric Loading (RAILS), you’ll not only enhance your strength and flexibility but also cultivate a profound connection to your body’s mechanics.

Imagine flowing effortlessly through complex postures like *Utthita Trikonasana* or *Padmasana*, all while reducing your risk of injury. This blog will guide you through practical steps to integrate PAILS and RAILS into your routine, shedding light on how to harness the full potential of your hips. Embrace the journey toward greater stability and mobility—your mat awaits!

https://michaeljoelhall.com/understanding-hip-joint-adduction-an-approach-to-pails-rails/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Monday, March 3, 2025 · 6:59 pm
HealthInstagramPractice
Video: Online and Virtual Communities in the Ashtanga Yoga World

Link at my site.

This is a video about Online and Virtual Communities in the Ashtanga Yoga World. If you're looking for coaching, find me at michaeljoelhall.com/coaching

00:00 Introduction to Ashtanga Practice
00:15 The Digital Shift in Yoga Practice
00:26 Building Online Communities
00:42 The Evolution of Tradition
00:45 Healthy Growth in Online Spaces
01:03 Accessing Teachers and Support Online
01:11 Benefits of Online Workshops
01:25 Balancing Practice and Discussion
01:31 Challenges of Digital Spaces
01:51 Reinforcing Authentic Connections
02:07 Using Online Communities for Accessibility

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-online-and-virtual-communities-in-the-ashtanga-yoga-world/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 · 9:00 am
InstagramPracticeReflectionsTeaching
Video: The Power of the Ashtanga Community available on my youtube or my site. Link in bio.

This is a video about The Power of the Ashtanga Community. If you're looking for coaching, find me at michaeljoelhall.com/coaching

00:00 Introduction to Yoga Practice
00:10 The Deeper Connection in Ashtanga Yoga
00:26 Community and Consistency in Practice
00:54 Systems Thinking in Yoga
01:07 Building Bonds Through Familiarity
01:41 Accountability and Commitment
02:05 The Lifelong Benefits of Community
02:18 Service and Collective Energy
02:28 Global Perspective on Ashtanga Practice

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-the-power-of-the-ashtanga-community/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 · 9:00 am
InstagramPractice
New video! Addressing Misconduct in Ashtanga Yoga.

Link in bio.

If you're looking for coaching, find me at michaeljoelhall.com/coaching

00:00 Addressing Power Imbalances in Ashtanga Yoga
00:20 The Need for Ethical Leadership
00:48 Prioritizing Safety and Trust
01:26 Creating a Culture of Transparency
01:47 Commitment to Ethical Evolution
01:59 Ensuring Respect and Accountability
02:16 The Future of Ashtanga Yoga

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-addressing-misconduct-in-ashtanga-yoga/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Thursday, March 6, 2025 · 8:02 am
InstagramPractice
Exploring Pratyahara Practices: Cultivating Inner Awareness Through Sensory Withdrawal

**Unlocking the Power Within: A Journey into Pratyahara**

In a world brimming with distractions, the ancient practice of *pratyahara* beckons us to retreat inward, inviting a profound connection to our true selves. This blog delves into the art of sensory withdrawal, providing a rich tapestry of techniques—from controlling sensory input to harnessing the power of sound and mudras. Journey with us as we explore how mindful practices can cultivate inner awareness, allowing you to navigate the chaos of modern life with grace and clarity. Discover how simple shifts in perception can lead to transformative insights, and learn to embrace the tranquility that resides within. Join us in this exploration of *pratyahara*, and unlock the keys to your inner sanctuary.

https://michaeljoelhall.com/exploring-pratyahara-cultivating-inner-awareness-through-sensory-withdrawal/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Thursday, March 6, 2025 · 6:18 pm
Instagram
Video: Building an Inclusive and Accessible Ashtanga Community

This is a video about Building an Inclusive and Accessible Ashtanga Community. If you're looking for coaching, find me at michaeljoelhall.com/coaching

00:00 Introduction to the System
00:18 Inclusivity and Adaptation
00:41 Welcoming and Modifications
01:06 Evolving Tradition

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-building-an-inclusive-and-accessible-ashtanga-community/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Friday, March 7, 2025 · 9:01 am
InstagramPractice
Counting Parsvottanasana with Mindful Prep

Counting Your Way to Clarity: The Transformative Journey of Parsvottanasana

Embark on a transformative journey with Parsvottanasana, the intense side stretch pose. This powerful asana transcends physicality, offering profound insights into both body and mind. As you dive deeper into the pose, discover how the art of counting can illuminate your practice, providing clarity and focus that enhances your ashtanga experience.

Anatomy of Parsvottanasana

Parsvottanasana challenges the body, inviting the pelvis to rotate towards the front leg while engaging key muscle groups. Check out Ashtanga Tech for the full anatomy breakdown.




PÄRSVÕTTANASANA (5 MOVEMENTS)


1
EKAM
Inhale, open to the right, hands in prayer behind back


2
DVE
Exhale, fold


3
TRINI
Inhale, up, turn to the front


4
CATVARI
Exhale, fold


5
PANCA
Inhale, up, open to the side




Exhale, Samasthiti
Saturday, March 8, 2025 · 8:21 pm
InstagramPractice
Exploring the Foundations of Wise Practice

## Exploring the Foundations of Wise Practice: A Journey Within

Dive deep into the essence of yoga as we uncover the timeless teachings that form the bedrock of wise practice. In this enlightening exploration, connect with the core principles that transcend lineage and style, revealing how each unique journey on the mat can lead to profound self-discovery.

From understanding the true purpose behind every pose to embracing challenges as catalysts for growth, this blog invites you to reflect on qualities that foster genuine progress—sincerity, humility, and discernment. Discover how committing to daily practice, even in small doses, can illuminate your path and enhance your connection to self.

Let the wisdom of ancient stories guide you, while practical insights help bridge your practice from the mat to everyday life. Whether you're an experienced yogi or a curious beginner, join us in cultivating a space for transformation, where the journey is as rewarding as the destination.

Explore the nuances of wise practice and unlock the secrets to a fulfilling yoga experience. Your journey begins here.

https://michaeljoelhall.com/exploring-the-foundations-of-wise-practice/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Sunday, March 9, 2025 · 7:14 pm
InstagramReflections
Mutually beneficial learning environments aren’t radical. What kind of learning environment are you in? What kind are you creating?
Monday, March 10, 2025 · 8:59 am
Instagram
Your shoulders are designed for both power and precision, and understanding shoulder adduction axials—bringing your arms toward the midline and exploring rotation —can help you unlock greater control and end-range strength. Whether you’re stabilizing in a yoga pose, improving athletic performance, or preventing injuries, mastering this movement is essential for overall shoulder health.

In this guide, I’ll break down how your shoulder muscles, including the pectorals, lats, and rotator cuff, work together in adduction.

https://michaeljoelhall.com/understanding-shoulder-abduction-axials-a-practical-guide/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Monday, March 10, 2025 · 6:58 pm
Instagram
Any suitably complex system falls apart— and I love my body and have enough self-respect to push against entropy.

It’s quite radical to work from a place of self-love as opposed to seeking outside validation.

When we let our yoga practice do its work, the process nourishes our “mind body organism. ” Thats what my teacher called it, and I reckon an ever abiding kind of self love we’re building. And if theres only one of us here, its good practice, that self love. Because it defies entropy.
Friday, March 14, 2025 · 9:58 am
InstagramPractice
Video: Ashtanga Student-Teacher Dynamics in 2025

This is a video about Ashtanga Student-Teacher Dynamics in 2025

00:00 Introduction: The Evolving Teacher-Student Relationship in Ashtanga Yoga
00:10 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Teaching Methods
00:35 The Role of the Teacher: From Gatekeeper to Guide
01:01 Modern Approaches: Inclusivity and Adaptability
01:40 Finding the Middle Way: Sustainable Teacher-Student Relationships
02:20 Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity in Ashtanga Yoga

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-ashtanga-student-teacher-dynamics-in-2025/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Saturday, March 15, 2025 · 11:39 pm
InstagramPractice
A collaborative approach towards life longe practice keeps the power dynamics balanced between wise council and practitioner, that remains respectful of the practitioner and the yoga. Learn more at ashtang.tech
Sunday, March 16, 2025 · 5:49 pm
Instagram
What is cognitive bias, anyway? Link to full video in bio. Wanna chat about your practice? Reach out for some coaching.
Sunday, March 16, 2025 · 7:32 pm
Instagram
Understanding the Basics of Breath in Ashtanga Yoga

**Unlocking the Power of Breath in Ashtanga Yoga: A Journey Within**

Breath is the silent thread that weaves together the fabric of our yoga practice, anchoring us in the present moment and harmonizing body and mind. In "Understanding the Basics of Breath in Ashtanga Yoga," we delve into the essential role of *pranayama*, revealing how mastering your breath can elevate your practice to new heights.

From the crucial cautions to consider before beginning your breathing journey to exploring healthy versus restricted breathing patterns, this blog invites you to embrace the transformative potential of conscious breathwork. Discover the art of natural, effortless breathing, which nurtures relaxation and enhances oxygen intake, and learn to recognize the unique characteristics of yogic breathing techniques.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting your Ashtanga journey, understanding the intricacies of breath will deepen your connection to your practice and foster overall well-being. Join us as we explore these foundational principles and unlock a richer, more fulfilling Ashtanga experience both on and off the mat.

https://michaeljoelhall.com/understanding-the-basics-of-breath-in-ashtanga-yoga/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Sunday, March 16, 2025 · 7:46 pm
InstagramPractice
Insight practice done in community is supportive of community. And more people practicing loving kindness is a good thing. Yoga is so powerful when done as sevice.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 · 11:35 am
Instagram
Breathe with Ease: Exploring the Art of Natural Breathing

**Unveil the Power of Your Breath: Discovering Natural Breathing Techniques**

In our fast-paced world, the art of natural breathing often slips through the cracks, leaving us feeling tense and disconnected. Yet, as Denise Benitez beautifully puts it, breathing can transform into a graceful dance — a wellspring of vitality and serenity. Join us in our latest blog post, "Breathe with Ease: Exploring the Art of Natural Breathing," where we delve into the various dimensions of this fundamental practice, from diaphragmatic breathing to effortless flow.

Explore how cultivating awareness around your breath can activate your body’s natural calming mechanisms, promote digestion, and even improve posture. Learn practical techniques that not only enhance your yoga practice but also integrate seamlessly into daily life.

Unlock the secrets to a more relaxed, vibrant existence. Embrace the journey of breathing with ease, and reconnect with the simple yet profound act that nourishes your being. Dive deeper into the serene world of natural breathing today!

https://michaeljoelhall.com/breathe-with-ease-exploring-the-art-of-natural-breathing/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 · 8:39 pm
InstagramPractice
Breath of Life: Exploring the Philosophy of Pranayama in Ashtanga Yoga

Pranayama is powerful. Prepare to liberate yourself from the confines of restriction and dive deep into the philosophy that encourages you to breathe freely and fully.

Join the conversation on the Breath of Life—where every inhale nourishes your being and every exhale releases the barriers that inhibit your potential. Embrace the philosophy of pranayama and unlock the door to a more vibrant you!

```

https://michaeljoelhall.com/breath-of-life-exploring-the-philosophy-of-pranayama-in-ashtanga-yoga/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 · 8:00 am
InstagramPractice
Video: Body Diversity in Ashtanga

This is a video about Body Diversity in Ashtanga. Visit michaeljoelhall.com/coaching to book a session if you'd like to chat about your practice.

00:00 Body Diversity in Ashtanga
00:23 The Functional System of Ashtanga Yoga
00:42 The Myth of the Yoga Body
00:54 Promoting Inclusivity in Yoga
01:09 Embracing an Embodied Practice

visit michaeljoelhall.com/coaching to book a session.

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-body-diversity-in-ashtanga/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 · 5:25 pm
InstagramPractice
Video: The Courage to Be Vulnerable

Embracing Fear: The True Meaning of Courage

Courage isn't about being fearless. It's about standing firm when fear tries to push you down. It's about surviving when the world seems determined to break you. There are forces out there that are trying to hold you down. You can push back. Oppression thrives on silence. It feeds on exhaustion. But even in the darkest moments, even when everything feels stacked against you, resilience is an act of defiance. Like the strongest oak, you don't grow because you're protected from the storm—you survive despite it. You stand, you endure, and in doing so, you claim your power. Most people look for an easy way out. But for those who have no choice but to fight, survival is bravery. And every day you keep going, you prove that fear doesn't get the last word. So hold your ground. Your existence, your persistence, your refusal to disappear—it all matters. And that is courage.

00:00 Introduction to Courage
00:02 Facing Fear Head-On
00:07 Surviving Against the Odds
00:17 Pushing Back Against Oppression
00:22 The Power of Resilience
00:33 Standing Strong
00:38 The True Meaning of Bravery
00:47 Persistence and Existence
00:51 Conclusion: Defining Courage

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-the-courage-to-be-vulnerable/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Thursday, March 20, 2025 · 9:32 am
InstagramReflections
Body Scan Meditation: A Guided Approach to Awareness

**Unlocking Inner Awareness: The Body Scan Meditation**

In our fast-paced world, finding moments of stillness can feel like a luxury. Enter the body scan meditation—a transformative practice that invites you to reconnect with your physical self. Whether integrated into *Savasana*, a restorative pose, or seated meditation, this guided approach encourages you to dive deep into your body’s sensations.

Discover how to cultivate awareness, releasing tension and fostering a profound sense of peace. As you explore each body part—from your toes to the crown of your head—allow yourself to simply observe without judgment. Embrace the opportunity to meet your body where it is, noticing sensations both subtle and pronounced.

Join us as we delve into the process of tuning in, letting go, and igniting your spirit of aliveness. Ready to transform your practice? Dive into the complete guide and unlock the serenity within!

https://michaeljoelhall.com/body-scan-meditation-a-guided-approach-to-awareness/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Thursday, March 20, 2025 · 7:19 pm
InstagramPractice
Understanding Healthy and Restricted Breathing in Yoga Practice

**Excerpt: Understanding Healthy and Restricted Breathing in Yoga Practice**

Breath is the bridge between mind and body, a rhythmic dance that nourishes every cell and influences our emotional landscape. In our latest blog post, we dive deep into the art of breathing—an often-overlooked aspect of yoga practice. Discover how the way you breathe can enhance your wellbeing, impact your stress levels, and even transform your emotional state.

From the constraints of modern living that lead to restricted breathing patterns to the liberating potential of conscious breathwork, we explore the nuances of this vital practice. Learn about the common pitfalls of inefficient breathing, the physiological implications, and how mastering your breath can lead to profound shifts in health and awareness.

Join us on a journey toward understanding the power of breath in yoga and everyday life, as we unlock the key to a harmonious existence through mindful inhalations and exhalations. Read more to reclaim your breath, and with it, your vitality!

https://michaeljoelhall.com/understanding-healthy-and-restricted-breathing-in-yoga-practice/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Friday, March 21, 2025 · 7:46 pm
InstagramPractice
Video: Mutual Growth and Respect in Ashtanga Pedagogy

This is a video about Mutual Growth and Respect in Ashtanga Pedagogy at my site and on youtube. I've been doing this for a long time now (can you believe it?). Reach out if you want some coaching. https://michaeljoelhall.com/coaching

00:00 Introduction to Student-Teacher Dynamics in Ashtanga Yoga
00:12 Emerging Balanced Perspectives in 2025
00:23 Collaboration Over Hierarchy
00:25 Teachers Learning from Students
00:32 The Importance of Feedback and Reciprocity
00:39 Teachers and Students: A Two-Way Street
01:04 Humility and Mutual Respect
01:29 Moving Beyond Rigid Hierarchies
01:45 Ensuring the Evolution of Tradition

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-mutual-growth-and-respect-in-ashtanga-pedagogy/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Saturday, March 22, 2025 · 9:18 am
InstagramPracticeReflections
The Counts in Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana

**Unlock the Rhythm of Your Practice: Understanding the Counts in Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana**

Dive into the transformative world of Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana, or Half Bound Lotus Forward Bend, a foundational pose in the Ashtanga primary series. This blog unravels the intricate dance of the nine guiding counts that breathe life into this posture. From the gentle lift of your foot to the profound grounding in each exhale, mastering these counts enhances your connection to breath and movement, fostering clarity and confidence on your mat. Join us as we explore how every count not only shapes your practice but also mirrors the ebb and flow of life itself. Embrace the rhythm—your journey towards deeper understanding begins here!

https://michaeljoelhall.com/the-counts-in-ardha-baddha-padmottanasana/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Saturday, March 22, 2025 · 7:24 pm
InstagramPractice
There are some peculiar ideas about what kind of body can practice yoga well. If you’re a teacher and you don’t have a strategy for ensuring inclusivity in your teaching it means you've got a growth opportunity. In my yoga room, all bodies are welcome.
Sunday, March 23, 2025 · 3:47 pm
InstagramReflections
Clearing the jewel of perception-- what ashtanga's really good at. Link to full video in bio. Wanna chat about your practice? Reach out for some coaching.
Sunday, March 23, 2025 · 6:50 pm
InstagramPractice
Understanding the Basics of Pranayama: A Guide for Teachers

**Unlocking the Power of Breath: A Teacher's Guide to Pranayama**

Dive into the essential art of pranayama, where breath becomes a transformative tool for enhancing your yoga practice. This comprehensive guide equips teachers with the foundational knowledge to harness and share the profound benefits of breath control—aka *pranayama*. Discover how understanding the intricacies of inhalation, exhalation, and retention can deepen connections, cultivate emotional balance, and elevate the overall experience in your classes. Learn how to safely navigate the delicate dance of *kumbhaka* and *bandhas*, and uncover the ancient wisdom that links breath to life force energy. Whether you're a seasoned instructor or just beginning your journey, this guide offers invaluable insights to enrich your teaching and inspire your students to embrace the breath as a pathway to mindfulness and vitality. Join us on this exploration of breath, and empower your practice one inhale at a time.

https://michaeljoelhall.com/understanding-the-basics-of-pranayama-a-guide-for-teachers/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Sunday, March 23, 2025 · 7:47 pm
InstagramPractice
Maybe it's because I'm in DC, but I think ongoing education is important. Have you ever gotten a doctor that stopped keeping up with modern medicine? Yoga teachers should participate in that, too. Ashtanga Tech is my platform for community and courses to help raise the bar.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 · 9:18 am
InstagramPracticeReflections
Understanding the Fundamentals of Breath Training

**Unlocking the Power of Your Breath: A Journey into Breath Training Fundamentals**

Dive into a transformative exploration of breath training, where the simple act of inhaling and exhaling becomes a gateway to heightened awareness and profound relaxation. In our fast-paced world, most of us unconsciously breathe shallowly, which can leave us feeling anxious and fatigued. However, by shifting our focus to conscious breathing, we can significantly reduce our breath rate and expand our respiratory capacity.

This blog post will guide you through the basics of breath awareness, offering insights into techniques that nurture both body and mind. You’ll learn how deeper, fuller breaths can invigorate your practice and enhance your overall well-being. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just beginning your journey, understanding these fundamentals will empower you to harness the full potential of your breath and enrich your yoga experience. Join us as we uncover the art of conscious breathing—your path to a calmer, more centered self.

https://michaeljoelhall.com/understanding-the-fundamentals-of-breath-training/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Friday, March 28, 2025 · 7:48 pm
Instagram
Utkatasana: A Closer Look at the Benefits and Techniques

**Excerpt: Understanding Utkatasana: A Closer Look at the Benefits and Techniques**

Step into the transformative world of Utkatasana, or Chair Pose, where strength meets serenity. This foundational asana, often hailed as the "throne pose," invites practitioners to engage deeply with their bodies while cultivating mental clarity. As you simulate the act of sitting in an imaginary chair, you'll discover a multitude of benefits—from building powerful legs and core stability to enhancing flexibility and posture.

In this blog post, we dive deeper into the nuances of Utkatasana, exploring essential techniques that can elevate your practice. Learn how to properly align your body for maximum benefit, harness your inner focus, and stimulate your energetic flow. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your yoga journey, mastering Utkatasana offers a unique opportunity to strengthen both body and mind. Embrace the challenge and unlock a new level of empowerment on your mat!

https://michaeljoelhall.com/utkatasana-a-closer-look-at-the-benefits-and-techniques/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Saturday, March 29, 2025 · 7:19 pm
InstagramPractice
Video: Is Two Teachers One Too Many?

This is a video about the Ashtanga Yoga Dilemma: Is Two Teachers One Too Many?

Reach out for support at https://michaeljoelhall.com/coaching if this is something you're reckoning with.

00:00 Introduction: The Teacher-Student Dynamic
00:13 Traditional Loyalty vs. Modern Needs
00:38 Benefits of Diverse Inputs
01:16 Balancing Depth and Breadth
01:43 Intentional Learning and Discernment
02:08 Conclusion: Evolving Beyond Hierarchical Gatekeeping

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-is-two-teachers-one-too-many/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Sunday, March 30, 2025 · 10:07 am
InstagramPractice
Tomorrow, what if you radiate out what you want to feel radiated out during practice? Pardon ths Ghandi of it all.
Sunday, March 30, 2025 · 4:31 pm
Instagram
How you're being tricked into bad deals through value anchoring. Link to full video in bio. Wanna chat about your practice? Reach out for some coaching.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 · 9:58 am
Instagram
Video: Vinyasa Yoga: Breath & Movement

Brahmari Pranayama: The Bee Breath Technique for Calm and Clarity

This video introduces Brahmari Pranayama, also known as Bee Breath, a powerful yet simple pranayama technique. It involves creating a gentle buzzing sound on the exhale to calm the mind, regulate the nervous system, and enhance awareness. The practice is effective for soothing anxiety, improving concentration, and preparing for meditation. The video guides viewers through the steps of Brahmari, emphasizing a comfortable posture, natural breathing, and the importance of not forcing the exhale. Brahmari is beneficial for speakers, singers, and teachers, supporting speech and vocal clarity. Consistent practice can help cultivate inner stillness and clarity.

00:00 Brahmari (Bee Breath) Video
00:11 Introduction to Brahmari (Bee Breath)
00:32 How to Practice Brahmari
00:46 Benefits of Brahmari
01:00 Tips for Effective Practice
01:10 Conclusion and Consistent Practice

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-vinyasa-yoga-breath-movement/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 · 10:33 am
InstagramPractice
Understanding the availability heuristic. A classic cognitive bias that really messes folks up. Link to full video in bio. Wanna chat about your practice? Reach out for some coaching.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 · 10:59 am
Instagram
Video: Cognitive Biases and Their Impact on Your Ashtanga Yoga Practice

In this insightful video, Michael Joel Hall delves into the concept of cognitive bias and its significant implications for Ashtanga Yoga practitioners. He explains how biases are systematic deviations from the norm and how they can lead to judgment errors and groupthink. Hall emphasizes the importance of recognizing and checking these biases to achieve a clear and unclouded perception crucial for yoga. He details common biases such as availability heuristic, anchoring bias, confirmation bias, and hindsight bias, while illustrating how Ashtanga Yoga practices offer tools for critical thinking and self-awareness. Ultimately, the video encourages practitioners to use these insights to enhance their awareness, make better decisions, and transcend cognitive biases for a more impactful yoga practice.
00:00 Introduction to Cognitive Bias and Ashtanga Yoga
00:43 Understanding Cognitive Bias
04:31 Types of Cognitive Bias
07:20 Mitigating Cognitive Bias with Ashtanga Yoga
08:42 Building Awareness and Critical Thinking
09:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-cognitive-biases-and-their-impact-on-your-ashtanga-yoga-practice/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Thursday, April 3, 2025 · 8:05 pm
InstagramPractice
Video: Ignorance is the Cause of Suffering: Overcoming Avidya with Yoga

Understanding Avidya: Overcoming Ignorance through Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

In this video, we delve into the concept of Avidya, or ignorance, as outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Avidya is identified as the root cause of suffering, distorting our perception of the self, the world, and our relationships. We explore four key components of Avidya: mistaking the impermanent as permanent, misconstruing the impure as pure, confusing pain with pleasure, and identifying with the non-self. By fostering discernment and self-study, we can overcome these ignorances, leading to more authentic relationships and an enriched internal world.

00:00 Understanding Avidya: The Root of Suffering
00:21 Mistaking the Impermanent as Permanent
00:58 Misconstruing the Impure as Pure
01:59 Confusing Pain with Pleasure
02:18 Identifying the Self with the Non-Self
03:09 The Role of Egoism in Avidya
04:10 Overcoming Avidya through Discernment and Self-Study

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-ignorance-is-the-cause-of-suffering-overcoming-avidya-with-yoga/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Friday, April 4, 2025 · 4:53 pm
InstagramLove
Video: What Is a Yoga Executive?

Mastering the Yoga Executive Mindset: Leadership and Purpose in Practice

Discover how to approach your yoga practice and life with intentional leadership, clarity, and purpose. Learn about the key principles such as visionary thinking, yogic agency, systems thinking, adaptability, discernment, and balance. This episode guides you on crafting your vision, setting intentional goals, practicing with purpose, adapting to changes, and celebrating your progress. Become a self-directed leader using yoga to build a purposeful and meaningful life.

00:00 Introduction to the Yoga Executive Mindset
00:32 Visionary Thinking in Yoga
00:56 Yogic Agency: The Power of Choice
01:20 Systems Thinking in Yoga Practice
01:39 Adaptability and Strategic Flexibility
01:57 Discernment and Balance in Practice
02:15 Qualities of a Yoga Executive
03:19 Becoming a Yoga Executive: Steps and Practices
04:09 Final Thoughts on the Yoga Executive

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-what-is-a-yoga-executive/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Saturday, April 5, 2025 · 12:55 am
InstagramMilestonesPractice
Virabhadrasana A & B: Understanding the Count and Its Flow

**Unlocking the Warrior Within: A Journey Through Virabhadrasana A & B**

Step onto your mat and prepare to unleash the vibrant energy of the Warrior! In our latest blog, "Virabhadrasana A & B: Understanding the Count and Its Flow," we delve into the essence of these powerful standing poses. Discover how the intricate interplay between breath and movement cultivates strength, stability, and an expansive heart.

Join us as we break down the 14 transformative actions that guide each posture, ensuring your practice flows with intention and grace. From the grounding stance of Warrior I to the energizing lift of Warrior II, learn the anatomical nuances that foster alignment and engagement.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your yogic journey, this exploration promises to deepen your understanding and enhance your connection to each pose. Let the rhythm of the count become your ally as you dance through the asanas—transforming not just your practice, but your life off the mat as well.

Dive in for insights that will empower your practice today! 🌟

https://michaeljoelhall.com/virabhadrasana-a-b-understanding-the-count-and-its-flow/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Saturday, April 5, 2025 · 7:19 pm
InstagramPractice
Don’t let structure be misconstrued as bondage. The sequence isn’t a cage. Reach out if you feel Like you wanna get out of the box.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 · 11:02 am
Instagram
Video: Enhance Student Engagement with Simple CRM Tactics

Transform your teaching with a powerful CRM strategy! 💡 In this video, discover how to use customer relationship management software to enhance student engagement and improve your teaching effectiveness. As an independent yoga teacher, I've found ways to simplify student tracking, personalize communication, and tailor workshops using a dynamic CRM like FluentCRM. The key? Automating workflows for optimal interaction and leveraging data from newsletters and attendance. Watch this video to explore easy steps to start implementing CRM in your teaching today. Perfect for educators ready to deepen student relationships and boost classroom participation. #StudentEngagement #YogaTeaching #CRM

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-enhance-student-engagement-with-simple-crm-tactics/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Thursday, April 10, 2025 · 9:52 am
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Sometimes practitioners need to get real about how much they have going on and maybe be a little easier on themselves.
Friday, April 11, 2025 · 11:13 am
Instagram
Video: It Should Be a Spiritual Focus, Shouldn't It

Michael Joel Hall discusses the practice of Ashtanga Yoga as a vehicle for self-inquiry, awareness, and transformation. He emphasizes that it is more than just physical postures, involving breath, movement, and meditation to foster presence and stillness. Hall highlights the importance of ethical principles and turning practice into a way of living. The objective is to cultivate flexibility of the mind, recognizing deeper transformations that align practice with life.

00:00 Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga
00:15 Beyond Physical Postures
00:32 Ethical Principles and Living Practice
00:42 Spiritual and Physical Connection
00:56 Deeper Transformations
01:05 Applying Meditation in Life

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-it-should-be-a-spiritual-focus-shouldnt-it/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Saturday, April 12, 2025 · 4:17 am
InstagramPractice
There’s a false dichotomy at play between props good/bad. Really shortsighted thinking. The conversation is so dumb. Reach out if you want to chat about your practice.
Sunday, April 13, 2025 · 12:34 pm
Instagram
Shift your focus from performance to sustainability and you’ll find both improve. Reach out if you’re not sure how to do that.
Sunday, April 13, 2025 · 6:52 pm
Instagram
To the ashtanga yoga community: I’m cheering for you.

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.
Monday, April 14, 2025 · 12:08 pm
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Video: Boost Your Yoga Studio with Fluent Booking & WordPress

Ready to elevate your yoga business? Discover the game-changing benefits of integrating Fluent Booking with WordPress! 🌟 Learn how this powerful combo not only streamlines your operations but also slashes costs.

In this video, Michael Joel Hall shares insight into managing bookings effortlessly, creating customized experiences for group classes and private sessions, and enhancing your client engagement with ease.

Are you stuck managing bookings manually? Let automation take charge! From personalized client communication to efficient data collection—transform your yoga studio today.

Subscribe for weekly tips on boosting your yoga business and maximizing your efficiency. #YogaBusiness #FluentCRM #WordPressBenefits

0:00 Introduction
1:20 Cost Efficiency with Fluent Booking
2:45 Versatility for All Session Types
3:30 Enhancing Client Engagement and Automation

For step-by-step guidance, visit Indie Yoga Pros!

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-boost-your-yoga-studio-with-fluent-booking-wordpress/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 · 7:58 am
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Small changes, big impact. If you look for leverage points and thresholds. Also: emergence. Reach out if ya wanna talk yoga systems.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 · 10:31 am
Instagram
Video: Evolving Perspectives on Mind-Body-Spirit

In this video, Michael Joel Hall discusses how Ash Yoga in 2025 is evolving by integrating physical fitness, self-inquiry, biomechanics, neuroscience, and mindfulness. Practitioners are embracing a personalized approach, blending tradition with modern insights to enhance the practice's transformative potential. This balanced integration of physical and spiritual elements provides stability and meaning, reinforcing rather than weakening the discipline.

00:00 Introduction to Ash Yoga in 2025
00:05 Evolving Practices: Integrating Physical and Spiritual
00:28 Modern Insights: Biomechanics, Neuroscience, and Mindfulness
00:40 The Unchanging Core: Discipline and Self-Awareness
01:02 Strengthening Through Adaptation
01:11 Intelligent and Sustainable Transformation

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-evolving-perspectives-on-mind-body-spirit/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 · 4:29 am
Instagram
If you think practice can’t go on because you’re injured, there’s a significant foundational knowledge gap. Reach out if you wanna bridge that gap
Thursday, April 17, 2025 · 8:22 am
HealthInstagram
Learning design for proper vocational training is so useful for educators to be discussing. I worry when organizational advancement heuristics are opaque. You’ll have to remember that I was the american government’s yoga teacher for 15 years. I know something about this.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 · 10:33 am
Instagram
Awareness is the key to getting past our own blind spots. Reach out if I can help with your yoga practice. Find the full cognitive bias video on YouTube
Friday, April 18, 2025 · 11:10 am
InstagramPractice
Group think is really just peer pressure. Just because of other people feel like they have some hole to fill with stuff doesn’t mean you need to. Group thing is seen inside of Colson. Doesn’t this sound like the cult of consumerism?
Saturday, April 19, 2025 · 4:19 pm
Instagram
Hindsight bias makes us think we should have caught something we couldn’t have. Find the full video on YouTube. Reach out if you’re looking for some coaching or want to talk about your practice
Monday, April 21, 2025 · 12:33 pm
Instagram
Video: Pragmatically Integrating Philosophy into Ashtanga Yoga to Ensure Best Outcomes

In this video, Michael Joel Hall discusses the importance of integrating all eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga, rather than focusing solely on the physical practice of asanas. He addresses the potential pitfalls of modern practices, such as the risk of turning yoga into just another workout, the impact of social media on the practice, and the ethical dilemmas faced in a performance-driven culture. Hall advocates for a more comprehensive approach that includes elements like meditation, ethical study, and understanding of foundational texts to truly cultivate a holistic yoga practice.
00:00 Introduction to Modern Ashtanga Yoga
00:08 Criticism and Holistic Approach
00:44 Ethical Dilemmas in Social Media
01:18 Integrating All Eight Limbs
01:31 Conclusion

https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-pragmatically-integrating-philosophy-into-ashtanga-yoga-to-ensure-best-outcomes/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 · 4:44 am
InstagramPractice
Discipline? Yes. Discernment? Please. Gatekeeping? Yall have picked some really pretty trash bags to guard the gates, lets just say that.
Saturday, April 26, 2025 · 11:39 am
Instagram
Today, i relish the roll of the earth off my fingertips, like a perfectly set layup on the basketball court. An effortless swish.

Yoga is a system for self realization and one of the truths that we come across is that a body in dis-ease often leads to a mind that is in dis-ease. Consistant practice helps to return the body and mind to harmonious states— that means healing what can heal in the body— the ankle, wrist, or rib — and developing compassion and equanimity in the mind for that which is now different. The secret is that its always different— the constant is the awareness of this little mortal coil. When they work together— awareness and kriya yoga, the emergent properties are humbling and awe inspiring.
Monday, May 12, 2025 · 9:55 am
Instagram
Pragmatism and Sustainability in Ashtanga Yoga— do your practice 6 days a week is the tradition. But dont get it twisted. Do as much asana as you’d like, when you can. But dont confuse that for your yoga practice. You can do a yoga practice all day long in a myriad of valid ways— no mats or shapes required.
Saturday, May 17, 2025 · 8:30 am
InstagramPractice
After all this time, inviting instead of pushing still feels like a spiritual crucible.

3 years after getting hit by a car. 2 years after getting hit by a bike. Then one day the feeling of potential movement returns, the heart opens again, and the pieces wedge back into place.

Patience, patience. All the slow and tedious and beautiful work that is so mundane to behold sans context has set conditions for continuing on.

Yoga practice done without attachment to outcome — with a sincere desire for non violence, honesty, and not wanting too much has a way of providing all the outcome one might need for well being.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 · 2:10 pm
InstagramPractice
New Classes:
Ashtanga Inspired Vinyasa
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 5:15-6:30p
in person and online @theyoga.club

Assisting Weekend
July 26-27
Peer support and play!
Monday, July 14, 2025 · 2:48 pm
InstagramPractice
Ashtanga Yoga isn’t fragile—
But the system that tried to contain it? That one cracked.

When leadership is centralized, the whole thing topples with a single loss.

When authority is gatekept, the system can’t adapt.

But Mysore-style was always meant to be self-practice.

Passed hand to hand.

From one dedicated practitioner to another.

You breathe, you move, you grow.

Someone notices. They ask.

Suddenly, you’re teaching.

No fanfare. No certification ceremony.

Just the work.

Decentralization isn’t the death of tradition.
It’s how it survives.

#decentralizedashtanga #ashtangayoga #mysorestyle #globalsangha #selfpractice #notfragile #theyogaclub
Saturday, July 19, 2025 · 9:05 am
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Led primary today featured chill afrobeats. Once a season or so, I play music. Today was inspired by the joys of cultural exchange. Its a full vibe to cultivate gratitude and appreciation for the privilege to taste the fruits of other lands.
Friday, October 3, 2025 · 2:23 pm
InstagramReflections
2026
On this day · Full timeline