Loooove that y'all are on it!!!

We’re a week in to the 30 Day Core Fitness Challenge and the 2024 Teaching Immersion over at @ashtanga.tech — and I’m just over the moon. Ashtanga Tech is the ashtanga education platform I built, designed for practitioners and professionals. She’s meant to facilitate development in a variety of different components of the ashtanga yoga system— from core fitness to meditation. It’s amazing to see so many of you guys using it already, and I’m just so over the moon. Can’t wait to see you in homeroom.

Cory’s sharing more over on his substack. A great lens into the difference between a retreat and a pilgrimage. @the_spiritual_pilgrim

I reckon this wrist and ankle are back in the game. 2 years (fine, 22 months) of incremental progress after getting hit by a car.

still vibing

This training is going by faster than you can say chatturanga dandasana!!!

Beyond proud

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.

it’s true.

so, let’s talk bones

yeehaw y’all.
(see ya in Nashville)

headed to that midweek prax like

🌿 I saw first hand our capacity to change the world when I travelled to the cloud forest regeneration project @suenodevida_ecu in 2019. The Patreon helps me keep tabs on their hard work. The latest one inspired my latest blog post.

Merging the wisdom of my mentor, Kristen Krash, with my journey as a Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga teacher. Kristen’s remarkable work in regenerating Ecuador’s cloud forests teaches us about the deep interconnectedness of life.

🌳 KK’s article, ‘Why those big-tree planting projects fail. And why ours is succeeding,’ is not just about trees, but about resilience, regeneration, and community.

🧘‍♂️💚 In it, I find striking parallels to the nurturing environment of our Mysore yoga community. Just as a forest is more than its trees, our growth is about more than just individual practices. It’s about how we thrive together. Let’s explore these insights and grow, collectively.

Link to Article in bio.

#YogaCommunity #ForestRegeneration #SharedWisdom

Have you ever seen a full moon rise over a pyramid? It left me with a sense of wonder and awe.

This is from Mexico in 2019, before my world imploded. Before my parents moved to this very neighborhood in the jungle. Before my brother and sister in law died in that jungle, killed neither by the jungle nor COVID. It’s hard to imagine a time when my trip to Mexico’s biggest stressor was dodging that very same brothers phone call. If you had asked, I would have told you that I had nothing more to say to him until he apologized. That was very not true. I keep thinking I know what it means to have had a human experience, and then my mind gets blown by natural wonder and the human experience. Yes, even the depths of tragedy can inspire awe.

At my weakest, I would sing:
I will push myself up through the dirt,
And shake my petals free,
I’m resolved to being born again,
And so resigned to bravery.

To explore how yoga can help with grief, visit Ashtanga Tech. You’ll gain a foundational understanding of the qualities of grief and ways in which yoga may support someone who is grieving.

https://ashtanga.tech/study-guide/adaptation/mental-health/grief-yoga-1-0/

“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”

Eclipses are like the cosmic helping hand of the Universe. Imagine the energy of an Eclipse like a Universal hand that reaches down from the heavens and puts you where you need to be. This place may not be where you want to be, or may not be where you thought you would end up, but it is definitely where you need to be. The good thing about Eclipses is that generally you can trust the direction they are guiding you in. Eclipses bring about almost fated events that are part of the cosmic plan and written just for you. – Tanaaz
—-
Find more reflections on Eclipse at @ashtanga.tech http://ashtanga.tech

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

My friend from @theyoga.club Liz @lizzoouli suggested I record my practice to check in on some asymmetries I'm balancing. She’s worried I don’t get enough time with a teacher for myself. I broke my ankle and rib last year getting hit by a bicyclist, and my wrist about a year before that getting hit by a car. I am really proud of my generally good attitude, outside of one meltdown phone call ( thanks @made_by_mara !!). Yoga has instilled patience and persistence, pragmatism and a solutions focused growth mindset. 10/10, would recommend. The yoga, that is. The getting hit by stuff is a 2/10.

If you need some support in your practice or healing journey, hmu. This stuff works.

Here’s some stuff I do in order to wrestle with the nature of reality and the infinite. It’s mostly stuff to affect physiological change towards general well being layered with meditation and mindset. These disparate systems encourage an emergence of something greater than the sum of their parts. It looks some kinda way.

Here’s some stuff I do in order to wrestle with the nature of reality and the infinite. It’s mostly stuff to affect physiological change towards general well being layered with meditation and mindset. These disparate systems encourage an emergence of something greater than the sum of their parts. It looks some kinda way.

Here’s some stuff I do in order to wrestle with the nature of reality and the infinite. It’s mostly stuff to affect physiological change towards general well being layered with meditation and mindset. These disparate systems encourage an emergence of something greater than the sum of their parts. It looks some kinda way.

Here’s some stuff I do in order to wrestle with the nature of reality and the infinite. It’s mostly stuff to affect physiological change towards general well being layered with meditation and mindset. These disparate systems encourage an emergence of something greater than the sum of their parts. It looks some kinda way.

Here’s some stuff I do in order to wrestle with the nature of reality and the infinite. It’s mostly stuff to affect physiological change towards general well being layered with meditation and mindset. These disparate systems encourage an emergence of something greater than the sum of their parts. It looks some kinda way.

Here’s some stuff I do in order to wrestle with the nature of reality and the infinite. It’s mostly stuff to affect physiological change towards general well being layered with meditation and mindset. These disparate systems encourage an emergence of something greater than the sum of their parts. It looks some kinda way.

Here’s some stuff I do in order to wrestle with the nature of reality and the infinite. It’s mostly stuff to affect physiological change towards general well being layered with meditation and mindset. These disparate systems encourage an emergence of something greater than the sum of their parts. It looks some kinda way.

Here’s some stuff I do in order to wrestle with the nature of reality and the infinite. It’s mostly stuff to affect physiological change towards general well being layered with meditation and mindset. These disparate systems encourage an emergence of something greater than the sum of their parts. It looks some kinda way.

Here’s some stuff I do in order to wrestle with the nature of reality and the infinite. It’s mostly stuff to affect physiological change towards general well being layered with meditation and mindset. These disparate systems encourage an emergence of something greater than the sum of their parts. It looks some kinda way.

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!

Ashtanga Yoga is a system of yoga.

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

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

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

• Self-Organization: Systems can arrange themselves into orderly patterns without external direction.
• Self-Repair: Systems can mend themselves when disrupted within certain limits.
• Resilience: Systems can withstand shocks and continue functioning.
• Evolution: Systems can give rise to entirely new systems through innovation and adaptation.

In just 10 Days!!!

NASHVILLE!

Here are some of my current favorite lower back strengthening and compression strategies and their intended application.

As always, reach out if you want some in person or virtual coaching— or find me in the mysore room @theyoga.club

Here are some of my current favorite lower back strengthening and compression strategies and their intended application.

As always, reach out if you want some in person or virtual coaching— or find me in the mysore room @theyoga.club

Here are some of my current favorite lower back strengthening and compression strategies and their intended application.

As always, reach out if you want some in person or virtual coaching— or find me in the mysore room @theyoga.club

Here are some of my current favorite lower back strengthening and compression strategies and their intended application.

As always, reach out if you want some in person or virtual coaching— or find me in the mysore room @theyoga.club

Here are some of my current favorite lower back strengthening and compression strategies and their intended application.

As always, reach out if you want some in person or virtual coaching— or find me in the mysore room @theyoga.club

Here are some of my current favorite lower back strengthening and compression strategies and their intended application.

As always, reach out if you want some in person or virtual coaching— or find me in the mysore room @theyoga.club

Here are some of my current favorite lower back strengthening and compression strategies and their intended application.

As always, reach out if you want some in person or virtual coaching— or find me in the mysore room @theyoga.club

Here are some of my current favorite lower back strengthening and compression strategies and their intended application.

As always, reach out if you want some in person or virtual coaching— or find me in the mysore room @theyoga.club

Doing the impossible is a matter of breaking it down into possible pieces, with a dash of faith and patience.

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

Join @ashtanga.tech and me for an immersive intermediate series intensive. Explore the path to personal mastery with us in Nashville at @yogashalanashville ! This isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about individual growth and mastery. Let’s journey together towards personal excellence on the mat. See you there! 🌟

my favorite meditation teacher right now (goenka’s dead and im all jeff warren’ed out).

Go follow @coryyoga

Enjoyment as a Discipline:

Hey y’all, it’s Michael here, bringing you some backbending inspiration from my workroom. My biggest tip? Stop making yourself miserable.

Incorporating enjoyment and gratitude into the discipline of yoga practice is in itself a transformative act. It shifts the focus from viewing practice as a duty or challenge to seeing it as a cherished part of daily life. This shift in perspective can significantly enhance a practitioner’s dedication and enthusiasm, making the practice more sustainable and enriching.

Commit to knocking the sh*t*y self talk off. Enjoyment is part of the process— be disciplined about its curation!

**
Intermediate Intensive -Nashville @yogashalanashville - 6/14-6/16
*
Primary Intensive- Washington, DC @theyoga.club - 6/21-6/23

Practice the discipline of freedom.

4 Spots Left for
Primary Series Intensive June 21-23!!

exploring adaptation from a place of curiosity tends to be helpful as practice for when the exploration is by neccesity.

I love this crew.
Until the next time @ashtanga.tech

Understanding Scalability:

Scalability involves modifying the intensity, frequency, and even the type of asanas to align with the practitioner's current life situation. This flexibility helps maintain the practice's integrity and relevance, ensuring that it continues to support the practitioner’s health and spiritual growth.

Adapting Practice Through Life Transitions:

Are you practicing to accept reality or are you practicing to fight reality?

Consider a practitioner who has been practicing Ashtanga for decades. As they transitioned into older adulthood, they modified their practice by reducing the number of vinyasas and incorporating more seated and lying poses to maintain joint health and muscle elasticity, allowing them to continue their practice safely and enjoyably.

Strategies for Effective Scalability:
• Personal Assessment: Regularly assess physical and mental state and adjust the practice accordingly. This might involve checking in with oneself or consulting with a teacher.
• Prioritization of Elements: Depending on current needs, prioritize different elements of the practice, such as strength-building, flexibility, or stress reduction.
• Incorporation of Complementary Practices: Integrate other health practices like swimming, walking, or Tai Chi to support yoga practice and address different physical needs.

Take Home:

Scalability is crucial for maintaining a lifelong Ashtanga Yoga practice. By understanding and implementing modifications based on personal circumstances, practitioners can continue to experience the benefits of yoga throughout their lives. Adapting practice ensures that Ashtanga Yoga remains a supportive, enriching part of the practitioner's journey, reflecting the dynamic nature of life itself.

—

We have one spot left for a dude-double as well as one triple room for the @ashtanga.tech Mexico, Dec 4-9. Wild.

Understanding Scalability:

Scalability involves modifying the intensity, frequency, and even the type of asanas to align with the practitioner's current life situation. This flexibility helps maintain the practice's integrity and relevance, ensuring that it continues to support the practitioner’s health and spiritual growth.

Adapting Practice Through Life Transitions:

Are you practicing to accept reality or are you practicing to fight reality?

Consider a practitioner who has been practicing Ashtanga for decades. As they transitioned into older adulthood, they modified their practice by reducing the number of vinyasas and incorporating more seated and lying poses to maintain joint health and muscle elasticity, allowing them to continue their practice safely and enjoyably.

Strategies for Effective Scalability:
• Personal Assessment: Regularly assess physical and mental state and adjust the practice accordingly. This might involve checking in with oneself or consulting with a teacher.
• Prioritization of Elements: Depending on current needs, prioritize different elements of the practice, such as strength-building, flexibility, or stress reduction.
• Incorporation of Complementary Practices: Integrate other health practices like swimming, walking, or Tai Chi to support yoga practice and address different physical needs.

Take Home:

Scalability is crucial for maintaining a lifelong Ashtanga Yoga practice. By understanding and implementing modifications based on personal circumstances, practitioners can continue to experience the benefits of yoga throughout their lives. Adapting practice ensures that Ashtanga Yoga remains a supportive, enriching part of the practitioner's journey, reflecting the dynamic nature of life itself.

—

We have one spot left for a dude-double as well as one triple room for the @ashtanga.tech Mexico, Dec 4-9. Wild.

Understanding Scalability:

Scalability involves modifying the intensity, frequency, and even the type of asanas to align with the practitioner's current life situation. This flexibility helps maintain the practice's integrity and relevance, ensuring that it continues to support the practitioner’s health and spiritual growth.

Adapting Practice Through Life Transitions:

Are you practicing to accept reality or are you practicing to fight reality?

Consider a practitioner who has been practicing Ashtanga for decades. As they transitioned into older adulthood, they modified their practice by reducing the number of vinyasas and incorporating more seated and lying poses to maintain joint health and muscle elasticity, allowing them to continue their practice safely and enjoyably.

Strategies for Effective Scalability:
• Personal Assessment: Regularly assess physical and mental state and adjust the practice accordingly. This might involve checking in with oneself or consulting with a teacher.
• Prioritization of Elements: Depending on current needs, prioritize different elements of the practice, such as strength-building, flexibility, or stress reduction.
• Incorporation of Complementary Practices: Integrate other health practices like swimming, walking, or Tai Chi to support yoga practice and address different physical needs.

Take Home:

Scalability is crucial for maintaining a lifelong Ashtanga Yoga practice. By understanding and implementing modifications based on personal circumstances, practitioners can continue to experience the benefits of yoga throughout their lives. Adapting practice ensures that Ashtanga Yoga remains a supportive, enriching part of the practitioner's journey, reflecting the dynamic nature of life itself.

—

We have one spot left for a dude-double as well as one triple room for the @ashtanga.tech Mexico, Dec 4-9. Wild.

Understanding Scalability:

Scalability involves modifying the intensity, frequency, and even the type of asanas to align with the practitioner's current life situation. This flexibility helps maintain the practice's integrity and relevance, ensuring that it continues to support the practitioner’s health and spiritual growth.

Adapting Practice Through Life Transitions:

Are you practicing to accept reality or are you practicing to fight reality?

Consider a practitioner who has been practicing Ashtanga for decades. As they transitioned into older adulthood, they modified their practice by reducing the number of vinyasas and incorporating more seated and lying poses to maintain joint health and muscle elasticity, allowing them to continue their practice safely and enjoyably.

Strategies for Effective Scalability:
• Personal Assessment: Regularly assess physical and mental state and adjust the practice accordingly. This might involve checking in with oneself or consulting with a teacher.
• Prioritization of Elements: Depending on current needs, prioritize different elements of the practice, such as strength-building, flexibility, or stress reduction.
• Incorporation of Complementary Practices: Integrate other health practices like swimming, walking, or Tai Chi to support yoga practice and address different physical needs.

Take Home:

Scalability is crucial for maintaining a lifelong Ashtanga Yoga practice. By understanding and implementing modifications based on personal circumstances, practitioners can continue to experience the benefits of yoga throughout their lives. Adapting practice ensures that Ashtanga Yoga remains a supportive, enriching part of the practitioner's journey, reflecting the dynamic nature of life itself.

—

We have one spot left for a dude-double as well as one triple room for the @ashtanga.tech Mexico, Dec 4-9. Wild.

Understanding Scalability:

Scalability involves modifying the intensity, frequency, and even the type of asanas to align with the practitioner's current life situation. This flexibility helps maintain the practice's integrity and relevance, ensuring that it continues to support the practitioner’s health and spiritual growth.

Adapting Practice Through Life Transitions:

Are you practicing to accept reality or are you practicing to fight reality?

Consider a practitioner who has been practicing Ashtanga for decades. As they transitioned into older adulthood, they modified their practice by reducing the number of vinyasas and incorporating more seated and lying poses to maintain joint health and muscle elasticity, allowing them to continue their practice safely and enjoyably.

Strategies for Effective Scalability:
• Personal Assessment: Regularly assess physical and mental state and adjust the practice accordingly. This might involve checking in with oneself or consulting with a teacher.
• Prioritization of Elements: Depending on current needs, prioritize different elements of the practice, such as strength-building, flexibility, or stress reduction.
• Incorporation of Complementary Practices: Integrate other health practices like swimming, walking, or Tai Chi to support yoga practice and address different physical needs.

Take Home:

Scalability is crucial for maintaining a lifelong Ashtanga Yoga practice. By understanding and implementing modifications based on personal circumstances, practitioners can continue to experience the benefits of yoga throughout their lives. Adapting practice ensures that Ashtanga Yoga remains a supportive, enriching part of the practitioner's journey, reflecting the dynamic nature of life itself.

—

We have one spot left for a dude-double as well as one triple room for the @ashtanga.tech Mexico, Dec 4-9. Wild.

So inspired after our Intermediate Intensive.

Currently missing my friends @coryyoga and @magiccityyogi -- but glad to be back with my other best friend. This one likes to practice outside-- the other two... Well, not so much. It's good that we're not all the same!

Up Next: Primary Series intensive at @theyoga.club this week end.

So inspired after our Intermediate Intensive.

Currently missing my friends @coryyoga and @magiccityyogi -- but glad to be back with my other best friend. This one likes to practice outside-- the other two... Well, not so much. It's good that we're not all the same!

Up Next: Primary Series intensive at @theyoga.club this week end.

So inspired after our Intermediate Intensive.

Currently missing my friends @coryyoga and @magiccityyogi -- but glad to be back with my other best friend. This one likes to practice outside-- the other two... Well, not so much. It's good that we're not all the same!

Up Next: Primary Series intensive at @theyoga.club this week end.

So inspired after our Intermediate Intensive.

Currently missing my friends @coryyoga and @magiccityyogi -- but glad to be back with my other best friend. This one likes to practice outside-- the other two... Well, not so much. It's good that we're not all the same!

Up Next: Primary Series intensive at @theyoga.club this week end.

So inspired after our Intermediate Intensive.

Currently missing my friends @coryyoga and @magiccityyogi -- but glad to be back with my other best friend. This one likes to practice outside-- the other two... Well, not so much. It's good that we're not all the same!

Up Next: Primary Series intensive at @theyoga.club this week end.

So inspired after our Intermediate Intensive.

Currently missing my friends @coryyoga and @magiccityyogi -- but glad to be back with my other best friend. This one likes to practice outside-- the other two... Well, not so much. It's good that we're not all the same!

Up Next: Primary Series intensive at @theyoga.club this week end.

So inspired after our Intermediate Intensive.

Currently missing my friends @coryyoga and @magiccityyogi -- but glad to be back with my other best friend. This one likes to practice outside-- the other two... Well, not so much. It's good that we're not all the same!

Up Next: Primary Series intensive at @theyoga.club this week end.

So inspired after our Intermediate Intensive.

Currently missing my friends @coryyoga and @magiccityyogi -- but glad to be back with my other best friend. This one likes to practice outside-- the other two... Well, not so much. It's good that we're not all the same!

Up Next: Primary Series intensive at @theyoga.club this week end.

So inspired after our Intermediate Intensive.

Currently missing my friends @coryyoga and @magiccityyogi -- but glad to be back with my other best friend. This one likes to practice outside-- the other two... Well, not so much. It's good that we're not all the same!

Up Next: Primary Series intensive at @theyoga.club this week end.

So inspired after our Intermediate Intensive.

Currently missing my friends @coryyoga and @magiccityyogi -- but glad to be back with my other best friend. This one likes to practice outside-- the other two... Well, not so much. It's good that we're not all the same!

Up Next: Primary Series intensive at @theyoga.club this week end.

this weekend at @theyoga.club

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!

meditation coaching with Cory

🫣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.

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

curious about ashtanga?
@jenreneyoga makes it so clear. Click!

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!

When I got to Goa, I felt anonymous again.

In Mysore, I felt like everyone had heard. I was the ashtangi who got hate crime'd in the face after his house burned down. I wanted to be the tall pretty one. Or the smart one. But for now, I was very much the tragic one.

Luckily, Rolf wasn’t watching the news. I was just one more 6'3 drop back for him to do. And he was happy to oblige-- quietly sharing lite bits here and there in my ear about his work. But not so happy with it that I didn’t get assigned sone extra. Great.

After 26 years of shrinking myself for others, I got to just be the big one. You gotta gang up to take the big one down, and that's what was happening in real life. Literal gangs at home on the street, and little yogi gangs jockeying for status in Mysore.

When you question your ability to be loved by the universe, it is very helpful to see real love pouring out of someone else’s eyes.

Rolf didn’t need to know that I was stitched together with laughy taffy and titanium. Marci went to work on putting my physical injuries to bed and Rolf my heart. Neither needed a narrative. it is good, because I was so sick of my own story I couldn’t take it anymore.

As I’ve been working on my book-- it’s almost done -- the only part that I haven’t gotten into is my introduction into Systems Thinking-- through a gang beatdown.

I have known catastrophe again and again and gotten up to go again and again. This might sound like hubris, but check my receipts.

Rolf was able to help me see the interconnected nature of things in a way that makes the big picture possible. He also helped me understand how unspecial I was — while also feeling very very, very special. As Rolf would say, you do as you feel, and every day, the Yoga grows inside of you like a little plant.

In many ways, the development of my practice and the autonomy — the Santosh— the self sufficiency — means that there is less labor for my teacher to take on. Now i understand that my desire to be better in my physical practice was also so that Rolf had to do less for me.

Since he’s dead now, I will have to put my thigh down on the ground myself.

my most precious of memories are kept safe with friends

Translated from Croatian: more about rolf: @toncigulisija_shivarishi

Simple Lats and Legs Circuit:
Go up in weight
Aim for 90 seconds for each round, 11-12 sec per rep.

3 Rounds (1 min between sets)
-Single Arm Reverse Grip Lat Pulldown (r & l)— 8 Eccentrics with 2lb Progression
-8 Suitcase Squats (time under tension) with 2lb progressions

3 Rounds (1 minute rest)
-Single Arm Reverse Grip Lat Pulldown (r & l)— 8 Eccentrics with 2lb regressions
-8 Suitcase Squats (time under tension) with 2lb regressions

Adaptive resistance via @vitruvian
—
Maybe lets launch a little ashtanga early bird barbell club, huh? Hit me up if that sounds fun.

had to find my authorization paperwork for a background check.

Came across this gem.

9 years!

gorgeous human

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 🙂

love this earlier work by @davidgarriguesyoga @joymarzec nailed it as editor

me explaining vinyasa counts

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.

Learn how to use your practice to live better. Ashtanga Yoga can impact our physiology in life changing ways. This and much more at https://ashtanga.tech/ @ashtanga.tech

Prax

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.

Between backbends

Transitions Playground
Saturday after Mysore

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!!

a new shala begins

Hannah’s working on Natarajasana. Heres a peek.

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

Go up to woodley park yoga for time with an Ashtanga teacher who has some wisdom on practice after catastrophe.

healing this ol’ cage one rib atta time

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.

thinking of my teacher and my wonderful commmnity

thinking about progress

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.

this is ashtanga yoga

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

Have you ever wondered why community-based yoga studios are disappearing? In this compelling video, we delve into the transformation of yoga from soulful sanctuaries into profit-driven entities. Discover how corporate takeovers disrupted the essence of independent studios, turning authentic experiences into commercial products. Learn how to preserve the heart and soul of yoga in modern spaces and avoid repeating past mistakes. We explore the importance of authenticity, personal connections, and maintaining a non-toxic environment. #YogaCommunity #AuthenticityMatters #YogaTransformation

Are you ready to explore the life of a yoga contractor? 🌟 Discover the unique balance of freedom and responsibility in the yoga industry. As a contractor, you get to choose when, where, and how often you teach, giving you unparalleled creative control. Yet, with this autonomy comes the challenge of missing out on traditional benefits like health insurance and paid leave. The secret to success is in financial planning and understanding deductions. Join us in unpacking these insights and learn how yoga professionals can navigate these waters. #YogaContractor #FreedomAndResponsibility #YogaCareer

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

'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

Are you ready to explore the hidden connections between Eastern spirituality and Western science? 🌌 In this video, Michael Johal reveals the intriguing parallels between the ancient concept of Bindu and today’s understanding of western physiology, focusing on the pineal gland and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. 🧠✨ Discover how these connections could enhance your understanding of consciousness and spiritual experiences, potentially linked with DMT production. We delve into how Bindu relates to neuroplasticity and our brain’s ability to heal and grow, offering a fresh perspective on spirituality and science. Don't miss out on this fascinating journey into the interplay of mind, body, and spirit. Stay curious, and keep exploring with us! #Consciousness #Neuroplasticity #EasternWisdom

See the sources cited at Ashtanga.tech

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

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

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

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

In memory of Paramaguru Sharath Jois.

I had the privilege of practicing with Sharath in Mysore over several years, an experience that shaped me profoundly, both as a person and as a practitioner. Under his guidance, I earned my authorization to teach Ashtanga Yoga, an accreditation that has meant a great deal to me. Sharath was dedicated to continuing the practice of Ashtanga yoga in the Mysore style, and his teaching held space for a wide spectrum of practitioners, allowing us to experience both the discipline and the subtleties of this system of yoga. He was also quite funny.

As I reflect on his passing, I feel a deep gratitude for the time I had with him and a quiet, profound sadness at the close of a chapter in our community. Sharath’s role as a teacher was unique, and his influence will continue to ripple through the practice of those he taught directly and indirectly.

It never occurred to me that I would not be able to practice with him again. I learned so much from him, not only about Ashtanga, but about boundaries, humility, and support. His presence will be missed, but his teachings remain.

For those of us in this lineage, this is a time to connect with one another and reflect on what the practice has given us. It’s an opportunity to carry forward what Sharath imparted without placing anyone on a pedestal, simply honoring the legacy of a teacher who dedicated himself to sharing Ashtanga with the world.

In memory of Paramaguru Sharath Jois.

I had the privilege of practicing with Sharath in Mysore over several years, an experience that shaped me profoundly, both as a person and as a practitioner. Under his guidance, I earned my authorization to teach Ashtanga Yoga, an accreditation that has meant a great deal to me. Sharath was dedicated to continuing the practice of Ashtanga yoga in the Mysore style, and his teaching held space for a wide spectrum of practitioners, allowing us to experience both the discipline and the subtleties of this system of yoga. He was also quite funny.

As I reflect on his passing, I feel a deep gratitude for the time I had with him and a quiet, profound sadness at the close of a chapter in our community. Sharath’s role as a teacher was unique, and his influence will continue to ripple through the practice of those he taught directly and indirectly.

It never occurred to me that I would not be able to practice with him again. I learned so much from him, not only about Ashtanga, but about boundaries, humility, and support. His presence will be missed, but his teachings remain.

For those of us in this lineage, this is a time to connect with one another and reflect on what the practice has given us. It’s an opportunity to carry forward what Sharath imparted without placing anyone on a pedestal, simply honoring the legacy of a teacher who dedicated himself to sharing Ashtanga with the world.

In memory of Paramaguru Sharath Jois.

I had the privilege of practicing with Sharath in Mysore over several years, an experience that shaped me profoundly, both as a person and as a practitioner. Under his guidance, I earned my authorization to teach Ashtanga Yoga, an accreditation that has meant a great deal to me. Sharath was dedicated to continuing the practice of Ashtanga yoga in the Mysore style, and his teaching held space for a wide spectrum of practitioners, allowing us to experience both the discipline and the subtleties of this system of yoga. He was also quite funny.

As I reflect on his passing, I feel a deep gratitude for the time I had with him and a quiet, profound sadness at the close of a chapter in our community. Sharath’s role as a teacher was unique, and his influence will continue to ripple through the practice of those he taught directly and indirectly.

It never occurred to me that I would not be able to practice with him again. I learned so much from him, not only about Ashtanga, but about boundaries, humility, and support. His presence will be missed, but his teachings remain.

For those of us in this lineage, this is a time to connect with one another and reflect on what the practice has given us. It’s an opportunity to carry forward what Sharath imparted without placing anyone on a pedestal, simply honoring the legacy of a teacher who dedicated himself to sharing Ashtanga with the world.

DC Crew
Mayan Mysore Adventure
🦄 “Your vibe begets your tribe.”

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