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

🌿 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

yoga teacher, fashion fixer, JVN wishes tbh

reflection incoming

“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.

I love sharing yoga and I think it shows. Here’s a peek in at a private coaching session with @mikematspace at @theyoga.club — We’re doing a study on shoulder movements that will enhance backbends, twists and binds. I didn’t wanna blow up his spot here, but I thought I looked extra muppety so I had to share.

These sessions are super fun —
You can book a session with me from michaeljoelhall.com — it’s very straightforward 🙂

This is a mommy appreciation post. My parents were in their 70s when they decided to move to Mexico— and somehow now they’re in their 20s. It is a great blessing of this life to love your parents and be loved by them, and the older I get the more I appreciate that. One of my favorite things about my mom is that my friends call her Mama Hall, cause i think they know immediately how loved they are. It’s neat. She’s just like that, full of love and grace, while also being very, very funny. I try to talk to mom and dad for a good while every week, and I think I see mom more now than I have since I was a teenager.

Love you mommy! @gail.hall.927

This is a mommy appreciation post. My parents were in their 70s when they decided to move to Mexico— and somehow now they’re in their 20s. It is a great blessing of this life to love your parents and be loved by them, and the older I get the more I appreciate that. One of my favorite things about my mom is that my friends call her Mama Hall, cause i think they know immediately how loved they are. It’s neat. She’s just like that, full of love and grace, while also being very, very funny. I try to talk to mom and dad for a good while every week, and I think I see mom more now than I have since I was a teenager.

Love you mommy! @gail.hall.927

This is a mommy appreciation post. My parents were in their 70s when they decided to move to Mexico— and somehow now they’re in their 20s. It is a great blessing of this life to love your parents and be loved by them, and the older I get the more I appreciate that. One of my favorite things about my mom is that my friends call her Mama Hall, cause i think they know immediately how loved they are. It’s neat. She’s just like that, full of love and grace, while also being very, very funny. I try to talk to mom and dad for a good while every week, and I think I see mom more now than I have since I was a teenager.

Love you mommy! @gail.hall.927

This is a mommy appreciation post. My parents were in their 70s when they decided to move to Mexico— and somehow now they’re in their 20s. It is a great blessing of this life to love your parents and be loved by them, and the older I get the more I appreciate that. One of my favorite things about my mom is that my friends call her Mama Hall, cause i think they know immediately how loved they are. It’s neat. She’s just like that, full of love and grace, while also being very, very funny. I try to talk to mom and dad for a good while every week, and I think I see mom more now than I have since I was a teenager.

Love you mommy! @gail.hall.927

This is a mommy appreciation post. My parents were in their 70s when they decided to move to Mexico— and somehow now they’re in their 20s. It is a great blessing of this life to love your parents and be loved by them, and the older I get the more I appreciate that. One of my favorite things about my mom is that my friends call her Mama Hall, cause i think they know immediately how loved they are. It’s neat. She’s just like that, full of love and grace, while also being very, very funny. I try to talk to mom and dad for a good while every week, and I think I see mom more now than I have since I was a teenager.

Love you mommy! @gail.hall.927

This is a mommy appreciation post. My parents were in their 70s when they decided to move to Mexico— and somehow now they’re in their 20s. It is a great blessing of this life to love your parents and be loved by them, and the older I get the more I appreciate that. One of my favorite things about my mom is that my friends call her Mama Hall, cause i think they know immediately how loved they are. It’s neat. She’s just like that, full of love and grace, while also being very, very funny. I try to talk to mom and dad for a good while every week, and I think I see mom more now than I have since I was a teenager.

Love you mommy! @gail.hall.927

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. 😉

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! 🌟

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

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.

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!

I promise, I'm not skipping leg day.

I lift as occupational therapy. I lift because it makes me feel affirmed in my masculinity. I lift because it helps combat negative mental chatter. I lift because I'm vain. I lift because there's more than one way to get kundalini to rise.

I understand that it's healthy for me to have an outlet for exercise that is seperate from my spiritual practice. Things get weird when I try to do mental gymnastics in order to feel good about my actual gymnastics. Remember: i'm vain. Ican just make exercise exercise and yoga yoga. I think it's a good idea for most, but athletes in particular.

Do you practice yoga and lift weights?

🫣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.

“Easy come, easy go," Rolf would say.

My teacher has passed.

Rolf taught along the Arabian Sea, between the psytrance and the sea— just in from jungles of Goa. As complex as he was simple and straightforward, he lived and led by example. He changed my life. He made clear that liberation was available to each of us, starting with the malarkey of our present condition.

I want nothing more in this life than to make him proud. He’d likely rather that I be gardening, swimming, praying— anything other than typing. Especially not posting photos.

Rolf would say how unimportant it was for your guru to even know your name— that your guru just needed to know *you*.

It meant something to me when you gave me a hug and called me “Big Mike. “ I felt very seen, Rolf. I have so much work to do, because I am still waiting to hear your voice again.

Please keep my family and me in your prayers. It pains me to say, but I think maybe we are all a little better having Rolf on a different plane — maybe just maybe — somehow helping to elevate all of our consciousness further. I need it. We need it.

I have many stories about my time in goa and with Rolf that I love to tell, but they are for in person. Maybe come for thali and I’ll tell you all about him.

Full power, Rolfji. Easy come, easy go.

“Easy come, easy go," Rolf would say.

My teacher has passed.

Rolf taught along the Arabian Sea, between the psytrance and the sea— just in from jungles of Goa. As complex as he was simple and straightforward, he lived and led by example. He changed my life. He made clear that liberation was available to each of us, starting with the malarkey of our present condition.

I want nothing more in this life than to make him proud. He’d likely rather that I be gardening, swimming, praying— anything other than typing. Especially not posting photos.

Rolf would say how unimportant it was for your guru to even know your name— that your guru just needed to know *you*.

It meant something to me when you gave me a hug and called me “Big Mike. “ I felt very seen, Rolf. I have so much work to do, because I am still waiting to hear your voice again.

Please keep my family and me in your prayers. It pains me to say, but I think maybe we are all a little better having Rolf on a different plane — maybe just maybe — somehow helping to elevate all of our consciousness further. I need it. We need it.

I have many stories about my time in goa and with Rolf that I love to tell, but they are for in person. Maybe come for thali and I’ll tell you all about him.

Full power, Rolfji. Easy come, easy go.

“Easy come, easy go," Rolf would say.

My teacher has passed.

Rolf taught along the Arabian Sea, between the psytrance and the sea— just in from jungles of Goa. As complex as he was simple and straightforward, he lived and led by example. He changed my life. He made clear that liberation was available to each of us, starting with the malarkey of our present condition.

I want nothing more in this life than to make him proud. He’d likely rather that I be gardening, swimming, praying— anything other than typing. Especially not posting photos.

Rolf would say how unimportant it was for your guru to even know your name— that your guru just needed to know *you*.

It meant something to me when you gave me a hug and called me “Big Mike. “ I felt very seen, Rolf. I have so much work to do, because I am still waiting to hear your voice again.

Please keep my family and me in your prayers. It pains me to say, but I think maybe we are all a little better having Rolf on a different plane — maybe just maybe — somehow helping to elevate all of our consciousness further. I need it. We need it.

I have many stories about my time in goa and with Rolf that I love to tell, but they are for in person. Maybe come for thali and I’ll tell you all about him.

Full power, Rolfji. Easy come, easy go.

“Easy come, easy go," Rolf would say.

My teacher has passed.

Rolf taught along the Arabian Sea, between the psytrance and the sea— just in from jungles of Goa. As complex as he was simple and straightforward, he lived and led by example. He changed my life. He made clear that liberation was available to each of us, starting with the malarkey of our present condition.

I want nothing more in this life than to make him proud. He’d likely rather that I be gardening, swimming, praying— anything other than typing. Especially not posting photos.

Rolf would say how unimportant it was for your guru to even know your name— that your guru just needed to know *you*.

It meant something to me when you gave me a hug and called me “Big Mike. “ I felt very seen, Rolf. I have so much work to do, because I am still waiting to hear your voice again.

Please keep my family and me in your prayers. It pains me to say, but I think maybe we are all a little better having Rolf on a different plane — maybe just maybe — somehow helping to elevate all of our consciousness further. I need it. We need it.

I have many stories about my time in goa and with Rolf that I love to tell, but they are for in person. Maybe come for thali and I’ll tell you all about him.

Full power, Rolfji. Easy come, easy go.

“Easy come, easy go," Rolf would say.

My teacher has passed.

Rolf taught along the Arabian Sea, between the psytrance and the sea— just in from jungles of Goa. As complex as he was simple and straightforward, he lived and led by example. He changed my life. He made clear that liberation was available to each of us, starting with the malarkey of our present condition.

I want nothing more in this life than to make him proud. He’d likely rather that I be gardening, swimming, praying— anything other than typing. Especially not posting photos.

Rolf would say how unimportant it was for your guru to even know your name— that your guru just needed to know *you*.

It meant something to me when you gave me a hug and called me “Big Mike. “ I felt very seen, Rolf. I have so much work to do, because I am still waiting to hear your voice again.

Please keep my family and me in your prayers. It pains me to say, but I think maybe we are all a little better having Rolf on a different plane — maybe just maybe — somehow helping to elevate all of our consciousness further. I need it. We need it.

I have many stories about my time in goa and with Rolf that I love to tell, but they are for in person. Maybe come for thali and I’ll tell you all about him.

Full power, Rolfji. Easy come, easy go.

“Easy come, easy go," Rolf would say.

My teacher has passed.

Rolf taught along the Arabian Sea, between the psytrance and the sea— just in from jungles of Goa. As complex as he was simple and straightforward, he lived and led by example. He changed my life. He made clear that liberation was available to each of us, starting with the malarkey of our present condition.

I want nothing more in this life than to make him proud. He’d likely rather that I be gardening, swimming, praying— anything other than typing. Especially not posting photos.

Rolf would say how unimportant it was for your guru to even know your name— that your guru just needed to know *you*.

It meant something to me when you gave me a hug and called me “Big Mike. “ I felt very seen, Rolf. I have so much work to do, because I am still waiting to hear your voice again.

Please keep my family and me in your prayers. It pains me to say, but I think maybe we are all a little better having Rolf on a different plane — maybe just maybe — somehow helping to elevate all of our consciousness further. I need it. We need it.

I have many stories about my time in goa and with Rolf that I love to tell, but they are for in person. Maybe come for thali and I’ll tell you all about him.

Full power, Rolfji. Easy come, easy go.

“Easy come, easy go," Rolf would say.

My teacher has passed.

Rolf taught along the Arabian Sea, between the psytrance and the sea— just in from jungles of Goa. As complex as he was simple and straightforward, he lived and led by example. He changed my life. He made clear that liberation was available to each of us, starting with the malarkey of our present condition.

I want nothing more in this life than to make him proud. He’d likely rather that I be gardening, swimming, praying— anything other than typing. Especially not posting photos.

Rolf would say how unimportant it was for your guru to even know your name— that your guru just needed to know *you*.

It meant something to me when you gave me a hug and called me “Big Mike. “ I felt very seen, Rolf. I have so much work to do, because I am still waiting to hear your voice again.

Please keep my family and me in your prayers. It pains me to say, but I think maybe we are all a little better having Rolf on a different plane — maybe just maybe — somehow helping to elevate all of our consciousness further. I need it. We need it.

I have many stories about my time in goa and with Rolf that I love to tell, but they are for in person. Maybe come for thali and I’ll tell you all about him.

Full power, Rolfji. Easy come, easy go.

“Easy come, easy go," Rolf would say.

My teacher has passed.

Rolf taught along the Arabian Sea, between the psytrance and the sea— just in from jungles of Goa. As complex as he was simple and straightforward, he lived and led by example. He changed my life. He made clear that liberation was available to each of us, starting with the malarkey of our present condition.

I want nothing more in this life than to make him proud. He’d likely rather that I be gardening, swimming, praying— anything other than typing. Especially not posting photos.

Rolf would say how unimportant it was for your guru to even know your name— that your guru just needed to know *you*.

It meant something to me when you gave me a hug and called me “Big Mike. “ I felt very seen, Rolf. I have so much work to do, because I am still waiting to hear your voice again.

Please keep my family and me in your prayers. It pains me to say, but I think maybe we are all a little better having Rolf on a different plane — maybe just maybe — somehow helping to elevate all of our consciousness further. I need it. We need it.

I have many stories about my time in goa and with Rolf that I love to tell, but they are for in person. Maybe come for thali and I’ll tell you all about him.

Full power, Rolfji. Easy come, easy go.

“Easy come, easy go," Rolf would say.

My teacher has passed.

Rolf taught along the Arabian Sea, between the psytrance and the sea— just in from jungles of Goa. As complex as he was simple and straightforward, he lived and led by example. He changed my life. He made clear that liberation was available to each of us, starting with the malarkey of our present condition.

I want nothing more in this life than to make him proud. He’d likely rather that I be gardening, swimming, praying— anything other than typing. Especially not posting photos.

Rolf would say how unimportant it was for your guru to even know your name— that your guru just needed to know *you*.

It meant something to me when you gave me a hug and called me “Big Mike. “ I felt very seen, Rolf. I have so much work to do, because I am still waiting to hear your voice again.

Please keep my family and me in your prayers. It pains me to say, but I think maybe we are all a little better having Rolf on a different plane — maybe just maybe — somehow helping to elevate all of our consciousness further. I need it. We need it.

I have many stories about my time in goa and with Rolf that I love to tell, but they are for in person. Maybe come for thali and I’ll tell you all about him.

Full power, Rolfji. Easy come, easy go.

“Easy come, easy go," Rolf would say.

My teacher has passed.

Rolf taught along the Arabian Sea, between the psytrance and the sea— just in from jungles of Goa. As complex as he was simple and straightforward, he lived and led by example. He changed my life. He made clear that liberation was available to each of us, starting with the malarkey of our present condition.

I want nothing more in this life than to make him proud. He’d likely rather that I be gardening, swimming, praying— anything other than typing. Especially not posting photos.

Rolf would say how unimportant it was for your guru to even know your name— that your guru just needed to know *you*.

It meant something to me when you gave me a hug and called me “Big Mike. “ I felt very seen, Rolf. I have so much work to do, because I am still waiting to hear your voice again.

Please keep my family and me in your prayers. It pains me to say, but I think maybe we are all a little better having Rolf on a different plane — maybe just maybe — somehow helping to elevate all of our consciousness further. I need it. We need it.

I have many stories about my time in goa and with Rolf that I love to tell, but they are for in person. Maybe come for thali and I’ll tell you all about him.

Full power, Rolfji. Easy come, easy go.

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.

Translated from Croatian: more about rolf: @toncigulisija_shivarishi

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.

How did i recover after getting hit by a car? Lifting with the @vitruvian trainer.

Adaptive Resistance via the electromagnetic platform is a game changer thats hard to explain but easy to see and feel. The results are, too.

We feature this cutting edge technology at @theyoga.club. Check out my latest article at michaeljoelhall.com/ to learn more about the benefits of adaptive resistance strength training.

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.

I am *so* proud of my friends. @dcmagazine Got this one *so* right!

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

❤️❤️❤️ paul’s commitment to these eastern traditions inspires me… and has helped heal me over the years.

When I started practicing in 2002, there wasnt a yoga studio on every corner. Yoga hadn’t quite hit the granola standard yet (when its not just for hippies anymore). Practice in general was still counterculture, with lineage-based yoga studios having been established for a decade or two. It wasnt yet seen from a consumerist athleisure lens.
This was at a time when traditional yoga studios had begun to propagate naturally into smaller studios from their spry, allowing 30-something teachers to enter full time teaching, inside their own four walls. It was a time before the big boxes, the local chains, and venture capital from Wall Street. Yes, at one time, independent yoga studios were owned by people who had made exotic journeys and devoted insane amounts of time to their spiritual quests amd studies.

So what happened? Head to michaeljoelhall.com to read more.

The modern yoga industry has shifted away from teaching a practice that once ecnouraged and even required ongoing learning, self-reflection, and personal growth. Instead, the commercial interests have been prioritized over genuine education. This shift has left both students and teachers navigating a system that often exploits their desire to learn and grow. Nowhere is this tension more evident than in the yoga teacher training system, which, while serving as a lifeline for the industry, has become deeply flawed.

Read the rest at michaeljoelhall.com

I feel seen.

thank you @jochetroche — youre always so supportive ❤️

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.

and grateful for those that have walked with me since I was a closeted little boy in King George

Backbending strategies. Heres 3 minutes on developing a better understanding of how to position the body and how to work end range strength.

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.

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!

Has yoga lost its soul to commercialization? Dive into this thought-provoking discussion on how the booming yoga industry affects its sacred roots. Discover the vital shift from a personal, spiritual journey to an immense competitive industry, and why maintaining mindfulness and compassion is crucial. Explore with us the importance of ethical business models in ensuring that yoga remains a path of true transformation and personal growth. Watch now to join the movement in preserving the authenticity of yoga! #YogaEssence #Mindfulness #SpiritualGrowth

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 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

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

🧘‍♀️ Are you a passionate yoga teacher struggling with financial stability? In this video, Michael Jolley delves into the crucial steps for creating a sustainable business model in the yoga industry. Discover how financial equity and community support can revolutionize your career. 💰 Learn to budget and master financial literacy for future disruptions. 🌐 Explore the potential of online platforms and community-centric offerings to expand your horizons beyond studio classes. 🧩 Together, let's reshape the yoga profession for financial stability while continuing to spread the joy of yoga. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights for a strong and secure career! #YogaBusiness #FinancialStability #MindfulLiving

Equity in yoga teaching is about more than buzzwords. It's about building a sustainable career and empowering independent professionals. @indieyogapros is working to create that future. What does equity mean to you as a yoga teacher? Comment below! mjh.yoga

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

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.

Cc: @theyoga.club

My "home gym" for the last 4 years has been in Playa del Carmen. @impetusfitnesss welcome’d me and my family in as a part of their family-- so patient with me as I learn gym Spanish. @jaimescandont is a great coach, and his skills as a coach are just 👨‍🍳💋-- they're growing faster than my Spanish, too 🙈. Anyway, I just wanted to share a little about what my support system looks like. Gratitude. Global love, y'all.

Mi “gimnasio en casa” durante los últimos 4 años ha estado en Playa del Carmen. @impetusfitnesss nos dio la bienvenida a mí y a mi familia como parte de su familia, muy pacientes conmigo mientras aprendo español de gimnasio. @jaimescandont es un gran entrenador, y sus habilidades como entrenador son simplemente 👨‍🍳💋; también están creciendo más rápido que mi español 🙈. De todos modos, solo quería compartir un poco sobre cómo es mi sistema de apoyo. Gratitud. Amor global, amigos.

Cc: xo @karen_karel