talking to camera
30 entries in 2025 · oldest first
2025
in imageEmbodying Leadership Through Yoga
IN WASHINGTON, DC,
michaeljoelhall
MICHAEL JOEL HALL
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, Shala Director, and Founder
AND PEOPLE WHO ARE
IN WASHINGTON, DC,
michaeljoelhall
MICHAEL JOEL HALL
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, Shala Director, and Founder
AND PEOPLE WHO ARE
Ashtanga yoga acts as a powerful ally in confronting our deepest cognitive biases and illuminating a path towards clear perception. 🌟 More at the blog.
in imageBREATH AND ASANA UNLOCK SELF – AWARENESS
UNLOCK SELF
BEYOND OUR OWN
UNLOCK SELF
BEYOND OUR OWN
Being honest encourages others to be honest. It also means you can trust the feedback. No need to polish a turd— but not everything can be sh*t. Radical candor helps sort that.
in imageSKIPPING SHAVASANA,
A TEACHER WHO
YOU SAY IT WITH
A TEACHER WHO
YOU SAY IT WITH
No. Just your own space and do it. dm me.
in imageOkay then any anyone over 15
Getting paid when you teach public yoga classes...
No. Just your own space and do it. dm me.
I everything over 15 get $3
Getting paid when you teach public yoga classes...
No. Just your own space and do it. dm me.
Getting paid when you teach public yoga classes...
No. Just your own space and do it. dm me.
I everything over 15 get $3
Getting paid when you teach public yoga classes...
No. Just your own space and do it. dm me.
The bigger picture: everything’s interconnected. Get into it.
in imagePLACE IN THE LARGER
IMPROVING YOUR YOGA
COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDING CREATES SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS. TOGETHER.
IMPROVING YOUR YOGA
COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDING CREATES SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS. TOGETHER.
brilliant stuff by dr miskie
in imageof somehow being wrong when
FEAR and its effects on the VOICE...
brilliant stuff by dr miskie
So, what I've shifted to over
FEAR and its effects on the VOICE...
brilliant stuff by dr miskie
The only thing that I really
FEAR and its effects on the VOICE...
brilliant stuff by dr miskie
FEAR and its effects on the VOICE...
brilliant stuff by dr miskie
So, what I've shifted to over
FEAR and its effects on the VOICE...
brilliant stuff by dr miskie
The only thing that I really
FEAR and its effects on the VOICE...
brilliant stuff by dr miskie
Okay, let’s talk about Ashtanga yoga, or rather, what it’s become in the hands of the market.
I’ve often spoken about systems and how they behave, and what I see happening with Ashtanga, particularly on platforms like Instagram, is a classic example of a distortion of purpose within a system.
We have a practice, Ashtanga, that by its very nature demands discipline, patience, and internal focus – tools for transformation and self-realization. It’s designed to help us understand ourselves and regulate our nervous systems, to feel better from the inside out.
Yet, what we often see is a system, driven by commercial imperatives, that reduces it to a “visual commodity.” Suddenly, it’s about aesthetics, hyperflexible bodies, and “bite-sized” content.
This isn’t the whole picture, is it? It’s a feedback loop where what’s easily digestible and visually appealing gets amplified, even if it sacrifices the true essence.
Even I, in my own work, might find myself in a situation where I’m participating in the very system I critique, currently running an ad and using my six-pack (fleeting though she may be) as a vehicle for presenting information to get people into yoga and meditation.
That’s the challenge of working within complex systems – there’s often a degree of complicity just by being a part of them. But the critical point is to always remember the true goal of the system.
Ashtanga, despite these external pressures and misrepresentations, persists. Why? Because, as with any truly effective system, it works. It provides real self-love and deep understanding for those willing to commit and dig deeper. It’s a powerful reminder that while external pressures can distort and simplify, the underlying purpose and effectiveness of a well-designed system can still endure for those who seek its authentic benefits.
Come practice.
I’ve often spoken about systems and how they behave, and what I see happening with Ashtanga, particularly on platforms like Instagram, is a classic example of a distortion of purpose within a system.
We have a practice, Ashtanga, that by its very nature demands discipline, patience, and internal focus – tools for transformation and self-realization. It’s designed to help us understand ourselves and regulate our nervous systems, to feel better from the inside out.
Yet, what we often see is a system, driven by commercial imperatives, that reduces it to a “visual commodity.” Suddenly, it’s about aesthetics, hyperflexible bodies, and “bite-sized” content.
This isn’t the whole picture, is it? It’s a feedback loop where what’s easily digestible and visually appealing gets amplified, even if it sacrifices the true essence.
Even I, in my own work, might find myself in a situation where I’m participating in the very system I critique, currently running an ad and using my six-pack (fleeting though she may be) as a vehicle for presenting information to get people into yoga and meditation.
That’s the challenge of working within complex systems – there’s often a degree of complicity just by being a part of them. But the critical point is to always remember the true goal of the system.
Ashtanga, despite these external pressures and misrepresentations, persists. Why? Because, as with any truly effective system, it works. It provides real self-love and deep understanding for those willing to commit and dig deeper. It’s a powerful reminder that while external pressures can distort and simplify, the underlying purpose and effectiveness of a well-designed system can still endure for those who seek its authentic benefits.
Come practice.
in imageEMPHASIZING
know, POSES
EMBRACE ITS
know, POSES
EMBRACE ITS
in imageCommercialization and Image Focus Related to Ashtanga Yoga
PATIENCE, AND AN
Real talk about Ashtanga Yoga with @MichaelJoelHall Amazing teacher and a true forever student of the practice
MICHAEL JOEL HALL
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, Shala Director, and Founder
AND YET, I JUST RAN
Real talk about Ashtanga Yoga with @MichaelJoelHall amazing teacher and a true forever student of the practice
PATIENCE, AND AN
Real talk about Ashtanga Yoga with @MichaelJoelHall Amazing teacher and a true forever student of the practice
MICHAEL JOEL HALL
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, Shala Director, and Founder
AND YET, I JUST RAN
Real talk about Ashtanga Yoga with @MichaelJoelHall amazing teacher and a true forever student of the practice
Ashtanga Yoga isn’t fragile—
But the system that tried to contain it? That one cracked.
When leadership is centralized, the whole thing topples with a single loss.
When authority is gatekept, the system can’t adapt.
But Mysore-style was always meant to be self-practice.
Passed hand to hand.
From one dedicated practitioner to another.
You breathe, you move, you grow.
Someone notices. They ask.
Suddenly, you’re teaching.
No fanfare. No certification ceremony.
Just the work.
Decentralization isn’t the death of tradition.
It’s how it survives.
#decentralizedashtanga #ashtangayoga #mysorestyle #globalsangha #selfpractice #notfragile #theyogaclub
But the system that tried to contain it? That one cracked.
When leadership is centralized, the whole thing topples with a single loss.
When authority is gatekept, the system can’t adapt.
But Mysore-style was always meant to be self-practice.
Passed hand to hand.
From one dedicated practitioner to another.
You breathe, you move, you grow.
Someone notices. They ask.
Suddenly, you’re teaching.
No fanfare. No certification ceremony.
Just the work.
Decentralization isn’t the death of tradition.
It’s how it survives.
#decentralizedashtanga #ashtangayoga #mysorestyle #globalsangha #selfpractice #notfragile #theyogaclub
in imageISN'T FRAGILE.
MEANINGFUL ON
MEANINGFUL ON
What does it mean to have an internal landscape? Ashtanga emphasizes the inner experience.
More over on my youtube.
More over on my youtube.
in imageInternal Experience in Ashtanga Yoga
• Emphasis on internal experience over external instruction
• Talking vs. Doing
• Understanding through practice
• Emphasis on internal experience over external instruction
• Talking vs. Doing
• Understanding through practice
in imageInternal Experience in Ashtanga Yoga
• Emphasis on internal experience over external instruction
• Talking vs. Doing
• Understanding through practice
• Emphasis on internal experience over external instruction
• Talking vs. Doing
• Understanding through practice
Critical Thought in Healthy Groups doesnt look like convoluted stories. Full video on YouTube.
in imageContradictory Dogma and Indoctrination
Encouraging Open Discussion
Self-doubt is encouraged
Members pressured to doubt ability
amed on evil or outside influences
Self-blame for mi r doubts
Contradictory Dogma and Indoctrination
Encouraging Open Discussion
Self-doubt is encouraged
Members pressured to doubt ability
amed on evil or outside influences
Self-blame for mi... doubts
Encouraging Open Discussion
Self-doubt is encouraged
Members pressured to doubt ability
amed on evil or outside influences
Self-blame for mi r doubts
Contradictory Dogma and Indoctrination
Encouraging Open Discussion
Self-doubt is encouraged
Members pressured to doubt ability
amed on evil or outside influences
Self-blame for mi... doubts
Cult Warning Sign 4: Lack of Reason and Magical Thinking. Whole video on youtube!
in imageMagical Thinking and High-Pressure Groups
Which is it?
Magical Thinking vs Reason & Evidence
Reason & Evidence
Values evidence and
Encourages dive... experiences
Emphasizes th...
Replace
unde...
Magical Thinking and High-Pressure Groups
Which is it?
Magical Thinking vs Reason & Evidence
Reason & Evidence
Values evidence and
Encourages diverse experiences
Emphasizes th
Replace
unde
Magical Thinking and High-Pressure Groups
Which is it? / Magical Thinking vs Reason & Evidence / Reason & Evidence / Values evidence and / Encourages diverse experiences / Emphasizes th / Replace unde
Magical Thinking and High-Pressure Groups
Which is it?
Magical Thinking vs Reason & Evidence
Reason & Evidence
Values evidence and
Encourages diverse experiences
Emphasizes th
Replace unde
Which is it?
Magical Thinking vs Reason & Evidence
Reason & Evidence
Values evidence and
Encourages dive... experiences
Emphasizes th...
Replace
unde...
Magical Thinking and High-Pressure Groups
Which is it?
Magical Thinking vs Reason & Evidence
Reason & Evidence
Values evidence and
Encourages diverse experiences
Emphasizes th
Replace
unde
Magical Thinking and High-Pressure Groups
Which is it? / Magical Thinking vs Reason & Evidence / Reason & Evidence / Values evidence and / Encourages diverse experiences / Emphasizes th / Replace unde
Magical Thinking and High-Pressure Groups
Which is it?
Magical Thinking vs Reason & Evidence
Reason & Evidence
Values evidence and
Encourages diverse experiences
Emphasizes th
Replace unde
Who won’t let you criticize them? Ready for another organizational red flag? Leadership that won’t allow criticism, of course!
If we don’t encourage a multiplicity of viewpoints, we are inherently narrow sighted. If you must hold the same view as leadership in order to get a say, you are being controlled. I do not like echo chambers. An organization that creates one on purpose is not only inherently fragile, but in a predicament of its own making. Again, who wont stand for criticism? Authoritarians.
Diverse thinking is a good thing. More on youtube.
If we don’t encourage a multiplicity of viewpoints, we are inherently narrow sighted. If you must hold the same view as leadership in order to get a say, you are being controlled. I do not like echo chambers. An organization that creates one on purpose is not only inherently fragile, but in a predicament of its own making. Again, who wont stand for criticism? Authoritarians.
Diverse thinking is a good thing. More on youtube.
in imageThis happens with charismatic and narcissistic teachers and leaders. Charismatic and Narcissistic Leaders
Look around for where criticism is forbidden and theatrics are used to
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
trination practiced
Confusion in underst
Welcomes questions
sters open ssion
Values skepticism
Who are their friends?
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
trination practiced
Confusion in underst
Welcomes questions
ers open
lues
ticism
This happens with charismatic and narcissistic teachers and leaders. / Charismatic and Narcissistic Leaders
Look around for where criticism is forbidden and theatrics are used to
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confu...
trination practiced
Confusion in underst...
Welcomes questions
sters open ssion
Values skepticism
Who are their friends?
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
trination practiced
Confusion in underst
Welcomes questions
ers open
lues
ticism
This happens with charismatic and narcissistic teachers and leaders. | Charismatic and Narcissistic Leaders
Look around for where criticism is forbidden and theatrics are used to | Opposition to Critical Thought | der-approved sources encouraged | Contradictory or confus... | trination practiced | Confusion in underst... | Welcomes questions | ters open ssion | Values skepticism
Who are their friends?
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
trination practiced
Confusion in underst
Welcomes questions
ers open
lues
ticism
This happens with charismatic and narcissistic teachers and leaders. Charismatic and Narcissistic Leaders
Look around for where criticism is forbidden and theatrics are used to
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
trination practiced
Confusion in underst
Welcomes questions
ters open ssion
Values cepticism
So
Who are their friends?
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
trination practiced
Confusion in underst
Welcomes questions
ers open
alues
ticism
Look around for where criticism is forbidden and theatrics are used to
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
trination practiced
Confusion in underst
Welcomes questions
sters open ssion
Values skepticism
Who are their friends?
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
trination practiced
Confusion in underst
Welcomes questions
ers open
lues
ticism
This happens with charismatic and narcissistic teachers and leaders. / Charismatic and Narcissistic Leaders
Look around for where criticism is forbidden and theatrics are used to
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confu...
trination practiced
Confusion in underst...
Welcomes questions
sters open ssion
Values skepticism
Who are their friends?
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
trination practiced
Confusion in underst
Welcomes questions
ers open
lues
ticism
This happens with charismatic and narcissistic teachers and leaders. | Charismatic and Narcissistic Leaders
Look around for where criticism is forbidden and theatrics are used to | Opposition to Critical Thought | der-approved sources encouraged | Contradictory or confus... | trination practiced | Confusion in underst... | Welcomes questions | ters open ssion | Values skepticism
Who are their friends?
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
trination practiced
Confusion in underst
Welcomes questions
ers open
lues
ticism
This happens with charismatic and narcissistic teachers and leaders. Charismatic and Narcissistic Leaders
Look around for where criticism is forbidden and theatrics are used to
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
trination practiced
Confusion in underst
Welcomes questions
ters open ssion
Values cepticism
So
Who are their friends?
Opposition to Critical Thought
der-approved sources encouraged
Contradictory or confus
trination practiced
Confusion in underst
Welcomes questions
ers open
alues
ticism
When leaders make decisions for their constituency behind closed doors without consulting said constituency, an organization is no longer designed to serve the people. This creates a sense of hierarchy, and inside of that hierarchy leaders are placed above the law.
more on YouTube!
more on YouTube!
in imageHow can you take a peek and see if their leadership is not accountable?
Accountability and Transparency
Another sign a group is high pressure called to is when leaders aren't
Are Your Leaders Accountable?
They all engage on all peer level or collaborate with outside advisors. Accountability and Transparency
How can you take a peek and see if their leadership is not accountable?
Accountability and Transparency
Another sign a group is high pressure called to is when leaders aren't
Are Your Leaders Accountable?
They all engage on all peer level or collaborate with outside advisors.
Accountability and Transparency
Accountability and Transparency
Another sign a group is high pressure called to is when leaders aren't
Are Your Leaders Accountable?
They all engage on all peer level or collaborate with outside advisors. Accountability and Transparency
How can you take a peek and see if their leadership is not accountable?
Accountability and Transparency
Another sign a group is high pressure called to is when leaders aren't
Are Your Leaders Accountable?
They all engage on all peer level or collaborate with outside advisors.
Accountability and Transparency
A big red flag for an organization? Resistance to outside input and censored sources. Withholding information that could help others in order to maintain power is disgustingly common. More on YouTube.
in imageaccepted.
cited sources.
independent research outside
cited sources.
independent research outside
Whistleblowers are often shunned. Luckily for us, it’s actually a good sign of a toxic group. When the priority is protecting the group and not the members of the group, there’s a problem. And it’s an easy one to spot!
Manipulation comes in all kinds of forms— intellectual, emotional, professional.
Look for shunning and a lack of respect for nonmembers. Looks for discrediting. If an organization lacks transparency and accountability, it’s likely toxic.
Manipulation comes in all kinds of forms— intellectual, emotional, professional.
Look for shunning and a lack of respect for nonmembers. Looks for discrediting. If an organization lacks transparency and accountability, it’s likely toxic.
in imagepotential friction points in
Financial penalties
Respects decision
Respect for De[parture]
Threats for Leaving vs Respect for Departure
Threats for Leaving
Employs[ment]
Slande[r]
potential friction points in
Financial penalties
Respects decision
Respect for De[parture]
Threats for Leaving vs Respect for Departure
Threats for Leaving
Employs[...]
Slande[r]
discussed, you're going to
potential friction points in
Financial penalties
Respects decision
Respect for De[parture]
Threats for Leaving vs Respect for Departure
Threats for Leaving
Employs[...]
Slande[r]
discussed, you're going to
andon pipeline growth in
paranoia and Conflict in Yoga Communities
Financial penalties
Respects decision
Respect for De[parture]
Threats for Leaving vs Respect for Departure
Threats for Leaving
Employs[ment]
Slande[r]
potential friction points in
Financial penalties
Respects decision
Respect for De[parture]
Threats for Leaving vs Respect for Departure
Threats for Leaving
Employs[...]
Slande[r]
discussed, you're going to
potential friction points in
Financial penalties
Respects decision
Respect for De[parture]
Threats for Leaving vs Respect for Departure
Threats for Leaving
Employs[...]
Slande[r]
discussed, you're going to
andon pipeline growth in
paranoia and Conflict in Yoga Communities
Heres the deal: someones gotta pay to keep the lights on. Studios have to run. Teachers have to get paid. This remains true, even as there is an imperative to care for the ecosystem— enough old timers to help the rookies, enough rookies to replace those who move.
Numbers are great, but sustainability is better. More on youtube.
Numbers are great, but sustainability is better. More on youtube.
in imageYou gotta keep your churn rate. Not numbers Not aggress Genuine Community Focus on values Recruitment Obsess Genuine Commun
nurturing an ecosystem if you focus on values.
Not numbers
Not aggress
Genuine Community
Focus on values
Recruitment Obsess
Genuine Commun
Urgency for growth
Recruitment Obsession
Constant pros
largest in their country.
Targeting the vulnerable with 'love-bombing' and idealistic goals
Vulnerable Individuals
Exc...tention
Constant pros...
nurturing an ecosystem if you focus on values.
Not numbers
Not aggress
Genuine Community
Focus on values
Recruitment Obsess
Genuine Commun
Urgency for growth
Recruitment Obsession
Constant pros
largest in their country.
Targeting the vulnerable with 'love-bombing' and idealistic goals
Vulnerable Individuals
Exc...tention
Constant pros...
in imageWhat's important in this for you?
Join DC Ashtanga for free courses
Encouraging Student Independence
Join DC Ashtanga for free courses
Get Real
reason and evidence.
Join DC Ashtanga for free courses
Encouraging Student Independence
Join DC Ashtanga for free courses
Get Real
reason and evidence.
Long time Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga teachers — the ones who have been teaching consecutively for a decade or more— what have you learned?
Long time Ashtanga Yoga Teachers who no longer teach, why not? Please share in the comments.
Long time Ashtanga Yoga Teachers who no longer teach, why not? Please share in the comments.
in imagedecade like consecutively and with the same population.
over this period of time.
depth date but don't anymore and I'm curious as to why they don't teach
over this period of time.
depth date but don't anymore and I'm curious as to why they don't teach
in imagePREACHED LOVE
YOU ABOUT MY
ONLY KEPT MEDITATION OOPS
YOU ABOUT MY
ONLY KEPT MEDITATION OOPS
Resharing because I havent had many teachers respond
in imageResharing because I havent had many teachers respond
decade like consecutively and with the same population.
Resharing because I havent had many teachers respond
over this period of time.
Resharing because I havent had many teachers respond
depth date but don't anymore and I'm curious as to why they don't teach
decade like consecutively and with the same population.
Resharing because I havent had many teachers respond
over this period of time.
Resharing because I havent had many teachers respond
depth date but don't anymore and I'm curious as to why they don't teach
a powerful answer from my friend/first apprentice
in imagea powerful answer from my friend/first apprentice
but I'll try to make this one succinct
But I look back on it with such fondness and as a complete chapter
So also just because social media isn't real
but I'll try to make this one succinct
But I look back on it with such fondness and as a complete chapter
So also just because social media isn't real
logan is a strangely similar vibe
in imageNo1 Cares in NYC 😂
Look, I'm walking my dog in my in my pajamas with a face mask on.
logan is a strangely similar vibe
No1 Cares in NYC 😂
We get to do all of our by ourself behavior outside with everybody else.
logan is a strangely similar vibe
No1 Cares in NYC 😂
This isn't even noone this isn't even the strangest thing anyone is goingto
logan is a strangely similar vibe
Look, I'm walking my dog in my in my pajamas with a face mask on.
logan is a strangely similar vibe
No1 Cares in NYC 😂
We get to do all of our by ourself behavior outside with everybody else.
logan is a strangely similar vibe
No1 Cares in NYC 😂
This isn't even noone this isn't even the strangest thing anyone is goingto
logan is a strangely similar vibe
Appreciating Ashtanga yoga as an indigenous insight practice means understanding that the practice is interconnected to the place that its from, those people, that topography, and that culture. These practices have to be adapted so they are honest and efficacious as part of your culture/community— and what works in one place won’t work in another. Lots on this subject at dcashtanga.com
in imageDAY NOT WITHOUT INTERRUPTION FOR 10 YEARS THEY'RE CUCKOO
AND IT DOESN'T
AND IT DOESN'T
Once a week I try to go without. I use an very small Eink tablet phone instead of a flip.
It takes care of the navigation and I use it to write on faily anyway.
It takes care of the navigation and I use it to write on faily anyway.
in imageOnce a week I try to go without. I use an very small Eink tablet phone instead of a flip. It takes care of the navigation and I use it to write on faily anyway. They are bringing people together to switch
They also gave us new phone numbers and an offline pledge.
Once a week I try to go without. I use an very small Eink tablet phone instead of a flip. It takes care of the navigation and I use it to write on faily anyway. Needed a physical tape recorder for work
They also gave us new phone numbers and an offline pledge.
Once a week I try to go without. I use an very small Eink tablet phone instead of a flip. It takes care of the navigation and I use it to write on faily anyway. Needed a physical tape recorder for work
in imageTHE PERFECT PHRASE
Practice Tip:
LET GO OF EXPECTATIONS!
BUT ALSO HAVE
Practice Tip:
LET GO OF EXPECTATIONS!
MAKE YOUR VOICE
Practice Tip:
LET GO OF EXPECTATIONS!
Practice Tip:
LET GO OF EXPECTATIONS!
BUT ALSO HAVE
Practice Tip:
LET GO OF EXPECTATIONS!
MAKE YOUR VOICE
Practice Tip:
LET GO OF EXPECTATIONS!
in imageBillionaire Survival Skills
DUCK IT IT'S YOURS
Billionaire Survival Skills
FLIGHT ATTENDANTS
Billionaire Survival Skills
HOSPITALS WILL BE FULL
DUCK IT IT'S YOURS
Billionaire Survival Skills
FLIGHT ATTENDANTS
Billionaire Survival Skills
HOSPITALS WILL BE FULL
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