yoga
108 entries in 2016 · oldest first
2016
Inspired by @nudeyogaguy to and @suenodevida_ecu
"But, like, how long will it take," I asked, anxiously.
"In the blink of Vishnu's eye," he said.
These fucking Bhakti yogis and their devotional crap, I thought. HOW LONG.
*fuck*
http://read.bi/1Z21B9s
"In the blink of Vishnu's eye," he said.
These fucking Bhakti yogis and their devotional crap, I thought. HOW LONG.
*fuck*
http://read.bi/1Z21B9s
From Dattatteya's "Yoga Shastra" -- there will be success for the practitioner. [But] how can there be [success] for the nonpractitioner? (83)
Success is never gained through mere reading of books. (84)
Those who [merely] talk about Yoga and wear the apparel [of a yogin] but lack all application and live for their bellies and their dicks-- they cheat people. (92-93)
Success is never gained through mere reading of books. (84)
Those who [merely] talk about Yoga and wear the apparel [of a yogin] but lack all application and live for their bellies and their dicks-- they cheat people. (92-93)
Friday's score card: Led primary. Led pranayama. Lunch date discussing financial planning. Ice cream (mango kulfi-- branching out). Pune style iyengar class. Up next: Dinner + Kingfisher.
I won't spoil the deal sealer, but:
"Duality always kicks back, and industrial yoga can offer us artificial feel-good moments and not a stitch more. In class, we see all those gorgeous asses, and all those kick-ass pants, and we buy the lie and seek a Zoloft or a double mocha latte on our slouch home.
Baby, donât do that with your yoga."
http://prasanayoga.com/articles/the-happiness-of-industrial-yoga/
"Duality always kicks back, and industrial yoga can offer us artificial feel-good moments and not a stitch more. In class, we see all those gorgeous asses, and all those kick-ass pants, and we buy the lie and seek a Zoloft or a double mocha latte on our slouch home.
Baby, donât do that with your yoga."
http://prasanayoga.com/articles/the-happiness-of-industrial-yoga/
Went to this Iyengar class and got strapped to a bench. Kinda like going to the Mid Atlantic Leather conference 😉 have fun, boys!
"Everywhere looking, only God seeing" -- KP Jois -- a cloudy day at Ashwem Beacv
Baby, I'm so rising.
Take a second just to breathe. Pick your heart up off your sleeve. You're perfect and awe inspiring.
Yet another get-to-Bikram by 4 on a Friday fail.
I love the days when the age range in the Shala is from 5-60. I love it when there are not enough fingers on one hand for the different races/ethnicities. I love it when there is a smattering of witches, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Athiests, and dudes who pray to Elephants.
Today was one of those days.
DC ASHTANGA, you're what's up.
Today was one of those days.
DC ASHTANGA, you're what's up.
Feeling like Supes. Does he work on armpit bandhas? 😉
Today, I wore a 3/4 sleeve crop top to practice. I cropped it myself. It was perfect. #dresslikeatwinkactlikeaboss
Saturday, April 17:
Foundational Postures workshop.
12-2; Kali Yoga Studio!
Sign up now!
https://goo.gl/9WhvVt
Foundational Postures workshop.
12-2; Kali Yoga Studio!
Sign up now!
https://goo.gl/9WhvVt
Sign Up:
Sign up:
Sign up:
Sign up:
Did you get the DC Ashtanga newsletter?
http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=8929edbddd3dfa1f6311be591&id=13e15d5ac5&e=af8c517bd7
http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=8929edbddd3dfa1f6311be591&id=13e15d5ac5&e=af8c517bd7
But first, some stretching.
Thinking about starting yoga? Looking to take your practice deeper? Hit me up. Small group beginners sessions are starting soon!!
The website's updated -- starting with THIS SUNDAY's foundational postures workshop!
http://michaeljoelhall.com/workshops/
http://michaeljoelhall.com/workshops/
I've got three continuing education opportunities in the next TWO weeks! Foundational Postures this Sunday, then followed up by "Seeing Bodies" next week. Click the link to find the third 😉
http://michaeljoelhall.com/workshops
http://michaeljoelhall.com/workshops
Tomorrow!
Mysore, 8-10,
q&a/ conference 10:15/30-11:30,
Foundational Postures workshop 12-2!
Sign up: https://goo.gl/9WhvVt
Mysore, 8-10,
q&a/ conference 10:15/30-11:30,
Foundational Postures workshop 12-2!
Sign up: https://goo.gl/9WhvVt
Two hours and forty five minutes of foundational postures, and there was still more to cover. Amazing!
Yoga, my friends, dogs, and this city. <3
Three one-on-one sessions this week in my beautiful home practice space. What a wonderful way to share the practice.
Stayed on vinyasa. Do I look blissed out? I feel blissed out.
My happy place.
Are you a dude?
Want any of the following: more energy? fitter body? healthier relationships? calmer mind? more patience?
Give yoga a try! For the absolute beginner and the most/least bendy/strong.
Small group session, capped at 6.
7-8am, May 16-20. Includes 1 month free Mysore.
$100
For more info: michael@michaeljoelhall.com
Want any of the following: more energy? fitter body? healthier relationships? calmer mind? more patience?
Give yoga a try! For the absolute beginner and the most/least bendy/strong.
Small group session, capped at 6.
7-8am, May 16-20. Includes 1 month free Mysore.
$100
For more info: michael@michaeljoelhall.com
Sharath's in NYC during DC Pride. #ashtangayproblems
NOVA friends! Curious about Mysore?
There is 1 spot left for my second round of Foundational Postures tomorrow at 9:30am. Do you want it?Sign up: https://goo.gl/9WhvVt
There is just no way to cover foundational postures in 2 hours.
DC Ashtanga-- must love kids & dogs. Really, only two very small rules.
*slap*
*slap slap*
"Left leg is lazy, huh," she says to me, in a declarative statement masquerading as a question.
"Yes. I can do it. Wake up," I said with the entire conviction of my being.
Somehow the words came out even as my throat was pinned to the mat.
"Infinitely graceful, infinitely expansive," she said to me an hour and a half before.
Indeed.
*slap slap*
"Left leg is lazy, huh," she says to me, in a declarative statement masquerading as a question.
"Yes. I can do it. Wake up," I said with the entire conviction of my being.
Somehow the words came out even as my throat was pinned to the mat.
"Infinitely graceful, infinitely expansive," she said to me an hour and a half before.
Indeed.
Think yoga is too girly? Don't let gender disparity become a barrier to entry! Come learn & muck about with a bunch of dudes.
Wonderful archival footage regarding my teacher's teacher's teacher.
Retweeted CW Capitol Hill (@CW_CapitolHill):
Yoga Mondays on the rooftop! The rain was awesome. Thank you @MichaelJoelHall for an amazing class!
Yoga Mondays on the rooftop! The rain was awesome. Thank you @MichaelJoelHall for an amazing class!
Retweeted CW Capitol Hill (@CW_CapitolHill):
Yoga Mondays on the rooftop! The rain was awesome. Thank you @MichaelJoelHall for an amazing class!
Yoga Mondays on the rooftop! The rain was awesome. Thank you @MichaelJoelHall for an amazing class!
Ashtanga, reading, bikram, exploration, biking, Crossfit, singing lessons, meal prep, bike commute, tequila with friends, puppy play dates, drag queens & chill.
This is my teachers' teacher, Pattabhi Jois.
This week marks the seventh year of his passing. He died before I began learning his method.
I wasn't sure what to say to honor him, as he touched so many people directly, and yet for me, indirectly.
I didn't want to appropriate, and yet I am so inspired by his work.
When I saw this image, I knew what it was I wanted to say.
When I die, I hope it is my good humor that is remembered-- just like yours. Thanks, KPJ. I owe you one.
This week marks the seventh year of his passing. He died before I began learning his method.
I wasn't sure what to say to honor him, as he touched so many people directly, and yet for me, indirectly.
I didn't want to appropriate, and yet I am so inspired by his work.
When I saw this image, I knew what it was I wanted to say.
When I die, I hope it is my good humor that is remembered-- just like yours. Thanks, KPJ. I owe you one.
When I give all the right fucks, there are 0 fucks given.
Ancient yoga paradox, like a good Koan... the dopeness of realness.
Ancient yoga paradox, like a good Koan... the dopeness of realness.
Today, they all came dressed as pirates. They let me talk about dharma, the love I have for my gurus, and the great hunt for the greatest treasure of all. I am so happy and feel so much love that it is hard to type, but worthy of sharing.
Give Bossji my love when you see him 😉
Charlie loves going to yoga. He does not like leaving.
How I feel about independent yoga and fitness facilities.
How many yoga studios make a chain? One extra location? Two? 30?
Making shapes in the grass. Look, imma #ekapadabakasana
My favorite kind of day: my ashtanga practice in the am, chats with dear friends, teaching, napping with the pup, bikram, lifting, and then more friends. It's about perfect.
"The essence of divine experience is unending devastating bliss and an unshakable silent peace." - yogani
Menopause: Embracing Impermanence, by Sharmila Desai | Purple Valley Yoga Blog
http://www.yogagoa.com/blog/embracing-impermanence-by-sharmila-desai/
http://www.yogagoa.com/blog/embracing-impermanence-by-sharmila-desai/
Anyway. Sodium Cathode Moon Day.
If you can read this, you're probably in down dog 😉
Today, a picture of Rolf (a dear teacher of mine) popped up -- him with many of his dogs on the beach.
Yesterday, there were no pictures of me from David's (my dear teacher here) intensive, but many with Charlie. Rolf doesn't care for having his picture posted.
Today, a student came to me to borrow goggles to practice in. Not so long ago, I learned how to do just that.
Feeling parampara-y (tradition).
Yesterday, there were no pictures of me from David's (my dear teacher here) intensive, but many with Charlie. Rolf doesn't care for having his picture posted.
Today, a student came to me to borrow goggles to practice in. Not so long ago, I learned how to do just that.
Feeling parampara-y (tradition).
Wrong. Tiaras, laurels, and crowns are all acceptable at brunch. And CVS. And in the shala after practice. During pranayama. While baking cookies... I mean, um, making smoothies.
http://wpo.st/g2Xj1
http://wpo.st/g2Xj1
Charlie is working on his down dog â â but he's gotta work on that dristi!
I fell asleep on my yoga mat today-- I didn't make it far, and it wasn't time for rest.
Last night, I couldn't sleep... I was wrestling with black lives mattering, brown lives mattering, pink lives mattering, white lives mattering...how to find parity between that and the fact that I believe that no one exists on purpose and life itself is a consequence of action (and so, it's only meaning is that it is an effect).
Everything comes down to charachter, and the world is full of valorless men and woman who wear all kinds of uniforms and masks.
It is also full of people who do the right thing, even though no one is keeping score.
We are people. Disarm the police. Disarm the populace. Disarm your angry, bigoted minds. I don't know how. I have no answers.
All I want for all beings is peace.
Last night, I couldn't sleep... I was wrestling with black lives mattering, brown lives mattering, pink lives mattering, white lives mattering...how to find parity between that and the fact that I believe that no one exists on purpose and life itself is a consequence of action (and so, it's only meaning is that it is an effect).
Everything comes down to charachter, and the world is full of valorless men and woman who wear all kinds of uniforms and masks.
It is also full of people who do the right thing, even though no one is keeping score.
We are people. Disarm the police. Disarm the populace. Disarm your angry, bigoted minds. I don't know how. I have no answers.
All I want for all beings is peace.
Grab a timer. Set it to 2 minutes. Catch kapotasana. Report in here.
Speaking of Kapo-- a truly fine description and perhaps my favorite way to approach.
How am I supposed to practice when there are Pokemon up in hurr?
Fun with shapes.
10 DC Yoga Studios, Gyms Burglarized in Past Month | NBC4 Washington
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/10-Yoga-and-Pilates-Studios-Report-Burglaries-in-Past-Month-387679142.html
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/10-Yoga-and-Pilates-Studios-Report-Burglaries-in-Past-Month-387679142.html
Somehow, Trina made it into led primary. Whoop whoop.
How I feel on my day off-- yoga? run? Lift? Kayak?
No. Trash panda.
No. Trash panda.
Are you interested in exploring the stories, shapes, and sensations of the ashtanga's second series? Please join me for one of my favorite classes to share.
Taking a few of the DCA team on a field trip to LRY has me feeling a fuzzy inside-- maybe it's that Dolly and Birtney both have albums out this month. idk idk
This Sunday, I'll be sharing practice outdoors for free--
Outdoor practice! Meridian Hill/Malcolm X park-- Come through! 5:30p!
http://www.bikramyogadc.com/schedule-fees/yoga-in-the-park/
Outdoor practice! Meridian Hill/Malcolm X park-- Come through! 5:30p!
http://www.bikramyogadc.com/schedule-fees/yoga-in-the-park/
Free outdoor yoga class! 5p! MeridianHill Park! All levels!
Please note the Broome Street Temple shirt-- Madonna reppin the Ashtanga!
Kapotasana is not a Pokemon.
Moonday practice.
On this Labor Day--What is the difference between a GUILD and UNION?
Take note, yoga teachers, the power of collective bargaining!
http://www.scriptmag.com/features/legally-speaking-guild-or-union
Take note, yoga teachers, the power of collective bargaining!
http://www.scriptmag.com/features/legally-speaking-guild-or-union
I'm so excited for my DC Ashtanga tank with a unicorn.
Want a DC Ashtanga t, and can't grab one in person? HMU
It's okay to show, so long as you also go in. "Artist" -- "performer" -- yes, but also yogi.
I've had the good fortune to teach contortion to Pole Dancers the past couple of months at Pole Pressure in downtown DC. as most of you know, I have a great love of performance art-- especially burlesque and circus. It's been fantastic working with these athletes, performers, and artists.
Crop top. Round glasses. Doc. Yoga stops traffik. Life as it is 2016.
Out of town & want a tee or tank? Hit me up.
Ever feel like a zebra in a room full of horses? Really, we're all just unicorns that forgot ou magic. Get woke 😉
Unisex (xs,s, m, l, xl) -- $20 + shipping & a variety of colors (and $5 off two!)
Ever feel like a zebra in a room full of horses? Really, we're all just unicorns that forgot ou magic. Get woke 😉
Unisex (xs,s, m, l, xl) -- $20 + shipping & a variety of colors (and $5 off two!)
Thank you, internal clock. It *is* morning practice time.
There are so many great photos from the shoot... But this is the winner.
Feelin' this pose today. #kukutasana from #ashtanga #yoga #primaryseries -- I'm miming one of my teacher's photos--- sharath picked this for the cover of his book.
Ultimately, I'm looking for role models. In lieu, I'll take cover models 😉 Cock-a-doodle-dooooo!
Ultimately, I'm looking for role models. In lieu, I'll take cover models 😉 Cock-a-doodle-dooooo!
One of my absolute favorite workshops!
This is just the best thing today.
Stair is...
in chair.
on a chair.
holding a chair
while holding chair.
It looks like stairs.
Be like Stair.
Stair is...
in chair.
on a chair.
holding a chair
while holding chair.
It looks like stairs.
Be like Stair.
Tomorrow at 1:30-- explore the dynamic, the stillness, the flight & the fun 🙂
Mike Pence: "Homosexuals are not as a group able-bodied. They are known to carry extremely high rates of disease brought on because of the nature of their sexual practices and the promiscuity which is a hallmark of their lifestyle.""
Has he even been to a gym? Look around, Powdertop! Up-in-the-gym-working-on-our-fitness.
I kid, but if you're voting for this ticket, you're voting for a man who has urged employers not to hire people like me. Speaking of a lack of fitness,executive-wise: just no.
http://www.out.com/news-opinion/2016/9/01/mike-pence-wrote-article-urging-employers-not-hire-gay-people
Has he even been to a gym? Look around, Powdertop! Up-in-the-gym-working-on-our-fitness.
I kid, but if you're voting for this ticket, you're voting for a man who has urged employers not to hire people like me. Speaking of a lack of fitness,executive-wise: just no.
http://www.out.com/news-opinion/2016/9/01/mike-pence-wrote-article-urging-employers-not-hire-gay-people
The latest in yoga fashion.
Considering expanding hours to 9:30 or 10am at DC Ashtanga. Do we know any service industry or yoga folks who have wanted to practice but couldn't?
Carson is fun & I trust him to help keep me with my handstands.
Start of practice, I'm all like: "I think I'm ready to catch my knees." By triangle, I'm ready to die & questioning all of my life decisions.
C'mon new moon.
C'mon new moon.
Facebook reminded me of the photo on the right from 3 years ago, when it took 2 people to â¦
Hours of meditation.
This is why yoga will never be mainstream.
Engaging in materialistic or sensual pleasure with little focus on higher purpose is not yoga-- it's called bhoga. Bhoga, left unchecked, can lead to pain in the body or/and mind-- and this is called roga.
On the flip side, Roga and Bhoga can both lead back to yoga. Once you make a commitment to not harming or deceiving by paying attention to what is, the pain and discomfort can lead you right back out of the yick and into something better: reality.
For yoga to arise, attention to reality must be fixed and firm... Even when it becomes unpleasant. Even when it is inconvenient. Only then can we see what's under the hood.
Yoga will never be mainstream, but nowadays is a great time for alchemy. For transmutation. Turn this time of grasping and grabbing and pain into abiding love and bliss, by doing the inconvenient and uncomfortable.
When the tide comes in, all boats are lifted. "Other" is only illusion. The side effects of yoga are worth the effort: abiding joy, made of honesty and love. This does not mean "free of pain" but it does mean "free of suffering."
Engaging in materialistic or sensual pleasure with little focus on higher purpose is not yoga-- it's called bhoga. Bhoga, left unchecked, can lead to pain in the body or/and mind-- and this is called roga.
On the flip side, Roga and Bhoga can both lead back to yoga. Once you make a commitment to not harming or deceiving by paying attention to what is, the pain and discomfort can lead you right back out of the yick and into something better: reality.
For yoga to arise, attention to reality must be fixed and firm... Even when it becomes unpleasant. Even when it is inconvenient. Only then can we see what's under the hood.
Yoga will never be mainstream, but nowadays is a great time for alchemy. For transmutation. Turn this time of grasping and grabbing and pain into abiding love and bliss, by doing the inconvenient and uncomfortable.
When the tide comes in, all boats are lifted. "Other" is only illusion. The side effects of yoga are worth the effort: abiding joy, made of honesty and love. This does not mean "free of pain" but it does mean "free of suffering."
Headed to bed thinking about my students across the globe studying with my teachers. Thinking thoughts of thanks to all of my teachers who encouraged me to study with their's. This yogi's heart seams tug.
Quiet morning at the shala-- led primary with a single row. Same faces as as when one full row was a busy day. I love these folks.
Leaving for Goa in less than two weeks. Time with beloved teachers, adventures, and solitude.
Had a corporate class... Only one student. So, we practiced silently together. Then one more turned up. We carried on at our own pace. They gave me such a gift.
in imageLOCATION: BALANCE THOMAS CIRCLE
TIME: 5:30PM
WEDNESDAY
EVENING YOGA
TIME: 5:30PM
WEDNESDAY
EVENING YOGA
I did the splits today, caught my foot with both hands, and put it on my head. I also discovered the overlap between trust fund jet setter penny pinchers and doomsday preppers. They both love reviewing high-quality bags. Dear God, how is it Wednesday/OMG it's only Wednesday.
That full moon is working over time.
Listening and watching aarti at the Jagdesh temple from my window in the Baba Palace. Practice on cold marble. Good morning, Udaipur.
I mean, I didn't forget that the Iyengars hit, but I forgot that the Iyengars hit. Thumped, stood on, and opened. Tomorrow, I begin with Rolf.
My heart is with the DC Theater and Yoga community today.
Looks like you guys really like the #yoga pics best. #2016bestnine
Looks like you guys really like the #yoga pics best. #2016bestnine
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