Looks like you guys really like the #yoga pics best. #2016bestnine

Shiva in the Sand, Little Vagtor. Rolf's friend carved it. Dope.

Got a case of Beaver Fever-- en route to the Chapora pharmacy to sort this out.

There's a calypso band with an Indian singer doing a cover of "Cheap Thrills" --

Unexpected adventures leading to changes in perspective -- from the very tippy-top of Vagator Hill, looking over Anjuna.

Old Saint Nick remembered!

Bought a blinking 2017 Christmas cap on the beach. Of course.

Christmas eve at the night market.

Me, on a night off from practice.

Turns out, in this economy, driving for Lyft wasn't paying the rent. So, Charlie got a second side hustle as a daytime bartender. His tips have been through the woof.

The obligatory sunset shot. You were waiting, of course.

Obligatory beach selfie, from little Vagator.

Home sweet home for the next little bit.

Who could they possibly get emails from?

Just how things Goa 'round here.

Check out the ass on that one (also: that DC looks familiar)

Woke up to a dog chasing a monkey. The monkey won, natch. 4th stay at #beanmeup -- a fab vegan restaurant with no frills accommodation.

When you sneak out of the airport -- the joys of being gone for 2 months with only a carry-on -- and find a Starbucks to do work. Mumb-buh-bye. Fun facts: they don't take American gift cards (they have their own!) // they play Christmas music // m Americano was great // spelled "Mike" perfectly

Juhu beach in Mumbai. Made the best of my lay over. I'd sooner get in the water in varnassi than go in here. The trash! And I swam in the Potomac this year 😡

Anyway, here's a guy who did a thing and has a cannon.

This is the elephant in the Jagdesh temple-- he's looking over at my hotel. Not pictured: me on the roof eating a veg sizzler.

The view from the palace on the lake.

The entrance to the City Palace of Udaipur.

A charming elephant repping Surya the sun god.

Sunrise in Udaipur.

That full moon is working over time.

The view from my hotel at Baba Palace of the Jagdesh Temple.

Sunset in Udaipur. Famous for it's lakes and palaces.... And Octopussy!

Atop the Agra fort was tied a gold chain that went over the river-- and affixed to the chain were tens upon tens of bells.
To tug upon the chain would grant you an audience with the king. Anyone, regardless of rank, could jingle the chain.
This required massive bravery, as wasting the King's time comes with major punishment.

From the bottom of my heart <3

Repping the home team at the Taj.

Change your perspective.

I arrived in Delhi only to find the ATMs all out of money and a shutdown all over at the city.
Folks were taking to the streets in protest, and all of the monuments would be closed.
I couldn't get to my hotel by rickshaw or car.... So at 5am, I took a car to Agra.

Bye bye for now, Moscow!

Guys, this Christmas tree is real gay.

Before.

Current Lewk.

People have been asking what Charlie will be doing while I am in India. Well, after his disappointment with the election and concern about losing his jet setting ways with an unstable economy, Chuckles got a sidehustle driving for Lyft.

Octopus unicorn.

"Friends in Low Places" ....I sweated through my shirt & palms.

So hard to get out of bed after a nap.

One of my students gave me this little guy. He's modeling Triangle at the DC Inspection Station.

Charlie has been assisting at @littleriveryoga in the afternoons while @livelyogini is in Arizonia with @davidgarriguesyoga. He likes a good alter, too.

Can you spot Ganesh? This is my little alter at @dcashtanga ... From the darkness before daybreak 'till dawns early light, his shadow spreads wide-- the shadows of his ears becoming the wings of an angel.
His presence is harder to spot by the time the city begins its bustle, unless you know where to look.
I really love early morning practice, even when it's truncated so as to both support my community and to maintain healthy sleep... But man, catching the auspicious hour sure does reveal things that can't be found in the light.

They come together to support each other with love. They care very dearly about the well being of others. They take their civic duties seriously. I am so very grateful to each and every person with whom I have shared open arms and hearts, especially those @dcashtanga

Raw and Animated.

Charlie Roike Hall, age 2 1/2.
District of Columbia's finest small black dog.

Sebastian Cole Hall, age 11.

King George Pound Puppy Extraordinaire.

Charlie's old enough to vote... In dog years. #bloackdogsmatter #werewithher

Bestie activities. @pujaloveit

I dub thee "Opus"

Moon day, All Hallows' Eve Eve, & vegan chicken wings. Craft beer. Witch Craft. Crafty Bastards.

Serving it as it comes.

Happy Halloween!

Adventures in Canada.

"it's kind of fun to do the impossible"
This fortune cookie gets it.

Renny magic

Yoga, with animals. @livelyogini helps me with the bear necessities of practice at @littleriveryoga --

Hail to the Marigolds. Is that what these are?

Sure isn't.

Charlie and I feel the same way about rain on our Saturday.

Why do the same folks that are against federal assistance (drug testing, get-a-job, etc) and question corporate welfare & bailouts support Donald? Because his tax evasion is legal?
It seems to me that if we had folks paying closer to a fair amount, we'd be able to eliminate poverty in the States. Less defense spending, more sustainable growth on our turf.
How is wanting, for All Americans, a life free of healthcare related debt and malnourishment a radical/arguable agenda? How far would the 1 billion in taxes unspent go?

Doing something that you know is wrong when no ones looking shows a lack of character.

Never a dull moment. Apparently 14th Street Asian Bistro Cafe paid Maria $8.00/hr and the minimum wage is $11. She asked to be paid & was fired.

The grand opening of @oceanprimedc exceeded imagination. The lobster tails were prepared perfectly. Kazi's steak got mouthful raves.
Can't wait to come back and try more.

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!

Shit got real.

Spookiness prep.

I'm sharing tips, tricks, drills, and more next weekend from my journey into an open heart, strong legs, and distress tolerance.
My experience is not unique. Over and over, I've seen people flourish and amaze themselves.
It's all about breaking it down into pieces... And then putting it back together. I mean, who doesn't want pain free backbends?

Sound useful?

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

http://tinyurl.com/mtmbackbend

There are so many great photos from the shoot... But this is the winner.

Today, I did a photo shoot with @livelyogini -- I forgot that this could be fun.
Parched? Stay thirsty just a bit longer -- I'm sure we got something good, . 😉

Reppin' the home team. DC Ashtanga. A unicorn in a room full of horses. Heeeeeey.
Shirts are in.

Crop top. Round glasses. Doc. Yoga stops traffik. Life as it is 2016.

Saw #studiohandtogod at @studiotheatre here's Sockee Corn & Kremlin's thoughts on it.

I'm excited for these new DC Ashtanga tanks. Want one and can't grab it in person? HMU!

Forgot to share.

The other side. This city never disappoints the eyes.

Me and the first mate enjoying the last 20 days of summer.

Holy cow

Moonday practice.

I had no idea what I was getting into at the Sivananda Ashram on Paradise Island.

National dog day with my bestie.

Kapotasana is not a Pokemon.

"Excuse me, that's 'Captain Charlie.'"

This was probably not my best idea, but man it was fun.

This one goes a little faster than mine, eh @leighreiley 😉

Part 3.

Part 2.

How I spent my weekend. This ones for you, @bibliophile1800

Souper Tuesday: the greenest, most delicious fight-a-fever bone-broth broccoli cheddar soup.

I am definitely my parents kid!

This does not show the full extent of the crowd even a little. @deborahcox -- kill in it! She did Aida! I wanna see her in "The Bodyguard"!

Big bike ride in Chicago. Rode the tonka bikes around the lake and into downtown.

White Girl Rose-- signs of the Midwest.

On our way to Chicago!

I love working on the leg behind the head postures. In fact, I love working on every posture in my practice-- in as many ways as possible. Outside, I have no props, the grounds as uneven as I am, and Charlie might tackle me it any time. After thinking about Derek Ireland's short-shorts, I went into Logan Circle & did my practice. Intending to show off, I ended up with this. Figures. Yoga bloopers.
#menofyoga #gayyoga #yogadudes #YogaEveryDamnDay #boysofyoga #yogaguy #yogaeveryday #ashtanga #yogabloopers

Charlie explored hard.

Of course I practice yoga on the daily. You'll forgive me for not talking about it here more-- it's just the least interesting part of my day. #ashtanga #primaryseries #intermediateseries #advanceda #seventhseries

Besties

My adventures on the #lyra aka #arielhoop at @polepressure

Yesterday's wonderful potluck!!
#looking forward to another season with the crew of @dcashtanga

Post teaching. @pamelaxing shared "fuck with myself" by Banks with me today. Great track. Right vibe.

Just another day at @humblebeastcf -- rowing & skiing. #gratuitousshirtlessness

Spirits in the daytime.

Blonde ambition.

My singing teacher -- helping me be my inner queer Kermit.

Fun with shapes.

How am I supposed to practice when there are Pokemon up in hurr?

Like Lauren said: "It's nice to see a game getting people up & out & exploring."

Getting coached at @humblebeastcf --some days it's form, some days it's strength, some days it's just plain fun.

Happiness is a form of courage.

It's always "that kinda party."

A new view!

Adventures on Makara.

New haircut! Living that no filter life.

Getting tested for HIV is scary. At @whitmanwalker it takes 1 minute to get your results.
When I was in my early twenties, those few days before you got your results were an absolute horror.
Then, the test took 20 minutes. Amazing how scared you can be for 20 minutes.
It's not like that anymore. Get tested. Take a friend.

Charlie is working on his down dog – – but he's gotta work on that dristi!

Fourth of July 5k+

Life on the 3rd. @lybra20 @made_by_mara

Walking down-- walking up.
Spending extra time opening my heart.

See? Everyone in this family's a comedian. Wait for the guest appearance by @lybra20 !!

Home practice, at the folks. It's rainy, and kinda has a chill. Reminds me of Goa just before dawn.
My body is stiff from sleeping outside on the ground. I normally do standing at home. Today? I decided to enjoy the challenge of chattering aunts, roaming little cousins, and the less-than-strong coffee Dad makes.
I'll be practicing yoga all day, with a loving family with diverging opinions on every subject you can have an opinion on.
any-who! helluva thump! huh? Sooooooo distracted.

The city still has secrets hidden in plain sight.

Abby did some release work on my jaw-- I've broken it twice. I took this picture because I could not just feel the difference, but see it too.
Heeeeeey wistful gaze.

Charlie spent time fertilizing @lybra20 's yard, but came to practice for the final day of @davidgarriguesyoga intensive in Philly.

I loved this production! So goofy--so fun -- such great voices. The nuns were great, the cops were great, the bad guys were great! Heck, even the altar boys were great (and sexy!). Thanks for the great time #walnutstreettheatre

There is so much to LOVE about Philly! Getting to hang with @esitzler and the community at @aysphiladelphia is high on that list.

Getting enlightened at the Barnes Foundation.

Iced Earl after 4, Ceremony Roaster's iced coffee before 12. New coffee spot at 7/Sansom -- @arterialagents -- check 'em out.

One last collage.

I didn't get to see the Rocky Stairs, but I thought this was a neat way to see the Philly Museum of Art.

Explored the Schuylkill River on the SS Samasthithi -- a really fantastic way to see Philadelphia.

Spent time in Philly's Gayborhood yesterday-- sissy that cross walk.

Like a pacing tiger or an under-walked dog, if we don't move, we lose something.
It feels good to feel good-- but my, how I can forget. it's like those pandas that won't mate, or the sloth bears that only live to 15.
We have to awaken the dormant intelligence that knows how to live ecstatically.
Running takes me inside.
Picking up heavy things confronts listlessness.
Yoga reminds me who I am.
We're all beasts. Go outside & play. Get inside and play.
Love yourself.

Well. It's time to go home.

Anyway. Sodium Cathode Moon Day.

I mean, I didn't love those glasses anyway.

From Pride.

may all creatures everywhere be blissful & free.

But before.

Well.

How I feel about my Dad.

Rawr.
Cheetah versus tiger. @arnoldrecords or @michaeljoelhall in the big cat version of "Mother, May I Sleep With Danger?"

Why put your feet on your head? Read the benefits. BKS Iyengar says "The subjugation of the ego leads to harmony and happiness. "

Just another day at @littleriveryoga -- asked my buddy @carsonclaycalhoun to help me with my backbending cycle. I love these folks.
Facts:
1. men do yoga.
2. tall guys do yoga.
3. hot guys, too.
Seriously, I love the big dude yoga club.

Yo voté.

Pride festival! Charlie Puth performing-- but the interpreter is clearly winning.

I love: family, friends, DC, and my queer brothers & sisters.

Charlie looks unsure of my decision making.

My coach, Jeff, was going on about competitive athletes-- "some people take these scores seriously," he says. Sharks and minnows, driving in a developing nation, etc.
Anyway, after feeling like my commitment to sparkle motion was being questioned, I came in second.
Smooches, bitches.

Family.

As far as playtime goes, there's no room for blocks, straps, or mats on the soccer field. Working on keeping my knees together... like a lady. I love it when it gets warm and I get to practice outside. #viparitasalabhasana #menofyoga #gayyoga #yogadudes #YogaEveryDamnDay #boysofyoga #yogaguy #yogaeveryday #ashtanga

Making shapes. I'm a one legged crow -- #ekapadabakasana -- aaaand I forgot to take off my IMF BADGE. #dcproblems

Saw "The Object Lesson" at @studiotheatre 's Studio X. Catch it in its last week (tix are only $20!) -- a hoarders dream. Interactive set, who knows what you'll find.

My 2009 birthday bull riding and boats cowboy birthday party is one of my favorite all time memories. #memorialday #blondeambition

A day in the life of @jrene01

The first of many adventures for Charlie & Skipper on the SS Samasthithi!

The SS Samasthithi's maiden voyage!

Discovering who is my spirit Trickster. Thanks @pegmulqueen 🙂

Basic daytime let's hang out face.

Charlie loves going to yoga. He does not like leaving.

|> Kali Shiva <| in the sheets (h/t: @whitsummerall )

How I spent my birthday.

HBD ME

playing in the grass.

Charlie is ready for birthday adventures! Arrr!

"Everything Hurts & I'm Dying"

I think about this all the time.
As a steward, I want to be a leader, and not a boss.
As a student, I want the same.

Rain day.

Happy Saturday!

Important conversations.

When Tara tells me she is staying in for the night and I can climb the hill to come visit.

Homie, you trippin'. Also, that aborted fetus on the side is not a good look.
Tho, I want Obama girl's contacts here-- hey girl! Hey!
Serving you executive office Halloween realness. Won't find those at party city

Weather update.

I learned a lot in Goa. One of the surprises? A tempering of my attitude towards teacher trainings. More critical thinking, less knee-jerk.
I met two really wonderful people, both in Goa for a 6 week training.
It demanded of them that they be in community with other practitioners. That they willingly laid down some of their creature comforts. The impact Adam & Julia had on my thinking makes me very happy. I was wrong. Not all teacher trainings are bad. Heck, I am so grateful for my time at the sivananda ashram.
If I'm to believe getting a whole page in Julia's book means I had some impact on her too, then I'm pretty tickled. I certainly made clear my preference for the teacher – apprentice model 😉

"Morning Milkshake"
aka: how to tell if Michael can focus--
One avocado
1 tablespoon homemade sunflower seed butter
3 cups kale
One scoop plant fusion chocolate protein powder
seven ice cubes
One and a half cup almond milk
three packets Stevia
---
Thinking of @esitzler and @sipnglo -- my philly favorites.

"Commit random acts of kindness's and senseless acts of beauty."

I love my job-- this evening, I'm teaching rooftop yoga for Carr Workplaces. Does your office need a little de-stressing ?

Guys...

Hair matches shirt. Almost 33, still hot this on lock.

Reading Joseph Campbell.

90s Rock in the tub on Saturday.

This rain can stop now.

Find more cinco de mayo humor on snapchat--mjoelhall 😉

Never a dull moment: "Ain't no power like the power of the worker cause the power of the worker don't stop."

I just don't see me leaving the couch for a while.

Serving you butch kapha king realness. Wait till next month. #gonefishing #femmeking #butchqueen #noshame

Attaboy!

Charlie Roike Hall soaking in some daddy-doggy time after a long morning. Will he learn to bring me the platypus?

Think yoga is too girly? Don't let gender disparity become a barrier to entry! Come learn & muck about with a bunch of dudes.

Eeeeeh. These timeline truths.

Teleworking with @bibliophile1800

My little garden.

Charlie be like.

Serving it to you fresh out the oven. Aka a super hot yoga room. Wishing I had enough interest for a men's advanced yoga basics class.

What did I do this weekend? Small group workshops with lots and lots and lots of individual attention. Great conversation. Fantastic questions. Lots of seeing, doing, and learning, and sharing. More soon!

Game change.