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.

Hi, I’m Michael Joel Hall. I started @dcashtanga as a mysore style ashtanga yoga shala in 2014. I’m sharing best practices for decentralizing authority and creating a more robust, antrifragile community. It’s free, and I’d love you to join if you’re interested. Let me know if you have any trouble with dcashtanga.com

Financial transparency creates an equitable environment for both parties. The teacher’s income needn’t be a secret.

If teaching Mysore is a labor of love, it’s nice that the students know. But burn out happens when financial needs arent being met. It’s OK to talk about this stuff.

If your organization is values based, it’s not a crazy assumption to hold that the leader or director should also hold those values.

if doing the right thing, we’re always profitable, everyone would always do it. but just because it isn’t always profitable, doesn’t mean it can’t be.

More on YouTube.

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

If you can quit ashtanga, you never started.

This implies that the asana and sequence are what make it authentic— get a grip. Authenticity in Ashtanga Yoga isn’t owned by a family’s sequence.

This is an indigenous insight practice.

It’s a living system.
Held up by people all over the world.
Taught in basements, bedrooms, clubs, and community halls.
Passed down not just by bloodline, but by commitment.

Yes—social media can flatten it, can turn philosophy into posture.
But it can also connect, educate, expand access.
It’s not the platform.
It’s how we use it.

I don’t have to code switch to belong here.
Queer, white, scrappy, tall, vain, neurospicy—I practice.
That’s the thread.
Study. Integrity. Self-reflection. Daily tools.
They make us easier to be around.

That’s the real flex.
And that’s what keeps Ashtanga alive.

#ashtangayoga #authenticyoga #mysorestyle #livingtradition #yogaphilosophy #yogaispractice #systemsnotstyles

Mysore, 2015

Yoga practice builds resilience— something i really encourage.

I’m sort of known for my resilience, which is a nice way of saying I’ve seen some sh*t and seem fairly well adjusted. I even got to write about resilience during times of political unrest for @yogajournal . I’m also known as well as my transparent, explicit approach to yoga and life.

I’m full of nonsense and laughter— with high concienciousness, and low agreeability. I help people understand yoga by becoming a team player— again, with high conscienciousness and low agreeability 😅😅 Independent thinkers who can be team players are like improv triple threats.

The secret to life is “Yes, and.”

Here’s my CV For the last half decade, including the trauma porn.

2020 Covid + RIP Brother & Sister-in-Law + first Functional Ashtanga training + Parents in lockdown in Mexico after moving w/brother & him dying.
2021 Opened @theyoga.club (omg no way)
2022 Evolved functional Ashtanga to Ashtanga Tech with Cory & Heather
+ Hit by car while biking + broken wrist and rib
2023 Turned 40
+ Hit by bicyclist and broken ankle and reinjured rib + huge success with peer support initiatives
2024 Quit Drinking and kept on rehabbing + changed my body radically (again) + took on the neighborhoods drug problems
2025 Infinite Possibilities

I’m the friendly neighborhood ashtanga yoga teacher, whose mysore program has been going at it uninterruptedly since 2013.

I struggle to marry commerce and art in this format, so do bear with the high brow-low brow of it. I have a lot of opinions after doing this for 12 Years, and I hope to cast a wide net. .

Explicit conversations about interventions in mysore rooms should be happening more broadly, don't you think?

Radical candor is honest and compassionate feedback that is growth focused.

Trust is the connective tissue that holds us together—it allows us to share our challenges and triumphs openly.

By fostering an environment where honesty and compassion coexist, we enable students to engage deeply with their practice. This approach not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens the collective experience.

When we embrace radical candor, we create a feedback loop that nurtures personal development while reinforcing trust. Together, we can navigate the complexities of Ashtanga yoga with clarity and support.

💜✨
#MJHYoga #RadicalCandor #CommunityBuilding #Mysore

I practice and teach mysore style ashtanga yoga, which is a little different from other styles of yoga. People are often confused about what makes it special and they Have a good reason to be so confused. Let's get into it.

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

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.

The commodification of yoga doesn’t just dilute its spiritual and personal dimensions—it also leads to exploitative behaviors within studios. I’ve seen studio owners adopt practices that undermine both the integrity of yoga and the well-being of their teachers.

I’ve been lucky enough to watch my newsletter get unfollowed by two local studio owners, and I’ve had three other others reach out directly about how they can help change the dynamics inside of their studio.

Its telling who get offended. It tells me they aren’t accidentally ignorant, which means they’re purposefully malignant. Willful ignorance in this instance is malice.

This career doesn’t have to be a dead end, nor does it need ti be exploitative.

Yoga teachers, you have the power. Take it back.

Yoga studio owner/operators— is your rent too high to pay a livable wage? Feel trapped? Youre not the first one to end up in this position.

Question 1: are you practicing?

Feel free to reach out if want to chat.

If youre new here, some quick receipts: I was the director of operations for local six-location chain, ran a six figure yoga business as owner-operator, was a #board member for a yoga nonprofit, and my mysore program has been running for over 10 years consistently… aaaaand I have had the fortune to have more than five of my students go into business for themselves as studio owners, mysore teachers, and corporate wellness pros.

Like my daddy says “if doing the right thing was always profitable, everyone would do it. But it doesn’t mean it can’t be.”

This, friends, is where the rubber hits the pavement.

Transitions Playground
Saturday after Mysore

Here's a fun one for main.

Find what you need quickly— New AI Librarian at @ashtanga.tech

Bodyweight transitions at the end of the month @theyoga.club

You know. we’re busy.

Sept:
6:30am led standing/mysore/morning quick start
Functional Anatomy Weekend.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🌿 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

Meditation.
Asana.
Pranayama.
Assisting.
A deep dive into
The Ashtanga Yoga System.
$2000 3 Full Time
Mysore Teachers =
unparalled support

Told the mysore folks I was going to spend all afternoon playing the new Mario.

YOGA SCHEDULE:

Friday
Ashtanga's Primary Series @ 7:30a
Vinyasa Flow @ 12p

Saturday
Mysore @ 9

Just another lovely day at the office.

Mysore at @theyoga.club — meditation/breathwork/bodyweight strength. It’s life changing stuff. #aboyloveshisshala

re: also first year of teaching Mysore in your own space.

Saturday Mysore
9-11
@theyoga.club

Mysore Saturday
9-11
@theyoga.club

I’m subbing Mysore for Victoria tomorrow @theyoga.club

Hope to see you there!

I return to teaching
in one week.

See ya for Mysore on 3/1.

I’m taking privates, too.

Message me if you have any questions. .

so happy to have found a great Mysore room

mysore style ashatanga
in Playa del Carmen
with @jochetroche

SATURDAY MYSORE:
7-11
@THEYOGA.CLUB

Mysore
Saturday
9-11
@theyoga.club

Sunday
Mysore
9-12
@theyoga.club

post Mysore smoothie
with @judydcz at @southblock

Led Primary
@theyoga.club
Sat am Mysore
@theyoga.club
T-W-Th 7-10

+ Sun 9-11

I’m assiting the Mysore room Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sunday this week.

Mysore Schedule for the week of 6/6:

Sunday: 9-11
Tuesday: 6:30-10
Wednesday: 6:30-10
Thursday: 6:30-

Deets: Sunday only has one shift, and the rest of the week is nice and open.

Assistance starts at 7:30a during the week!

Sign up at theyoga.club

Mysore:
Tues-Thurs
7:30-10am

Doors at 7.

@theyoga.club

I'm teaching Asana Foundations this month over at Functional Ashtanga. We started on Bandhas this week, with a deep dive into Mula Bandha. I'm excited to cover more for the rest of February. If you're interested, the studio, academy, and Mysore room are all open.

http://functionalasthanga.com

Principles over principals, please.

How do the scientific principles of #functionalrangeconditioning meld with the moral principles of #ashtangayoga ?

Let's discover, together.

Join me for an online workshop with @mainlinemysore called “Building a Better Wheel” on august 15 (it’s gonna sell out)

...or join me for a year long online yoga immersion/intensive for integrative Ashtanga called "The Functional Ashtanga Training Program".

Together, we'll work to use solid effective principles to become our own principals.

WERKSHOP:
build a better wheel
Aug 15

Proudly By: @mainlinemysore

full of why and how

limited to 15—
uss the principals of FRC to self assess

then: create a plan for improvement.

foundations at 7:45
mysore at 9:00
link in bio

Wednesday Yoga:
MYSORE 7:30
HALF & HALF 9

TUESDAY:
745: FOUNDATIONS
9: MYSORE
5: PHILOSOPHY *** GET ON-DEMAND, PRE-RECORDED CONTENT W/ PATREON (BIG DROP TONIGHT OF 3! NEW CLASSES!!!) MONDAY:
11: VINYASA
5: MEDITATION & BREATH WORK
7: YOGA SOCIAL W/ @DCFRAY

Monday:
vinyasa @ 11

Tuesday:
foundations @ 7:45
mysore @ 9:00 sign up online

DC ASHTANGA CYBER SHALA
TODAY:
MYSORE STYLE SELF PRACTICE
7:30-9:30

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25: 9AM-10:30AM: GUIDED HALF-PRIMARY & HALF INTERMEDIATE

ZOOM IN.
452-649-9111

*hmu for a guest pass
Tonight:
5:30pm Mysore
@eaton.dc wednesday:
12pm vinyasa
@balancegym friday:
1205 vinyasa
@balancegym led primary
Friday evening.
530p @balancegym

Afternoon mysore
@eaton.dc
5:30-7:30

Having trouble finding the next step? That’s where Ashtanga Yoga (and I) come in. ⁣
⁣
This yoga system is a lot like the game show Jeopardy— it gives you the answer first, and makes you come up with the questions. That’s why it’s brilliant, and oh-so personal. ⁣
⁣
Ashtanga Yoga gives practitioners the framework to solve little puzzles— physical, emotional, temporal. ⁣
⁣
In order for practice to work, we have to look inside for clues. They help to tease out what excellence, ethical living, and alignment truly mean to each of us as individuals. ⁣
⁣
The Mysore style gives you a collaborative partner so that you can get some assistance in finding the next step— then get support in taking it. ...with friendliness and compassion. ⁣
⁣
Then the next one. ⁣
And the one after that. ⁣
⁣
Developing a yogic mindset is life changing— it allows you to trouble shoot without crumbling, to heal without spite, and to release long held labels without giving up either quality or personal values. ⁣
⁣
Yoga Sutras 1:43-When the memory is well purified, the knowledge of the object of concentration shines alone, devoid of the distinction of name and quality. This is Nirvitarka Samadhi, or Samadhi without deliberation.
—-
Join me in the mysore room with DC Ashtanga, in Ecuador for an Ashtanga Adventure Retreat, or book a private online or in person. Link in Bio.

Schedule Practice:
7-10
Mysore
@dcashtanga
6-7
Hot Vinyasa
@hotspotdupont

w/ @mikeybs345 yoga foundations
and fundamentals:

Monday
7:15pm-8:15pm @eaton.dc @eaton.dc @eaton.dc w/ @abbypatersonyoga Mysore style
ashtanga yoga
for beginners:
Monday
7:15am-8:15am
w/ @mikeybs345 don’t sleep on
your chance
to get started!

A member of the greater DC/NOVA yoga community, @andreharrisyoga came in to visit today at @dcashtanga . He lives in Washington (state, not DC) now, and only gets back to visit about once a year. I love seeing him!⁣
⁣
Lately, he has been struggling with injury. Life is like that, ya know? @livelyogini And he went over a bunch of great tactics including #FRC over at @ashtanganation ⁣to help him get stronger. ⁣
I recognized the work they had done (Maggie and I have worked together a lot over the years), and was able to facilitate further. The truth is, André wanted to work on his tick-tok (and so did I!) but we had some more pressing issues to resolve. ⁣
⁣
Together, we explored upstream and downstream to find compensatory movement patterns that have perhaps been leading to some of the injury, and examined how to remove the pattern by introducing a new one. ⁣
⁣
If it came automatically, we’d all move perfectly. We don’t. Andre’s patience with the developmental drills and upstream/downstream modifications left him able to practice the ashtanga yoga syllabus — elegantly into the primary series. ⁣
⁣
Same-same, intermediate. ⁣
⁣
Pretty cool. ⁣
⁣
After all the slow and steady and elegant; and then transition-y, we finally got to work on the tik-tok!!⁣
⁣
I wanted André to share with me some of his progress while he works on these things, and so i got the ball rolling with video. ⁣
⁣
Here’s one way we work to develop motor skills somewhat autonomously in the Mysore room. We went from being totally assisted, to using a chair, to using pads. ⁣
⁣
Teamwork, patience, and persistence. They go a long way.

Today I was lucky enough to get @dcashtanga ‘s own @mikestefani (@flowyogacenter ‘s evening Mysore guy!) to help me with some stuff I’ve been working on. We've done some of this together, and I needed a buddy to help me out, so we coached each other a little. ⁣
⁣
You might recognize some of it from what @yogawhitney (director of takoma @yogaheightsdc ‘s ashtanga program!!) and i were going through together. ⁣
⁣
Lots of fun, great care and patience, and boy it feels good. Maybe we should do another workshop?⁣
⁣
anyway, practice practice practice.

BATH TUESDAY 9AM COME FOR MYSORE
STAY FOR THE SOUND BATH @EATON.DC SOUND @DCASHTANGA

Intro to Mysore, Tuesday & Wednesday, June 11 & 12.
Includes 2 weeks of Mysore at @dcashtanga — Come learn the basics in a comfortable environment with a small group.

Check link in bio.
Proudly in residence at @eaton.dc

Wednesday:
@eaton.dc
Mysore: 7-10
Flow: 1:30-2:30
Mysore: 5:30-7 Tuesday:
@eaton.dc
Mysore: 7-10
Flow: 12-1
Mysore 5:30-7 Wednesday:
@eaton.dc .

Mysore: 7-10
Flow: 1:30-2:30
Mysore 5:30-7

In order for contemplation practice to work, we must find a place to practice where the conditions are tolerable enough that we can sit long enough to concentrate. Our space at @eaton.dc is certainly that. ⁣
⁣
The physical location of practice can provide that, sure, but more importantly, the actual posture itself must provide that.⁣
⁣
Ashtanga Yoga, taught in the Mysore style, functions very well at creating both an abode for attention and as a physically therapeutic modality for self healing. If we pick variants of foundational postures that target our specific limitations, then we have a chance to heal them. ⁣
⁣
In this way, more “advanced” postures function diagnostically— and then, later, also therapeutically. The practice of Ashtanga Yoga systematically addresses the body. ⁣
⁣
Here, #parsvakonasanab is being performed in a manner that develops internal shoulder rotation, extension, and retraction and also hip flexion in spinal rotation. This has been done to help create more mobility for postures like #pasasana and #marichyasanac ⁣
⁣
This process allows us to slowly adapt. The discomfort of growth must be manageable. It also very clearly highlights that the posture itself is a framework for development, not an end goal. ⁣
⁣
HEYAM DUHKHAM ANAGATAM (2.16)⁣
Pain that has not yet come is avoidable.

What’s that sound in the distance? Chanting. ⁣
⁣
I searched in the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga in order to discover its most potent form, and what I found made a mess of my sensibilities. I chanted with esteemed professors of the Sanskrit college whilst banana leaves were scanned into computers for posterity. I listened to casual talk about the infinite with men who devoted their lives to the study. And i practiced under the looming and smiling visage of a now disgraced Brahmin “master” who died before I came to the fertile soil of Mysore. ⁣
⁣
What for? For an understanding of yoga, and then later for an accreditation to teach just that. The laugh of it all is that my ranking inside of the authorizing organization has been based on physical accomplishment, not my pedagogical ones. ⁣
⁣
This makes some sense when you consider the selection process... how often you turn up for practice and how deep down the syllabus you are able to dive. Progression by attrition— can you outlast the impetus to turn away. ⁣
⁣
I could. ⁣
⁣
But now, on the other side of having received “the gurus” blessing to teach, i wonder about its value. The heirarchical nature of the guru-shishya model leads to some concerns on my end. I don’t have a problem with heirarchy... i have a problem with blind faith and abuse. ⁣
⁣
For example, was i too fat? The “guru” had certainly told me to stop eating so much if i wanted to make an asana happen. I had been eating my feelings more than the rice for months at that point. No. Thank you. ⁣
⁣
I don’t have a stomach for the “vande gurunam” any longer because it’s this kind of encouraged prostration to authority that leads to the police being quietly ushered away from world tours of retired Sanskrit scholars, young woman being taken out of shalas in stretchers, and gay boys having dormant eating disorders stoked. ⁣
⁣
As director of @dcashtanga i still encourage chanting— but the chants we chant are older than the dirt of mysore’s palace. I still encourage practice in its most raw form— contemplation, breath, movement, and stillness— and I trust that the practice will become self evident of its excellence. ⁣

W/UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIP A MYSORE PERK. INFRARED SAUNA @DCASHTANGA

Maha Shivaratri and Meaning Divination⁣
⁣
Once a year, in late Winter, there is a Hindu celebration called Maha Shivaratri — which means "the Great Night of Shiva." For a number of years, I was fortunate enough to be in Mysore, India for this ostensibly solemn celebration. Shiva is a yogic icon, being considered “the Lord of Yoga.”⁣
⁣
For secular practitioners of yoga like me, the celebration is one for reflecting upon the infinite yet narrow intersection between destruction and regeneration— to wit, overcoming darkness and ignorance. Siva personifies that here. ⁣
⁣
⁣
Unlike most Hindu festivals which occur during the day, this one is held at night. You spend the event remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, non-injury to others, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.⁣
⁣
Whilst the vigils went all night long, what i remember when going from temple to temple was the look of sugar-wired excitement in the children’s eyes, getting to run around all night long. ⁣
⁣
Yes, as a secular observant of a sacred celebration, my memory banks were hard-codes with the pure joy and trouble and fun and exhaustion. ⁣
⁣
—-⁣
During the Vigil Night of Shiva, Mahashivaratri, ⁣
we are brought to the moment of interval ⁣
between destruction and regeneration; ⁣
it symbolizes the night ⁣
when we must contemplate on that which ⁣
watches the growth out of the decay. ⁣
During Mahashivaratri we have to be alone ⁣
with our sword, the Shiva in us. ⁣
We have to look behind and before, ⁣
to see what evil needs eradicating from our heart, ⁣
what growth of virtue we need to encourage.⁣
Shiva is not only outside of us but within us. ⁣
To unite ourselves with the One Self ⁣
is to recognize the Shiva in us.⁣
⁣
—The Theosophical Movement, Volume 72[⁣
—-⁣
⁣
On the dawn of Maha Shivaratri, @dcashtanga has our first day at the @eatonworkshop —⁣
Mon-Fri: 7-10a⁣
Mon-Thur: 5:30-7p. ⁣
Doors are 1/2 hour ahead. ⁣
⁣
Schedule:⁣
Mon 12:45-1:30 Ashtanga Lite @balancegym⁣
Tue 12:00-1:00 Flow/Vinyasa - Eaton
Wed 1:30-2:30. Flow/Vinyasa - Eaton ⁣
Thu 1:30-2:30 Flow/Vinyasa - Eaton
Fri 12-1 Atheltes Yoga - Balance

If you ain’t growin’, you dyin’
It’s the last week of residency for @dcashtanga at @yogadragons — a place we are truly proud to have In our blood.
We shift to @eatonworkshop on March 4.
My teaching schedule this week:
**Mysore at @dcashtanga Wed-Fri
Wednesday & Thursday:
@eatonworkshop at 1:30
Friday:
@balancegym At 12.

What are you willing to put your neck on the line for? Is it justice for all? Are you a Social Justice Warrior?⁣
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It’s Black History Month in the states, and I see and hear very few white people celebrating/ commemorating/ commenting on the past of our black brothers and sisters. ⁣in the Ashtanga Yoga world, I have seen very few of my seniors taking up the sword for feminism, queer rights, or the empowerment of the disenfranchised. Heck, who has spoken up for sexual assault victims in our own community? ⁣
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Why not? ⁣
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Regular yoga practice begins to tear down the boundaries between “you” and “me” and “them” and “us”. It also emboldens and empowers the practitioner to make choices that lead to less long term suffering— as deeply entrenched as some of our own pain pain inducing habits and patterns are — and how precious the illusions seem. ⁣
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Combine the two, the feeling of oneness between creatures and the desire for liberation from bondage and pain, and you almost can’t help but become an ally to those who are marginalized in a society in which you have sway. In fact, to not use your voice to elevate is an act of rite cowardice. ⁣
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I love the term Social Justice Warrior. Take a look at this excerpt from the Bhagavad Gita and tell me if you can see why: ⁣
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O Arjuna, the Atma that dwells in the body of all (beings) is eternally indestructible. Therefore, you should not mourn for any body. (2.30)⁣
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Considering also your duty as a warrior you should not waver. Because there is nothing more auspicious for a warrior than a righteous war. (2.31)⁣
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Only the fortunate warriors, O Arjuna, get such an opportunity for an unsought war that is like an open door to heaven. (2.32)⁣
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If you will not fight this righteous war, then you will fail in your duty, lose your reputation, and incur sin. (2.33)⁣
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People will talk about your disgrace forever. To the honored, dishonor is worse than death. (2.34)⁣ —

Join me at the @eatonworkshop this March for led classes and Mysore with @dcashtanga — hit me up for more info.

Values Over Rules⁣
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When I first started teaching Ashtanga Yoga in the Mysore style, I took a trusted counselors advice and established boundaries around my student - teacher relationships that were as close to water tight as i could get. I wanted a total lack of porousness to ensure I was acting from an ethical and honest place. ⁣
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Like many things, this served me well until it didn’t. My first apprentice’s Shala turns two this year— and I am oh so very proud of her. As i understand it, my highest aim as a teacher is to watch my student grow until one day they eclipse me. And well, ol’ girl is giving me one heckuva run for my money!⁣
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As @livelyogini has grown, she has inspired a higher excellence in me, just as I have hoped to do for her. The symbiosis of the relationship is one of my greatest personal and professional joys. ⁣
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Part of that includes a necessary shift in hierarchical overtones— she is my dear friend and trusted counsel now. In the grand scheme of things, it means that rules have to change as paradigms shift— and because none of this is Permanent, it is highly anticipatable that rules absolutely will. ⁣
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No, rules don’t last forever. ⁣
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But values might. Like love, compassion, valor, integrity, and friendliness. But hierarchies? They’re meant to crumble. ⁣
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In @dcashtanga ’s most recent newsletter (are you signed up??) i shared a bit about how flowers have a capacity to hear bees, and how yoga relates. The truth is, some days youre the flower and some days you’re the bee— and we’re all just participating in making honey. ⁣
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@ashtanganation is one heckuva hive— ⁣
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Amrita Bindu Upanishad⁣
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18. After studying the Vedas (that is recorded knowledge) the intelligent person who is solely intent on acquiring knowledge and realization should discard the Vedas altogether, like the man who discards husk to obtain rice?⁣
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19. The milk is always white even though cows are of diverse colures. The intelligent person regards Jnana (learning) as the milk and the many branched Vedas as the cows.⁣
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20. Like butter hidden in milk, pure consciousness resides in every being. That ought to be constantly churned out by the churning rod of the mind

Why the shapes, and how does that lead to self realization?
We construct shapes and patterns with our bodies to hone in on the ever-shifting nature of the mind.
Because somewhere inside of each of us is something unmoving and infinite. And only by watching that which shifts can we begin to hone in on that which doesn’t.
It is with these bodies (and brave, tenacious wills) that we create a sacred space for internalization— for observing the profoundly wild inner landscape — and take a stab at making sense of it all, and finding stillness in it.
So how do we find that which doesn’t change? We use our resources: a body that feels, a mind that discerns, and a heart that senses the abode of that unmoving, unchanging thing— infinite and luminous.
Our true self.

The paradox of course, is that as brightly as our god-like infinite, unlimited self shines, we are incapable of looking directly at it... a reminder of the great sense of humor the universe possesses.
And so, we find mirrors. In our friends, our spouses, our teachers, and that very nice cashier lady at Whole Foods. And, of course, our Postural practice. ..
** Drop in classes at the Eaton Workshop, 1201 K St NW
Tues 12pm- Wed 1:30 -Thur 130
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Workshops this weekend at @mindthemat **
Mysore daily with @dcashtanga at @yogadragons

Kapotasana: Two Ways

Here are two different ways of approaching Kaptoasana, both with my student Madeline. In the first part, I'm functioning as a support structure both physically and mentally for her. I’m a big ole prop. Because Kapo was relatively new for her, working hands on together was super helpful, as sometimes going to scary places is easier with a friend.
In the second, Madeline is going about Kapo in a hands-off way, using a prop set-up (we use all kinds of different setups at @dcashtanga). Over the last few months, Madeline has become more confident and capable, so she can feel where she really is more effectively. She’s learned how to work on her own and it shows.
Modern postural yoga uses the body as a reference point for understanding the deeper dimensions of insight practice-- like the ability to internalize the sense and focus, allowing for meditation to come on line. An effective posture builds strength and flexibility-- so that you can work in a non harming way; it calms the nervous system-- building distress tolerance; it also works systematically with other postures to unlock certain understandings-- like a physical crossword puzzle keeping the mind and the body sharp.

The thing with these "bigger postures" is that  everyone has their own set of limitations-- both real and perceived-- and working with a good assist or prop setup helps us move from the unreal to the real. That is gooooood yoga, right there.

In the Mysore room, we teach yoga that allows for autonomy and agency. Teachers aren't put on pedestals, and theres no heirachy-- everyone can practice, and even better, folks learn how to practice on their own.

This November, I'm teaching a workshop series on assisting. Over the course of this series, we'll go over the philosophical and the practical of assisting in a yoga room. Participants will learn how see bodies and construct an approach that teaches using voice, intention, and touch. A good assist can offer guidance, make corrections, and sometimes even help with adjustments that a practitioner may not be able to make on their own-- so that they may learn how to *do it on their own!* The link's in the bio.

Hip Articulation!

You don’t need to know the names of every potential movement a joint can make in scientific terms to be a good yoga teacher — but it can definitely help.
In Tuesday’s anatomy class, we covered possible hip articulations: -extension
-flexion
-abduction
-adduction
-internal rotation
-external rotation

We also covered active and passive flexibility as well as open chain and closed chain strength building.
As though that weren’t enough, we also covered which muscles dowhat in order to make these different positions possible. Does this stuff interest you?

Hit me up in the Mysore room @dcashtanga or check out my anatomy courses. Link in bio!

Don't see one near you? Hit me up and I'll bring em your way 😉

This weekend was the Mysore Magic Retreat weekend to Knoxville with @livelyogini and 22 practitioners from all over the DMV. The bravery, commraderie, dedication, and good humor will stay with me for a good long while. I wish the raspberry cober would, too.
For me, the major theme of the weekend was intersectionality: between honesty, non harming, and contentment-- how we can find that intersection on the mat, our relationships, and our work.
Thank you so much, Maggie!!!

This weekend was the Mysore Magic Retreat weekend to Knoxville with @livelyogini and 22 practitioners from all over the DMV. The bravery, commraderie, dedication, and good humor will stay with me for a good long while. I wish the raspberry cober would, too.
For me, the major theme of the weekend was intersectionality: between honesty, non harming, and contentment-- how we can find that intersection on the mat, our relationships, and our work.
Thank you so much, Maggie!!!

This weekend was the Mysore Magic Retreat weekend to Knoxville with @livelyogini and 22 practitioners from all over the DMV. The bravery, commraderie, dedication, and good humor will stay with me for a good long while. I wish the raspberry cober would, too.
For me, the major theme of the weekend was intersectionality: between honesty, non harming, and contentment-- how we can find that intersection on the mat, our relationships, and our work.
Thank you so much, Maggie!!!

This weekend was the Mysore Magic Retreat weekend to Knoxville with @livelyogini and 22 practitioners from all over the DMV. The bravery, commraderie, dedication, and good humor will stay with me for a good long while. I wish the raspberry cober would, too.
For me, the major theme of the weekend was intersectionality: between honesty, non harming, and contentment-- how we can find that intersection on the mat, our relationships, and our work.
Thank you so much, Maggie!!!

This weekend was the Mysore Magic Retreat weekend to Knoxville with @livelyogini and 22 practitioners from all over the DMV. The bravery, commraderie, dedication, and good humor will stay with me for a good long while. I wish the raspberry cober would, too.
For me, the major theme of the weekend was intersectionality: between honesty, non harming, and contentment-- how we can find that intersection on the mat, our relationships, and our work.
Thank you so much, Maggie!!!

This weekend was the Mysore Magic Retreat weekend to Knoxville with @livelyogini and 22 practitioners from all over the DMV. The bravery, commraderie, dedication, and good humor will stay with me for a good long while. I wish the raspberry cober would, too.
For me, the major theme of the weekend was intersectionality: between honesty, non harming, and contentment-- how we can find that intersection on the mat, our relationships, and our work.
Thank you so much, Maggie!!!

TFW
A mysore rookie makes their own cheat sheet

Guys!! We sold out all 22 spots for the Mysore Magic Retreat! @livelyogini and I are ready for August! If you hit snooze on this one, we're sorry you missed it, too! Feel free to head to my bio and sign up for the wait list!

Backbends, decoded:

In order to develop a supple spine, we need to identify the parts supporting it (and address their intrinsic needs!) ___________________
1️⃣First things first, Identify the parts: shoulders, hips, spine.
Shoulders: 👉🏽right side flexed, externally rotated, upwardly rotated, tilted, protracted.
Hips: 👉🏽Right extended, left flexing
Spine: 👉🏽Extending, focusing on thorasic extension especially. Neutral cervical, resisting the focus only on lumbar.
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🔢Got it? If you're confused by these terms, hit me up for a one-on-one (yoga teachers should know this stuff especially!) or come see me in the mysore room at @dcashtanga ..: or join me for a supple spine workshop. Link in bio 👆🏼
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I can help you piece it together... And show you how to address specific limitations that may be hindering your practice. Hit me up.

🔮Ready for some woo-woo??? 🔮

I have a few friends from DC visiting an #ashtanga retreat center in Goa. Taking a visit to #arambol (a bit of a hike from the retreatcenter) they took a 🎥of this rad #tightrope walker -- thinking of me and my love for the weird, they posted the clip on the internet and tagged me. Guess what?? I had just done the same thing, but hadn't posted! A few minutes later, we ran smack into each other... Just next to the performer!!🎪
🔮I felt conjured by white magic. 🔮
In New Orleans, as in Arambol, there are performers everywhere. The unwritten rule of ettiquiette is that you are free to watch, but taking pictures should lead to 💰💰💰
The age of the performer and the vibe of the older gal collecting the money gave me the heeby-jeebies. She was young and the lady was very gruff... Do. Not. Like. And I love throwing money at drag queens, strippers, and circus performers-- yikes!😳
Stair was the owner of the yoga studio that housed and incubated me as I became a #mysore style #ashtanga #yoga teacher. Thank god she was kinder to me than that scary old lady. 👵🏾👵🏾👵🏾
I try not to doubt the power of the universe to give stage direction, and this was just one more chance to see it in action. There is magic everywhere (especially NoLa and Goa) I think yoga helps us listen and hear for the cues, and our seniors can either really help us with that-- to see and feel the magic... 🎩
... Or they can stiffle and silence and take advantage -- something akin to labor violations. Allowing for beauty and growth and magic doesn't mean not seeing the ugly, the oppression, and the macabre.
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Yoga's not all rainbows and kittens.

Back in Panjim, after the shortest visit with @livelyogini -- but a total adventure.
I had almost forgotten quite how amazing dusty ol' Mysore is. Kingfisher is 70 rupees for a big bottle strong in Goa. It's like 215 there. Funny, no?

Oh boy.
Panjim >> Mysore

At #DCAshtanga, we value cultural exchange, and denounce bigotry, appropriation, and oppression of all stripes. Here 👁 am doing forest yoga, not to be confused with Forrest Yoga.
You’ll note I’m doing my Ashtanga practice in the forest (which is not Mysore style, it’s just ashtanga, since Mysore is what you call it when it’s taught like it was/is taught in a specific place). That said, 👁 do sometimes do Mysore style Ashtanga yoga in the forest, when I️ practice with my teacher... who teaches in the forest (and isn’t Ana Forrest ;)). Forest yoga isn’t necessarily Forrest yoga, and ashtanga isn’t necessarily Mysore. I’m being a bit glib... but the drill down here highlights difference between appropriation and exchange, something we take seriously at #DCAshtanga. Check out a class with @gratefulweirdo in the Forrest tradition at @kaliyogadc and of course you can stick around to learn Ashtanga, Mysore style, with me, or one of our incredible teachers, who learned from someone who studied the method in Mysore (me!).

GRIT

Steely-eyed, dirt on the sleeve stick-to-it-ive-ness is essential to success in yoga (and life!). Resilience is precisely so valuable because of what it demands.
1) you gotta be willing to try to bite off more than you can chew. This often times means ... Failure.
2) you gotta suck it up, look at your failure and try again.
3) You must learn something from the prior experience so as not to have the exact same outcome.
4) remember that "failure" only exists if you don't try. Otherwise, it's practice. Repeat steps 2-3 until shit works out.
This means looking at life through a much longer timeline than what we "want want want" in the now.
5) you gotta celebrate your triumphs, and any comeback is a triumph! This requires big picture thinking. If youre stuck on a too-confined timeline, youre gonna suffer.
Yoga develops resilience. It hones grit. Get out there and try
...
Join me this week in the mysore room:
Mon-Fri 6-9:30 @dcashtanga at @kaliyogadc
Tues: 12-12:40, Hot Spot Dupont @hotspotdupont
Wed: 6:30-7:30p, Vida U St @vidafitnessdc
Thurs: 12-1, Vida U St @vidafitnessdc
Fri: 12-1, Balance TC @balancegym

A rare peek inside the mysore room. Are you interested in going further in your yoga practice? Working one-on-one with a teacher is an incomparable experience. Go further, go deeper. What do you want to work on? Reach out michael@michaeljoelhall.com

WHAT MAKES A GOOD MANTRA?

One that works!

I often sing "When you're good to mama" from Chicago to myself when I notice that I'm indulging a bit too heavily off syllabus during practice. The line "The system works! Caaaause the system works... the system called... reciprocity!" Stands out strongly in my mind.
Here, as I make a shape that is not within the system of Ashtanga, i am reminded that I am participating in contortion, not practicing the system of yoga as prescribed by my teachers. When I'm tempted to go off track, I have to gently remind myself to come back.

There is a brilliance to the system of yoga refined by Pattahbi Jois and Krishnamacharya over 80?-odd years in Mysore.
It radically opens the body, strengthens the nervous system, and stabilizes the mind. It also allows me to do all kinds of other modalities of human movement, performance, and play.

Having strong support inside the system, from my teachers, also makes the hard times easier-- like when I fall off my bike, push too hard, or discover a place that needs a (seemingly too slow) but of strength.
Frankly, you can't expect a radical restructuring to always be fast and easy, and as such, when the work demands it, I know how to work and modify... and I have faith that it'll be ok.
Just because I can make this shape doesn't mean I have a grounding in a system of yoga... but because I have a grounding in a system of yoga, I can make this shape.
Sing to with me: "RECIPROCITY!!!"

The Ashtanga Yoga practice, as taught to me by my teachers in the tradition of Sri K Pattabhi Jois, is incredibly powerful.
It is a spiritual practice, in so far as it helps you find the best of what's inside of you... and brings it out. Your spirit. Who you are on the inside-- your natural, beautiful self. Your god stuff.
Are you interested in - developing physical fitness: strength, flexibility, and grace?
-Establishing mental and emotional fortitude, leading to: resilience, distress tolerance, and general stability of attitude - healthy relationships-- with others as well as with yourself. - brining clarity to your natural rhythms and cycles.
Taught one one one in a group setting, students are free to come and go at their leisure.
Join us M-Thurs, 6-9:30 at @kaliyogadc
Fridays, 6:15-7:45 (led primary)
Sunday 8-10a (open practice)
I'm also available for private sessions. -- Here I am with Whitney Paterson @yogawhitney -- a phenomenal student and trusted apprentice/assistant. She's made two trips to Mysore to study with one of my teachers, Sharath Jois (the director of the ashtanga yoga institute). She's a kind hearted woman, a gifted ayuevrdic consultant/practitioner, and has dutifully co-taught with me.
Next month, she'll be starting the @dcashtanga afternoon sessions. M-W, 4:30-630!

Such a wonderful way to spend a Saturday-- mysore style ashtanga yoga with a rich and diverse community of kindhearted practitioners! @livelyogini and @mhendric1 at @ashtanganation do such a wonderful job of teaching and holding space. I encourage all of my @dcashtanga brethren who are looking to practice in community on Saturdays to check them out, 8:30-11.

Workshops & Teaching! March 26: Kali Yoga 8-9: Intro to Mysore ($45) 9-10: Pranayama ($2…

Workshops & Teaching!

March 26:
Kali Yoga
8-9: Intro to Mysore ($45)
9-10: Pranayama ($20)
10-11: Bandha ($20)
11-12: Led Intermediate and Ashtanga Pranayama ($20)

April 8:
Mind the Mat
1-3p: Tour of Primary Series ($45)

April 9:
Kali Yoga
8-9: Intro to Mysore ($45)
9-10: Pranayama ($20)
10-11 Bandha ($20)
11-1:00: Led Intermediate and Ashtanga Pranayama ($20)

April 22:
Ashtanga Nation
11:15am-12:45am: Intro to Pranayama Techniques
1:00-2:30: Deconstructed Vinyasa Patterns: The Psoas

May 6:
Mind the Mat
1-3: Tour of Intermediate Series ($45)

May 7:
Kali Yoga
Intro to Mysore 8:00-9:00
Bandha Workshop 9:00-10:00
Pranayama Workshop 10:00-11:00
Led Intermediate and Ashtanga Pranayama: 11-1:00