Field Ledger Archive
13,240 entries across the years, 2003–2026.
blog.scottstevenson.netPattern Matching Beats Narrative ReasoningThe author argues that narrative reasoning—simple, compelling stories—leads to poor bets in business and investing because reality is multi-causal and illegible, not reducible to clean explanations. Instead, effective decision-making relies on pattern matching and intuition developed through digesti✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
The Point Is to Need Less
You've probably noticed that the need doesn't resolve. You take the workshop, do the training, get the certification, find the better teacher, discover the right lineage, and six months later you're still looking for the next thing. The gap between you and sufficiency never quite…
Read the essay →
borretti.meNo Man Is an IslandThe author argues that sustained individual intellectual work depends on a community that provides shared knowledge and motivation (both intrinsic and extrinsic). AI dissolves these communities by making contributions feel pointless—no one reads your blog post, uses your library, or benefits from yo✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
Why Beginners Quit: Replacing the Wall of Poses With an On-Ramp
For years I handed new practitioners the entire sequence on day one and watched most of them quietly disappear. The problem was never their discipline — it was my dosage. So instead of writing one more post about consistency, I built the thing that enforces it.
Read the essay →
The Debate Around Practice Intensity
Michael Joel Hall discusses the paradox of Ashtanga Yoga, highlighting how it demands effort while requiring patience.
Read the essay →
dazeddigital.com‘Do you smell like a bi millennial?’: Everyone is talking about gay perfumeDerek Deng explores how queer people use perfume as identity signaling and community recognition, triggered by a Grindr encounter where someone's Dior Sauvage matched their aggressive vibe. The piece examines scent as a form of queer semiotics and embodied communication beyond verbal language.✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
What Do You Enjoy Doing?
The first twenty minutes go the same way every time. A new client comes in and we inventory the damage. Where it hurts, how long it's been hurting, what they've tried, what failed, what the doctor said. It's useful information. I need it. But after…
Read the essay →
Safety Is Not Real: Why the Alarm Is Not a Fire
If you feel unsafe, you’re either in danger or your alarm system is broken — and it helps to know which.
Read the essay →Half Cocked in the Fuck You Room
On burnout, compassion fatigue, and the slow return to cavalier — a reflection on holding a family through hard seasons and the karma yoga of starting over.
Read the essay →
Postal People
On mail slots, burning buildings, a dog in a mail truck, and why knowing your mail carrier matters more than you think.
Read the essay →
stevedylan.devThe Nuance of ToleranceSteve Simkins examines Karl Popper's paradox of tolerance—that unlimited tolerance enables intolerance—but argues the common "don't tolerate the intolerant" slogan misses crucial nuance. Popper advocated suppression only when rational argument fails and violence begins, not at the first hint of disa✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
What Happens When I Leave the Room
There is a student I have in mind. She’s been practicing for three years. In class, she’s steady. She follows the sequence. Her breath is mostly even. She adjusts when I adjust her. When I watch her, I see someone who knows what she’s doing.…
Read the essay →
Pain Is Not Progress
There's a moment most practitioners know. Something in your shoulder says stop. The teacher calls the next vinyasa. You go anyway. That choice — made in a fraction of a second, almost without noticing — is the entire problem. Not the shoulder. The going anyway.…
Read the essay →
npr.orgSenators question Trump's picks for top health positions, including surgeon generalThe Senate health committee is considering three Trump administration nominees for top HHS positions: Dr. Nicole Saphier (radiologist and former Fox News contributor) for surgeon general, Chris Klomp (health tech executive) for deputy secretary, and Dr. Timothy Westlake for assistant secretary for M✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
Ancient Wisdom Didn’t Know Why It Worked — And That’s the Point
A student stayed after class and asked me, a little apologetically, whether the practice actually regulates the nervous system or whether that's just a thing teachers say. Fair question. The honest answer is that the people who built this had no idea what a nervous…
Read the essay →
Quantum Consciousness and the Yoga of Savasana
Savasana is where everything gets suspicious. Not suspicious in a bad way — suspicious in the way of something you can't quite account for. You finish the last posture. You lie down. The sweat is still cooling. And then, for some practitioners, there's a moment…
Read the essay →
The Laboratory: What I’m Actually Building
Four websites, a book, and a teaching studio that all do one thing — and what that thing is.
Read the essay →
The Theft Nobody Calls Theft
There’s a student I’m thinking of. Not one student — a type. She’s been practicing for six years. She can do things most people can’t. But she cannot make a single decision about her practice without first asking her teacher. Not because the questions are…
Read the essay →
pego.devYour photos should not have to depend on me foreverPeter Gombos, creator of Moments (a photo journaling service), addresses user concerns about long-term sustainability by implementing full data portability. While he cannot promise the service will exist forever, he has built complete export functionality that includes not just photos but the entire✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
The Body Won’t Let You Lie
You already know what you should do. That's not the problem. The problem is that knowing doesn't hold. You mean well, right up until there's something at stake. A competitive moment. A conversation that matters. A situation where the right thing is expensive. And then…
Read the essay →
thatalexguy.devThe 3DS is the greatest handheld of all timeA personal essay praising the Nintendo 3DS XL as the greatest handheld console due to its vast game library spanning multiple generations, portability, customization options, and convenience features like suspend mode. The author chose it over larger devices for travel and uses it regularly instead✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
futurism.comGoogle Maps Rival Surges In Popularity After It Refuses to Rename Lake OntarioMapQuest surged to the top navigation app in the US App Store after refusing to rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' following Trump's executive order, while Google Maps immediately complied. The principled stand resulted in a ten-fold increase in downloads week-over-week, demonstrating how corpora✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
The Sticky Moment
Why the hardest part of Ashtanga isn’t a pose, but the quiet shift from following instructions to actually inhabiting the practice.
Read the essay →
Paradise Is Just Having Enough
What if paradise isn’t abundance or success, but the quiet shock of realizing you only need a small, specific enough?
Read the essay →
themarginalian.orgThe Moving Letter James Baldwin Received from His Childhood Teacher at the Peak of His Fame and His HeartbreakMaria Popova recounts how Orilla Miller, a young drama teacher at PS 24 in Harlem, recognized ten-year-old James Baldwin's brilliance and gave him books and theater outings despite his preacher father's disapproval. Seventeen years later, after Baldwin had become a famous writer, she attended his 19✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
Time Capsule Treasure Hunt
In the summer of 1996, my cousins and I buried a time capsule in my parents' backyard. My mother is the oldest of seven sisters. Five of those six sisters got pregnant within about a year of each other. I was the only boy in…
Read the essay →
The $636 Rent Subsidy That Built My Yoga Career (And Won’t Build Yours)
How decades of below-market rent — not discipline or talent — quietly underwrote a yoga teaching career that's no longer possible to build.
Read the essay →
ggwash.orgHow can DC get out of its downward financial spiral?Washington DC lost 83,000 jobs and $10.9 billion in worker earnings since 2020. The article argues DC's recovery depends on strengthening export sectors (federal contracting, consulting, advocacy, law, higher ed) that bring money into the city, plus building enough housing to avoid displacing worker✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
highsnobiety.comWhy Does Everything Look Like 2000s-era Emo?The article explores a resurgence of 2000s emo and alternative aesthetics among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, driven not by millennial nostalgia but by young people discovering these styles and sounds for the first time. The author attends Vans Warped Tour to understand why this cultural moment feels differe✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
The Constraint Is Me
What it looks like to build a sustainable creative business when your own time is the bottleneck everything bends around.
Read the essay →
When They Know You’re Vulnerable
The system doesn't just sort and price. It times — finding you at your most vulnerable.
Read the essay →
Waiting to Be Given the Next Pose: Reclaiming Authority Over My Practice
The method saved my body and my attention. The power structure around it nearly cost me both. I could have written a post about it. I built a platform instead.
Read the essay →
A Little Better: On Watching Your Mind Get You Hurt
Knowing what your mind does won't stop it—but practice shortens the gap between recognition and reaction.
Read the essay →
highsnobiety.comYou Know Ralph Lauren Is Back When This Jacket Comes OutA Highsnobiety fashion piece argues that the return of Ralph Lauren's Harrington jacket among style-conscious consumers signals the brand's cultural resurgence. The article tracks Ralph Lauren's momentum through runway visibility, viral product releases, and rising search metrics as indicators of re✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
Narayana and Practice
On what yoga is really for — not just stretching and calm, but union with the everything of it all. A reflection on Narayana, the name Gopala, and being held by the infinite.
Read the essay →highsnobiety.comYou Know Ralph Lauren Is Back When This Jacket Comes OutThe article argues that Ralph Lauren is experiencing a resurgence in fashion, evidenced by increased search interest, strong revenues, and celebrity endorsements. Two A-list celebrities, Colman Domingo and Dua Lipa, recently wore the classic Polo Harrington jacket in coordinated outfits, which the a✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
Stating the Obvious
A blogger handed himself a permission slip I needed: blogging can just be stating the obvious.
Read the essay →
The Intermediate Trap
Three years in and you have the sequence memorized. You know the Sanskrit names, or most of them. You can get through Primary without stopping to think about what comes next. You have also stopped noticing anything. That is the intermediate trap. You learned the…
Read the essay →
theguardian.comKaty Perry ‘deeply appalled’ over White House using her song in Iran war videoKaty Perry condemned the White House for using her song 'Firework' without permission in a TikTok video showing military strikes on Iran, stating the song was written as an anthem of hope and healing, not to soundtrack violence. She joins multiple artists—including Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, Kesha, Sa✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
theguardian.comThe growing vigilante movement to knock out Flock surveillance camerasA Guardian article documents a growing vigilante movement across the US targeting Flock Safety's automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, which critics view as mass surveillance tools. Individuals like "NoMark," a Minneapolis-based influencer, are physically disabling these cameras—taping lens✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
Teaching a Lineage I Never Fact-Checked
For years I could recite my lineage and couldn’t have told you which parts were history and which were marketing. So I ran an audit on my own values — and built the answer instead of only preaching it. Culture and Context is the humanities companion that lets you hold the source, not the paraphrase.
Read the essay →
The Information Diet Is the Practice
Why a yoga teacher reads three newspapers a day, and what algorithmic feeds quietly took from all of us.
Read the essay →
The Courage to Be Vulnerable
Embracing Fear: The True Meaning of Courage Courage isn’t about being fearless.
Read the essay →
futurism.comElon Musk Says Grok Will Generate Its Own Feature-Length Version of “The Odyssey” for People Allergic to Progressive IdeasElon Musk criticized Christopher Nolan's Odyssey adaptation for casting choices he deemed 'woke,' claiming his AI tool Grok will create a 'historically accurate' version before year's end. Despite Musk's online campaign against the film, Nolan's version opened to $264 million globally with strong re✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
Performing the Practice vs. Reading It: Why Inheritance Isn’t Understanding
A student asked me why the closing sequence comes last, and I heard how much of what I knew was inheritance, not understanding. I could have written a post about it. Instead I built the map — 81 lessons, on a platform I own. The thing is the proof.
Read the essay →Good Teacher, Broke Teacher: The Business Skills Yoga Training Ignores
I learned to teach yoga long before I learned to make a living from it. So I built the business I wish someone had handed me — and then built the program that hands you the same playbook.
Read the essay →
Functional Ashtanga Range Conditioning: Handstand
Every joint either contributes to the line or breaks it. The FRC approach to building a handstand from the ground up.
Read the essay →
wtop.comTrump is expected to make election conspiracies a focus of his national addressPresident Trump plans a primetime national address focused on election machines and voting integrity, revisiting unproven claims about the 2020 election. Democrats warn he's attempting to delegitimize the 2026 midterms, while Republicans distance themselves from relitigating past elections. The spee✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
A Beginner’s Guide to Systems Theory
What is systems thinking? Let's dive into systems theory, exploring interconnectedness, feedback loops, and emergent properties. We'll untangle this complex web together and maybe learn to think bigger in the process! #systemstheory #interconnectedness #feedbackloops
Read the essay →
From Obedience to Inquiry: When I Started Asking Why in Practice
The values audit behind Foundations of Praxis: I kept teaching that beginners deserve to understand from day one — then I stopped talking about it and built the on-ramp. Designed sequence, guided audio, count videos, a Practice Recorder you own.
Read the essay →
theparisreview.orgClearly Fake: Zurbarán’s Uncanny RealismAn essay on Francisco de Zurbarán's 17th-century religious paintings explores how hyper-realistic detail coexists with total implausibility, creating images meant to compel belief rather than merely depict. The author draws parallels between Counter-Reformation visual propaganda and today's AI-gener✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
Name It. Move On.
It’s about telling the truth about your mood without turning it into a lifelong identity—or a daily beatdown.
Read the essay →
thecancunsun.comCancun Projected To Be The Number One Destination In Mexico This SummerDespite headlines about decreased international flights to Mexico and travelers delaying plans around the 2026 World Cup, Cancun is projected to be Mexico's top destination this summer, contradicting the narrative of decline. The article highlights the disconnect between media framing and actual tra✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
thecancunsun.comForget Sargassum! These Are The Top 3 “Seaweed-Proof” Activities In Cancun This YearA travel article addressing how tourists can adapt their Cancun vacation plans when sargassum seaweed makes beaches unusable. The piece suggests alternative activities that aren't beach-dependent, reframing disappointment as opportunity for different experiences.✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
theguardian.comUK judges begin hearing appeal over Trinidad and Tobago anti-gay lawUK judges are hearing an appeal over Trinidad and Tobago's colonial-era law criminalizing same-sex intimacy. A 2018 ruling struck down the law as unconstitutional, but was overturned in 2023; the case now tests whether 'savings clauses' preserving British colonial laws after independence remain vali✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
Flight Simulator
It’s about why yoga practice makes some people weirdly calm when life throws them—sometimes literally—off the horse.
Read the essay →
bbc.co.uk'Here to stay' - Fans react to the rise of soccer in the USThe BBC reports on growing soccer popularity in the United States as the 2026 World Cup draws large stadium crowds and widespread interest. Fans discuss whether soccer's rising profile in American culture represents a lasting shift in the sports landscape.✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
use language like
"creators" as
"Takers" -- money
doesn't make you
a maker -- it's a helpful
talking position
We don't
give Families
enough time
to care for
Kids.. and
Themselves
Its not Right -- and
Thank GOD for the Moms
in my life while I help
my mom with Chemo. They
Our friend and colleague Lucian Perkins opined on social media: “Unlike much of the country, the Fourth of July in Washington didn’t feel festive so much as surreal.
“The day began with absence. The annual Independence Day parade down Constitution Avenue — something I had planned to photograph — was canceled because of extreme heat. Washington had just endured some of its hottest days on record, with the heat index nearing 108 degrees.
↑ The georgetowner
is full of it
But this is true
Ten Years of Practice, No Idea Why: Building the System I Couldn’t Find
For years I mistook obedience for depth. The day I started reading my practice as a system instead of a set of instructions — and started instrumenting it like one — everything I’d called discipline turned out to be drift.
Read the essay →
theguardian.com‘Vanishingly rare’ copy of US Declaration of Independence found by volunteer in UK archivesA volunteer at the UK National Archives discovered one of only 11 surviving copies of an early printing of the US Declaration of Independence, found among papers seized from an American privateer ship captured by the British in 1776. The document's remarkable provenance traces its journey from a New✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
of the stuff out
of the archive. Get
it while you can.
It will be quiet
(a bit) at the
shala. Have fun, every-
one! Stay Safe!)
Lots of good [illegible]
opportunities with
the Holiday coming up
(and the return of
some friends.
"the track aims to
create emotional
atmosphere and
transform the dance-
floor into an experiential
space, where music
evokes connection and
unforgettable moments"
-ARODES, on the
track 'something
special.
***Ok, but aren't
all spaces inherently
experiential?
washingtonian.comWhat Time Are DC’s July 4 Fireworks Actually Happening?A Washingtonian article reports confusion over DC's July 4th fireworks start time (10:30 PM vs 11 PM), with the event expanding to 40 minutes and 850,000 shells for America's 250th anniversary. The piece details extensive security restrictions on the National Mall including bans on chairs, coolers,✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
sciencedaily.comScientists say creatine may help fight depressionA systematic review of five randomized controlled trials found mixed evidence on whether creatine supplementation helps with depression. Two studies showed significant benefits when combined with antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy, while three found no effect. Researchers suggest creati✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
tricycle.orgLanding on One’s Feet in the VoidBhikkhu Bodhi examines Buddhist accounts of sudden awakening amid crisis—Kisagotami's grief, Patacara's catastrophic losses, Siha's despair—arguing that these stories reveal a second track to liberation alongside gradual training. He suggests that the involuntary stripping away of all reference poin✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
themarginalian.orgTrue Love Will Find You in the End: Kurt Vonnegut on When to Stop Trying and When to Try AgainMaria Popova uses Vonnegut's long, painful marriage to Jane Cox as a meditation on the hardest equation in life: when to keep trying and when to stop. She frames the question through an Andean image of treeline—the precise point where conditions turn inhospitable to growth—and traces how Vonnegut me✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
popville.com“D.C. Police Agree To Compensate District Resident Handcuffed for Playing Star Wars “Imperial March” Theme Near National Guard Troops”photo by Diane Krauthamer From the DC ACLU: "The District of Columbia has agreed to pay to settle a First Amendment lawsuit, brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia (ACLU-D.C.), on behalf of Sam O’Hara, a D.C. resident who was handcuffed for playing the "Imperial March" from Star Wars while✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
lionsroar.comHow to Speak Up in Difficult MomentsA Buddhist practitioner recounts standing with interfaith clergy outside an LA detention center during ICE actions, speaking unprepared to riot-geared LAPD officers about the fear he sensed in them. He traces how the Eightfold Path, particularly Wise Speech and sila, helped him move past lifelong co✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
strongerbyscience.comIs the Correlation Between Hypertrophy and Strength Gains Stronger Than We Realized?Hypertrophy probably contributes more to strength gains in new lifters than prior studies suggested … but the relationship is nowhere near as strong as it appears at first glance.✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
wtop.comNorman Rockwell people-watched in the West Wing lobby. Now those sketches are on public display - WTOP NewsWASHINGTON (AP) — For more than 40 years, sketches by American illustrator Norman Rockwell of scenes from the White House visitor’s lobby graced the walls of the West Wing, where every president from…✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
futurism.comA24 Fans in Meltdown After It Enters AI Partnership With GoogleFans of the movie studio A24 are furious after it entered into a $75 million AI partnership with Google Deepmind.✦ Read ad free and get the full MichaelFilter · $5.50
The Digital Caste: Surveillance Capitalism and the Architecture of Permanent Inequality
How algorithmic systems are building a new structure of social stratification — and why your next cup of milk might be an act of resistance Michael Joel Hall · Director, The Yoga Club · Washington, DC I grew up in small-town America. The kind of…
Read the essay →
The 40Hz Protocol: Ashtanga Yoga as a Multimodal Gamma Entrainment System
Neuroscientists are designing elaborate protocols to induce gamma oscillations in the human brain — flickering lights, transcranial currents, near-infrared light helmets. A 2024 review in Frontiers in Neuroscience catalogues four distinct stimulation methods to achieve what the brain needs to perceive clearly, move well, and regulate emotion. Reading it, I kept having the same thought: Ashtanga yoga already does all of this. Not metaphorically. Simultaneously, and without a single device
Read the essay →
Jungle Physicians and Insight Through Ancient Wisdom and Modern Practice
In an age of relentless distraction, the quest for insight—that deep, intuitive understanding of ourselves and our place in the world—has never been more urgent. We seek clarity in a sea of information, purpose in a world of fleeting trends, and connection in an era…
Read the essay →
PAUSE WHERE THE BORDERS
BETWEEN YOURSELF AND THE
REST OF THE WORLD BEGIN TO
DISSOLVE AND BREAK DOWN...
YUMI SAKUGAWA
j
@yumisakugawa
LISTENING WOULD LAST FOR A
FEW MOMENTS, AND A FEW
MORE MOMENTS LONGER THAN
THAT...
NU
=
YUMI SAKUGAWA
@yumisakugawa
MOMENTS IN OUR DAY-TO-DAY
LIVING OF WANTING TO SLOW
DOWN AND LISTEN MORE
CAREFULLY TO THE THINGS
AROUND US AND WITHIN US
MORESO THAN USUAL.
1N
0
1®
·e
@yumisakugawa
Penenas
Holding Space for Political Engagement in Diverse Communities
Protest as Practice Have you noticed how diverse our community is? I'm not gonna lie... it brings me so much joy. So many races, countires of origin, sexual identities, and ages-- all practicing in one spot. Straight dudes, Fem Dykes, Catholics, Central American Mystics, and one…
Read the essay →Introduction to Ashtanga Collider Theory
Introduction: When Effects Distort Our Understanding of Causes In 1946, statistician Joseph Berkson noticed something peculiar in hospital patient data: diseases that should have been independent appeared to be negatively correlated. Cancer patients seemed less likely to have diabetes, and vice versa. This observation seemed…
Read the essay →Getting Better at Causal Loops and Drawing Inferences
Revisiting Rule 1: Independent Variables Are Not Correlated Restating the Argument In Ashtanga Yoga, not all elements of practice are causally connected. For example, focusing solely on aesthetic performance (e.g., how a posture looks) often leads to false assumptions about progress. Understanding this independence helps practitioners…
Read the essay →What Is a Collider? How Ashtanga Practice Teaches Systems Thinking Through the Body
What Is a Collider? In systems thinking, a collider is a variable that sits at the convergence point of two or more independent causal pathways. Unlike a mediator (which transmits influence from one variable to another) or a confounder (which influences multiple variables), a collider…
Read the essay →The Five Obstacles to Yoga
The Five Obstacles to Yoga Introduction Every yogi, whether fresh-faced on the mat or seasoned from years of practice, eventually bumps into... something. A wall, a plateau, a discomfort, or an inexplicable resistance. In yoga philosophy, these aren’t random speed bumps — they are known,…
Read the essay →Kathy Griffin: Evolution Through Trials and Triumphs
Dive into the intertwined memoirs of Jennifer Lewis and Kathy Griffin for a captivating exploration of a comedian's evolution. Uncover how Griffin's journey, from a near-fatal low to her empowering embrace of a sober community, reveals the complexities of life behind the laughs. This blog delves into the raw, unfiltered narrative of Griffin's career, challenging the norms of feminism in comedy, and highlighting the satisfying connections found between celebrity stories. Join us in unraveling the tapestry of trials, transformations, and resilience that defines the ever-evolving world of a comedian.
Read the essay →
Balancing the Scales: Subjectivity versus Objectivity in Ashtanga Yoga Practitioner Development
IntroductionThere’s a certain push-and-pull that lives at the heart of every serious Ashtanga practice. On one side, there’s the deeply personal, lived experience—the hum of your own breath, the way your body feels in Kapotasana today compared to last Tuesday, the private territory only you…
Read the essay →Three Radical Shifts as You Grow in Yoga
Three Radical Shifts as You Grow in Yoga There’s a moment—somewhere between your second Utkatasana and your fourth sun salutation—when you realize yoga is working on more than just your hamstrings. Sure, you came to class for the promise of better posture or to finally…
Read the essay →Adapting Poses for Individual Needs
Adapting Poses for Individual Needs You know that moment when you cue “step your right foot forward between your hands,” and someone’s foot ends up somewhere between left field and the front row? That’s not failure — that’s anatomy doing its thing. Welcome to the…
Read the essay →The Yamas and Niyamas in Modern Practice
There’s something odd about a Mysore room. No blaring playlists. No teacher on a headset shouting “FIND YOUR INNER FIRE!” Just a bunch of sweaty people breathing like Darth Vader and bending like origami — all in near silence. It looks calm. It’s not. Underneath…
Read the essay →Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Individual Breakthroughs Impact Collective Energy
There’s something odd about a Mysore room. No blaring playlists. No teacher on a headset shouting “FIND YOUR INNER FIRE!” Just a bunch of sweaty people breathing like Darth Vader and bending like origami — all in near silence. It looks calm. It’s not. Underneath…
Read the essay →Decolonizing Yoga Practice
Honoring Roots, Dismantling BarriersYoga is a practice of liberation — of body, mind, and spirit. But when we look closely at the modern global yoga scene, especially in the West, we find a paradox: a practice rooted in freedom that is often taught, consumed, and…
Read the essay →Balance Between Tradition and Evolution in Yoga
In every Mysore room, behind every counted vinyasa, and underneath every cue to “fold forward,” there’s an unspoken question humming through the breath and bodies: How do we honor the roots of yoga while making it relevant and accessible in today’s world? This isn’t just…
Read the essay →mom and dad.
Letterman: "You can't...suck up to an authoritarian"
not only got rid of him, got rid of the whole franchise.
madonna gave me letterman. mom and dad.
Letterman: "You can't...suck up to an authoritarian" It's silly. It's ridiculous. madonna gave me letterman. mom and dad.
My student was feeling stuck in a particularly sticky pose, and the friction from other places allowed for weird dynamics. i didn’t understand those dynamics yet. I see clearly now how the dynamic of keeping someone at a pose when they feel ready to move on fosters a loss of agency and fosters authoritarianism and inadvertently becomes a power move, whether you mean it like that or not. I was in my first five years, and had yet to start disassembling the pedagogy. At some points, my buttons got pushed by that students behavior. I yelled and told them to leave the room. I was sooooooooo out of line. And boy, did I owe that student an apology. It was that moment that broke my illusion: I did not like this dynamic and it felt abhorrent to the nature of Ashtanga and yet somehow also baked in. I am grateful for that students forgiveness and for our mutual respect making clear something needed to shift, and it would be my responsibility. Students shouldn’t be yelled at, most especially the devoted ones who are questioning their discipline to a dysmorphic degree.
Those dynamics needn’t exist.
Unclear finances
Punitive Punishment
Characteris...
cal Abuse
tional Abuse
nishment
Ty...
I made real changes.
Unclear finances
Punitive Punishment
Characteris[tics]
[Pu]nishment
[Physi]cal Abuse
Ty[pes]
[Emo]tional Abuse
Hu[miliation]
Sometimes I think teachers don't share what they learned because they're
Unclear finances
Punitive Punishment
Types
tional Abuse
cal Abuse
nishment
Characteris
I'll never forget it.
Unclear finances
Punitive Punishment
Characteris[tics]
[Pu]nishment
[Physi]cal Abuse
Ty[pes]
[Emo]tional Abuse
I made real changes.
Unclear finances
Punitive Punishment
Characteris...
cal Abuse
tional Abuse
nishment
Typ...
Hu...
Sometimes I think teachers don't share what they learned because they're
Unclear finances
Punitive Punishment
Types
cal Abuse
tional Abuse
nishment
Characteris
I'll never forget it. | Unclear finances | Punitive Punishment | Characteris... | nishment | cal Abuse | tional Abuse | Ty...
I made real changes.
Unclear finances
Punitive Punishment
Characteris[tics]
[Pu]nishment
[Physi]cal Abuse
Typ[es]
[Emo]tional Abuse
Hu[miliation]
Sometimes I think teachers don't share what they learned because they're
Unclear finances
Punitive Punishment
Types
cal Abuse
tional Abuse
nishment
Characteris
hablo espanol un poco pero entiendo mucho
this is a small moment of success that makes my top 10
GENTLE CHAMOMILE TEA.
YUMI SAKUGAWA
@yumisakugawa
The Debate Around Practice Intensity
Michael Joel Hall discusses the paradox of Ashtanga Yoga, highlighting how it demands effort while requiring patience. The practice's slow, methodical progression is designed to build physical ability, resilience, discipline, and self-awareness. Hall explains that progress in Ashtanga isn't linear, focusing not just on mastering poses, but on readiness and overall emotional steadiness. He addresses the challenges of dealing with time delays in visible progress and emphasizes the importance of small, consistent efforts. Hall concludes that true advancement in Ashtanga is not about rushing forward but deepening presence in the moment. 00:00 Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga 00:21 The Non-Linear Path of Progress 00:43 The Psychological Challenges of Delayed Progress 01:16 Shifting Focus to the Present Moment
Read the essay →
Virabhadrasana A & B: Understanding the Count and Its Flow
**Unlocking the Warrior Within: A Journey Through Virabhadrasana A & B** Step onto your mat and prepare to unleash the vibrant energy of the Warrior! In our latest blog, "Virabhadrasana A & B: Understanding the Count and Its Flow," we delve into the essence of these powerful standing poses. Discover how the intricate interplay between breath and movement cultivates strength, stability, and an expansive heart. Join us as we break down the 14 transformative actions that guide each posture, ensuring your practice flows with intention and grace. From the grounding stance of Warrior I to the energizing lift of Warrior II, learn the anatomical nuances that foster alignment and engagement. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your yogic journey, this exploration promises to deepen your understanding and enhance your connection to each pose. Let the rhythm of the count become your ally as you dance through the asanas—transforming not just your practice, but your life off the mat as well. Dive in for insights that will empower your practice today! 🌟
Read the essay →Untitled
Understanding Interconnectedness Through Yoga Practice As I watched my students move through their morning practice today, I couldn’t help but notice the subtle dance of energy in the room. One person’s breath becoming synchronized with another’s movement, the collective focus creating a palpable atmosphere of…
Read the essay →
**Unlocking Inner Awareness: The Body Scan Meditation**
In our fast-paced world, finding moments of stillness can feel like a luxury. Enter the body scan meditation—a transformative practice that invites you to reconnect with your physical self. Whether integrated into *Savasana*, a restorative pose, or seated meditation, this guided approach encourages you to dive deep into your body’s sensations.
Discover how to cultivate awareness, releasing tension and fostering a profound sense of peace. As you explore each body part—from your toes to the crown of your head—allow yourself to simply observe without judgment. Embrace the opportunity to meet your body where it is, noticing sensations both subtle and pronounced.
Join us as we delve into the process of tuning in, letting go, and igniting your spirit of aliveness. Ready to transform your practice? Dive into the complete guide and unlock the serenity within!
https://michaeljoelhall.com/body-scan-meditation-a-guided-approach-to-awareness/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Body Scan Meditation: A Guided Approach to Awareness
**Unlocking Inner Awareness: The Body Scan Meditation** In our fast-paced world, finding moments of stillness can feel like a luxury. Enter the body scan meditation—a transformative practice that invites you to reconnect with your physical self. Whether integrated into *Savasana*, a restorative pose, or seated meditation, this guided approach encourages you to dive deep into your body’s sensations. Discover how to cultivate awareness, releasing tension and fostering a profound sense of peace. As you explore each body part—from your toes to the crown of your head—allow yourself to simply observe without judgment. Embrace the opportunity to meet your body where it is, noticing sensations both subtle and pronounced. Join us as we delve into the process of tuning in, letting go, and igniting your spirit of aliveness. Ready to transform your practice? Dive into the complete guide and unlock the serenity within!
Read the essay →
Embracing Fear: The True Meaning of Courage
Courage isn't about being fearless. It's about standing firm when fear tries to push you down. It's about surviving when the world seems determined to break you. There are forces out there that are trying to hold you down. You can push back. Oppression thrives on silence. It feeds on exhaustion. But even in the darkest moments, even when everything feels stacked against you, resilience is an act of defiance. Like the strongest oak, you don't grow because you're protected from the storm—you survive despite it. You stand, you endure, and in doing so, you claim your power. Most people look for an easy way out. But for those who have no choice but to fight, survival is bravery. And every day you keep going, you prove that fear doesn't get the last word. So hold your ground. Your existence, your persistence, your refusal to disappear—it all matters. And that is courage.
00:00 Introduction to Courage
00:02 Facing Fear Head-On
00:07 Surviving Against the Odds
00:17 Pushing Back Against Oppression
00:22 The Power of Resilience
00:33 Standing Strong
00:38 The True Meaning of Bravery
00:47 Persistence and Existence
00:51 Conclusion: Defining Courage
https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-the-courage-to-be-vulnerable/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
The Courage to Be Vulnerable
Embracing Fear: The True Meaning of Courage Courage isn't about being fearless. It's about standing firm when fear tries to push you down. It's about surviving when the world seems determined to break you. There are forces out there that are trying to hold you down. You can push back. Oppression thrives on silence. It feeds on exhaustion. But even in the darkest moments, even when everything feels stacked against you, resilience is an act of defiance. Like the strongest oak, you don't grow because you're protected from the storm—you survive despite it. You stand, you endure, and in doing so, you claim your power. Most people look for an easy way out. But for those who have no choice but to fight, survival is bravery. And every day you keep going, you prove that fear doesn't get the last word. So hold your ground. Your existence, your persistence, your refusal to disappear—it all matters. And that is courage. 00:00 Introduction to Courage 00:02 Facing Fear Head-On 00:07 Surviving Against the Odds 00:17 Pushing Back Against Oppression 00:22 The Power of Resilience 00:33 Standing Strong 00:38 The True Meaning of Bravery 00:47 Persistence and Existence 00:51 Conclusion: Defining Courage
Read the essay →
**Unlocking the Power of Breath in Ashtanga Yoga: A Journey Within**
Breath is the silent thread that weaves together the fabric of our yoga practice, anchoring us in the present moment and harmonizing body and mind. In "Understanding the Basics of Breath in Ashtanga Yoga," we delve into the essential role of *pranayama*, revealing how mastering your breath can elevate your practice to new heights.
From the crucial cautions to consider before beginning your breathing journey to exploring healthy versus restricted breathing patterns, this blog invites you to embrace the transformative potential of conscious breathwork. Discover the art of natural, effortless breathing, which nurtures relaxation and enhances oxygen intake, and learn to recognize the unique characteristics of yogic breathing techniques.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting your Ashtanga journey, understanding the intricacies of breath will deepen your connection to your practice and foster overall well-being. Join us as we explore these foundational principles and unlock a richer, more fulfilling Ashtanga experience both on and off the mat.
https://michaeljoelhall.com/understanding-the-basics-of-breath-in-ashtanga-yoga/?utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign
Understanding the Basics of Breath in Ashtanga Yoga
**Unlocking the Power of Breath in Ashtanga Yoga: A Journey Within** Breath is the silent thread that weaves together the fabric of our yoga practice, anchoring us in the present moment and harmonizing body and mind. In "Understanding the Basics of Breath in Ashtanga Yoga," we delve into the essential role of *pranayama*, revealing how mastering your breath can elevate your practice to new heights. From the crucial cautions to consider before beginning your breathing journey to exploring healthy versus restricted breathing patterns, this blog invites you to embrace the transformative potential of conscious breathwork. Discover the art of natural, effortless breathing, which nurtures relaxation and enhances oxygen intake, and learn to recognize the unique characteristics of yogic breathing techniques. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting your Ashtanga journey, understanding the intricacies of breath will deepen your connection to your practice and foster overall well-being. Join us as we explore these foundational principles and unlock a richer, more fulfilling Ashtanga experience both on and off the mat.
Read the essay →
Exploring Breath Awareness in Daily Practice
**Excerpt: Exploring Breath Awareness in Daily Practice** In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, how often do we pause to truly notice our breath? Join us as we delve into the transformative meditation practice of breath observation, a powerful tool that deepens our connection to self-awareness and enhances our yoga journey. This blog post guides you through the gentle art of simply observing your breath—no manipulation required. Discover techniques like counting each inhale and exhale, and learn how meaningful phrases can enrich your experience. Embrace the ebb and flow of your breathing with an open heart, allowing distractions to gently fade away as you anchor yourself in the present moment. With each mindful breath, unlock a reservoir of calm, clarity, and connection that not only elevates your practice on the mat but also infuses harmony into your daily life. Let’s embark on this journey of breath awareness together!
Read the essay →
Pranayama for Balanced Energy
Unlock a wellspring of energy and calm with the harmonious rhythm of Ujjayi pranayama and this easy to follow video. Its a 6-second inhale, 12-second breath retention, 6-second exhale, and 6-second breath hold-- nothin fancy. This controlled breathwork not only enhances breath control but also sharpens your mental focus and reduces stress. Dive into this transformative practice and experience the serenity that lies within your breath, revitalizing your daily life with lasting vitality and mindfulness.
Read the essay →
The Courage to Feel
BUILDING THE CAPACITY TO STAY OPEN To live in a body that is fully connected to its capacity for feeling means opening to being vulnerable. By vulnerable, I’m not meaning without clear boundaries, but rather the capacity to open when openness is needed. The ability…
Read the essay →Pratyahara 101
Discover Pratyahara: The Art of Inner Focus
Read the essay →
Addressing Misconduct in Ashtanga Yoga
This is a video about Addressing Misconduct in Ashtanga yoga. If you're looking for coaching, find me at michaeljoelhall.com/coaching 00:00 Addressing Power Imbalances in Ashtanga Yoga 00:20 The Need for Ethical Leadership 00:48 Prioritizing Safety and Trust 01:26 Creating a Culture of Transparency 01:47 Commitment to Ethical Evolution 01:59 Ensuring Respect and Accountability 02:16 The Future of Ashtanga Yoga
Read the essay →Digital Detox to Improve Pratyahara
Unplug to Unwind: Elevate Your Pratyahara Journey!
Read the essay →
The Power of the Ashtanga Community
This is a video about The Power of the Ashtanga Community. If you're looking for coaching, find me at michaeljoelhall.com/coaching 00:00 Introduction to Yoga Practice 00:10 The Deeper Connection in Ashtanga Yoga 00:26 Community and Consistency in Practice 00:54 Systems Thinking in Yoga 01:07 Building Bonds Through Familiarity 01:41 Accountability and Commitment 02:05 The Lifelong Benefits of Community 02:18 Service and Collective Energy 02:28 Global Perspective on Ashtanga Practice
Read the essay →
Understanding Hip Joint Adduction: An Approach to PAILS & RAILS
**Unlocking Your Hip Mobility: The Power of PAILS & RAILS** Dive deep into the transformative world of hip joint adduction and discover how this often-overlooked movement can elevate your ashtanga yoga practice. By mastering the techniques of Progressive Angular Isometric Loading (PAILS) and Regressive Angular Isometric Loading (RAILS), you’ll not only enhance your strength and flexibility but also cultivate a profound connection to your body’s mechanics. Imagine flowing effortlessly through complex postures like *Utthita Trikonasana* or *Padmasana*, all while reducing your risk of injury. This blog will guide you through practical steps to integrate PAILS and RAILS into your routine, shedding light on how to harness the full potential of your hips. Embrace the journey toward greater stability and mobility—your mat awaits!
Read the essay →
The Emotional and Physical Challenges of Yoga Practice
Advancing in yoga, particularly in the Ashtanga tradition, is a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to confront both physical and emotional limits. Over the years, I have found myself at the intersection of personal expectations, teacher guidance, and the inevitable boundaries of…
Read the essay →
Navigating Teacher Burnout: Strategies for Self-Care and Healing
Teaching yoga is a profound and fulfilling vocation, yet the weight of responsibility can lead to burnout if we’re not mindful. As Jason Crandell reminds us, the journey is not for the faint-hearted, with challenges such as compassion fatigue, financial worries, and the isolation that can come with the role. In this blog, we’ll explore essential strategies for self-care that will not only help you recognize the signs of burnout but also empower you to take proactive steps towards healing. From nurturing your personal practice to prioritizing rest and connection, discover how you can align your expectations and embrace the journey of teaching without sacrificing your well-being. Join us as we dive into effective self-care techniques designed to rejuvenate your spirit and enhance your teaching capacity—because self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity that allows you to shine brighter for your students. Embrace the process and remember, when you prioritize yourself, you elevate your entire practice.
Read the essay →Embracing Props in Ashtanga: A Modern Perspective
The journey of incorporating props in Ashtanga yoga has been met with curiosity and skepticism. Traditionally, there was a belief that props were not part of the Ashtanga practice, often viewed as unnecessary crutches. This perspective suggested that props were a deviation from the purity of traditional practice.
Read the essay →
Embracing the Tristhana Method: A Beginner’s Guide to the Heart of Ashtanga Yoga
Discover the Tristana method in Ashtanga Yoga, where posture, breath, and focus unite to transform your practice into a meditative and introspective journey.
Read the essay →ilu both
betty white is my mom's comedy dopple.
ilu both
You was
The Burden of Caring and Its Complexity
Caring for others is often considered a noble and virtuous responsibility, one that evokes feelings of compassion, duty, and love. However, the act of caring is not always straightforward. It is a complex burden that requires more than just emotional investment. For those who have taken on the role of caregivers, the emotional toll can be immense, and the line between caring for others and simply managing the logistics of caregiving often becomes blurred. The reality is that caring for someone isn’t the same as being good at it.
Read the essay →
Buzzing into Calm: Mastering Brahmari Pranayama for Inner Peace
Discover the harmonious practice of Brahmari Pranayama, where the gentle buzzing sound of your breath leads you on a transformative journey towards inner peace. In our latest blog, "Buzzing into Calm," we explore how this unique vocal meditation not only balances the throat chakra but also enhances your emotional resilience, clears the mind, and prepares you for deeper meditation. Whether you're looking to soothe anxiety, improve concentration, or simply cultivate an oasis of calm amidst the chaos, Brahmari is a simple yet powerful tool that anyone can master. Join us as we delve into step-by-step instructions, benefits, and the profound effects of this practice on your overall well-being.
Read the essay →
Striving in Yoga: Healthy Ambition vs. Ego-Driven Competition
Yoga, as a practice, has the potential to transform both the body and the mind. It encourages practitioners to explore their edges, deepen their awareness, and grow in their abilities. However, there is a fine line between healthy ambition and ego-driven competition—one that, when crossed, can lead to burnout, disillusionment, and even injury. Striving is a natural human behavior, but in yoga, it requires careful attention. When ambition is fueled by ego rather than by a genuine desire for growth, it distorts the practice and detracts from yoga's deeper spiritual goals.
Read the essay →
Counted Method: A Beginner’s Guide to Ashtanga Yoga’s Vinyasa System
The art of Vinyasa—the beautiful dance of breath and movement—can elevate your practice from mere physicality to a profound meditation in motion. Uncover the essence of the Counted Method, where each inhale and exhale is harmoniously synchronized with every pose, guiding you toward mindfulness and self-awareness. Whether you're a curious newcomer or seeking to deepen your understanding, this guide offers insights and practical tips to help you connect with the rhythm of your practice and embrace the soul of Ashtanga yoga.
Read the essay →
Systems Thinking and Spiritual Practice
In both teaching and personal growth, one of the most powerful tools I have come to rely on is systems thinking. At its core, systems thinking is about seeing the interconnectedness of everything. It is a way of viewing the world, not as a collection…
Read the essay →
zmШ0
In Memory of Paramaguru Sharath Jois
It is with great sadness that I share the news of Sharath Jois’s passing. At 53, Sharath's passing is quite sudden. He is considered by many to be responsible for upholding the Mysore style of ashtanga yoga's lineage. As such, for many in the Ashtanga community, Sharath’s teachings and presence became central to their (our) practice, and his loss will be deeply felt
Read the essay →
Yoga Class: A Tale of Mats, Mindfulness, and a Community Built by Accident (and on Purpose)
People are wild. They never cease to crack me up (and often find a way to drive me crazy). “Everything I Know About Animal Behavior, I Learned in Lohman’s Department Store,” written by one of America’s great humorists, Irma Bombeck, is a collection of essays…
Read the essay →I had memorized all of my teachers faves, and so of course she encouraged me to take his workshops. I was making less than 30k in DC in 2008, ya know? I couldnt really afford it, so I saved. And those recordings helped reach me where I was. When I finally got to the workshop, John complimented “an intelligent lift in the side chest”— to see the pride in my teachers eyes in that moment… I’ll never forget.
I was nervous and i learned so much about boundary setting as a teacher by using some of the moments from the workshop as reflection points— like when he told me i didn’t need to thank him for his instruction as he was instructing. Looking back, it gives me a kind of second hand embarrassment and also the warmest smile
I dont think ive ever bad chance to thank him publicly. His good name opened doors for me with teachers that I admire and respect— simply by being a student of one of his students.
Thanks for making sure your teachings could reach those with a sincere interest in learning. Hope to pay the same forward.
To the younger me, who felt that spark of injustice but didn’t know what to do with it, my journey now is proof of what persistence can achieve. It shows that activism isn’t just a phase or a moment of outrage—it’s a lifelong commitment to staying active, to doing the work, to choosing to be part of the solution. It’s not just about being present when it’s easy or when the crowds are large. It’s about being present every day, in all the small actions that add up to meaningful change.
Read mire at mjh.yoga
Little Me Would Be So Proud: From Activist to Organizer
If little me could see who I am today, I think he’d be proud—wide-eyed and amazed at how things have turned out. He’d see someone who practices yoga, who teaches, who learns, but more importantly, someone who actively works to make things better in his…
Read the essay →
A New Path Forward for the Yoga Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep flaws in the yoga industry, from unsustainable business models to the growing commercialization of the practice. This collection of essays explores the rise, collapse, and potential rebirth of the industry, offering solutions focused on sustainability, equity, and community. By addressing long-standing challenges, we have the chance to rebuild an industry that honors yoga’s spiritual roots while supporting teachers, students, and studios alike.
Read the essay →
What Yoga Teachers Can Learn About Business from Strippers
The first time I realized that I had something to learn from pole dancers was when I was teaching contortion at a pole dancing studio in exchange for private lessons on the Lyra (aerial hoop-- it went fine). Some students I knew were nursing sore…
Read the essay →
@evanrosskatz
Prana and the Bathtub: Systems Thinking for the Ashtanga Practitioner
In our practice, we’re not just trying to keep the tub full. We’re learning to live in balance, where the ebb and flow of prana supports us as much as we support it. It’s not about avoiding leaks but recognizing that the small, subtle drains often compound our stress more than a single big crisis. The practice guides us in patching those leaks with awareness, restoring a harmonious flow where life feels less like a constant emergency and more like a nurturing partnership In our practice, we’re not just trying to keep the tub full. We’re learning to live in balance, where the ebb and flow of prana supports us as much as we support it. It’s not about avoiding leaks but recognizing that the small, subtle drains often compound our stress more than a single big crisis. The practice guides us in patching those leaks with awareness, restoring a harmonious flow where life feels less like a constant emergency and more like a nurturing partnership. The goal isn’t to always be on alert, like the little Dutch boy at the dam. Instead, we want to be more like the Indigenous stewards of land and water—understanding that the flow is only a problem when it’s out of balance. Otherwise, it’s a beautiful exchange, where prana nourishes us as much as we nourish it. This isn’t crisis management; it’s living in relationship.
Read the essay →
When the Well Runs Dry: Burnout, Imbalance, and the Practice of Awareness
A colleauge of mine feels overwhelemed and uninspired in their teaching, and feeling sore, sluggish, and resetful of their ashtanga practice . Sound familiar? I've sure as fuck been there. When the well is dry, it’s dry. No creativity, more irritation, and a creeping sense…
Read the essay →
Getting Great: Adaptive Resistance and Isokinetic Training: Optimizing Muscle Growth and Fat Loss
Ever wonder how that gym buddy of yours keeps sculpting their physique while juggling a dozen other life commitments? For this Ashtanga yoga practitioner, the secret sauce often lies in mixing the right ingredients of training modalities and intensities. I‘ve been particularly partial to adaptive…
Read the essay →
Navigating Overtraining in Ashtanga Yoga: Signs, Solutions, and Self-Care
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? You dive headfirst into the wonderland of Ashtanga Yoga, blissfully aware of the transformative power of each pose—until one day, the thought of stepping onto your mat feels more like a chore than a joy. Overtraining can sneak up…
Read the essay →
How Breath Training Can Transform Your Sports Performance: Evidence and Techniques
Have you ever felt like your breath was holding you back on the field, court, or track? Just like a mischievous puppy chasing its tail, most athletes are blissfully unaware of how their breath can propel—or, heaven forbid, impede—their performance. Breath training, often overshadowed by the…
Read the essay →
wasted
was all preparation for now
raminnazer
@raminnazer
Td
@gayunclemario2
cumulative strength: how a casual approach to chanting helped me appreciate my practice more
When my brother passed, I felt blindsided. It hadn't occurred to me that such a thing would happen, even though looking back I can see that with that kind of drinking, it was inevitably going to happen. You can't drink like that and not die…
Read the essay →
Pride,
2010.
@cryscan18
Love you mommy! @gail.hall.927
Love you mommy! @gail.hall.927
Love you mommy! @gail.hall.927
Love you mommy! @gail.hall.927
Love you mommy! @gail.hall.927
Love you mommy! @gail.hall.927
Embracing the Chaos Muppet Within: The Art of Teaching Ashtanga Yoga
Are you a Chaos Muppet or an Order Muppet? Explore the challenges and joys of being a 'chaos Muppet' Ashtanga Yoga teacher. I discuss finding a balance between the structured discipline of Ashtanga and a spontaneous, adaptable teaching style. The piece highlights the importance of being true to oneself in teaching and the advantages of blending structured methods with creative freedom. This approach fosters an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.
Read the essay →
Ashtanga for Beginners
Are you new to yoga or curious about Ashtanga's transformative potential? Discover the profound benefits of Ashtanga yoga for beginners in our article. This practice offers an accessible entry point for those starting their yoga journey. From enhanced flexibility to mental clarity, Ashtanga empowers you to embrace a holistic approach to wellness. Dive into our article and explore why Ashtanga can be your perfect introduction to the world of yoga, bringing vitality and balance to your life. Start your journey today!
Read the essay →
me of my star sign
Ashtanga at Any Age: Inspiration from Alma Thomas and Cognitive Improvement Research
This week, my reflections are deeply anchored by my decade-long journey with a dedicated student, Ron. As our sessions evolved from power-packed vinyasa to the disciplined practice of Mysore, an intriguing question bubbled up: Why do older adults, like Ron, gravitate towards yoga? While the physical transformations are palpable, it's the cognitive rejuvenation that's turning heads. Delving into the tales of Alma Thomas, a late-blooming artist, and recent research from the University of Illinois, we uncover yoga's holistic gift — a dance of physical mastery and cognitive bloom. For every Ron seeking a deeper ‘why’ in their practice, this exploration promises insights into the boundless potential of age and the brain's synergy with yoga.
Read the essay →
In Times of Crisis, Pratyahara
In times of crisis, the practice of Pratyahara can help us navigate the overwhelming influx of information and emotions. It's not about tuning out the world, but rather pausing and gathering ourselves to respond with clarity and compassion. Discover how this ancient yogic practice promotes self-awareness and supports those who are suffering.
Read the essay →
Lessons from Led Intermediate
In the world of Ashtanga, the road to Led Intermediate is a unique and transformative journey. It's a path that offers profound lessons—lessons that reflect our mindset, challenge our limitations, and encourage us to embrace the long view.
Read the essay →
1'
|
In fact, you have even less time
than you did a moment ago.
aminnazer
@raminnazer
Youthful Enthusiasm and Ashtanga Yoga
Discover the parallels between a novice photographer's journey and an Ashtanga Yoga beginner. Learn the lessons of overconfidence, adaptation, and continuous learning. 📸🧘♂️
Read the essay →
Understanding Time Delays in Ashtanga Yoga: A Systems Thinking Perspective
When faced with challenges in Ashtanga Yoga, the immediate solution may not yield instant results. Understanding the concept of time delays is crucial for a patient and persistent practice. Learn more about the gradual progress and challenges in the practitioner’s journey.
Read the essay →
From Goal-Getter to Intention-Setter: Discovering Sankalpa in Yoga
Discover the power of Sankalpa in your yoga practice. Move beyond rigid goals and embrace a more mindful, compassionate way of practicing. Let's explore together!
Read the essay →
tells you to
stop being extra.
Replied to your story
L
Corpse pose
Stop it
When your mom
tells you to
stop being extra.
Primary Primer
Led Primary Series is a dynamic and powerful type of vinyasa yoga practice. This class is designed to improve strength, flexibility, and focus. Explore what to expect and why you should give it a try.
Read the essay →
Laundry Tips for Sweaty Yogis
Discover effective ways to banish stubborn odors from your yoga clothes. From prevention to vinegar soaks, we've got you covered. Say goodbye to post-yoga funk!
Read the essay →
moments that you just
can't miss.
feeling loved at 40.
xoxo
Surya Namaskar A: The Full Vinyasa Count in English and Sanskrit
Surya Namaskar A (9 movements)English CountSanskrit CountEnglish Instruction1EKAMInhale, arms up2DVEExhale, fold forward3TRINIInhale, look up, lengthen4CATVARIExhale, jump back, Chaturanga5PANCAInhale, Upward-Facing Dog6SATExhale, Downward-Facing Dog7SAPTAInhale, jump forward, look up, lengthen8ASTAUExhale, fold forward9NAVAInhale, arms upExhale, SamasthitiSURYANAMASKARAḤ B (17 movements)1EKAMInhale, Utkatasana2DVEExhale, fold forward3TRINIInhale, look up, lengthen4CATVARIExhale, jump back, Chaturanga5PANCAInhale, Upward-Facing…
Read the essay →
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Count
The count in Ashtanga Yoga is a key component of the practice, helping students maintain a steady rhythm and focus their attention on the breath. In Ashtanga Yoga, each posture is performed with a specific number of breaths, known as the vinyasa count. The count…
Read the essay →Yoga Philosophy: Exploring its Origins and Impact on Practice
Yoga is a practice that is becoming increasingly popular around the world, and for good reason. Not only does it offer a way to improve physical health and flexibility, but it also has a profound impact on mental and spiritual wellbeing. At the heart of…
Read the essay →Understanding the Movements of the Spine in Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and challenging practice that requires a deep understanding of the movements of the spine. In this blog post, we will explore the six directions of spinal movement and how they inform our practice. We will also discuss the importance of…
Read the essay →Get to Know Your Spine: A Guide for Ashtanga Yogis
Welcome to the world of Ashtanga Yoga, where we align our breath and movement to create a sense of calm and balance in our lives. One of the most important parts of our physical practice is the spine, the central axis of our body that…
Read the essay →
@RBReich
•..
Just to recap, Clarence Thomas let a
GOP megadonor take him on lavish
trips, buy his mom's house and let her
live there rent free, pay for his
grandnephew to attend a private
boarding school — all in secret until
now.
How is he still on the Supreme Court?
@rbreich
•
0:44
LIFE TIP No. I:
Have a friend who
remembers everything.
peterzachari
Watching OnlyFans
Improves Sexual
Confidence, Says a
New Report
BY ABBY MONTEIL
@them
Gender Spectrum Collection
On the one hand, I was glad they were safer there than here. On the other, I was presented with profound grief. Those months in Mexico, replacing my yearly sabbatical to India, provided time with my first and most influential teachers: my mom and dad.
Plus, yoga on their roof looks a lot like some of my other favorite and meaningful roofs.
Having a consistent practice helped anchor me when things were truly terrible. If you’d like to learn a simple set of practices that match your unique needs, feel free to DM.
Fear speaks to you in logic and reason. It
assumes the language of love itself. Fear says
'I want to make you safe.' Love says, 'You are
safe.'Fear says, 'Give me symbols. Give me frozen
images. Give me something I can rely on.'
Loving truth says, 'Only give me this moment.'
Fear would walk with you on a narrow path
promising to take you where you want to go.
Love says, 'Open your arms and fly with me.'
Every moment of your life you are offered the
opportunity to choose - love or fear, to tread
the earth or to soar the heavens."
EMMANUEL
@BABARAMDASS
@babaramdass
practice as if practicing with
others. When practicing
with others, practice as if
practicing alone.
ZEN MASTER SEUNG SAHN
kwanumzen.org
@kwanumzen
I get it a lot more now. Especially when my students who were “kids” when we started “call.”
I feel a deep sense of family when those who I’ve worked with, my peers on the path, share with me as I share with them about our lives.
There are fewer joys as sweet, to know the nectar of inspiration and love that they continue to bring to me, in ways once unimaginable and beautiful.
Thursday, October 6
My mom used to say "and all
my boys still call" when
she was talking about her
life and her happiness.
I get it a lot more now.
Especially when my students
who were "kids" when we
started "call."
I feel a deep sense of
family when those who I've
worked with, my peers on
the path, share with me as
I share with them about our
lives.
There are fewer joys as
sweet, to know the nectar
of
inspiration and love
that they continue to bring
lito me, in ways once
unimaginable and beautiful
mom & dad
-
r/aww
u/touchfeel - 8h - v.redd.it
11 G1 990 9188 S 84
164
Checking Sea Otter temperature
+ Join
floofyart
Anniversary #39
elyse.greta Miss getting assisted in postures? I miss getting
assisted in twisting triangle. This pose is one of my favorite...
NEXT
STARTS, THE SHOOTING
STARTS®
- Donald J. Trump
May29,2020
Responding to BLM protests
"Go home. We love you.
You're very special. [...]
I know how youfeel"
-Donald J. Trump
Januany 6,2021
Responding to white nationalists' attempted
coup, breaking into the U.S. Capitol and
forcingu.S. Senators +Congressmen to
Shelter in place under their desks
@turnitaroundproject
April 21, 1992: A jury acquits the four officers who beat Rodney King. Riots ensue.
Feb. 23, 1999: Four NYPD officers shoot and kill 23-year-old Amadou Diallo. The officers were acquitted on all charges.
Nov. 26, 2006: Seven undercover NYPD officers fire more than 50 rounds of ammunition at unarmed Sean Bell at a bachelor party. The officers were acquitted on all charges.
February 26, 2012: 17-year-old Trayvon Martin is stalked, chased and shot by George Zimmerman after 911 operators tell Zimmerman to leave the teenager alone. Six weeks after the shooting, Zimmerman was arrested and subsequently acquitted of murder.
March 21, 2012: Chicago police officer Dante Servin shoots unarmed Rekia Boyd. He is acquitted on all charges.
July 17, 2014: NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo kills Eric Garner. Pantaleo has never been convicted of a crime.
Aug. 9, 2014: Ferguson, Mo. officer Darren Wilson shoots and kills 18-year-old Mike Brown Jr. Wilson was not charged with a crime.
Nov. 22, 2014: Cleveland Police Officer Timothy Loehman kills 12-year-old Tamir Rice. Loehmann is not charged with a crime.
April 4, 2015: A bystander captures North Charleston, SC police officer Michael Slager shooting unarmed Walter Scott as Scott runs away during a traffic stop. Scott plead guilty to federal deprivation of rights under the color of law and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
April 12, 2015: Baltimore resident Freddie Gray was arrested for carrying a knife and died from injuries while being transported to jail. No one involved was convicted of a crime.
July 19, 2015: University of Cincinnati officer Ray Tensing shot and killed Sam DuBose during a traffic stop. Tensing was not convicted of a crime.
July 13, 2015: Sandra Bland is found hanged in a jail cell after a dashcam captures her brutal arrest by State Trooper Brian Encina, who is never convicted of a crime.
July 2, 2016: St. Anthony, Minn. police officer Jeronimo Yanez shoots Philando Castile during a traffic stop in which Castile was not driving or committing a crime. Yanez was acquitted on all charges.
July 5, 2016: Baton Rouge, La. officers shoot 37-year-old Alton Sterling as he lays on the ground, restrained by officers. No one is charged with a crime.
Aug. 1, 2016: Moments after authorities coerce Facebook and Instagram to shut off the live feed for 23-year-old Korryn Gainesâ standoff with police, Baltimore County police officers burst into her home and shoot her dead as she holds her son in her arms. No one is convicted of a crime.
Sept. 16, 2016: Tulsa, Okla. police officer Betty Shelby shoots unarmed Terrance Crutcher as a news helicopter records the footage. She is acquitted of first-degree manslaughter.
March 18, 2018: Sacramento police officers open fire on 23-year-old Stephon Clark, striking him eight times, six of which were in his back. No one was ever charged with Clarkâs death.
Sept. 6, 2018: Officer Amber Guyger enters the home of Botham Jean and shoots him dead. She is convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Oct. 12, 2019: Fort Worth, Tex. police officer Aaron Dean shoots through the window of 28-year-old Atiatana Jefferson, killing her. Dean is fired and charged with murder.
February 23, 2020: A vigilante mob in Brunswick, Ga. chases down and shoots 23-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, killing him. Travis and Gregory McMichael have been arrested for his death after more than 2 months of freedom. A third man, William âRoddieâ Bryan, has also been charged after filming the crime.
March 13, 2020: Louisville, Ky. police officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove entered the apartment of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor to serve a âno-knock warrantâ on her boyfriend and shot Taylor dead. No one has been charged with a crime.
May 25, 2020: Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneels on the neck of George Floyd for 8 minutes and 46 seconds; 2 minutes and 53 seconds of which occurred after Floyd was unconscious. Floyd Dies. Chauvin is charged with third-degree murder after four days of freedom. Three officers who were present â Tou Thao, Thomas K. Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, have not been charged.
May 27, 2020: Minneapolis residents say: âFuck this.â
May 29- present: America says: âDamn right, fuck this:â
https://www.theroot.com/a-timeline-of-events-that-led-to-the-2020-fed-up-rising-1843780800?fbclid=IwAR2V3bcgil5d_DTSGI8967x7rgHOdMZvCH0ztXl0BOAaKhgYlTLa3-U33wQ
Alive you are.
BIBLE
Love you
@michaelioelhall
right before they moved !
MAR 5, 2020
what a difference
a few
weeks can make!
Happy Mother' s Day!!!
First things first: have faith (shraddah) that peace is attainable for you.
Cultivate vitality (virya) — it’s hard to feel good when you feel like shit! Do the things that nourish your ability to be present in the moment.
This means some responsibility is in order: You have to wake up to noticing yourself feeling good— which also means waking up to when you feel bad so that you can note the difference. Then, when you notice yourself feeling good and maybe a bit happier or peaceful, your mission is to remember (smriti) it! It can help you have
faith that those vibes are legit.
Once you get good at noticing yourself vibing right, try to stay with it for longer periods of time— it’s totally possible. It’ll grow! You gotta try and stay present!
Lastly— once we’re able to be present for longer periods of time, things have a way of sorting themselves out. We suffer less, seemingly paradoxically by just being awake to all of our feelings as they come in. Somewhere inside the good and the bad is the truth— and it doesn’t done from rejecting any of it. And the truth brings wisdom... and the wisdom is how we can stop this process of self delusion and hurt making.
So there you have it: holding space inside of yourself for a personal experience of wisdom truth revelation means not rejecting, but experiencing. Not controlling, but observing.
We can wake up to love. We can wake up to now. We can wake up to wisdom (prajna). When these truths start showing themselves, you don’t wanna miss ‘em. It’s on the back of these truths that we can ride into a lasting peace. (Yoga sutras 1.20)
The kind of power that frees you from the suffering that comes with the drama of the routine rise and fall... and the unexpected.
Speaking of all things unexpected, the deepest potency of practice only reveals itself when the deep moments of desperation knock on the doors of our routine realities.
These times of fraught and worry and sorrow— they come uninvited, though they should never be unexpected.
And, in these moments, when all manner of hell and high water come a-knockin’, only then are we given the chance to open the door— and, such as it is when it comes to self discovery, we discover that no matter what door we open, it’s just us on the other side.
Every door, every time.
And through yoga, we learn to stay lifted. To let that door open and close. To not fear the knocking.
And we learn how to help others stay lifted, too.
—
Newsletter goes out today— sign up now to get it!
work ethicâ she teaches Ashtanga Yoga. Sheâs a mom. And due to injuries and complications from surgery, she canât work.
Can we come together to help? No one should have to become destitute because they canât afford care.
The irony that it is a healer who has found themselves needing healing cannot be lost. Krista needs our help.
Please help if you can.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/come-together-for-krista?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet
After all, you can not chart a mountains range in meters without knowing sea level. And the best place to find the next peak is from the top of another.
In truth, though, you may have to climb all the way down to get all the way up. Better enjoy the climb.
Get MichaelFilter
Enter your email. We'll send a one-tap link to read today's edition free, in your browser — the link works for 24 hours. Membership unlocks every issue, PDFs, and transcripts.
Already a member of theyoga.club or ashtanga.tech? You're already on file — no re-registration. We won't add you to any list.