Working inside of different federal agencies, corporations, and NGOs for the last 10+ years as a yoga teacher has been illuminating in the ways mindfulness practice can be co-opted for both the forces of good and some far more nefarious.

As a young teacher, i felt as though i was sharing something very useful with people who could affect change on a much larger scale than I ever could— i felt subversive to be doing it right in the heart of the corporate/capitalistic machine.

Practice works— and it works across a broad spectrum of therapeutic modalities each with individual metrics. Spiritual health, physical well being, interpersonal relational skills, emotional balance— each can be touched on. When instructed well, each can be elevated. So too, I’m sad to say, can the shadow side: further anesthetization, good old spiritual bypassing, and duration of a culture that punches down and goes to sleep.

Having seen this in local yoga studios, international finance organizations, and local community sports non-profits, its very much on my radar. But, it doesn’t mean to stop. It means to care more and share better.

Teachers have a responsibility: pick your platform, and to pick it well. Keep your ethics high, and they will trickle down.

https://www.thenation.com/article/ron-parser-mcmindfulness-mindfulness-meditation-book-interview/

One of my first Ashtanga Yoga teachers, Keith Moore was recently diagnosed with throat and neck cancer. Keith, and folks like him, support and sustain communities — let’s do the same for him. He’s a great guy with an independent studio and is a touchstone for a lot of folk.

https://www.gofundme.com/Keith-Moore-we-got-this?pc=fb_dn_cpgntopnavlarge_r&rcid=r01-156193452837-141790b3701e40f9&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_dn_cpgntopnavlarge_r

Now our hot yoga studios.

https://www.wctv.tv/content/news/TPD-investigating-shooting-in-Tallahassee-499452171.html

I'm teaching a 4 week course on applied anatomy for yoga practitioners and professionals at Kali Yoga Studio. First four Tuesdays in October, 7:30p-9:30p. $130 for studio members, $150 otherwise. Class size will be kept small!

http://michaeljoelhall.com/workshops/

http://michaeljoelhall.com/workshops/

This Sunday at Kali Yoga Studio:
Intro to Mysore ($45-- with two weeks unlimited!)
Pranayama ($20)
Bandhas ($20)
Led Intermediate ($20)

http://kaliyogadc.com/2015/05/01/mysore-ashtanga-workshops/

10 DC Yoga Studios, Gyms Burglarized in Past Month | NBC4 Washington

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/10-Yoga-and-Pilates-Studios-Report-Burglaries-in-Past-Month-387679142.html

spread the word-- today only deal $30 for 30 days unlimited yoga at the new i street studio!

http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=2070&stype=41&prodid=224