Video: Power Dynamics in Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga
This is a video about Power Dynamics in Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga. Reach out if you want some coaching for you practice. https://michaeljoelhall.com/coaching
00:00 Introduction to Shifting Power Dynamics in Ashtanga Yoga
00:06 The Guru-Disciple Model of the Past
00:23 The Rise of Critical Engagement
00:40 The Need for Autonomy and Self-Organization
00:57 Reckoning with Past and Present Abuses
01:07 Empowering Students in Modern Practice
01:20 Evolving Authority into Responsibility
01:30 Building a Partnership in Teacher-Student Relationships
01:39 Moving Forward: Mutual Respect and Earned Trust
Small changes can lead to monumental impacts, much like the butterfly effect. Visit michaeljoelhall.com/coaching to book a session if you’d like to chat about your practice.
Counting Your Way to Clarity: The Transformative Journey of Parsvottanasana
Embark on a transformative journey with Parsvottanasana, the intense side stretch pose. This powerful asana transcends physicality, offering profound insights into both body and mind. As you dive deeper into the pose, discover how the art of counting can illuminate your practice, providing clarity and focus that enhances your ashtanga experience.
Anatomy of Parsvottanasana
Parsvottanasana challenges the body, inviting the pelvis to rotate towards the front leg while engaging key muscle groups. Seamlessly transitioning from Ardha Chandrasana, this pose not only intensifies the stretch but also awakens various muscle fibers, particularly in your hamstrings and calves.
PÄRSVÕTTANASANA (5 MOVEMENTS)
1
EKAM
Inhale, open to the right, hands in prayer behind back
2
DVE
Exhale, fold
3
TRINI
Inhale, up, turn to the front
4
CATVARI
Exhale, fold
5
PANCA
Inhale, up, open to the side
Exhale, Samasthiti
Counterbalancing the Mind and Body
Each count in Parsvottanasana connects breath, movement, and intention, creating a rhythm that anchors your practice. As you breathe, you cultivate awareness and clarity, harmonizing the mental and physical realms—ultimately discovering the profound interconnectedness of your being.
Mindful Preparations
Preparation is crucial for a safe and effective Parsvottanasana. Begin in Tadasana with hands in reverse namaste, opening your shoulders and releasing tension. This mindful approach sets the stage for a deeper stretch, inviting clarity into your alignment and practice.
Synergizing for Success
The pectoralis major collaborates with the subscapularis and teres major to inwardly rotate the upper arm while stretching shoulder external rotators.
Upper back muscles pull shoulder blades toward the spine, creating space in the chest.
The rectus abdominis stabilizes the fold, while the psoas maintains the extended leg’s position.
By harnessing these relationships, you amplify your experience in Parsvottanasana, moving beyond physicality to cultivate clarity both on and off the mat.
For deepening your understanding of Parsvottanasana and its counting, explore our detailed guide: Parsvauttanasana – The Count.
Ultimately, Parsvottanasana invites us into a dance of awareness—a fusion of physical engagement and mental clarity. Embrace each of the five movements, counting intentionally, and uncover how this practice can enhance your yoga journey and everyday life.
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
The counts in Uttitha Parsvakonasana A and B. Discover how these rhythmic breath counts can anchor your practice, creating a seamless flow between movement and mindfulness. With detailed insights on posture, breath, and anatomy, this blog invites you to deepen your connection to each pose. Elevate your practice—one count at a time.
Looking to practice Ashtanga in the Washington, DC area? You’re in luck, as DC and Northern Virginia has a bounty of powerful, talented teachers… no wonder we have such an inspired (and inspiring!) community of practitioners. The following is a list of places that you can find mysore-style ashtanga vinyasa yoga: DC Ashtanga @ The Yoga Club3423 14th Street, NW WashingtonWho? Michael Joel Hall (me! kpjayi level 2 authorized) Why? A beautiful space, a lovely community. And –well– me. My approach is direct, collaborative, and encourages systems thinking and autonomy. Decidedly non-dogmatic, more interested in the pros and cons of approaches rather than the rights and wrongs. We do a good job. You’ll have to excuse me, as I’m biased, so we get to come first on…
**Unlock the Rhythm of Your Practice: Understanding the Counts in Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana**
Dive into the transformative world of Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana, or Half Bound Lotus Forward Bend, a foundational pose in the Ashtanga primary series. This blog unravels the intricate dance of the nine guiding counts that breathe life into this posture. From the gentle lift of your foot to the profound grounding in each exhale, mastering these counts enhances your connection to breath and movement, fostering clarity and confidence on your mat. Join us as we explore how every count not only shapes your practice but also mirrors the ebb and flow of life itself. Embrace the rhythm—your journey towards deeper understanding begins here!
