Video: Stop Making Ashtanga a Cult! Part 2: Strategies

Michael Joel Hall recounts his visit to the Gala Theater in Columbia Heights to watch a Spanish production of ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman.’ He reflects on the themes of deception, honesty, and betrayal within the play and draws parallels to his experiences in the federal government, nonprofits, and his Ashtanga yoga community. Hall discusses the damaging impact of small betrayals by well-meaning but mediocre people in positions of power and stresses the importance of radical honesty as a countermeasure to authoritarian tendencies. He concludes by highlighting the importance of integrity in maintaining the spiritual health of a community.

00:00 Kiss of the Spider Woman
00:21 The Play: Kiss of the Spider Woman
00:43 Themes of Deception and Betrayal
03:25 Personal Reflections and Broader Implications
06:56 Conclusion: Honesty and Community

In this video, Michael Joel Hall delves into the concept that obstacles are not roadblocks but integral parts of our spiritual journey. Drawing from personal experiences and teaching observations, he explores how challenges serve as profound teachers, revealing our limiting beliefs and building spiritual strength. Hall explains the different types of obstacles, both external and internal, and emphasizes the importance of perspective in transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth. He highlights how obstacles can guide us toward our dharma and deepen our understanding.

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Obstacles for Spiritual Growth
00:24 Understanding the Nature of Obstacles
01:04 The Spiritual Purpose of Challenges
01:37 Approaching Obstacles as a Spiritual Practice

Michael Joel Hall shares his insights on alignment and form in Ashtanga Yoga, emphasizing the importance of functionality over aesthetics in postures. He discusses how stability, internal awareness, and breath play pivotal roles in developing both strength and flexibility. Hall highlights that true depth in practice arises from understanding the purpose and mechanics of poses rather than merely striving for visually perfect forms.

00:00 Introduction to Alignment in Ashtanga Yoga
00:12 Principles and Practice of Functional Alignment

00:00 Introduction to Alignment in Ashtanga Yoga
00:12 Principles and Practice of Functional Alignment

In this video, Michael Joel Hall explores the concept of self-awareness through the practice of yoga. He discusses how physical patterns observed during yoga can mirror deeper mental models affecting our life experiences. Hall encourages understanding not just what we do, but why we do it, by relating the approach to challenging yoga postures with how we handle life’s challenges. He outlines how beliefs manifest in actions and outcomes, and emphasizes the transformative power of awareness. Practical tools such as morning check-ins, pattern journaling, body scans, and mindful transitions are suggested to deepen self-awareness. Hall also highlights the importance of community in accelerating growth and understanding our broader impact on the world. The video invites viewers to start their own journey of self-observation and build a foundation of awareness for personal transformation.

00:00 Introduction to Self-Awareness
00:24 The Mirror of Practice
00:48 Breaking Down Mental Models
01:23 Practical Steps for Self-Awareness
02:37 Tools and Community Support

In this episode, MJH delves into the methods of qualification for an Ashtanga Yoga teacher, contrasting traditional practices with modern approaches. Hall discusses the historical context of authorization by Patabi the current certification processes. He highlights issues with evaluation models, explaining the benefits of a non-linear understanding of system dynamics over linear assessments. Hall shares personal experiences, including conflicts in teaching methods, and emphasizes the importance of ethical frameworks and personal growth for both teachers and students in Ashtanga Yoga.

00:00 Ashtanga Yoga Assessment Paradigms
00:13 Historical vs. Modern Certification Methods
01:15 Challenges in Modern Certification
02:18 Open Systems, Closed Systems, and Narrow Minds
03:11 Personal Teaching Conflicts and Adaptations
04:13 Linear vs. Non-Linear System Dynamics
05:57 Holistic Criteria for Assessing Teachers
06:26 Balancing Physical and Ethical Development
07:16 Questions for Personal Practice and Teaching
08:35 Conclusion: The Importance of Ethical Teaching

Title: Embracing Progress: Adding More Poses and Exploring New Series in Ashtanga Yoga

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**Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga**

Hello, I’ve been reflecting on the Ashtanga Asana practice, specifically about integrating more poses and exploring new series. Advancing in Ashtanga yoga isn’t about simply adding new postures. Perhaps you’ve heard this before, but it’s important to emphasize its truth.

**Understanding the Purpose of New Postures**

Ashtanga yoga is fundamentally a system for personal insight and growth. The progression to new postures allows us to deepen our understanding and application of previous learnings. This journey from one series to the next, for instance, from the primary to the intermediate series, is built upon developing depth in practice.

The primary series serves as therapy for the physical body, while the intermediate series, as Rolf highlights, focuses on cleansing the nervous system. Introducing poses from the next series requires knowing the purpose they serve and breaking them down into manageable pieces. This understanding ensures these stimulating postures enhance your practice without disrupting your life.

**Balancing Primary and Intermediate Series**

Maintaining balance as you transition from primary to intermediate series is crucial. You must ground yourself in the primary series, observing your breath and nervous system, before taking on new challenges. Progression should offer a challenge, not overwhelming pressure.

Deciding when to progress is equally critical. Some teachers may suggest a gradual introduction, like combining half of the primary with half of the intermediate series. Such strategies provide a mix of benefits beyond rigid sequential orders, catering to students ready to deepen their practice.

Feeling integrated and effortless in your primary postures can signal readiness for the next series. Steady breath through back-bending and effective energy management will also be necessary for what follows.

**Transitioning Between Series**

Recovery and readiness are essential before embracing a new series. Chronic depletion suggests you’re not ready for something new. Understanding the shift from primary’s external rotation focus to intermediate’s internal rotation and spine extension is key.

Premature advancement can lead to overstimulation and agitation instead of nourishment and transformation. Success in Ashtanga isn’t about perfecting postures, but evolving understanding through practice. Advancement means readiness to embrace each series with the honor it deserves.

The best transitions are those that respect your past learnings and future aspirations without rushing past present lessons. Embrace the practice at your pace, whether you’re in the midst of transitioning or building foundational strength.

Remember, Ashtanga is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Enjoy and respect each stage of your practice as it unfolds.