WTF is an Ashtanga Influencer? #ashtangayoga

In this video, Michael Joel Hall discusses the importance of integrating all eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga, rather than focusing solely on the physical practice of asanas. He addresses the potential pitfalls of modern practices, such as the risk of turning yoga into just another workout, the impact of social media on the practice, and the ethical dilemmas faced in a performance-driven culture. Hall advocates for a more comprehensive approach that includes elements like meditation, ethical study, and understanding of foundational texts to truly cultivate a holistic yoga practice.
00:00 Introduction to Modern Ashtanga Yoga
00:08 Criticism and Holistic Approach
00:44 Ethical Dilemmas in Social Media
01:18 Integrating All Eight Limbs
01:31 Conclusion

In this video, we unbox the concept of decolonizing your yoga practice by removing authoritarianism and emphasizing self-study. This episode covers the cultural context of Ashtanga Yoga, the impact of colonialism and capitalism in shaping Western yoga practices, and the need for open-source teaching. Michael discusses historical gender biases, the guru-student power dynamic, and the issues of gatekeeping and groupthink in yoga communities. Learn about the importance of making yoga accessible and fostering community-centered approaches while balancing tradition with the evolution of Ashtanga Yoga. Discover how decommodification and recognizing inner intelligence can lead to true liberation in your practice.

00:00 Dismantling Authoritarianism with Ashtanga Yoga: Power, Practice, Justice
00:01 Introduction to Decolonizing Yoga
00:15 Historical Context and Cultural Impact
01:12 Examining Patriarchal Elements
02:14 Power Dynamics and Gatekeeping
03:37 Cultural Imperialism in Teaching
04:50 Appropriation vs. Appreciation
06:43 Open Source Teaching as Solution
08:12 Making Yoga Accessible
10:12 Balancing Tradition with Evolution
11:49 Self-Education and Awareness
14:05 Conclusion: Path to Liberation

Qualifications? For Yoga? Yes! But what are they and who decides?

00:00 Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga Teaching
00:12 The Evolving Role of a Yoga Teacher
00:32 Qualifications and Expectations
01:02 The Art of Teaching Yoga
01:14 Balancing Tradition and Growth
01:36 Commitment to Lifelong Learning
01:41 Future of Ashtanga Yoga

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

Surrendering to an external count transforms your breath into the breath—and that’s where the practice deepens.

There’s a led count for Intermediate Series on YouTube that I’ve been using for years. Not because it’s perfect. Not because it solves all my problems. But because sometimes you need someone else to decide when five breaths is actually five breaths. You know how this goes. You’re in a bind. Your breath is shallow. You start negotiating. Maybe six breaths today. Maybe seven. The count says five and you move, even though your hip flexor is staging a protest and your mind is writing a strongly worded letter about fairness. That’s the thing about a led class. The decision is made for you.

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Read the full article: https://theyoga.club/the-count-is-the-practice/
Original source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Myk53CzOdQ8
All content: https://mjh.yoga

Concepts: Tapas · Vinyasa · Drishti · Pranayama

#ashtanga #yoga #ashtangayoga #yogapractice #theyogaclub

In this video, Michael Joel Hall discusses how Ashtanga Yoga is more than just a sequence of postures; it represents a lineage, a philosophy, and an extensive system rooted in ancient traditions. As the practice spreads globally, Hall emphasizes the need to honor its origins while ensuring its relevance today. He raises important questions about engaging with the philosophical foundations of Ashtanga beyond the physical practice, balancing tradition with necessary evolution, and discerning the line between adaptation and appropriation. The future of Ashtanga, according to Hall, lies in how it is taught, practiced, and questioned, ensuring the practice remains strong through thoughtful evolution.

00:00 Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga
00:40 Honoring Tradition in Modern Practice
01:12 Navigating Change and Evolution