As yogis, we can’t dismiss this election as a “lesser of two evils” and simply sit it out. Just as Krishna guided Arjuna to fight against the unethical Kauravas, yogic teachings, through the yamas and our understanding of the politics of asmita (ego-driven authoritarianism), compel us to defend democratic values.

I have to be honest: going in, I was skeptical. I love Ashtanga as a practice, system, and community, but I was worried that an event like this—hundreds of people packed into a large space, synchronizing their movements at the direction of the guru—might bring out the more cult like aspects of this world.

Yoga isn’t about how far you can fold forward or how deeply you can twist — though, that stuff is pretty cool. It’s about how you show up in the world. It’s about being someone who’s engaged with what’s happening and taking responsibility for the things that actually matter to you.

Yoga has always been a central part of my life, offering routine and stability even in the most uncertain times. In the early days of recovery, I started with sun salutations, using the wall for support in downward dog. Within about two weeks, I was practicing yoga nearly every morning in whatever capacity I could manage. When I felt exhausted, I would switch to breathing exercises or meditation. As my practice evolved, it became more about taking note of what I could do rather than focusing on what I couldn’t.

I felt a real connection with Kino. She is a generous, lively, funny, and devoted teacher and practitioner. Despite the Mysore room being packed with 80-100 people every morning, by day three, she was calling us by name, even though most of us had forgotten our name tags. Kino understood that many of us were there to see "HER," yet she positioned herself as just another person in the room, another person on the path.

Jumpbacks and jump throughs keep the practice from getting too sleepy or stagnant. They link all the seated postures, serving as a pulse of movement between each seated asana, keeping your body warm and your attention tuned. In essence, these transitions maintain the flow of your practice.

Patanjali gives us the Yamas, the ethical principles and restraints that lay the foundation for practice. These are five rules borrowed from a Jain text that predates Yoga. If I cannot apply this stuff specifically to the daily fabric of my life, I’m not sure I want to invest my time in studying it. So, I’ve made an attempt to see how the Yamas apply to my life especially as a parent.

Sometimes, we get stuck on a gatekeeper for a long time. This is fertile ground. Here, in the midst of frustration, we have an opportunity to ask ourselves some questions like, “Do I WANT to do the work (even if it requires so much more of me than Flexi Jim over there?)” and “ If I NEVER get past this point, would I still have reason to get to my mat each day?”

Start recognizing yourself as your most dependable friend who consistently shows up for herself and gain control over your life as you change the narrative from 'I don’t have time' to 'I prioritize what matters most.'

Take back the reins from unconscious, automatic thinking – those whirlwind thoughts (chitta vrittis) that keep on spinning!

Tristhana aligns with three of the eight limbs of yoga: Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), and Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses).

A yogi engages in her responsibilities and acknowledges that action is essential for progress and fulfillment.