In this Podcast I discuss the following positive facts about using props and modifying:

1) Props (modifying) helps you build strength and flexibility by enabling you to specifically target desirable actions, movements, or position

2) Props (modifying) help you better align your skeleton 

3) Props (modifying) help you stay in poses longer with more ease 

5) Props (modifying) help you work more safely and protect your body. 

6) Props (modifying) help you break difficult poses into smaller, logical steps so you can progress in your own way on your timeline.  

7) Props (modifying) help you pinpoint what has value in doing a pose and strive for excellence where it really counts.

8) Props (modifying) help you learn more about how to do a pose and open yourself up to its many possibilities for creative expression.  


I also briefly address Ashtanga Yoga's unfortunate taboo against props or modifying and point out some of the wrong ideas commonly embraced within the culture of Ashtanga concerning props.  

The list of untruths about props discussed include; 

1) If you use props or modify you aren’t doing real Ashtanga.
2) Using a prop or modifying is a sign that you are weak or stiff or lack skill or are incapable.  
3) You only use a prop or modify because you can’t do a pose 
4) A prop is a crutch and becoming dependent upon it makes your practice worse over time.
5) Only older or injured or incapable students benefit from using props or modifying.
6) Props or modifications aren’t needed to practice hard poses safely or to protect your body from harm-- short and long term.  
7) The ideal student doesn’t use props or the less the better.
8) The advanced student doesn’t use props or modify, but rather strictly follows all the poses and Vinyasas of each series without deviation.

How to use props, modify, and customize your practice

Using Yoga Sutras 3:48 and 3:49, David breaks down the indriyas and discusses how to explore them on the mat.

Indriyas: Mastery Over the Senses

In this month's podcast David answers four questions from students:
1) How do I balance Yoga and Family obligations?
2) How did David start teaching and what were some struggles in the beginning?
3) Should Ashtanga evolve?
4) Why are there some postures and vinyasas I struggle to do without your (DG's) instruction?

Ask Me Anything, 4 Questions from Students

In this podcast, David defines the grand concept of Kundalini and how this main concept is associated with more familiar terms such as Prana, Shakti, Nadis, Shushumna, Mudra, Prana and Apana Vayu, as well as Mula, Uddiyana, and Jalandhara Bandhas. 

He outlines the classic tantric imagery that is ubiquitous to many of the sacred texts and discusses the relevance of this important schemata to the practice of asana, vinyasa, and pranayama. 

David reads from such sacred Hatha Yoga texts as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Geranda Samhita, and Prasna Upanishad to give examples how the kundalini language and schemata are inherently embedded in these texts. 

He also gives examples of how the 7 asana principles are a secret, disguised road map to kundalini awakening. The asana principles: 1) Samasthiti is every pose, 2)crouch and spring to transition 3) ground legs and arms 4) awaken spine 5) tap breath 6 ) seal in energy 7) play with opposites

Asana & Awakening Kundalini

So sad that Sharath has departed so suddenly and so soon from this world. I’m thankful to have known him. I will remember him as a strong lineage holder, I will draw upon him for continued inspiration as a loving soul who carried on the torch of Ashtanga yoga with all his heart! The first and third photos were taken when I had the honor of hosting the family in Seattle in 2002. I offer my love and prayers to the Jois family and the whole world wide Ashtanga community.

Here are my thoughts.

Sharath Jois

This podcast discusses the delicate balance between following rules and embracing freedom in yoga and life. Using Ashtanga yoga as a focal point, I highlight the necessity of structure for safety, grace, and empowerment while also exploring the pitfalls of rigid rule-following. I challenge the idea that rules are inherently restrictive or harmful, and address the danger of adopting a “do what feels good” approach without discernment.
Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Vasistha, I delve into the messy nuances of navigating right action, creativity, and flexibility within a system. The discussion examines the limitations of rigid practices, such as strict adherence to Ashtanga’s set sequences, while emphasizing the importance of allowing for personalization and adaptability.
By addressing the harm of extremes—having no rules versus rigidly following them—I advocate for embracing complexity and balance in both yoga and teaching. Ultimately, yoga points us toward total freedom: the ability to respond spontaneously and skillfully to the moment, transcending outdated ideas and rigid structures. This conversation provides thoughtful insights for yoga practitioners, teachers, and anyone seeking to navigate life’s complexities with grace and wisdom.

Yoga, Rules And Freedom

In this heartfelt conversation, Mary Taylor, Richard Freeman, Tim Feldmann, and Kino MacGregor join Peg Mulqueen and reflect on the profound sense of loss within the Ashtanga Yoga community after the sudden passing of Sharath Jois. They explore themes of grief, connection, and the importance of practice in navigating uncertainty. The discussion delves into the essence of tradition in yoga, sharing personal stories and insights, highlighting the role of rituals and devotion in maintaining a sense of connection to the practice and each other. 

You can join Mary, Richard, Tim, and Kino along with many other prominent and inspiring teachers at this year's Ashtanga Yoga Confluence, May 1-4, in San Diego, California. You can find more information on the event itself as well as scholarships available here: https://www.ashtangayogaconfluence.com

Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoyed.



The Tradition that Connects Us with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, Kino MacGregor, and Tim Feldmann

In this episode of the Ashtanga Dispatch Podcast, David Keil, Jen René and Scott Johnson join me to explore the question of whether Ashtanga yoga is suitable for everyone, not just as teachers but as students, ourselves with our own challenges and needs.  We talk about the importance of context, adaptation, and the need be critical thinkers. But like all great questions, this one only led us to even more, and especially this one: how can we become better teachers. Because for students, that's really what it comes down to -- how creative, flexible, and caring we are as teachers.

Join our Yoga Mentorship: visit ashtangadispatch.com for details 

Is Ashtanga Right for Everyone? With David Keil, Scott Johnson, and Jen René

A maverick is someone who is unconventional and thinks for themselves and today's guests are certainly that. Harmony Slater, David Garrigues, and Ty Landrum are all part of the same Ashtanga yoga tradition, and yet, they look almost nothing alike. Each offer their own unique perspective and approach that is in ways, totally opposite. On one end there's David, a lover of form, and on the other, Harmony who embraces the form-less. And then there's Ty and his new Black Lotus Yoga which is both wildly different and not. Though there is one thing they all love and agree on: the color black. (Didn't see that one coming!) Anyway, get ready for a roller coaster of a conversation that was loads of fun (for me) and brilliantly insightful. 

The fall session of our Yoga Mentorship program begins August 2nd. The focus this session will be on presence and purpose. It's waking up to our own unique dharma, a life calling that is as much our duty as gift. Visit www.ashtangadispatch.com

Outside the Box with Maverick Teachers Harmony Slater, David Garrigues, and Ty Landrum

What does it mean to be a woman practicing Ashtanga yoga? Join Monica, Genny, Tara, Katy and me as we discuss what can seem like a very masculine practice, from a female perspective. 

And if you enjoy this episode, then I invite you to join me over on Substack for a new 12-part series exploring the femine archetypes. We begin this month with The Queen. Visit https://pegmulqueen.substack.com to read up and join.

Ashtanga Yoga: A Feminine Perspective with Monica Gauci, Genny Wilkinson, Tara Mitra, + Katy Scherer

An incredibly important conversation examining the roots of abuse, ways of accountability, and what it means to be both a teacher and student of the Ashtanga yoga method with Sarah Nelson, Greg Nardi, Kino Macgregor, and Peg Mulqueen -- moderated by Melissa Matt. The first of an ongoing series of discussions hosted by Omstars. 

We appreciate you listening. And if you have any thoughts or comments, please feel free to email me (Peg Mulqueen) directly at ashtangadispatch@gmail.com


Bonus Episode: Accountability, Integrity, and the Evolution of Ashtanga Yoga

David Garrigues is an internationally recognized yoga teacher and creator of the Asana Kitchen, an acclaimed yoga instruction channel on YouTube. The goal of the Asana Kitchen podcast is to teach yoga philosophy and hatha yoga techniques that can be applied directly to the daily practice.

How to use props, modify, and customize your practice

David Garrigues Yoga Podcast