The Evolution of Ashtanga, the (possible) papal butterfly effect

I just read this very thoughtful and insightful article by Matthew Sweeney on the evolution of Ashtanga Yoga. It gives me a lot to chew on; I think Sweeney does a wonderful job of articulating and giving a balanced treatment from different angles of the way the practice has evolved over the years. I'm not going to quote any of it or offer any commentary here; I think the article speaks plenty for itself. But do take a look at it when you have a chance. It's definitely worth reading and pondering over.

In other news: It appears that a new pope (the first one from the Americas, no less) has been elected. Will the election of a new pontiff have any effect on my digestive and elimination processes, just as, say, the flapping of the wings of a butterfly in the Amazon might cause a typhoon in Asia? Probably not. But who's to say? Anything is possible in the universe these days.  

On that note, I'll keep this post brief, and sign off here: The election of a new pontiff is probably not a good occasion for a long, pontificating post :-) More later.