The Y Factor

Ever been in a class with someone trying too hard to be funny? It's easy to feel annoyed. But when it comes to yoga, Neal Pollack says, maybe we should all stop taking ourselves so seriously.

After nearly a decade of doing yoga, Neal Pollack still struggles with the physical details of the practice. But he's learning to accept this about himself, and to call for help when needed.

In his current living space, Neal Pollack doesn't have the room nor is inspired to practice yoga. He's trying to find a yogic lesson in the situation.

Yoga, it is said, helps you do everything better. Neal Pollack has found that this extends to his poker game.

A teaching gig yields just 8 students—and Neal Pollack wouldn't want it any other way.

Neal Pollack considers whether the occasional urge to do yoga in public is for him or for show—or a little bit of both.

What is the proper yogic response to election-induced craziness? Neal Pollack weighs in.

Rather than repress sexual urges, or constantly act on them, yoga has taught Neal Pollack to observe his desires, and not let a greedy mind run the show.

Neal Pollack used to do yoga as exercise. But after weeks of traveling, he turns to slower practices to put get his body back in working order.

Can you walk the yogic path and smoke pot? Neal Pollack suggests you look at the issue of attachment to find your own answers.

Practicing yoga won't make you live forever, but it can help you put the fear of death into perspective. Neal Pollack explains how.

Neal Pollack is doing his best to inject some yogic wisdom into his parenting.

Social scientists say that it's harder to make friends as adults. But Neal Pollack has found that yoga has filled his life with many true friendships.

Neal Pollack takes exception to the concept of men-only yoga.

Neal Pollack never grew used to early-morning classes. So he stopped, and started doing yoga whenever he wants, and it's just fine.

Neal Pollack is feeling the pinch from the rising cost of yoga.

When a speaking engagement doesn't go as planned, Neal Pollack is reminded of the yogic lesson of nonattachment.

Neal Pollack's freelance gig test driving and reviewing luxury cars is a constant reminder what's real and what's temporary.

Neal Pollack has learned to give his loved ones space to find and develop their own paths.

Neal Pollack isn't quite ready to join the senior league, but he's happy to give up the faced-paced yoga of his early years.