What do you think of when you think of yoga?
Chances are that it’s a physical practice that links breathing with movement to enhance relaxation. The focus for most of us is on the postures. In reality this is only one eighth of what yoga really is about. Learn about the Eight Limbs of Yoga. Discover more about the other aspects of a yoga practice.
Yama
The Yamas are how we behave in life. They are the ethics and level of standard that we hold ourselves by.
- Ahimsa: non-violence, non-harming
- Treating others as an extension of ourselves.
- Satya: truthfulness
- Being our authentic self in the world.
- Asteya: non-stealing
- Respecting other’s possessions, times, boundaries.
- Brahmacharya: continence
- Treating our primal life forces as sacred. Using our energy wisely.
- Aparigraha: non-covetousness
- Recognizing the difference between need and wants. Not holding on too tight to extras or being jealous of those who have more.
Niyama
Our self-discipline and spiritual practice is niyama. Our ability to continue to show up and take care for ourselves.
- Saucha: cleanliness
- Having a clean body and mind.
- Samtosa: contentment
- Being content with what we have.
- Tapas: heat; spiritual austerities
- Accepting that there are challenge and uncomfortableness in life.
- Svadhyaya: study of the sacred scriptures and of one’s self
- Learning about yourself and the world around them.
- Isvara pranidhana: surrender to God
- Trusting the Universe and the source in yourself.
Asana
The physical practice to prepare our body for our spiritual life. Treating our body as a temple through movement to help improve concentration and discipline.
Pranayama
Using different techniques to gain mastery over the breath as a way to recognize the connection between the breath, mind, and emotions.
Pratyahara
Directing attention and withdrawing from the external world to look at ourselves. Discovering what external stimuli interfere with our inner growth.
Dharana
Developing deep concentration to reduce the distractions on the mind. Focusing on one element to slow down the thinking process.
Dhyana
The uninterrupted flow of concentration through meditation. Keeping keenly aware without focus. Finding stillness.
Samadhi
Transcending the self with an interconnectedness with all living things. Finding peace in life.