The 8 Limbs of Yoga
The Yamas are rules of moral code and include ahimsa (non-violence or non-harming), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), bramacharya (sexual restraint), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness).
The Niyamas are rules of personal behavior including saucha (purity), santosha (contentment), tapas (discipline or austerity), svadhyaya (spiritual studies), and Ishvara Pranidhana (constant devotion to God).
Asana refers to yoga postures but in Patanjali’s initial practice, it referred to mastering the body to sit still for meditation. The practice of yoga asanas came about eight centuries later, which helped disciples ready their bodies for meditation.
Pranayama are yoga breathing techniques designed to control prana or vital life force.
Pratyahara means withdrawal of the senses.
Dharana refers to concentration.
Dhyana is the practice of meditation.
Samadhi is merging with the divine.
When I was in my yoga teacher training we focused on the 8 limbs of yoga in our learning, in our practice. The 8 limbs of yoga is the way of life that yogi's inspire to live their lives by on and off the mat.
In yoga training we are taught that we are celebrating the union of our mind, body and soul. Personally, I try to practice the 8 limbs of yoga in all aspects of my life. In the modern world today it is hard to be emerged fully in the historic practices of yogi logic due to the high amount of stimuli we have in our world today. But with that being said you can make it work, in a modern way. Modern yogi is the new thing! In a world of technology, social media, and noise we have to much going on in our surroundings to be completely silent in our meditation for example. I often get asked how to quite the mind, my answer is I don't know if the mind can be quite, in today's world. Start with 3 seconds, and works your way up. I have been in practice for 7 years and still struggle, I also find it depends on what happened in my day, even in my yoga practice. I often laugh at myself in my teaching because you can often tell what type of day I have had a work and if I have had time to become fully grounded before I teach. My job is very demanding at times, I often see myself as a feeler of energy as well I can walk into a room and pick up and carry that with me, I have to let it go before I walk into my yoga practice. The two practices are similar but different, I help people in different ways, yet both are so fulfilling in my life. Life can be crazy, come days are more than others. I am real, in my life and in my practice. I try to radiate that in my yogi life and logic. I feel that I am learning more every day as I am on my journey and I am forever grateful for all those who have joined me. I want to inspire. I am excited for all the learning adventures that are ahead of me with my 500hr YTT. I hope to get more connected to my mind, body and soul and bring that forward into my teachings, also into the yoga community. I researched the best school in Alberta and I feel that I have connected intentionally with the best fit for my soul. Excited for all that is to come and for all that I am able to share with all of you.
Namaste-S