An introduction to the world of Yoga

I feel like you can read countless blogs discussing the essence of yoga, but what yoga means to me can be totally different from what yoga means to you. I remember my mind racing like crazy during a meditation class in college, making me even more anxious. Besides, I wasn’t always super flexible, so when my friends asked me to do some yoga together, I felt very uncomfortable. I wasn’t as good as them, which made me end up feeling frustrated or even sad. In 2022, I was at a point in my life where everything started to go wrong. It’s always like that, right? Everything all at once. At some point, I realized I had to change something. I had to do something just for me. So, I started to give yoga a real chance. Just me in my room, with no one to compare to. To my surprise, I found solace in making time for myself. `

In this blog post, we’ll explore what yoga means to me, combined with insights from my teacher training and the teachings of Patanjali, often referred to as the father of yoga. 

Beyond the asanas

I know many people think that yoga is only for the flexible, but that’s not true. Yoga is for everyone, regardless of how bendy you are. The goal is not about doing fancy poses. It’s about finding harmony between your mind and body. It’s a journey of releasing emotions, fears and thoughts that no longer serve us. It’s about embracing gentleness and self-acceptance, letting go of judgement. It’s about cherishing the present and making room for new experiences, and finding peace within yourself.

Although I’m still honing my meditation skills, practicing yoga allows me to be fully present without even trying. I still find myself comparing with others or getting frustrated when I can’t stand on my head, but we’re getting there. We’re all just human beings on this earth, just trying. 

Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga

Exploring the roots of yoga reveals this ancient practice goes way back, some even say 10,000 years. It’s origin in Northern India, finds it’s earliest mention in the Vedas, the collection of humanity’s oldest sacred texts. Originating from the sanskrit word “yuj”, meaning union, yoga encourages to connect with ourselves and the world around us. Many people don’t realize that yoga goes beyond just poses. Patanjali outlined an ‘eight-limbed path’. It helps you to live a balanced life on and off the mat. Following this path will guide practitioners toward Samadhi, or enlightenment. 

Yama’s 

Yama’s are like our moral compass, guiding us on how to treat ourselves and others. 

♡ Ahimsa, non-violence

Be kind to yourself and others, and avoid causing harm. 

♡ Satya, truthfulness

Speak and act honestly, and be true to yourself and others. 

♡ Asteya, non-stealing

Respect others’ belongings and don’t take what isn’t yours. 

♡ Brahmacharya, continence

Find balance in how you spend your energy.

♡ Aparigraha, non-greediness

Be happy with what you have and don’t become attached to material things and desires. 

Niyama’s 

Niyama’s are all about self-discipline and developing a positive relationship with ourselves. 

♡ Saucha, cleanliness

Keep your body and mind clean and clear.

♡ Santosha, contentment

Embrace gratitude and find joy in what you already have. 

♡ Tapas, discipline

Stay dedicated and focused to achieve your goals. 

♡ Svadhyaya, self-reflection

Take time to learn about yourself and understand your inner workings. 

♡ Isvara pranidhana

Trust in a higher power or purpose that guides your life. 

Asanas 

Asanas are the physical yoga poses we often see, promoting strength, flexibility and balance.

Pranayama

Pranayama focuses on breath control, regulating the flow of life force energy (prana) in the body for physical and mental well-being.

Pratyahara

Pratyahara is turning your attention inward, away from the outside world, to connect with your inner thoughts and feelings, with your inner self. 

♡ Quiet your senses enough so you beyond yourself

Set aside 5-10 minutes a day to sit or lay quietly with your eyes closed.

Tip: use earplugs!

♡ Digital detox

Limit exposure to your phone so you create space for inner reflection and quiet. 

Dharana 

Dharana is the practice of concentration, focusing your attention on a single point to eliminate distractions. An extended period of concentration leads to meditation. 

Examples of focus points are your breath, a mantra, an object, a specific energetic center in the body, an image of a deity, etc. 

Dhyana 

Dhyana is the uninterrupted flow of concentration, leading to meditation, where the mind is quieted and free of distractions. 

Samadhi 

Samadhi is the ultimate state of meditation, where one experiences union and enlightenment, feeling blissful and connected to the universe. Patanjali describes this final stage as a state of ecstasy.

In conclusion, yoga offers a deeply spiritual and holistic journey, but ultimately, the way you engage with it is entirely personal. You have the freedom to create your own practice, guided by what brings you joy and fulfillment. Namasté. ♡