While most people in the West, or the “modern world”, associate Yoga with all the poses and movements we are bombarded with on social media, there are actually Eight Limbs of Yoga based on the book Yoga Sutras by Patanjali. The book outlines 196 concise aphorisms (sutras) that explain how the human mind works and how to master it to achieve spiritual liberation. Each limb builds on the previous one, leading the student toward a state of harmony, contentment, and enlightenment. This theory is Ashtanga Classical Philosophy not to be confused with the Ashtanga style of yoga. The 8 limbs are as follows:

1. Yama – Social ethics and moral constraints (Sankrit terms) – Non-violence and compassion (Ahimsa), Truthfulness (Satya), Non-stealing (Asteya), Moderation or right use of energy (Brahmacharya), Non-greed and Non-attachment (Aparigraha)
2. Niyama – Personal observances and self discipline – Purity and cleanliness (Saucha), Contentment (Santosha), Zeal, discipline or austerity (Tapas), Self-study and introspection (Svadhyaya), Surrender or devotion to a higher power (Ishvara Pranidhana)
3. Asana – Physical postures – what we all know here in the West, but it was originally meant to create a still seat for meditation as the poses were meant to be held for long periods.
4. Pranayama – Intentional regulation of the breath to direct life-force energy within the body. My baby – Breath Control – Prana=Life force energy or our breath and yama=control (or constraint – see #1) – The breath is magical and the power is so leashed!
5. Pratyahara (Sense of Withdrawal – withdrawal from senses) – consciously turning our attention inward, withdrawing from outside distractions and sensory input.
6. Dharana (Concentration) – Practice of controlling the mind and maintaining focus on a single point or object.
7. Dhyaha (Meditation) – A state of sustained, uninterrupted concentration where the mind is quietly observing without judgement – and admittedly couldn’t do it until I discovered Pranayama.
8. Samadhi (Absorption) – Oneness – The ultimate state of enlightenment – a state of blissful union, oneness, and deep harmony with universal consciousness.

I’ve been a yoga student most of my adult life, but not until I started my studies to actually become a Yoga Instructor, did I fully comprehend (and I still say that lightly) the full spectrum of power and healing that yoga fully encompasses. The ancient Yogis’ of India would probably scoff (or not because they are unaffected lol) at what Yoga is perceived as by most in the Western world. When I talk to people I always hear, “I can’t do Yoga – I am not flexible”, or “I can’t sit on the floor”. If this is you, I will tell you what I tell everyone else. Everyone can and should be doing some form of Yoga. The problem is finding the appropriate practice for your needs. Everyone is different and everyone has different needs, physically, mentally and spiritually and the practice, in order for it to be effective for the student, needs to be curtailed to that specific students’ needs. As an instructor, my primary goal is getting you on the mat, getting you into your body and connected to your breath and guiding you to connect with your inner wisdom. From there, the options are endless.

I have been a certified Yoga Instructor for nearly 10 years and what I have learned is there are so many beautifully intertwined threads that make up the yogaverse tapestry and I have barely scraped the surface. I am so grateful that my Mentor introduced me to this ancient side of Yoga. If you leave with nothing else, leave knowing that through Yoga you can, when you put your mind, intention and action to it, achieve anything you desire. I offer private one-on-one consultations and sessions. Please reach out if you are ready to start your personalized yoga practice!

Namaste, Cindy