Yoga – More Than Just Asana Practice

02 Sep Yoga – More Than Just Asana Practice

Sometimes we (as in I) can become so focused on Asana practice. I constantly remind myself that there is more to yoga than getting into a juicy twist! Asana practice is important as it reveals a lot of life lessons, however it is not the only element of yoga.

According to the sage Patanjali, there are eight limbs of yoga. Asana practice being one of them, however there are seven other limbs or branches of yoga which are as important to follow in life as well as on the mat!

Here are the 8 limbs of Yoga explained …

• Yamas – Ethical and moral way of life, how we treat our outside world!

Ahimsa – non violence

This seems straight up simple to us – it’s not like the majority of us go around smacking people across the head for no reason (or even if we feel there is a good reason) – But what about our thoughts… How many times a day do we have negative or harmful thoughts towards others or ourselves?

Satya – truthfulness

Living in our integrity – loving ourselves and others enough to be true!

This doesn’t mean we get to vomit our judgmental opinions on everyone we see, especially ones that may be hurtful to another (otherwise we need to revisit the concept of Ahimsa). It means living with in our integrity, speaking and living our truth with compassion and kindness.

Be authentic, live life from the heart!

Asteya – non stealing

The desire to steal comes from the feeling of unfairness. This is not just about the stealing of personal possessions, how much in life do we steal people’s time, ideas and attention?

Brahmacharya – non-lust

Brahmacharya is often interpreted as celibacy, abstinence from sex. But what this means is that we could be more aware of how we use our sexual energy, and that we should not use it in a way that brings harm to us or to others.

This is also about finding a balance in life, noticing where we are wasting energy. To live a life of moderation.

Aparigraha – non possessiveness

Let all things be free.

Not having attachment to material items or people but also thoughts and past actions. Forgiveness and letting go of past disturbances, sets us up to be free individuals living in a world of truthfulness and non-violence with compassion and consideration.