While yoga can mean something different for different people, the definition of yoga comes from the ancient Sanskrit root word “Yuj,” which means “to yoke” or “to participate.” Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice born in ancient India that aims to create a union not only between the individual self and the universal consciousness, but also between the mind, body and mind. The union allows individuals to neutralize or fight ego-driven thoughts, actions, and speeches, creating a path to spiritual awakening.
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, and many different interpretations and styles have been developed during this time. That being said, most people tend to agree that the ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve freedom from pain and suffering. Each yoga school and tradition has its own emphasis and practice, but most focuses on connecting the body, mind and breath as a means of changing energy or changing consciousness.
In today’s yoga scene, many people associate it with physical practice or asana scenes. This is a series of postures that are often sequenced together in styles such as Vinyasaflow, Ashtanga, Eyeenger, and Yin. Asana practices are primarily intended to build strength and stamina, but also aim to improve flexibility, balance, adjustment and ultimately relax the body. However, the physical aspects of yoga speak only to a small part of the overall tradition of yoga.
These eight roads or paths are known as “eight limbs of yoga.” This provides a guide or roadmap for individuals who are dedicated to being completely immersed in creating connections between the mind, body and mind. Each of the eight arms and legs describes a lifestyle that centers around integrity, self-discipline, and respect for nature’s connection to the spiritual aspects of life. Here is a brief explanation of these eight limbs.
- especially – Five universal, ethical and moral observances for living (nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stolen, continuous, non-refuge)
- Niyamas – Five spiritual and self-discipline adherence (cleanness, satisfaction, spiritual austerity, biblical study, surrender to God))
- Asana – Originally intended for sitting meditation only, but recently adapted to encompass all physical yoga practices
- Pranayama – Respiratory movements to control the flow of prana (important life force)
- Pratiahara – Retracting the senses
- Darana – Single pointed concentration
- Diyana – Meditation
- Samadhi – Liberation or blissful union with God
Modern schools of yoga, such as Jivamukti, Bikram, and Sivananda, offer different perspectives or alternative interpretations, but most yoga practices are rooted in the same philosophical concepts and practices as the eight limbs of Patanjali. Furthermore, yoga can also be used as a treatment tool for many physical and mental states, and mental studies have now shown their effectiveness as a treatment for a variety of issues, including anxiety, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.1-4
No matter who you are, wherever you are and what’s going on in your life, yoga can play an integral role in your overall health and well-being. You may have begun to address your physical needs, emotional needs, or to gain a deeper understanding of your spirituality, but that doesn’t always bring about those potential benefits. Hopefully over time you can improve all these aspects of your life health, but if for some reason it doesn’t seem to work, it may be helpful to consider a different style of yoga.
Remember, your yoga practice is unique and personal to you. When entering yoga (asana) practice, it is highly recommended that you follow these steps so that each pose is allowed to serve your body, rather than determining norms or “goals” that cannot be achieved by external expectations.
- Ask yourself: What hinders you in this pose? Example: Where is the tension? Is my body compressed in this pose? Can you breathe deeper into this pose for deeper stretching?
- Always be curious and identify among you can Control and beyond your control.
- In your practice, create your intentions about self-discovery.
- The comprehensive goal of your yoga practice should be rooted in celebrating your unique anatomy with curiosity and self-compassion…and nothing else!
Above all, be considerate. It’s important not to beat yourself when comparing your practice with others. Because we all need to know that “comparison is a thief of joy.” So take joy from your practice and don’t wonder by focusing on what someone else can do with a yoga mat. Everyone has a history of different skeletal makeup, different muscles and connective tissues, and bringing them to this exact moment. Your body is the only thing like it, so accept it and meet yourself where you are every day when you ride that mat.
