Yoga beyond the mat
In the world of yoga, we've all heard the familiar refrain: "Yoga isn't just a physical practice; it's a lifestyle." It's a sentiment echoed in countless studios and by Instagram yogis alike. But amidst the trendy poses and picturesque backdrops, I rarely see people actually explain what that really means. How do we take this ancient practice and weave it into our modern lives, in a way that would encompass the full essence of yoga beyond the corners of our mats? After all, most of us will not give up our lives to become monks and chase enlightenment
basics of yoga philosophy
Before we can fully integrate yoga into our lives, we must first understand its underlying philosophy. So how does yoga expand beyond the mat? At its core, yoga is a journey of self-discovery, to ultimately get rid of our ego and by doing so revealing our true self. A fundamental question in yoga is : "Who am I?" We're reminded here that we are more than just our names, our jobs, our relationships or status. But then, who are we really?
Yoga isn't bound by any particular religion, making it universally accessible across different cultures and lifestyles. Yet, it embraces the belief that the divine resides within each of us. It teaches that by shedding our ego, we can recognize and harmonize with this divine essence, which is our true self.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Central to the practice of yoga are the Eight Limbs, or steps, each guiding us closer to self-realization:
Yamas (Ethical Qualities): The first limb consists of five ethical principles that guide our interactions with the external world. They include:
Ahimsa (Non-violence): Practicing compassion and non-harming towards all beings.
Satya (Truthfulness): Speaking and living in alignment with truth.
Asteya (Non-stealing): Respecting the property and possessions of others. This goes for physical objects, but also ideas and the non tangible.
Brahmacharya (Moderation): Exercising control over one's senses and energy.
Aparigraha (Non-attachment): Letting go of greed and possessiveness.
Niyamas (Habits): The second limb consists of habists that foster self-discipline and inner growth:
Saucha (Purity): Cultivating cleanliness and purity, both internally and externally.
Santosha (Contentment): Finding gratitude in the present moment.
Tapas (Discipline): Cultivating self-discipline and perseverance in one's practice.
Svadhyaya (Self-study): Engaging in self-reflection and personal development.
Ishvara Pranidhana (Connection to the Divine): Surrendering to a higher power and trusting in the divine order of the universe/god(s)
Asana (steady state): The third limb refers to the physical practice of yoga. Whenever we attend a yoga class, it is often a yoga asana class. asana means ‘steady and comfortable state of body and mind.’
Pranayama (Breath Control): The fourth limb involves the regulation and control of the breath. Pranayama practices help calm the mind, increase vitality, and channel prana (life force energy) throughout the body. Pranayama is seen as the expansion of life force
Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses from their objects): The fifth limb focuses on removing any input to the senses.By doing this we can turn our attention inward, cultivate greater introspection, concentration, and inner awareness. Only When we don’t let outside stimuli to the senses influence our state and practice, can we truly move on to the practice of concentration.
Dharana (Concentration): The sixth limb involves developing focused concentration on a single point or object. Through sustained concentration, the mind becomes steadier, preparing you for deeper states of meditation.
Dhyana (Meditation): The seventh limb is the practice of meditation, in which the mind becomes completely absorbed in the object of meditation. Dhyana leads to a state of profound inner stillness, clarity, and unity.
Samadhi (super conscious state): Samadhi is a deeper state of meditation where we connect with our soul, disconnect from illusions of the physical world and our egos. There are 13 stages of samadhi, at the final stage, the soul breaks free of the cycle of reincarnation to become enlightened.
Integration into daily life
Armed with a deeper understanding of yoga philosophy, it's natural to feel compelled to dive headfirst into meditation marathons or yoga retreats. However, the Eight Limbs are intentionally structured for a reason. Even after practicing yoga and it’s philosophy for years, I am still mainly focusing on my Yamas and Niyamas (limb one and two)
Start by honing in on one aspect of the practice at a time, actively incorporating it into your daily routine and mindset. Consider which Yama or Niyama resonates most with you and commit to integrating it into your life. Perhaps it's embracing moderation, practicing truthfulness, or cultivating gratitude. If you look at the yamas and think ‘yes, non violence is very important to me’ and you already are a peaceful person, then that probably would be an easy and comfortable one to incorporate, but it won’t be the one that truly helps you in the long run. Pick the one that makes you feel uncomfortable, because that’s where you will truly notice struggle and thus, progress.
Self-development isn't easy—it requires introspection and a willingness to confront our shortcomings. By starting small and gradually expanding our practice, we pave the way for personal growth and transformation.
I encourage you to take out a notebook and write about the yama or niyama that calls your name. Reflect on where you could infuse this principle into your life more. What would change for you if you did? It all starts with awareness.
Eventually, your yoga will extend itself far beyond the corners of the mat. It's about embodying the principles such as compassion, truthfulness, and self-awareness in every aspect of our lives.
I hope this post was useful to you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Written with love,
Elle