It’s a common misconception that yoga is just getting into poses (known as asanas), or you have to be flexible to do it.
Traditionally asanas are a way to prepare the mind and strengthen the body to sit for hours in meditation. But they’re practiced by many, along with breathing techniques, to quieten the mind and find inner stillness and calm. (It’s a fun bonus to practice getting into cool poses and feel that sense of achievement when you do but that’s not the real essence of yoga!)
The poses are only one part of an eight part path...
Enter: The eight limbs of yoga. Following the eight limbs of yoga is said to be following the path to enlightenment and ultimate bliss.
They start with the Yamas, or social intelligence/moral obligations: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya & Aparigraha. These translate to non violence and treating people kindly. Always being truthful, not being selfish or envious or greedy. Trusting yourself, using your energy in the right way, and practicing non attachment - knowing that there is no good or bad.
Second come the Niyamas, or observances/emotional intelligence: Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya & Isvara Pranidhana. These are things like Un training old habitual responses, observing thoughts without judgement, and being in the moment. Self acceptance, being mindful and making conscious choices. Self reflection and being attuned to the beauty of nature, and contemplating something bigger than us I.e the universe/higher self.
Then the Asanas - the physical poses. Experiencing the body as a flow of awareness, listening to its needs while moving and stretching. Essentially a moving meditation; taking in the moment and being aware of bodily sensations, letting emotions rise and fall without suppressing or forcing them.
Fourth is Pranayama, or mindful breathing. Practicing breathing techniques to control the flow of breath (or life force energy) to calm the mind and nervous system and balance the energies in the body. Linking breath to movement during asana practice is a way of connecting mind and body.
The fifth limb is Pratyahara; Sense withdrawal. Practice closing the eyes and focusing on your inner self. Isolating the mind from distractions and going inward is the basis of the last three limbs.
The sixth is Dharana, or concentration. Clearing the mind of thoughts or images and focusing your attention, you can start practicing this by meditating on a single object such as a candle flame.
The eighth is Samadhi, or pure bliss/enlightenment. When the previous steps are combined, according to Patanjali, we have reached pure awareness and our body and soul is said to be one.
If you’re new to yoga, the eight limbs are a really good place to start. Personally, I feel like the more I practice them, the better and more in tune with myself I feel.
❤️