The Yamas and Niyamas are the bridge between you and the foundation of your highest self. They allow us to look deeply into the way we think about ourselves and others, how we interact with the outside world and our inner world.
The Yamas consist of 5 steps towards self-control, making us more conscious of our thoughts and actions. Other yogic texts describe more than 5 Yamas, but the ones we will focus on today from Patanjali's 8 limbs of Yoga are as follows.
AHIMSA - non-harming
SATYA - truthfulness
ASTEYA - non-stealing
BRAHMACHARYA - right use of energy
APARIGRAHA - non-greed
Ways to Practice AHIMSA on Your Mat:
Honor your body's limitations and needs in every pose
Avoid going beyond your edge or pushing through pain to achieve a pose
Observe your thoughts and replace any harmful ones with positive ones
Choose a higher vibration and practice mindfulness
Off the mat practicing non-harming with the way we interact with all other beings, to the best of our ability practising kindness and compassion and doing what we can to avoid hurting another living being.
Ways to Practice Satya on Your Mat:
Being honest with ourselves: Being truthful about our physical, mental, emotional, and energetic state during the practice.
Listening to our needs: Recognising what our body and mind truly require from the practice..
Modifying the practice: Adjusting the intensity and type of practice based on our authentic needs, which may vary each day.
Off the mat we want to not only speak the truth, but speak it with kindness and only say what is appropriate and helpful.
We can practice ASTEYA on our mats by:
Take only what is rightfully ours, leaving certain poses off our mat or modifying them.
Refrain from taking anything that isn't earned, not forcing the practice.
Being patient with our progress
Putting in the work to become more connected to our bodies
Off the mat we want to only take what is for us, allowing everything else to come to you. Knowing what is truly meant for you will be there when the time is right, Not taking anyone else's energy, time or possessions, anything thats not yours.
We can practice BRAHMACHARYA on our mats by:
Reserve energy for spiritual practices and endeavors that align with your values and goals.
Check in with your energy levels during yoga practice and adjust your intensity accordingly.
Be mindful of where your energy is directed; maintain drishti (focused gaze) during asanas to cultivate inner awareness.
Avoid distractions and comparisons during yoga classes, staying fully present in your own practice.
Off the mat we are encouraged to reserve and harness energy through restraint. Are we over-extending our energy and could we do with filling up our cup? Moderation in all things to remain balanced and in harmony with your mind body and spirit.
We can practice APARIG RAHA on our mats by:
Avoid grasping for poses during yoga practice; let them come naturally.
Be fully present and observe your attachment to success or fears during your practice.
Off the mat practicing non-accumulation and non-attachment can simply mean that you don’t depend on someone or something external for your own happiness and stability.
Embracing these sacred practices in our daily lives to cultivate a deeper connection with our souls and transcend the limitations of the ego.
Choosing mindfulness over fear, we walk a path illuminated by spiritual light and inner wisdom.
With Love, Mikki x
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