Yoga Living 101

Every moment of your life is a moment of potential practice.
– Judith Lasater

Many people think of yoga as a physical exercise full of various poses that may involve twisting into a pretzel. Yet the poses are only one of the eight limbs of yoga – a term that translates to “union.” Yoga is a lifestyle and sometimes life is full of twists, tribulations, and tranquility. By practicing the eight limbs below, you are able to find reflection, physical practice, and deep breathing.

Yamas (guidelines for interacting with the world): These five guidelines give insights into how to act toward others and include non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, and greedlessness.
Niyamas (guidelines for interacting with ourselves): These five guidelines focus on how you treat yourself and include purity, contentment, austerity, self-study, and letting go.
Asana (poses): This is what we commonly refer to as yoga in the West – down dog, cobra, and lion’s pose! The physical practice of yoga is a great way to try to still the mind and open the body.
Pranayama (breathwork): Breath control is a powerful tool during our daily lives. Notice how the breath becomes shallow when on deadline or waiting in a long line. Taking deep, full breaths is sure to have a calming effect.
Pratayahara (withdrawal of senses): This concept encourages us to avoid reacting to everything around us. Picture yourself calm, collected, and compassionate in the middle of the mall the day after Thanksgiving.
Dharana (concentration): This is the ability to be completely in the moment and focused on only one thing. Use mantras, breath, images, or even candles to help bring you into focus.
Dhyana (meditation): Turn inward, release the mind, and focus on just being in that moment. Much easier said than done but it is a critical addition to the physical practice. It is said that yogis began practicing these fabulous poses to get ready for meditation.
Samadhi (true bliss): This is the experience of wholeness when you are in the flow and feeling connected to all. Think inner peace, bliss, and overall freedom.

Omwork (homework with a yogic twist): Next time you find yourself debating next steps, making a challenging decision, or wondering how best to find balance, refer back to these eight limbs and find solace in this ancient wisdom. Namaste.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

jayasri a.

3:12PM PST on Mar 6, 2012

Thank you!

send a green star

Kim S.

7:22AM PST on Jan 13, 2012

thanks

Linda E.

6:42PM PDT on Jun 28, 2011

Una D.

3:01AM PST on Jan 24, 2011

so much to learn about yoga, lovely

Barbara D.

5:39AM PDT on Nov 1, 2010

good to know.

Nita O.

3:01AM PDT on Oct 31, 2010

Thanks!

Chinmayee J.

12:08AM PDT on Oct 31, 2010

These are, of course, a lot easier said than done, but thanks so much for sharing - yoga is definitely a way of life, not just a physical workout :)

heather g.

10:47PM PDT on Oct 28, 2010

Thanks - that is a very clear and concise summary.
May I suggest that you use the words Altruism or perhaps Generosity instead of the made-up Greedlessness.
Non-stealing : I believe you mean Honesty.
I certainly hope nobody else uses those clumsy words. And now for some deep breathing ..............

Mervi R.

5:56PM PDT on Oct 28, 2010

Interesting, thanks!

Carole P.

12:23AM PDT on Oct 28, 2010

Lovely, thank you.