26/04/2026
Eight Limbs of Yoga from Patanjali — think of them less like steps, and more like a full lifestyle framework for how you live, move, breathe, and connect.
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🌿 1. Yamas (Ethical restraints)
How you treat others.
Non-violence, truthfulness, not stealing, moderation, non-greed.
➡️ It’s your outward behaviour — the foundation of integrity.
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🌿 2. Niyamas (Personal observances)
How you treat yourself.
Cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-study, surrender.
➡️ Builds self-respect and inner stability.
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🌿 3. Asana (Physical postures)
The movement practice.
Originally about sitting comfortably for meditation — now includes all yoga poses.
➡️ Keeps the body strong, mobile, and ready to sit and breathe.
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🌿 4. Pranayama (Breath control)
Conscious breathing techniques.
Regulating inhale/exhale to influence energy and the nervous system.
➡️ This is where real regulation and calm start to kick in.
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🌿 5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of senses)
Turning inward.
Detaching from external distractions.
➡️ Helps you stop reacting to everything around you.
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🌿 6. Dharana (Concentration)
Focused attention.
Holding the mind on one thing (breath, mantra, point of focus).
➡️ Builds mental strength and clarity.
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🌿 7. Dhyana (Meditation)
Sustained awareness.
Effortless flow of concentration — less “trying,” more being.
➡️ Where you start to feel true calm and connection.
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🌿 8. Samadhi (Absorption / Bliss)
Complete unity.
A state of deep peace, presence, and connection beyond the ego.
➡️ The “why” behind the whole practice.
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✨ How important are they?
They’re everything — but not in a rigid, tick-box way.
Most modern classes focus heavily on Asana (movement) and a bit of Pranayama (breath)…
But the deeper transformation — the stuff you’re actually offering at Serenity — lives in the other limbs too.
👉 The limbs work together:
* Yamas + Niyamas = how you live
* Asana + Pranayama = how you regulate
* The rest = how you connect inwardly
If you only do the poses, you’re getting a slice of yoga.
If you bring in breath, awareness, and intention — you’re doing the real work.