06/26/2025
Yoga is so much more than movement; it's a complete system that helps you live a healthful, joyful, and purposeful life. At its core are Patanjali's 8 Limbs of Yoga: Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama, Asana, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi. Let's focus on the very first limb: The Yamas.
The Yamas, often referred to as, "restraints," are ethical foundations that guide your interactions with yourself, with others, and with your environment. They are far More Than Rules; instead, they provide guiding principles to refine your actions, your thoughts, and your very way of being in the world. As your awareness grows, and you remain consistent in your practice, these principles truly become second nature.
Practicing The Yamas helps in Cultivating a Life of Purpose. You have unique gifts to offer, and by embracing these tenets, you connect more deeply to your inherent power; you find your true north; you learn to give more freely to your community.
This ethical compass includes:
Ahimsa: Non-Violence
Satya: Truthfulness
Asteya: Non-Stealing
Brahmacharya: Discernment (Right Use of Energy)
Aparigraha: Non-Possessiveness
Integrate & Elevate is the journey. While integration takes time and consistent effort, you'll gradually notice a profound shift as non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, discernment, and non-possessiveness become an inherent part of your daily life. Remember, yoga is a lifelong practice; stay the course; trust the process.
