Oftentimes when we think of yoga,
We're thinking of asana,
Which is only one of the eight limbs of yoga,
Which is why today I want to just give a brief explanation of the eight limbs of yoga that we have.
So the eight limbs is basically a guideline as we can say that helps you live a little bit more of a meaningful life.
First we have the outward practices.
This would look like ethics and also body work.
The first one is yamas,
Which are the ethical rules.
Telling the truth,
Not stealing,
Not being greedy,
Things like that.
So the yamas is basically our ethical compass.
Then we have nayamas,
Which are the personal observations.
So this might look like keeping yourself clean,
Directing your attention inward,
And just a little bit of a self-care practice.
Finally,
We do have asanas.
So these are the physical postures that we have that you see when you go to take a normal yoga class.
Last one of this section is pranayama,
Which is breath control.
So this would look like box breathing,
Ujjayi breath,
Anything focusing on breath work.
Then for the next section,
We have our inward practices,
So focusing on the mind and the soul.
And please excuse any poor pronunciation.
I apologize.
I'm trying my best.
And the first one that we have here is Pratyahara.
I'm so sorry.
This is sense withdrawal.
We're trying to turn away from the outside distractions and focus going inward.
So something even like closing your eyes can be a form of this practice.
Next we have Dharana,
Which is concentration.
So if we're looking at the flicker of a candle flame,
That's concentration.
If we're thinking about our breath,
Dhyana Samadhi really deep like.
Comforting oneness connection with the universe.
So these were just some really quick,
Not in-depth explanations of the eight limbs of yoga.
I thought it would be really important to share so that we honor and respect all of yoga and what it is rather than just asana.
Oftentimes,
I find myself practicing yoga,
Even if it's not on the mat,
Doing bodily postures.
Maybe I'm respecting myself,
Finishing eating when I feel myself being full,
Respecting others,
Et cetera.
This was helpful for you.
