"Yoga? That's just stretching, right?"

The system of yoga is vast, even a bit complex. Which makes it interesting when it is passed off as stretching or meditation or breathing. Well, yeah, those are all elements of the practice, however, none of those elements alone sum up the system of yoga.

Yoga is a science, a finely tuned system that was developed to create a sense of balance on all levels, mind-body-spirit. Here in the West, we are most familiar with asana, or posture, practice. Most of us have experienced a yoga pose in one way or another, whether seeing the poses in a movie or magazine, or attending a yoga class. Did you know that asana practice is actually step three in the system of yoga? So what steps are we typically skipping when we step on the yoga mat for posture practice?

The first two steps in the yoga practice are Yamas & Niyamas. Yamas are a basic moral code that is universal and compliments most belief systems: the principles of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, responsible sexual behavior, and non-grasping/non-attachment or non-greed. The Niyamas are personal observances, practices that develop a sense of relationship to the Self, as sort of code for living a soul-centered life: the principles of purity or cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-inquiry, and connection with Source, or God.

Next comes asana, or posture practice. Postures are designed to balance the energies of the body, keeping the body strong and flexible. Asana practice is one of the best ways to improve and maintain overall health and well being.

The fourth step in yoga practice is Pranayama, or breath control. Prana is the Sanskrit term for Life-Force, the vital energy within that animates all living beings. Pranayama practice guides the flow of prana in specific methods to achieve balance.

Next comes Pratyahara, or sense withdraw. This practice is one of letting go of external stimulus, and bringing the senses inward to soothe and calm the nervous system. This is typically done during meditation, and brings our attention inward to a space of calm and peace that is always present. Sometimes we forget that peace exists within, and we are only disconnected from peace when we are relying on external circumstances and stimulus for our sense of peace.

Dharana is the sixth step, and is essentially meditation. Focusing the mind to a single point and developing as sense of deep inner awareness.

Step seven is Dyanna, or devotion. This devotion can be a sense of connection with Source, the Divine, God, or whatever resonates within your own life. In the yogic lifestyle, many practice bakti yoga, or the yoga of devotion, through chanting to the Divine.

Samadhi is the final stage of yoga. Bliss, union with the Divine. This is the ultimate goal of yoga. To exist in a state of union.

At YogAsylum we offer many programs to help students dive into understanding the eight limbs of yoga. Join us each Sunday at 10:30 am for Yoga Ed, a lecture class that rotates in topic and teacher to present the eight limbs. Also watch our workshop schedules for special events, speakers, and concerts that fall under the eight limbs of yoga practice.

Namaste,

Pamela Bliss & the YogAsylum Staff