A Yogi is as a Yogi does

Yoga has been a part of my life for the past seven years. However, it wasn't until I moved back to Chicago two years ago that I really became committed to my practice. I found a studio, Core Power Yoga, that felt like home. The people. The practice. The heat :) After a year of consistent practice and noticing not only the physical changes in me, but more importantly, the spiritual changes and the mental clarity, I decided to pursue my 200-hr teaching certification. During this training, I learned about the 8-Limb Path in accordance with Ashtanga Yoga and the teachings of Patanjali. The 8 limbs begin with guidelines for interacting with others and finish with ultimate bliss and Self-realization.  They show us the path for gaining control of the mind and escaping constant mental clutter and emotional ups and downs.  The 8 limbs are yama (social discipline), niyama (individual discipline), asana (the physical practice we all think of as yoga), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense control), Dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (self-realization). 
I'd like to chat about the Yamas & Niyamas.

The Yamas & Niyamas are the ethical guidelines for living. Yamas are considered the "outer" observances and the Niyamas are considered the "inner" observances. These observances are a guide to soulful and mindful living. While in the studio today, my teacher reminded me of these. Listing them all out loud for the entire class to absorb. It hit me like a ton of bricks... I must observe these principles. After all, among the many things I hope to learn from this upcoming year, a better understanding of & connection with my spirituality and self is right at the top. So now, more than ever, is a great time to remind myself of these ten, not so little, observances. Here they are:

Yamas (outer observances)
1. Ahimsa: Non-violence. Non-harming. To others as well as yourself. This can be observed through both your actions and thoughts.
2. Satya: Truthfulness. Honesty.
3. Asteya: Non-stealing. Again, this can mean in the literal sense. But also in non-literal sense. Think about how much we steal from others in the non-literal sense. We steal time, friendship, love, compassion, trust...
4. Brahmacharya: Moderation/Continence. Practice moderation sexually and materially.
5. Aparigraha: Non-grasping. Non-greeding. To live free of possessiveness.

Niyamas (inner observances)
1. Saucha: Cleanliness. Cleanliness of mind and body. What you think and believe, as well was what you ingest and how you care for your physical self.
2. Santosa: Contentment. Finding happiness for no reason as all.
3. Tapas: Discipline. Training the senses.
4. Syadhava: Careful self-observation. Turning inward and developing self-awareness within the physical body.
5. Ishvara Pranidhana: Surrender to God. To Life. To the Universe. To an understanding that there is a higher power. To let go of worry and learn to trust that we are part of a larger plan.

So, you can see why I felt these were important to come back to. To write out. To share. Each and every one will play an important role in the upcoming year. And beyond.

Namasté

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