Yoga is much more than simply twisting your body – here’s a simplified explanation of what yoga philosophy is about and how it can help.
When I first started yoga, my focus was all about being as flexible as the gorgeous yogis I saw on social media. I wanted to be able to twist myself into any shape with ease – after all, wasn’t that what yoga is all about?
As it turns out, not at all!
When I went to Mysore to learn yoga, I realized how wrong I was. Mysore opened my eyes – I learnt that yoga was much more than just poses and bends; there was an entire philosophy around it.
What is Yoga Philosophy?
Yoga philosophy is quite a complex area of study, featuring moral codes and guidelines, lifestyle techniques and ways to get closer to the Divine. At the very core, it is about achieving the ultimate connection between mind, body and spirit. In fact, the word ‘yoga’ means to connect or unite.
To understand yoga philosophy further, it helps to know about ‘Yoga Ashtanga‘, or the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
In his writings, Patanjali, the father of yoga, mentioned that true yogic success comes from following the eight limbs of yoga, also referred to as the eight pillars of yoga.
Here’s a little more about the eight limbs:
- Yama – Moral codes like non-violence, honesty, integrity
- Niyama – Self-discipline, like austerity, purity, contentment and introspection
- Asanas – Physical practice like postures
- Pranayama – Breathing techniques
- Pratyahara – Detachment of the senses
- Dharna – Concentration
- Dhyan – Meditative contemplation
- Samadhi – Ultimate enlightenment or unity with the Divine
You’ll notice that the asanas, which are the yoga poses, are only third in the list, proving that they aren’t the sole focus of yoga. All the limbs contribute to yoga philosophy, as well as to all aspects of our lives.
How Yoga Philosophy Can Improve Modern Life
Patience
Today’s world is one of instant gratification, where we want results – fast! We tend to lose interest in things quickly and start looking for the next dopamine rush. Yoga philosophy encourages us to slow down and be patient since you don’t get results right away. You need to practice consistently and trust the process.
Acceptance
With so many social media platforms, it’s only natural that we end up comparing ourselves to others, which drives us into a negative spiral of self-loathing. That’s where yoga helps – when you’re doing a challenging pose, you learn to accept the limitations of your flexibility right now. Being mindful in yoga can also bring up unpleasant thoughts, and yoga philosophy teaches us to accept them and let them go.
Comfort in Discomfort
Have you heard of the phrase ‘be comfortable with being uncomfortable’? This goes along with the saying that success lies outside your comfort zone, and we can’t think of anything better than yoga to symbolize this! The first time you try a pose, you can feel stiff and out of sorts, but pushing through it is where growth lies. In a world filled with noise and overwhelm, yoga also teaches you to be comfortable with silence and your thoughts.
Stepping Back
When you’re doing a series of poses in yoga, there’s often a reset pose that you come back to between transitions, like the Mountain Pose. This is an excellent reminder that sometimes, you need to take a step back and reset before moving again. Feeling stressed? Close your eyes, come back to your breath and see how you calm down.
Growth Mindset
Similar to accepting yourself, yoga philosophy also teaches us to focus on the journey, or the Abhyasa (practice). Getting into certain poses can seem impossible in your current state, but that’s why there are modifications and tools to help. In yoga, it’s not about all or nothing, you keep modifiying, breathing and trusting that you’ll get where you need to be.
To ensure that we get these benefits in our lives, it’s important to remind ourselves of yoga philosophy, every day. Here are a few ways to connect with our deeper selves in our daily lives.
How to Incorporate Yoga Philosophy in Your Daily Life
1. Download an app or join a class. A physical offline yoga class is best, but if you can’t find one in your city, you can choose a live online class. At the very least, you can find a video online or download an app.
2. Be consistent. Nothing works if you are irregular, and this applies to yoga philosophy too. Even if it’s just a 15-minute practice or meditation, do it every day, preferably at the same time so it becomes a habit.
3. Do a detox. Not just of your food and drink, but of social media too. This is particularly important if you have a tendency to compare yourself with others and then feel low about it.
4. Buy less. Aparigraha is about being content with what you have, and it is possible! Try to reuse and upcycle as much as you can and if you feel like buying something new, think about if it’s really needed or you’re just trying to fill some hole with materialistic items.
5. Keep a journal. Free-flow journaling is a great way to silence your monkey brain and get your thoughts on paper. Although yoga refers to uniting, it also means disentanglement, which is letting go. So let go of your worries, bad thoughts and insecurities. Then you’ll be able to focus on things you are grateful for in your life.
6. Schedule breaks. Remember the part about stepping back to reset? Schedule timely breaks in your day so you can quiet your mind, sit in silence and clear your head. This will improve mental clarity and make you more productive.
7. Look for the good. If something unpleasant happens, look for the lesson in it. When you meet someone, look for the good in that person. We never know what another person is going through, and it helps to be kind. Yoga is about connection and unity – of us with the other creatures of the world.
8. Live sustainably. Live a greener life, cutting out on waste, buying second hand and supporting eco-friendly businesses. At the very least, make sure you’re not buying from companies that hurt society or the environment.
I know all this can be a little overwhelming, especially for someone who started yoga thinking it was just bends and stretches. However, by limiting yoga to just physical poses, you’re missing out on a lot!
By following the principles of yoga philosophy, you can enrich your yoga practice, while also altering your mindset and overall approach to live. So even when you have a hard day or face an unexpected obstacle, you know you can handle it, with a light heart and a smile!
Prerna is the founder, editor and owner of ‘Maa of All Blogs’, one of India’s Top Parenting Blogs. Besides being a certified Ashtanga Yoga instructor, she is also a fashion designer and economics graduate.
When she’s not busy running her home and business, she ensures she stays active – whether it’s running the half marathon, completing the Oxfam walk or climbing to the Everest base camp. Prerna enjoys wearing all her hats, and she does so in style!
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