The eight limbs of yoga

After beginning a yoga practice, I found myself interested in its history and roots. I found that it goes back thousands of years. Contemporary yogis seem to draw their foundation from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali which is best known for its eight elements or "limbs" of yoga:

• Yama: 5 practices to live an ethical life - non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, and non-possessiveness

• Niyama: 5 principles for authentic, healthy living - cleansing/purity, contentment, self-discipline/austerity, self-study, and connection to a higher power

• Asana: posture practice

• Pranayama: breath control

• Pratyahara: withdrawal from the senses

• Dharana: concentration

• Dhyana: meditation

• Samadhi: a state of freedom from illusion with a sense of connection with the divine

Each element is deserving of lifelong study - not only to enrich one's yoga practice, but also one's way of life.

Notice and journal!