The eight limbs clearly present yoga as a path of meditation. A holistic yoga practice has impact on every aspect of our life, from the social to the spiritual via the body, breath and mind.
Tag: patanjali
Equinox / Dhārana
At equinox there is a balance in the hours of daylight and darkness. In āsana practice (postures) we seek balance between the left and right side of the body. In meditation we seek balance between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
Lammas / Pratyahara
Today is the first day of August and it is on or around this day that the festival of Lammas is celebrated. We are now half way between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox. The days have been shortening since the end of June and an 'exhalation' into the darker half the year is… Continue reading Lammas / Pratyahara
Summer Solstice / Pranayama
Continuing our journey through the seasons and the eight limbs of yoga here we arrive at the Summer Solstice and our fourth gateway - the traditional yogic practice of prāṇāyāma. The word prāņayāma consists of two parts: prāņa and ayāma. “Ayāma” means “stretch” or “extend” and prāņa refers to our life force or energy. So, literally what is meant by prāņayāma is to stretch or extend our energy (I like the phrase 'conserving our energy').
Equinox / Niyama
The Niyama are five habits we should cultivate in order to take care of ourselves. Since 'self-care' has become a rather glib term harnessed by wellness brands to sell their 'stuff', let me just be clear that practicing niyama certainly doesn't involve buying anything and needn't cost you a penny! Integrating Niyama into your practice simply means cultivating good habits, balancing effort with ease and doing your inner work - while remembering the world does not revolve entirely around you!
Imbolc / Yama
Imbolc is a wonderful time to consider the first of Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga - Yama - as this guidance is all about our relationships. As we move through the gate out of winter hibernation to be more 'in the world', we can perhaps bring more awareness or consciousness to how we treat ourselves… Continue reading Imbolc / Yama