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I tell you mine, you tell me yours...

Practice that is... 


I'm going to share with you some of the "rules" I apply to my personal life as i navigate the world as a yogini. I call these "yoga off the mat" because it's not just asana (postures), that make someone a yogi. 
Some of these come natural to me, some i have to think about, some I open my heart to. With constant and steady practice without any interruption (Abhyasa) we give ourselves a greater chance to co-create a life affirming and more complete existence.

One of the most profoundly helpful texts in the practice of yoga applicable to everyday life is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. 
I turn to it when I am in the mood for a reminder of what yoga is all about. 


Written thousands of years ago, the sutras outline a concise and scientific approach to the spiritual life that still has relevance today. 

The delivery of the sutras is extremely short and straightforward, so it is a good idea to read a commentary for helpful insight! The sutras provide brief gems of wisdom that may be remembered easily and contemplated throughout daily life. 
There isn't exactly a linear progression from ignorance to bliss, which is why comparing the practice that constitutes the essence of the Yoga Sutras (often referred to as Ashtanga – eight limbed- Yoga) to a tree is appropriate. 


Each part of a tree exists in complete dependence upon the other parts for growth; although differing in degree of development, a tiny sapling has components that are identical to a mighty tree.
These are the eight limbs (branches) of the Yoga Sutras: 

1. Yama- Reflection of divine qualities. By observing five qualities while dealing with the external world, we begin to exemplify the true nature of the divine Self.

2. Niyama- Transition to harmony. By enacting five directives of personal conduct, we learn to act in accord with divine will.

3. Asana- Comfort of being. Through practice of physical posture our natural state of bliss and stability reveals the infinite within.


4. Pranayama- Mastery of life force. Through guidance and harmonious flow of universal life force (Prana) darkness is removed and the inner light revealed.


5. Pratyarhara- Turning senses inward. With the inner light revealed, senses 
naturally withdraw into the infinite within.
6.Dharana- concentration of inner consciousness. Gathering focus upon inner awareness.


7.Dhyana- Meditation, the continuous flow of focus inwards.

8. Samadhi- Union. Merging individual consciousness with the universal Self, all illusion of separateness dissipates.
Although everyone expresses the limbs in different degrees, we all contain each facet of the Ashtanga within our being. 
Through conscious, guided practice of these different aspects of being we grow naturally to express each portion of the Eight Limbs more strongly. 
Eventually this manifests into prolonged periods of Divine consciousness, (Samadhi) and we reconnect to the essence of who we truly are, Spirit in a human body. 

If you'd like to learn more about the Yoga sutras of Patanjali, this is one of the books I recommend, “The Path of the Yoga Sutras. A Practical Guide to the Core Yoga” by Nicolai Bachman. 


I like it for its simplicity and its capacity to write about this ancient wisdom and make it applicable to everyday life. 
I'd love to hear your feedback on this, if you too apply these practices to your daily life, if you have a specific Yoga Sutra text that you enjoy...

If you are interested to know more about this and/or are struggling to make it happen in your life I invite to book my FREE 30 minute spiritual coaching session.

During this time together you will
. be able to ask me questions on any struggles you are facing
    .begin to set in place the necessary steps on how to live more peacefully, purposefully and connected to your Divine Self
    . most likely ask yourself if your choices are made out of fear or love 
·    . set the wheel in motion for you to be in  a perpetual state of joy, and love for yourself and others.  


moveyourspirityoga.com
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