As fitness people— if you’re reading then that is inherently you— we are mindful about what we consume, we know it feels good to sweat and to breathe deeply, we wipe down equipment, and we shower to cleanse. We may also be intentional with our personal energy, where and with whom we spend it. When we can, we are helpful to others in the gym or studio, hoping to reduce mishaps and injuries around us. Little do we know, this— and more— is Yoga.
There are eight limbs of the Yoga practice. In the tradition, we include yama (external ethics), niyama (internal ethics, observances), asana (seats, postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (enlightenment). Find this information on an easy to read graphic here.
Focusing on the first two limbs, yama and niyama, we find ten guidelines for living an intentional path toward enlightenment. There is a specific order of limbs, as well as the yamas and niyamas. There are five within both limbs mentioned.
When we look out for others and seek to reduce harm, we are already practicing ahimsa (non-harm), the first yama. This can be taken a step further. With awareness of this practice and an intention to embody it as a moral, we can become even better at harm reduction with a more acute awareness of how we effect the world, in and out of the gym or studio.
When we are protecting our peace and conserving our own energy, that is part of the practice of brahmacharya (non-excess), the fourth yama, though the true definition is celibacy. In most contexts outside of an ashram, monastery, or the like, this practice is not applied as literally. Often, western practitioners vow celibacy for only a few months at a time.
Lastly, when caring for our body and spaces, we begin practicing saucha (purity, clarity), the first niyama. Cleansing, purging, clearing, healing, detoxing… that is what it means. Our physical space affects mental wellbeing. It is different for everyone, but clearing out possessions, keeping the body clean, and maintaining good health are likely to boost mental clarity and self esteem.
All ten yamas and niyamas follow the specific order below, meaning that the practice of one ethic means the practice of all the ones before it. Still, there are six other rules to explore within the eight limbs, but they come with a deeper look.
- Ahimsa – non-harm
- Satya – honesty
- Asteya – non-stealing
- Brahmacharya – celibacy
- Aparigraha – non-greed
- Saucha – purity
- Santosha – contentment
- Tapas – self-discipline
- Svadhyaya – self-study
- Ishvara Pranidhana – surrender
Whatever your sadhana looks like— strength training, calisthenics, cardio, meditation, prayer, chanting, dancing— structure and guidelines will enhance what is already there. Committing to your ritual in such a way brings more peace, discipline, and stability to the world and yourself.
If you are building up an exercise habit, or especially if you are already committed to your routine, dipping your toes into this ancient tradition could be the perfect next step. Book a class with us to begin.
The Well Studio in Dublin, CA is a boutique studio combining the ancient science of yoga with conventional strength training and Pilates fitness concepts. As we age, we need to maintain our muscle mass while staying flexible in order to remain active and live our best life possible. We help you do all of this with programming designed to keep you moving, a supportive, compassionate team and a community that inspires and motivates you to simply keep moving.
