"After practicing yoga for a while, many of us may wonder if there’s more to it than what we do on that mat; and of course, there is".

If there’s one thing to be sure of, it’s that yoga – meaning ‘unity’, offers us a way of life that can be much more transformational than a 60-minute yoga class once a week. 

Starting May 20th we will begin a 10 week yoga series dedicated to 2 very essential elements in Yoga called the Yamas & Niyamas.   "The yamas and niyamas are yoga's ethical guidelines laid out in the first two limbs of Patanjali's eightfold path. ... Simply put, the yamas are things not to do, or restraints, while the niyamas are things to do, or observances. Together, they form a moral code of conduct."

The Eight Limbs of Yoga

There are eight ‘limbs’ to the Yoga Sutras, each describing a different aspect of the yoga practice, and a different step on the ladder to realisation. These are commonly known as the ‘Eight Limbs of Yoga’:

1. Yama (moral discipline)
2. Niyama (observances)
3. Asana (physical postures)
4. Pranayama (breathing techniques)
5. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dhyana (absorption or meditation)
8. Samadhi (enlightenment or bliss)

Applying the Yamas and Niyamas to modern life

Over the next 10 weeks, in this two-part series, we’re going to explore the philosophy behind the Yamas and Niyamas. I’ll provide some examples of how we can apply this ancient wisdom to our modern lives, both on and off our mats. 

In part one, we’ll delve into the Yamas, which are literally translated as ‘restraints’. They focus on how we conduct ourselves in society and our personal ethics.

In part two, we’ll look at the Niyamas, which are observances or internal practices that relate to self-discipline. I’ve listed them below.

This will allow you to discover the true benefits of yoga which go much broader than just asana, but a way of life!

Upcoming Class & Meditation Schedule:

• May 20th: Ahimsa/Non-Violence
• May 27th: closed for Memorial Day Weekend
• June 3rd: Satya/Truthfulness
• June 10th: Asteya/Nonstealing
• June 17th: Brahmacharya/Nonexcess
• June24th: Aparigraha/Nonpossesiveness
• July 1st: Saucha/Purity
• July 15th: Santosha/Contentment
• July 22nd: Taps/Self-Discipline
• July 29th: Svadhyaya/Self-Study
• Aug 5th: Ishvara Pranidhana/Surrender

Iyengar describes both the Yamas and Niyamas as the ‘golden keys to unlock the spiritual gates’, as they transform each action into one that originates from a deeper and more ‘connected’ place within ourselves. Whether you consider yourself ‘spiritual’ or not though, and whether you practice yoga or not, these are all ways in which we can help ourselves and the world around us to be a better place.

If we are to really benefit from a yoga practice, it has to expand beyond the mat and into life. When this happens, it’s not just our bodies that get stretched, expanded and strengthened, but our minds and hearts as well. From that state of being, we move ever closer towards wholeness, connectedness and unity, and start to not just ‘do’ yoga, but live and breathe it in each and every moment.

See you on the Mat!

Namaste.