#1 Yama: The yamas are guides to become more mindful of how we conduct our daily lives. There are 5 Yamas:

Nonviolence (ahimsa). Do no harm to any creature in thought or deed. Becoming more aware of how we are violent with ourselves and others in our thoughts words and actions.

Truth and Honesty (satya). Tell no lies. Becoming aware of all the ways we lie to ourselves and others. Also, keeping your word, speaking your truth.

Non-stealing (asteya). Do not steal material objects. Becoming aware of places in your life that you are willing to bend the rules.

Strength of Will (brahmacharya). In tantra yoga, the sexual partners are uniting as way to express their love for the Divine. Other yoga paths teach abstaining as a way to control and use the sexual energy for spiritual awakening.

Non-possession – Non-accumulation (aparigraha). Letting go of the attachment to material things. Collecting, hoarding and wanting more. Simplify your life.

#2 Niyama (observances) inner discipline and responsibility, taking care of yourself. There are 5 niyamas:

Purity (shauca). Inner purity and purtiy of your surroundings. Keep watch on negative physical and mental states of mind.

Contentment (santosha). Being content with who you are and what you have. Take responsibility for your own happiness. Austerity (tapas). Self discipline in mind and body. Controlling your thoughts to develop more spiritual outlook on life.

Study of the Self (svadhyaya). Study books and materials that are relevant to you as a spiritual being. Texts that inspire teach and remind you of our connection to all things.

Living with Spirit (ishvara-pranidhana). Be devoted to the ways you obtain spiritual nourishment.

#3 Asana – Yoga Postures.

So much more than an exercise routine, Hatha Yoga is meant to bring the body into optimum health and free the body from pain so that the practitioner can sit in meditation without distractions. Asana teaches you to control your body and mind, and also to surrender and allow.

Bhandas: Locks or contractions used to cultivate, control energy within the body.

Chin Lock – Jalandara Bhanda

Stomach Lock – Uddiyana Bhanda

Root Lock – Mula Bhanda

Mudras: Finger Gestures or Seals – Mudras are used to express and control energy.

#4 Pranayama – Breathing. The control of breath. Inhalation, retention of breath, and exhalation. Prana means “life force”. There are several breathing techniques that guide the life force bringing awareness into the present moment, preparing for meditation.

#5 Pratyahara – Turning the senses inward. Some techniques include gazing, sealing of the ears, chanting.

#6 Dharana – Concentration. While focusing on one point or image you can still your mind leading to meditation.

#7 Dhyana – Meditation. A heightened fully conscious state. You will find the calm when practicing meditation and this connected experience will enhance your daily life on many levels.

#8 Samadhi – Superconsciousness – Bliss. The ultimate goal of the Eight Limbs of Yoga. An enlightened state in which you fully realize we are one with the Universe.

The first five limbs assist the body and mind and the last three allow the mind to help you develop your spiritual nature.

Contributed by Sue Anne Parsons 500 EYT, CYT – owner of Let It Go Yoga since 1986

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