Yoga to look better vs Yoga to FEEL better

Physical postures in Yoga (asana) are perhaps the most well known aspect of this ancient practice.

They are what we see on social media. They are what many believe Yoga to be. Bending yourself in half. Touching your toes. Some form of unattainable, inverted, twisted mass of limbs.

But actually Yoga began as anything but a practice of movement.

This came later.

What came first was an ancient code of wisdom to live and breathe. The aim - to become one with your true self and with the universe.

Now I love the movement of Yoga - its powerful, beautiful, divine even. Connecting my body and my breath brings me closer to myself and yes my body loves it too. - but if you practice Yoga ONLY for the physical benefits you’re missing the true intention.

The word Yoga means union - to become one. Mind, body, soul. Becoming one with all that is. This may sound a little too extreme for your tastes. - a bit too 'out there'? Or maybe you're signing yourself up already with the thought of the sheer power of possibility - welcome to your most full life goddess. But before you make any judgement - let me break this down and explain how these not so little nuggets of gold can change your life.

Spoiler alert - its super beautiful.

Okay here we go.... Whilst there are a few interpretations of Yoga's ancient principles and wisdom. There is a wide belief and acceptance of the 8 limbs of Yoga - Ashtanga.

Sanskrit translation: Asht - 8 / Anga - Limbs

1. Asana - Physical practice/ postures

2. Yama - Set of guidelines that steer us in our interaction with the outside world

3. Niyama - Set of guidelines that help us to tune into our inner self

4. Pranayama - Literally means life force - our breath - our life force

5. Pratyahara - Sense withdrawal - who and what are we with no distractions

6. Dharna - Focused concentration

7. Dhyana - Meditative absorption - silencing the outside world in favour of tuning into our inner world

8. Samadhi - Bliss!

Fear not - we aren't going to tackle these in one 'blog'... There's plenty of time and I wouldn't be able to do them justice anyway.

Instead lets begin by diving in bit by bit into the Yama's - considered little jewels of Yogi wisdom and knowledge that act as our personal GPS system in life. Steering us in the right direction to ensure we tread lightly in this world and act first from a place of love and for the collective good. This helps us to feel the joy of LIVING in its fullest and purest expression.

Yama's:

1. Nonviolecne - Ahimsa

2. Truthfulness - Satya

3. Non Stealing - Asteya

4. Non Excess - Brahmacharya

5. Non Possessiveness - Aparigraha

Non violence - the foundation of Yogic thought. The cornerstone from which all other streams of thought are born. Cause no harm to ourselves, to others to mother nature.

Non violence to ourselves or others may seem an obvious thing. A passive and non revolutionary way of living. But how may of us can actually say we truly apply this school of thought FIRST in our daily lives. Read on goddess.

How often do we become frustrated with others or ourselves?

Think unkind thoughts towards ourselves as we look in the mirror?

Push ourselves too hard creating a life without balance?

Not trust in the moment of where we are in this life?

Not practice gratitude for the little things?

Act without pure intentions?

Treat our environment without the respect it deserves?

Treat ourselves without the respect we deserve?

Judge others without knowing their story?

You see, if we can truly apply Ahimsa in our lives. Without evening realising we invite the most amount of love and kindness we can. We let go of judgement of ourselves and others - we free ourselves to step lightly on this earth and do no harm.

So my request for today goddess. Practice Ahimsa (its called practice because it doesn't need to be perfect) - practice non violence.Just have a go - it might take you a few attempts. S'all good. The awareness of the principle is enough to get started...

Each time you think something, say something, do something that means you're not treading lightly, not being as kind or considerate or thoughtful as you could be.

Stop. Reflect. Reframe.

Reframe your thoughts -

What could I have thought?

What could I have done?

What could I have said?

It will come with time. And slowly - bit by bit - if you are true to yourself you will feel your lighter footprint in the very core of you. Your soul my darling - it's there. The very heart of what you are. Hidden from view but SO alive in each and every one of us. All you gotta do is tune in. Like a radio - find your frequency and your vibe will radiate!!

Welcome to the principle of Yoga to FEEL better vs Yoga to look better. There's so much more to this beautiful, ancient Yogi world that what your see on Instagram (don't get me started).

Enough for now - more to follow my darlings... absorb this first and let me know what you think.

We've dipped our toe in the water here.

It's said that the Yama's and Niyama are little jewels of yogi wisdom. Pretty soon goddess - you're gonna be wearing the whole crown.

Love and light always

Namaste

Kayls x

Open your heart - like this pic - let Yoga in.