Did you know that the ancient system of Yoga shares a set of 10 ethical principles to practice which are the first steps towards liberation?
The postures that our western white culture is so enamored with, are actually the third of eight steps and not meant to be practiced in isolation.
Yoga is a holistic system that recognizes the interdependence of our inner ecology as well as our reciprocal relationships with all living beings, including the earth. Yoga helps us recognize that interdependence as simultaneously biological, energetic, and spiritual. To support harmony within ourselves and with the universe (spoiler alert: we are one in the same), we practice all of the steps--or limbs as they are called in Yoga. My teacher's teacher, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, explained this quite beautifully:
We do asana (postures) to prepare the breath for pranayama (breathwork); we do pranayama to prepare the mind for meditation; we meditate to prepare the heart for prayer; and prayer connects us to the divine which is no less than who we truly are.
These 10 ethical principles are called the Yamas and Niyamas. Instead of being 10 distinct rules, the Yamas and Niyamas are interwoven and inseparable from each other. They provide a beautiful tapestry of insights for practice and reflection on how and where you are living in accordance with your highest values and true path and where you don't and therefore create and perpetuate suffering.
At this point you might be thinking, "So what Jen?" That's all very lofty, but what about real life and figuring out how to survive in these very unstable and challenging times?
Fair enough. And, it is relevant--even essential for surviving and even thriving--especially right now!
Yoga, when practiced, as intended, as an integrated and holistic system, helps us:
clarify our values and strengthen our resolve to live by them (aka more willpower and follow through),
build our resiliency to handle what comes our way (aka more energy, self-confidence, and stamina),
resolve those patterns of thinking, moving, and behaving that no longer support our wellbeing (aka more grace and ease and joy!).
reduce our suffering (aka so we can still find those life-giving, necessary-for-survival moments of appreciation and connection even in the chaos).
And guess what? That does not mean practicing on a mat 2 hours/day. You can have a 20 min daily practice that transforms you. If you are incorporating all of the steps of postures, breathwork, chanting, mantra, and meditation, you are influencing all of your dimensions--cellular, energetic, mental/emotional, spiritual and that will have profound results.
Full disclosure. It's not instant gratification and transformation doesn't happen overnight. It's a cumulative change--that's why it's practice--and it will take as long as you need to. That said, it's more sustainable and lasting because it's change from the inside and across your whole being. The energetic vibration that's created by these practices shifts and loosens the deeper and more subtle grips of habitual thinking and doing, so that you start to feel and think differently--often without even realizing it right away.
And it's not one size fits all. It's not even one size fits one person forever. It's meant to change and evolve as you do--as we all do across our whole lives. You don't want the same things you wanted 20 years ago do you? Your life has brought you new understanding that shifts your perspective about who you are and what you understand to be true. Why not support yourself with a practice that grows with you?
The third Yama (ethical principle) is Asteya, which translates as nonstealing. Asteya is a practice of living within our present means--physical, energetic, mental/emotional and not taking or "stealing" resources from ourselves, others, and the earth. For me, that includes honoring and respecting the deep roots of Yoga and sharing the full spectrum of Yoga's wisdom and intention. Because they knew, those ancient sages, that you can't just listen or just read or just hold a few poses. You have to take it in and practice it with your whole self.
It's why I became a Yoga Therapist. I love working one-to-one with people to create unique and carefully curated practices meant just for them as a whole person. I am called to this work because I have received so much personal benefit from studying and practicing these teachings and I have seen people that I've shared this true Yoga with find relief from their suffering and feel more freedom and ease and even joy. More Grace. And the more you practice the deeper the understanding and freedom you have.
If you'd like see what I'm talking about and experience a fully integrated yoga practice, I encourage you to try my Saturday class from 8:00-8:45AM on Zoom (if that's too early--sign up anyway--I send the recording). We're currently practicing with reflection on Asteya this month using Lakshmi's chant for abundance. Like I said, it will make more sense if you try it!
Yoga Therapy is it's own lineage of yoga dedicated to supporting people with specific conditions such as insomnia, indigestion, anxiety, and/or knee pain. But I also love supporting people in just getting started with a daily home practice even if there's not a specific issue that you want to address. If you'd like your own personal 20 min practice, I'm offering a New Year's special through Feb where you receive a full intake and personalized practice and one follow up session at at discounted rate.
And I'm continuing to offer issue specific class series, including collaborating with other amazing holistic health professionals that you can check out too!
Take good care dear ones! I hope to see you soon in 2026!
