Continuing onto the second limb of Ashtanga yoga, are the niyamas, which are the personal ethics and habits we are encouraged develop in order to propel us on our path within. The niyamas, present to us very personal traits that, if practiced, assist us in successfully overcoming a lot of the suffering and conflict we find within ourselves… Continue reading →

The final yama is aparigraha which is translated as non-coveting what doesn’t belong to us, was introduced in the fifth week. This can also be interpreted as non-grasping or being happy for other people’s success in spite of your own circumstance. Nothing illustrates this better, in my opinion, than backbends.

The fourth week I discussed the yama of Brahmacharya which is traditionally explained to be celibacy. I feel that this is quite a controversial yama. While I agree that sometimes sexual energy can dissipate focus and muddy intelligence, I feel that most people don’t fully embrace or understand their sexuality. So being cautious to go into… Continue reading →

In week three, I discussed Asteya which is interpreted as non-stealing – but it can also be the idea of abundance. Usually, stealing happens because of a “lack of”. By resonating to abundance and believing we already have enough or that there is enough of everything in the universe, we guide ourselves to a state of not… Continue reading →