If your love for yoga goes way beyond achieving flexibility and getting your sweat on, then you might wonder about applying yoga philosophy to everyday life.
After all, the yoga philosophy is the culmination of 5,000 years of wisdom. It provides guidance to practitioners on self-reflection, inner peace, and harmonious ways to interact with the world.
It’s not as heady as it sounds though. You needn’t get wrapped up in some complex spiritual practice. It’s actually rooted in fairly simple acts of mindfulness and compassion to create harmony both on the mat and off.
The Eight Limbs
Yoga philosophy is complex and involved. But one of the easiest ways to get to its foundation is to understand the eight-limbed (astanga) path as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
The eight limbs are as follows:
- Yama (ethical standards we observe in our interactions with others and the world at large)
- Niyama (ethical standards we observe in our interactions with ourselves) Asana (posture)
- Pranayama (breath control)
- Pratyahara (withdrawal from the senses)
- Dharana (one-pointed concentration)
- Dhyana (meditation)
- Samadhi (oneness with the divine)
To break it down even further, the first limb (yamas) urges us to cultivate an inner awareness of how we interact with ourselves in our relationship with the outside world:
- Ahimsa (non-violence)
- Satya (not lying)
- Asteya (non-stealing)
- Brahmacarya (not being excessive)
- Aparigraha (non-clinging or non-attachment)
Meanwhile, the second limb (niyamas) asks us to cultivate a deeper understanding through actions that help to develop a positive mindset and a more harmonious relationship with oneself:
- Saucha (cleanliness)
- Santosha (contentment)
- Tapas (discipline)
- Svadhyaya (self-study)
- Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to a higher power)
Instead of focusing on a perfect downward dog, getting a bind, or mastering headstand, yoga – at its foundation – starts with these important ethical precepts.
Beginning with Yamas and Niyamas
It might sound like a lot. But chances are, you’re probably already practicing at least some of the yamas and niyamas without even thinking about it.
For example, anytime you’re compassionate, loving, and understanding, you’re practicing ahimsa (non-violence). When you speak the truth, this is satya (not lying). Satya includes not lying to yourself though – which can be a bit more challenging. Both asteya (not stealing) and aparigraha (non-attachment) are practiced when you’re able to pull back consumeristic behavior and appreciate what you have. Sometimes this takes some extra effort. And when you’re wise about using your energy, this is a form of brahmacarya (not being excessive).
Of course, all of the niyamas are considered as well. Saucha (cleanliness) not only applies to the body and your environment, but it includes your thoughts and speech as well. Santosha (contentment) encourages gratitude. And with tapas (discipline) and svadhyaya (self-study), you build both physical and mental strength. Finally, isvara pranadhana (surrender to a higher power) reminds us the importance of letting go and humility.
Applying Yoga Philosophy to Everyday Life
Once you’re aware of the yamas and niyamas and their MANY nuances, you’ll naturally start applying them to your life. As we said earlier, mindfulness practices are the perfect starting point. For instance, start and end your day with reminders of why you’re grateful. Keep a food journal to note what you’re consuming each day. Establish a regular yoga practice – even if it’s just for ten minutes. Which brings us to asana (poses), pranayama (breath control), and pratyahara (withdrawal from the senses).
Obviously, the poses are integral to the practice. They build strength, flexibility, and stamina in the body. But add in pranayama (breath control) and you’re adding a particularly powerful tool for mental health. Specific breathing exercises can promote relaxation and ease feelings of stress. For example, taking nice long exhales in stressful situations such as a traffic jam or during an argument, can ease your mind. As you practice these pranayama, they become second nature.
Pratyahara (detaching from the senses) allows you to move inward as you prepare for meditation. Similar to having a regular yoga practice, a regular meditation practice goes a long way toward finding deeper peace. The practices of dharana (concentrations all about meditation) and dhyana (meditation) reinforce this. And finally, samadhi brings you to a state of profound peace. This eighth limb is not meant to be sustainable. But the glimpses into this state are empowering.
At the end of the day, applying yoga philosophy to everyday life is about engaging fully in each task, whether you’re returning a text, making dinner, or taking a walk.
Ready to Bring Yoga Into Your Life?
Applying yoga philosophy to everyday life is as simple as turning mundane activities into calming rituals through mindfulness. In this way, life and relationships become more meaningful.
So if you’re ready to experience the deeper aspects of the yoga practice, contact us today.
Through our mobile, remote, and onsite yoga offerings, we’ll help you weave yoga philosophy into your life for better mental health and overall well-being.
