The path of yoga is open to everyone. It is a path that consists of compassion, peace, love, acceptance, and a desire to honor all living creatures. The philosophy is outlined in the Yamas and Niyamas, or the 10 guidelines for leading a healthier, happier, and more conscious life.
The Yamas guide us in our interaction with others. They are social disciplines. They consist of the following:
Ahimsa ~ The practice of nonviolence toward yourself and other living beings in your actions, thoughts and speech. In yoga, we listen not only to our bodies, but to our inner dialogue (self-talk).
Satya ~ The practice of truthfulness in speech, thoughts, and deeds. To have an intention of helping, not harming...to exhibit honest while owning your feelings.
Asteya ~ Embodies taking only what belongs to you. Thus, not stealing, not coveting, and not being jealous. In every day life it is practiced by using objects in the right way, managing your time and letting go of cravings.
Brahmacharya ~ Moderation in all things on all levels. Channeling your emotions, practicing self-containment, not overindulging your mind, speech or body. Listen to and feel your body; when you are truly connected you will rarely overindulge.
Aparigraha ~ Letting go of reliance on possessions and relationships, or "attachments," for your peace and happiness. This is hard to do, but often invigorating! To practice this is to simplify - to distinguish needs from wants, ton consume less and live more.
The Niyamas guide how we interact with ourselves and our internal world. They consist of the following:
Shaucha ~ External and internal purity. Clear your mind and body of toxins and negative energy. One can achieve this through good health habits, such as an organic diet, living in an orderly environment, using cruelty-free products, and refraining from excessive amounts of stimulants and depressants.
Santosha ~ To maintain equanimity, or evenness of mind, through all that life offers. Guidelines include contentment, accepting what is and making the best of everything. Exhibit gratitude and joyfulness.
Tapas ~ Many of us know this at "heat" or "fire". It is the practice of both mental and physical discipline. Guidelines are sacrifice and enthusiasm for spiritual growth regardless of how difficult the path. Stay in the moment no matter how uncomfortable (or "hot") it becomes. The fire brings transformation (in the Manipura chakra/solar plexus).
Swadhyaya ~ Self-observation. Pausing between stimulus and response, allowing room to breathe, relax, feel, watch and allow. Guidelines consist of self-education and study. Do not become self-absorbed but exhibit meditation and desire to know the truth.
Ishwara-Pranidhana ~ Surrender to God or to the light and energy of the universe. Here, you connect with the energy of the universe or the divinity within yourself. Honor this through music, chanting, painting, communing with nature, etc. Let go of your ego and celebrate the connection that is beyond you.
Two of my favorite verses apply quite nicely:
"Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul." 1 Peter 2:11
"Rejoice always!" 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Om Namah Shivaya
