What is yoga? When we hear the word yoga, most of us associate it with the physical exercise form that is taught in the many yoga studios around, or at the gym. But the physical yoga is actually just one part of the vast yogic philosophy.
The word ”yoga” literaly means union. By some described as union with the divine, or that which brings you to reality, or union with the true self, divine essense, or atman.
According to the yoga sutras of Patanjali, yoga concists of eight parts, or limbs:
- YAMA – Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows.
- NIYAMA – Positive duties or observances.
- ASANA – Posture.
- PRANAYAMA – Breathing techniques.
- PRATYAHARA – Sense withdrawal.
- DHARANA – Focused concentration.
- DHYANA – Meditative absorption.
- SAMADHI – Bliss or enlightenment
So what we most associate with yoga, is the asana part. You might have heard this term in your yoga class, the different movements or postures are called asanas. Apart from the physical aspect, yoga also consists of morals, positive work, breathing techniques, concentration and meditation. All of these parts can eventually lead to samadhi, a form of bliss or enlightenment.
I believe that all these eight limbs of yoga are connected, if you work on one aspect, it will have positive effects on the others as well. But if you want to develop your spirituality, it might be necessary to work with all of these aspects.
The asana part is a great way to start. Back in 2007, my mother gave me and my sister a pass to our local yoga studio. Earlier I had tried a few yoga classes in the gym, but didn´t feel that it was my cup of tea. But in the yoga studio it was different. I started to attend ashtanga yoga courses for a few years, and since then I keep the asana practice dear to my heart.
It was in fact one of my first ashtanga teachers who introduced me to meditation! So, just start with the part that speaks to you, and see where that leads you.
To start with an yoga asana practice, you can either find a nearby yoga studio, or start practicing on your own. Youtube is full with free yoga instruction videos, and you can look for an instructor that you ”click” with.
For your home yoga practice, you need a nice yoga mat, I like these that are just a little bit thicker. They come in all sorts of colours, pick your favourite!
It’s also helpful to get a pair of yoga blocks, that can be used to modify poses to your needs. Another helpful tool is a yoga belt for stretching, a yoga bolster for opening up the chest, and a nice blanket to use in the most important asana of your practice, the savasana, that is an essential pose to end each practice!
For advanced yoga practitioners there’s also the yoga wheel, however it’s not an essential tool.
Enjoy your practice!
