How the 8 Limbs of Yoga Can Help You Hone Your Practice

In mainstream media, it is often forgotten, or even unknown to many, that the practice of yoga is not just about the practice of asanas (the physical postures associated with yoga). Yoga is a more complex system that consists of 8 limbs, all of which are meant to provide mind, body, and spirit health and well-being. So when we say, “personal practice” that does not necessarily mean just your asana practice. It’s more about listening to all aspects of self and building a personal practice that addresses whole-self needs for health and balance.

But before diving into developing a personal practice, let’s talk about the 8 limbs of yoga first for a deeper understanding. It should be noted that each limb follows in order, one building onto and preparing you for the next.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yama

Yamas are considered the ethics and integrity of yoga. They focus on our behavior and how we interact with the world around us. There are 5 yamas: ahimsa (nonviolence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (nonstealing), brahmachrya (moderation), and aparigraha (non-attachment).

Niyamas

Niyamas are recommended healthy habits for healthy living, internally and externally. There are five: soucha (cleanliness), santosha (contentment), tapas (discipline), svadyaya (self-study), and ishvarapranidhana (surrender).

Asana

As mentioned earlier, asanas are the physical postures that most people think of when they hear “yoga”. Movement as well as greater flexibility in the body significantly improves our overall health, and not just in the immediate future, but also as we get older. In addition, the physical practice of yoga teaches discipline, concentration, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, creating balance and calm.

Pranayama

Pranayama is the breath - it’s control and how it is used for cleansing the body, as well as awareness of how breath, the mind, and emotions are all connected. Different techniques can assist with different things. For example, alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana) can be used to reduce excess heat from the body, provide calm, and reduce inflammation. Ujjayi breath is used to create heat in the body, boost mental focus, and is helpful for those struggling with chronic respiratory issues.

Pratyahara

This is a withdrawal of the senses, moving awareness away from external stimuli and toward our inner being. Similar to how, in our current age of technology, we often recognize a need to step away from the screens. Why? Because with a constant bombardment of everything going on in the world around us, the noise can sometimes get too loud to where we can no longer hear our inner whispers.

Dharana

Now that focus has shifted from external to internal, Dharana asks us to take it a step further into intense focus. This intense focus can be on a sensation in the body, a part of the body, the breath, a mantra, etc. It provides a chance to slow down the inner thoughts before moving into meditation.

Dhyana

You could probably guess the next limb is the state of meditation, where the mind produces few, if any, thoughts. There is a stillness and awareness without focus. Oftentimes it can be challenging to get to this state, especially in a world that never seems to stop. Practice is key here. Starting with just a few minutes, overtime can become much longer.

Samadhi

Referred to as the goal of all existence, it is a state of oneness and the realization of divine connection. To put it more simply, it is a state of peace and connection - the ability to feel joy and gratitude and calm.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga & Your Personal Practice

Now that there is an understanding of the 8 limbs that make up Yoga, let’s dive into using the 8 limbs to develop a unique practice for you. You can probably see that when developing a unique practice for yourself, it will most likely transform and change depending on where you are in your life, and what your mind, body, and spirit are craving at any given time. As this practice deepens, tuning in to your needs will become much easier to identify, and therefore much easier to pivot when needed.

If you think back to the last yoga class you took, you probably noticed that there’s a moment, or a few, for grounding and connecting with the breath prior to moving into the physical asanas. And likewise, there’s a point during the class that switches to slowing down, rest, and reflection. Approach your personal practice in the same manner.

Allow space & stillness

Before developing a personal practice, each day or each phase in your life, allow yourself some quiet and stillness to tap into where you’re at. Maybe one day asks for more stillness and meditation. Perhaps another asks for more heat and movement. And maybe another asks for more awareness and insight into habits or behaviors you’d like to remove from your life. Check in, scan your inner world, and allow your inner wisdom to speak before proceeding.

How do you want to move?

Movement is always key for health and well-being. But some days will look different than others. Are you someone who operates best with intense movement to start the day, or end it? Are you someone who moves best with long, slow movements rather than intense bursts? Your body always knows what it’s needing, but sometimes the mind tries to tell us otherwise based on prior beliefs, society expectations, or our own inner critic. Tap in and listen.

Always come back to breath

You’ll often hear in yoga classes the instructor reminding you to be aware of your breath, to allow your breath to regulate. Many of us move through the world on a daily basis without much consideration or awareness of our breath. But breath is key. Obviously, it keeps us alive even when we lack the connection to it, but connecting to the breath regularly significantly increases longevity. You can develop a pranayama practice regularly, or simply make more of an effort to take a moment and connect with your breath in an intentional way - you decide.

Rest will always be key

Just as important it is for movement and action, rest is just as, if not more important. While developing a personal practice it can be easy to overlook rest. It’s a practice, that means work, right? Wrong. Like everything in life, balance is essential. There is a place for movement and doing, and an equally important place for rest, stillness and reflection. And I dare say, it’s the best part!

A personal practice can be a sacred part of your day. When considering how to develop a practice for yourself, honing into your needs and what your body is trying to tell you will guide you to a practice that is uniquely yours. So allow stillness, hone in, and gently listen.

We can help!

Sol Luna Yoga offers a variety of classes that can help supplement your personal practice. All classes will call you back to your breath, allow for stillness, and bring heightened awareness to your body’s wisdom. But here are a few classes that focus on other aspects:

Ascend (non-movement)

Ascend is a meditative class focusing on your innate inner wisdom and tapping into it. Especially when first beginning a meditative practice, it can be easier when done in a group setting. Everyone’s combined interest and intention sets up a wonderful environment for relaxing into meditation.

Reflect (gentle, held movement)

This class is a restorative/yin class that provides gentle movement in the form of held postures, or asanas. This also allows more space for really tapping into your body’s language - where do you feel increased tension? Does this feel good in my body or do I need to adjust?

Melt (gentle movement)

Melt is a gentler version of a yoga flow like vinyasa. Postures are held for longer, yet not as long as in Reflect. A sequence is used, but at a slower pace to allow your body time to feel into the posture while still creating heat.

Spark (heat-building movement)

This class is a traditional vinyasa class where movements are in connection with breath and postures move at a faster pace. A great class for heat building and overall movement.