The 8 Limbs of Yoga: More Than Just Poses. Let's break it down.

When most people hear the word yoga, they picture stretchy pants, downward dogs, and maybe a headstand or two. But the truth is, yoga is so much more than the poses we do on our mats, and that’s where the 8 Limbs of Yoga come in.

The 8 Limbs are like a roadmap for living a balanced, meaningful life. They come from an ancient text called the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (think of it like the OG yoga manual). Each limb is a stepping stone, guiding us inward; from how we show up in the world, to how we care for ourselves, all the way to that deep, sweet inner peace that keeps us coming back.

So, let’s break it down together limb by limb in plain, friendly language:

🌱 1. Yamas — How We Treat the World

The Yamas are like the golden rules for how we interact with others and the world around us. They remind us to live with integrity and kindness. There are five mini-rules:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence) — Be kind. Don’t harm others, animals, the planet, or yourself.

• Satya (Truthfulness) — Speak your truth and live honestly.

• Asteya (Non-stealing) — Don’t take what isn’t yours — time, energy, ideas.

• Brahmacharya (Moderation) — Use your energy wisely; don’t burn yourself out.

• Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness) — Let go of the constant grasping. Be content with what you have.

  💡 How to embody it: Notice your daily choices, like how you speak, act, and consume. Small shifts in how you treat others ripple out big time!

🫶 2. Niyamas — How We Treat Ourselves

The Niyamas are 5 self-care practices for your inner world.

• Saucha (Cleanliness)—Keep your body, space, and mind clear.

• Santosha (Contentment) — Find joy in what you have, gratitude is magic!

• Tapas (Discipline)—Keep your inner fire burning, show up for your goals.

• Svadhyaya (Self-study)—Reflect, journal, read spiritual texts, get to know yourself.

• Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender)—Trust life. Surrender to something bigger than yourself.

💡 How to embody it: Create tiny rituals—clean your space, pause for gratitude, read something uplifting. This is where real self-growth happens!

🧘 3. Asana — The Physical Practice

Here’s the part we all know, Asana means posture. The poses keep your body strong, flexible, and healthy so you can sit comfortably in meditation.

💡 How to embody it: Roll out your mat and move in a way that feels good. Yoga is not about touching your toes or fancy poses, it is about learning to nourish your body, mind & soul.

🌬️ 4. Pranayama — Breath Control

Pranayama is the art of working with your breath. Prana means life force—so this is about expanding your energy and calming your mind. When we breathe deeply, we calm the mind and energize the body.

💡 How to embody it: Try simple breathwork like deep belly breathing, or inhaling for 4 counts and exhaling for 6. Notice how your mood shifts!

👁️ 5. Pratyahara — Withdrawal of the Senses

This one sounds fancy but it’s really about turning down the noise. Pratyahara helps you unplug from distractions so you can focus inward.

💡 How to embody it: Take a break from screens. Sit quietly. Listen to your breath. Notice your thoughts without getting pulled away.

🎯 6. Dharana — Concentration

Now that you’ve turned inward, Dharana is about training your mind to focus on one thing. A candle flame, a mantra, your breath, anything that anchors you. We live in a world full of distractions, this limb helps us practice concentration so we can find the calm.

💡 How to embody it: Try focusing on your inhale and exhale for a few minutes. If your mind wanders (it will!), gently come back. That’s the practice!

🧘‍♀️ 7. Dhyana — Meditation

When you can concentrate for longer, it becomes Dhyana, a flowing state of meditation. It’s that peaceful state when you’re fully present. It doesn’t mean your mind is empty (that’s a myth!) but you’re less pulled around by every passing thought.

💡 How to embody it: Meditation can be 2 minutes or 20—just sit, breathe, and be with yourself. No pressure to be perfect.

✨ 8. Samadhi — Bliss or Enlightenment

Samadhi is the goal, but not in an achievement sense, it’s a state of deep peace, connection, and oneness with everything. It’s fleeting for most of us, but tiny glimpses remind us what’s possible. It’s that feeling when you’re completely at peace with yourself and the world.

💡 How to embody it: Enjoy those moments when you lose yourself in nature, music, or deep love. They’re hints of Samadhi!

🌟 Most importantly; Yoga is a Journey, Not a Checklist

You don’t have to “master” these limbs. Just exploring them slowly brings so much depth and joy into your life. Start with what feels good. Be gentle with yourself.

Next time you step on your mat, remember that yoga is so much more than poses.

It’s a beautiful path for living with more kindness, clarity, and connection both on and off the mat.

May your journey be peaceful and full of tiny moments of bliss. ✨

Ready to grow on and off the mat? Come join us in class! We’d love to share this journey with you. ✨

With love and light, Namaste, friends! 💛

~Angie

Patanjali's 8 Limbs of Yoga