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Image by Jeremy Bishop

What is Yoga?

The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’.

Yoga is not just a physical practice, it's a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is a combination of art and a science of healthy living.  Such a union tends to neutralize ego-driven thoughts and behaviors, creating a sense of spiritual awakening. There are many different paths of Yoga, all of which with the same end goal.

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Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras provide the traditional foundation of yoga, in which he outlines an eightfold path of the practice. This is the path of yoga that I study.

Known as Raja Yoga or the 'Eight-fold path.'

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This path offers a guide to individuals who are dedicated to creating a union between body, mind and spirit.

Each of the eight limbs offers us a means of living with more integrity, self-discipline, respect for nature and connection with the spiritual aspects of life. These eight limbs are intended to be carried out in a holistic and integrative manner:

1. Yamas (how to interact within our external world)

2. Niyamas (guidelines or tools for living the best life we can)

3.Asana (the physical part of yoga we see mostly in the West)

4. Pranayama ( learning how to breath and control our vital life force)

5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of our senses)

6. Dharana (Single Pointed Concentration)

7. Dhyana (Meditation)

8. Samadhi ( liberation or blissful union with the Divine, the Self)

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