Yoga for All

The beauty of yoga is that it is for everyone. Even though it may seem like only the more “fit and flexible” can practice yoga and benefit from it, it not completely true. The truth lies in the fact that yoga is not limited to the practice of Yogasana, but it is an entire way of life. You can follow the principles of truth and selfless service, or of contentment or self study or introspection and you will be practicing yoga. Yogasana, the most popular practice of yoga, is just one of the eight limbs described by Sage Patanjali. The practice of yoga starts with learning and trying to live by the ethical disciplines of Yama and Niyama. According to Sage Patanjali, Yama or the universal moral commandments are- Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (Truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacarya (continence) and Aparigraha (non-covetousness).

Niyama are the tools of self purification - Sauca (cleanliness/purity), Santosa (contentment), tapas (religious fervour), Svadhyaya (self-study) and Isvara pranidhana (surrender to god). By allowing these basic principles into our lives we can begin or journey towards Yoga. While the practice of Yogasana and Pranayama will aid our progress towards a balanced mind and body, Yama and Niyama can extend the practice of yoga beyond the one hour that we give to our body. Yoga sadhana can, in this way be a part of our lives, in the truest sense.

Taking from the teachings of the Gita, surrendering completely to what we are doing, following the path of selfless service or nishkama karma, and leaving behind the expectations of the fruit of our action can help in striking balance and gaining more control over our actions and reactions. Spending a little time to introspect and analyse our emotions, feelings, can give us a better insight into certain habits or reactions that may be the root cause of our own troubles. When we think about yoga as a tool to really look deeper within, and face our truest emotions, it seems to be the spiritual discipline it is said to be. So, when the meaning of yoga expands beyond the physical practices of asana and pranayama, we create more space for it in our lives, and adopt a yogic attitude. This is something anyone and everyone can make time and space for, and thats why yoga doesn’t differentiate, it may mean different things to us, but it is for all.