I haven’t talked about yoga lately, but I really want/need too. I lost the inspiration to write about yoga for a while there; my practice even felt a little lack-luster for a few weeks. But I think I have my connection to the practice back. Yoga itself, the “practice” of yoga, is exactly what I’ve been wanting to talk about since I got my mojo back.
People tend to throw around the word “yoga” all the time now. They say things like, “o yea, I did some yoga today,” or “you should try yoga for that **insert ailment here**.” Or simply, “I do yoga.” But what does “yoga” really mean? Yoga isn’t just one thing, one action. It’s a Hindu philosophy of disciplines and literally means “union with one’s self”. So no one does yoga. You practice the philosophy and lifestyle and try to create a balanced union within. Yoga is not just a physical workout like so many American’s believe it is. They think that if they take one or two classes a week for 70 minutes at a studio, they do yoga and are somehow enlightened. They think yoga is a cure-all. The physical practice is amazing, and I do hope that one day everyone will give it a try. But there are so many styles of the physical practice and the simple term “yoga” is not one of them. Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, Iyengar, Vinyasa. You can practice any and any one can have a physical practice.
Yoga has so much more meaning and action required than just the physical component. The philosophy is also truly a lifestyle. A lifestyle that no one can ever fully master. That’s why we call yoga a practice in the first place. You never get to the end. There is no race or competition to prepare for. Unless that is, you consider life the competition. But in this practice of yoga, we should be trying every day to create peace within ourselves. To channel calming energy, mindfulness, kindness, and compassion through our bodies. Hopefully enough so that it will begin to take form in an aura around us and emanate out to others in our surroundings.
Yoga is not simply yoga. There are so many aspects wrapped into that one broad encompassing term. It is the outlook you have on life, the way you breath, the mindfulness you have during your day, the kindness you show your body, the compassion you show to others and the environment, the way you feel the ground as you walk. If you want to get technical, the true 8 Limbs of Yoga are:
1. Yama: Universal morality
2. Niyama: Personal observances
3. Asana: Body postures
4. Pranayama: Breathing exercises and control of prana
5. Pratyahara: Control of the senses
6. Dharana: Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness
7. Dhyana: Devotion and meditation to the Divine
8. Samadhi: Union with the Divine
Yoga, most importantly, is what you want it to be, taking into account the entire philosophy. So for me, yoga is not a single definition word. It is not just Limb #3, Asana. It is trying my best to live a beautiful, meaningful, and healthful life. To enjoy the art of the human body by it’s movement on the mat and the flow that is created with the breath. To wake up each day with a purpose and to try my hardest to reach toward that purpose, giving it respect. My yoga is not one thing and there is no end goal. My yoga is continuous, 24/7. It is a practice, it is life, and it is okay to be swept from the philosophy and practice at times. That’s why yoga is most definitely a practice, that one is certain. You don’t do yoga, you live and practice yoga with your full being and the word should not be used my everyone in every situation. Don’t say it just because it’s “trendy” right now. There is no treads, ego, or competition in yoga. Yoga is a sacred word, a beautiful word, but it is simply not yoga.
So tell me:
+ Do you truly try and live yoga?
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Sharon Rowe says
Hi Rebecca, pop over to Monday Madness when it goes live and see a special treat! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, alright! Thanks dear 😉
Misty Nicole Roberts says
How awesome! I’ve done yoga for years, since I traveled to SW Asia and saw how life changing it would be. I wish more western countries could bridge the mental gap of seeing yoga as a religious institution instead of a healing experience! I’ll be featuring this as my weekly pick on TheLadyPrefers2Save, on this weeks Merry Monday Linky Party, thanks for linking up! Have an awesome week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I agree there! Thanks dear!
Life Breath Present says
Although I’ve never practiced Yoga and don’t consider it to be my thing, I do enjoy Pilates. And, yes, there is a practice in that as well. Since being pregnant this time around and being a SAHM, I find that doing some Pilates at night really helps me to relax my body, mind, and spirit. I enjoy those aspects. I used to use Pilates as a cool down/stretching series of exercises after a workout, but that was in my previous life lol 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I do Pilates too! It’s a wonderful form of lower impact exercise that I love!
Life Breath Present says
I haven’t met many people who do both Yoga and Pilates. That’s awesome! I’m glad you enjoy it as an addition to your healthy living journey 🙂
Angela @ Setting My Intention says
Hi, stopping by from the Monday Madness Link Up. I’m definitely a beginner but enjoying the practice of yoga on and off the mat. I’m always so grateful that classes encourage people to come in and honor their bodies – not to compare or judge oneself or others.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Keep on living the practice dear!
Talent Hounds says
I never feel more focused or calm than I do during yoga. Great post. Stopping by from the Inspire Me Monday hop, come say hi!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Mari says
Great share found you on Merry Mondays and agree with your comments on Yoga. I have been practicing for the past 3 years and find that it is a life style something you must practice daily not just in forms but your actions. I am grateful for the peace it has bought me. Again great share.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! That’s exactly it! Thank you dear!
Nancy Andres says
Thanks for this post about what yoga means to you. I take my yoga practice off the mat and it helps me feel more centered, peaceful, open, and willing to be flexible in my life. I pinned it so others might learn the valuable info you provided. Namaste to you dear one. Nancy Andres@colorsofjoy
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That’s exactly as it should be! Off the mat is where we get the most out of a practice! Thanks dear!
Nancy Andres says
:). Have a glorious day!
Beth says
Lovely post. You’re my featured blogger this week on Wake Up Wednesday, thanks for sharing something so beautiful and personal.
Beth
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Carol Cameleon says
Yes, I truly do try to live yoga… Admittedly only in the past month or so have I got up half and hour early every other day, got my yoga mat and ‘done’ some yoga. But that, along with my daily meditation and reiki self-treatment, yoga enables me to get the best possible start to my day, along with my mug of hot lemon water. (Oh, I do love my lemon water and could never go back to coffee now…). As you say, yoga is a practice (just like meditation) and one I intend to ‘live’. 🙂 #brilliantblogposts
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Sounds like you found your path!
Ann says
I started doing Yoga as exercise many years ago; and that’s when I discovered some of its other benefits. I’ve found that as I get older, those benefits have become necessities in my life and I’ve re-arranged my schedule to fit Yoga back in my life.
The current class I take is early in the morning, which is difficult because I’m not a morning person; but I can tell the difference it makes in my day when I’m done.
Thanks for a little more information and a lot more inspiration for me to continue my practice. Stopping by from SITS Sharefest.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks dear! Yoga on! I always do my physical practice in the very early morning! (4am!)
Paula Kiger says
YES! Have you read Yoga Wisdom at Work by Maren and Jamie Showkeir? Great book about how yoga is so much more than poses.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
No, but I will check it out! Thanks dear!
Elaine Hodges says
Great Post. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
All that's Jas says
I wish I could say I can relate. But I really never caught on to yoga. Great post nevertheless and it got me thinking. Thanks for sharing with Thursday Favorite Things!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well thank for reading!
Lowanda J says
Thanks so much for writing the post. I’m glad you’ve got your mojo back for it. I have attend a couple of yoga classes and have enjoyed it and have look to fully join a class that I just found near me soon. I am looking to find more inner peace and also looking to utilize it for health reasons. I hope that isn’t offensive. With my neck condition, I found that the stretching really helps to relax my muscles and overall comfort of my neck.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you take that practice beyond the mat too!
Megan @ Involuntary Adulthood says
I love love LOVE this post. Yoga is so much more than just doing postures for a workout for an hour a day. Thanks for sharing at the Let’s Get Real blog hop.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes it is! Thanks Megan!
Ana Valentin says
PREACH IT REBECCA. I wholeheartedly agree with this. Yoga is not done when you step of the mat. It is not done after “namaste”. It is every moment of your life. It is the very essence of how you choose to live and act. To constantly reach for balance and center, to live for internal peace. At least, for me. I practice a few different styles about three times a week. Each have their strengths but I find that what I take from them all is tranquility, determination, trust, acceptance and compassion for myself and my body. I am in love with the practice and virtues, the positive energy of fellow yogis around me. Great post, bravo!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
“Yoga is not done when you step of the mat. It is not done after “namaste”. It is every moment of your life. It is the very essence of how you choose to live and act.” <---- nailed it! Can I just say that was the best comment I've gotten on this! You understand! Haha! XOXO
Sarah @ 2paws Designs says
Great post! I have practiced the physical act of yoga both in classes and at home. I also found it very helpful both physically and mentally during my last pregnancy. Some of the techniques for breathing & mediation were very useful during labor & delivery. Now it’s a time for me to stretch, be aware of my body, and quiet my mind. A must needed and helpful thing as a mother of two!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes, it’s just a great thing to cultivate in your life no matter!
Condo Blues says
I disagree. Yoga has evolved in the US to be what you as a practitioner want and need it to be. Some studios and instructors focus equally on the Hindu spiritualism as they do the asanas. Other studios and instructors, such as to the one I go to do not. I still consider myself a yoga practitioner because I am there and dedicated to the exercise, strength and calming influences of yoga. I’m not knocking the original spiritual aspects of yoga, it is a helpful reminder for me not to be so Type A all the time but it that is not someone’s thing, they can still be a serious yoga practitioner if they find the class that fits them.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
No, that’s Western culture’s bastardization of making everything about the body and exercise.
kimmythevegan says
Hmmmm… I definitely did not know that about yoga. I knew it was more than what most people make it out to be, but didn’t realise how much encompasses the practice of it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Really?
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Interesting! I’ve not tried yoga, but I’ll bet it would be very beneficial for me! Thanks for linking up at the Creative Inspiration Link Party!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well like I said, there are very many aspects to it!
Honest mum says
I love this so much, yoga is more than exercises, it’s about being mindful and kind in life too, thanks for this. Thanks too for linking up to #brilliantblogposts x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes, exactly!
Wander Mum says
Interesting post. It does take a lot of practice and mindfulness to perfect yoga to the level you have. I still enjoy doing it now and then and when I do still get a lot out it physically and mentally but, certainly not enough to say I ‘do’ yoga. Thanks for sharing all this info. #brilliantblogposts
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yoga is just a lot more than the physical asana!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
I had tried yoga quite a few times throughout the years at gyms in the States, and never got in to it– it seemed boring, and I wanted more action in my workouts. Coming to Asia, where I’ve been blessed with the most amazing instructors, I began to see it as so much more. The instructors I’ve had here have always taken so much more time to talk about centering, about extending your practice into your life, things to do throughout the day/week, to “live” yoga– and that’s when I fell in love with it.
Am really missing it right now– there are no prenatal classes at my studio, and the ones I am doing on videos at home are just not the same. Thanks for the reminder that it goes beyond what I do in the studio.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’m so glad that you do know it’s there and you can get fully back “soon” 😉 But this is the time when you can just practice off the mat, the most important part! LIVE your yoga dear! XOXO
Beth says
Beautiful post! Thank you.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Sue Loncaric says
I recently wrote a post about how I had become a yoga convert. When I first started I didn’t appreciate the different levels you experience during the practice. I love my yoga sessions and thank you for explaining more in this post and linking up with #WednesdaysWisdom
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
I love how passionate you are about yoga! It really is so much more than a form of exercise.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you Kristy!
Amanda Ripsam says
I really feel like I need to join a yoga class just have to find one that is free and close by because I can’t drive and it cost alot. I was thinking of doing some of the at home yoga videos those sound like fun.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Videos online are a great option. I do not practice my physical asana at a studio.
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
Yoga changed my life. It opened my eyes up to a more spiritual side of me. It also taught me to be kind to myself and others. It brought me community and helped me find stillness in this very crazy upside down life we live. I try to practice yoga as much as I can in everyday situations. My physical practice has slowed down a bit but my mental practice is still strong! Love this post. Send hugs. Namaste my friend!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes, yes! You’re mental practice is really the most important! It’s the one that’s with us 24/7!
Thank you dear <3 XOXO
Julie @ Making Mindfulness says
This is so great. As a yoga instructor and wellness blogger, I try to help people truly live each day by what they believe and know. Exercise for the body’s sake is excellent, but linking the mind, body, breath, spirit, and heart through mindful living is another. Thank you for this post.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
And that’s what yoga is, but Western culture has ruined that :/
Sandy Sandmeyer says
Thank you for sharing your post!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit says
I am absolutely guilty of just practicing the poses and not embracing everything else that is a part of yoga. I love that you outlined the 8 limbs because I’ve heard mention of them in practices before, but I never knew what they all were! I should probably be more conscious of all these things, but sometimes I love just letting my mind wander as my body goes through the poses, I get many of my best thoughts and ideas that way. I guess that is what I want it to be for me right now 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
But that’s the thing. Yoga is off the mat. Only a small part us on the mat. It doesn’t stop when you stop!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit says
Yes, but it still takes mindfulness, which often I forget 🙂
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
This is such a wonderful post. I was actually thinking of you today at my Vinyassa class b/c the teacher reminds me a lot of you (even though we’ve never met). She, like you, is very wise beyond her years. What I love about her class is that she always has us focus on something to be grateful for or to be working towards. She just got married and today was all about trees and the tree of life and family relationships. In the past she has focused on the yamas and niyamas, which I never knew anything about. I especially love the last paragraph of your post, in particular this sentence “trying my best to live a beautiful, meaningful, and healthful life” – how amazing that you have the knowledge to already be doing that at 19 years old!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O Jessica! Your comment just made my day. Thank you so much! I think while we are actually doing out asana, that’s when our practice is turned on full-force. The body is physically engaged as well as the mind and emotions that we should be working on off the mat. Having an intention during the practice is key!
XOXOXOXO I hope we can practice together on day Jessica!
Amelia @ Eating Made Easy says
So many aspects to yoga, thanks for the reminder. Sometimes I get caught up in the asana.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
So many do!
Harriet Emily says
I love this post Rebecca! I totally agree with you on this, yoga is so much more to me than just the physical, workout side. I practice Kundalini every day, and have almost been doing it for a year now. My whole life has changed since starting it, and I feel so much better since I found it. My health, my actions, my thoughts, everything has completely changed since discovering it, and I’m so grateful to have it as a part of my life!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I really have begun to think that the physical part is not my #1 any more, but how I think about things and my mind…that’s my favorite now!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
I started reading about yoga and listening to podcasts to try to understand all of it rather than just treat it as an exercise, although it does amazing things for the body, it’s so much more and I feel fortunate to have discovered it. Right now I am feeling like I’ve lost my connection to practicing and I do want it back, I think it ebbs and flows with other things in life.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Exactly! It will ebb and flow, but as long as we TRY and PRACTICE any aspect of “yoga” each day, our practice will never leave us!
alyssa says
I am SO Saving this for later.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Great! Hope you get a chance to read my rambles!
Dapinder says
Love your perspective on this – regular practice makes it easier to integrate the principles of yoga into your lifestyle.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes!
Evolve with Mary says
I fell in love with Bikram yoga 6 years ago but got tired of the same poses everyday so I started making excuses on why not to go. I recently found power yoga which rekindled my love for this thing called yoga. I love the sweating and the physical challenge but most of all I love how yoga centers me and makes me a better version on myself.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I think the thing I love about my practice the most is how it makes me think!
Heather@hungryforbalance says
You bring up a good point that is rarely, if ever, talked about. I love Yoga and practice it several times a week, but unfortunately, I do not often apply those same principles to my daily life. I really need to work on that. Namaste.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! And you can always start to PRACTICE that!
Kristen says
Love this! I’ve been doing some stretchy yoga every morning now that my milage is going up and at first I just loved how good it felt for my muscles – but now I feel weird if I skip it because I love how the practice makes me feel emotionally! I’m hoping that someday I can make it a bigger part of my life because it’s one of the few things that really helps me calm down and stress less.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It’s all about the mindset, so just practicing thinking the things you want to cultivate and you’re already closer to it becoming a larger part of your life!
Linda @ Veganosity says
I love this, “there is no ego in yoga.” This is so informative and well written Rebecca. I need to get back to practicing, I’ve been out of it lately.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Even if you haven’t practicing ON the mat, you can practice everything OFF the mat! XOXO
revealed says
Living in the moment and with mindfulness is so important for recovery
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Do you have a yoga practice?
Sheryl says
Great info. You are a wealth of knowledge on the subject of yoga. Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, this wasn’t supposed to be an informative post!
Lora says
Of course I love this so much! It’s about the yoga OFF the mat that makes the biggest difference in our lives. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is!!!
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says
I love the inspirational quotes my old studio in Pittsburgh used to read to us… I really miss it at my studio here. I think it helped make me more mindful in every day life!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yea, yoga is all about how we act in everyday life!
Amanda - RunToTheFinish says
YES!! I was talking to someone about this awhile back, it’s so much more than another workout!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
SOOO much more and it makes me sad that so many are being taught that anymore in Western culture!
Daria says
Well Said Rebecca! I practiced yoga for about a year and then I hurt my neck at the gym and had to stop for awhile to go to physical therapy. I really enjoyed it but haven’t been able to get my “mojo” back like you said. I would like to become a certified teacher in Hatha and one day open a meditation studio. Thanks for the knowledge and sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
The practice is always waiting for you. If you can’t do the physical asana right now, there are ALL the other aspects you can do! Those are most important anyway!
jill conyers says
It wasn’t until I opened my heart and mind to the true meaning of yoga that I began to live it on and off the mat.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
And that’s what matters in the practice of yoga!
Marci says
I haven’t practiced yoga in awhile and also feel that I need to reconnect with it. I’m going through a very stressful time with an upcoming move. I need to do something to help me feel centered and calm. Will get back to my mat soon!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope so!
Bethany says
I never knew that there was so much more to yoga! Thanks for all the info! I love yoga 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well of course there’s more!