Have you ever wanted to try yoga, but feel intimidated by everything you see online? Worry not because most of what you see is focused on one aspect of yoga; which is the asana (physical posture) practice. There is so much more to yoga than the physical poses that are often seen. With the International Day of Yoga around the corner, happening on June 21st this year, I thought I would take this opportunity to break down yoga in a way that makes it accessible to the everyday mama. In this blog, you will explore the various ways you can start practicing yoga and incorporate it into your daily life. So be present with an open heart and mind as I share some yoga philosophy with you.
By: Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
8 Ways that Black Moms Can Practice Yoga: Part I
Firstly, what is yoga? According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Patjanjali in Sanskrit means teacher or philosopher); yoga is the process of yoking; union (of mind and body). When we practice yoga, we “still or quiet the (pattern of) consciousness”. This foundational text goes on to mention the 8 limbs of yoga.
The 8 Limbs of Yoga
The 8 components or limbs of Yoga are:
** Note: the following will have the sanskrit word followed by the meaning in english.
Yama = abstinence or moral obligations
Niyama = (personal) observances
Asana = postures or poses
Pranayama = breath control
Pratyahara = introversion or withdrawal of the senses
Dharana = concentration
Dhyana = meditation
Samadhi = oneness or integration
As you approach the next section of this blog, I invite you to reflect upon each limb. Maybe you do so mentally or you grab a pen and journal along with a beverage of choice, maybe some hot chamomile tea with honey as we explore the following.
Yama
There are 5 yamas. Yamas are moral obligations or external disciplines to live by as members of society. While these are guidelines for how we should treat our fellow human beings, I believe that it is good practice to start by applying them to ourselves and then extending this treatment to others.
Ahimsa = non violence
Not acting in a violent way towards not only others, but also to ourselves. Being mindful of your thoughts, words, and actions. In what ways could you be enacting violence towards yourself? Do you punish, berate, or harshly condemn yourself when you make a mistake or “fall short” or do you give yourself the grace and space to be human? What does your inner dialogue consist of? Is it positive and uplifting or is it negative and critical?
Satya = truthfulness
In addition to being truthful with your words, it is also important to live a truthful life. Are your actions a reflection of who you are? Are you living in alignment with your beliefs and values? Is there any part of you that you are hiding because you do not feel safe to be who you are?
Asteya = non-stealing
Don’t take what isn’t yours to take; this is applicable to physical possessions as well as energetically. In practice, this can look like taking the time to become familiar with your energy and how you’re feeling to become aware of when something or someone may be overstepping and taking your energy without your consent. Likewise, be mindful of when you may be encroaching on the energy of others. This can look like honouring the work of others by giving them credit and being respectful of their time. Take only what is for you, leave the rest.
Brahmacharya = moderation
In the world today, it can be easy to get caught up in chasing the next thing. We are constantly being sold to and told that once we have “x” thing, then we will experience “y” (happiness, peace, joy, etc). However, when you are constantly in pursuit of the next thing, when do you stop, be present, and see what you have is enough? Are you a victim to the rat race? Is there an area of your life where there is excess present? Having or doing too much of anything can be harmful. This principle reminds us to focus on what we have, be present, and grateful.
Aparigraha = non-hoarding or non-attachment
Is there any area of your life where you feel stuck? Are you holding onto a person, place, or idea? Mama, do you feel disappointed because your vision for your life and your reality is different? Or maybe someone hurt you and you can’t let it go. Have you forgiven yourself or the other party? Is there anything in your physical, spiritual, energetic, mental, or emotional field such as your thoughts or feelings that interfere with your ability to be present?
Niyama
There are 5 niyamas which are (personal) observances or internal disciplines to practice in order to cultivate a deep(er) relationship with ourselves.
Saucha = bodily purification / purity (of being)
In what ways are you keeping your body pure? What kind of food are you consuming? Are you hydrating your temple adequately (to flush out the waste)? What does your bodily hygiene routine consist of? I invite you to explore what your mental / emotional, spiritual and energetic hygiene is like. What is the quality of your thoughts? Are you holding onto painful emotions that could be making you ill? Is your mind clear and soul light? Is there any area of your life that could use a detox or decluttering, i.e. your physical environment?
Santosha = contentment
How can you (learn to) be content with who you are and what you have? You can start by being present and grateful for your life and everything that you have been blessed with. Differentiating between needs versus wants can help you be more appreciative of where you are at and leads to contentment.
We will pause here for now, but I invite you to review what’s been shared thus far. In the next blog, we will finish the rest of the niyamas and the 8 limbs of yoga. See you there, Mama.
Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
Certified Transformational Health and Life Coach | Certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher | Certified Emotional Emancipation Facilitator | Certified Reiki Practitioner | Founder, Wholesome Mind Health Coaching
