Yoga for mind
Yamas
Yamas (restraints), or how we react with others, are an important mental first step into the yogic lifestyle. Within the first limb of yoga, there are 5 parts. We discuss Ahimsa (non-harming), Brahmacharya (moderation), and Aparigraha (non-hoarding) in Yoga for body. In this tab, we will unpack those 3 a bit further as well as Satya (non-lying) and Asteya (non-stealing).
Bringing harm to someone mentally is just as frowned upon as bringing harm physically. Ahimsa reminds us that our words, actions, and inactions have consequences in this world that reach far beyond ourselves. Satya is about honest communication. It does not mean honesty with brutality, but honesty in a loving way. Lying damages relationships.
Asteya is about not taking what does not belong to you. This can mean physical items or the unseen, such as: taking credit for an idea or work or taking someone’s peace of mind. The mind can also hoard past regrets, pain, and ways of thinking.
Aparigraha, while a physical part of yoga, also means not hoarding mental blocks that keep you from contentment and peace. Sometimes our traumas and pain become part of our identity, so we grasp them with everything we have.
Practicing the Yamas as an every day part of life towards other people, animals, and nature itself can help make the world a better place. Not to sound too cliche, but basically just follow the Golden Rule and leave everyone and everything better than you found it.
Niyamas
There are 5 parts to the Niyamas (observances). The Niyamas are our internal responses and are a good road map to gaining peace within ourselves.
Pratyahara
The fifth limb of yoga, Pratyahara, is the withdraw of the senses. By not focusing on external stimuli, we can go deeper within ourselves and get to know ourselves in ways we never have before. Periods of silence, chastity, fasting, and intense meditation are every day ways to practice Pratyahara.
The focus within naturally causes the brain to take an “it is what it is” approach to the happenings in life. External situations no longer have any power over your mental state. Allow everything to just be.
Pratyahara also means not having expectations. Someone once said expectation is the thief of joy. I would rephrase that to be expectation is the thief of peace and contentment.
Dharana
Intense focus is the essence of Dharana, the sixth limb of yoga.
Dhyana
The seventh limb is Dhyana. It is a state of meditation.
Samadhi
Samadhi, the eighth, and final, limb of yoga is often called “enlightenent”.