How do you feel? My favorite question to ask after a yoga class. 100% of the time everyone feels better after a yoga class.
I hope you are joining me on the New Year Reset. Last week we explored the first limb of yoga with Yamas, or Social Intelligence. This week we move to the second limb, NiYama or Emotional Intelligence.
Many people are familiar with the physical practice of yoga, but fewer may be aware that yoga is an entire system. This system is known as the Eight Limbs of Yoga and includes a combination of practices, beliefs, and ethical standards. Within this system are five Niyamas—all five of which, when incorporated into your, life help you experience yoga’s full benefits.
This week we will take a closer look at the second limb of yoga and NiYamas. While the yamas focus on our relationship with others, niyamas focus on our relationship with ourselves. The niyamas include saucha (cleanliness/ purity), santosha (contentment), tapas (discipline), svadhyaya (self-study), and Ishvara pranidhana (surrender). All five niyamas help us create harmony within ourselves by focusing on self-care rituals such as meditation, mindful eating habits, regular exercise routines, and so on. It’s important to note that these rituals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming; they can be as simple as being mindful during your yoga practice or taking five minutes each day for quiet reflection about your thoughts and feelings.
We often do not take time to examine or feel all of our feelings. This can lead to a blockage of energy, resentment, anxiety, or sleeplessness.
The purpose of incorporating niyamas into your practice is twofold: firstly, it allows you to cultivate greater awareness of yourself and your environment; secondly, it teaches us how to live more harmoniously within ourselves so that we can give back more fully to those around us. Ultimately, following the niyamas helps us become better versions of ourselves so we can make positive contributions both internally and externally — which is the goal at the heart of any yogapractice.
Incorporating all five niyamas into your lifestyle can lead to increased self-awareness, inner peace, and balance within yourself. Whether you’re just starting out on your yoga journey or have been practicing for years, taking some time each day devoted to feeling your feelings will deepen your understanding, not only about yoga but also about yourself — ultimately helping you develop a sense of emotional intelligence for yourself and those around you.
Yoga is so much more than postures alone. You can watch this quick informative video on our app under free videos or follow this link. Also, there is a 30-minute Introduction to Yoga class you can take from your phone. It explores a little history and the science of yoga.
New to the studio? There is still time to take advantage of our 2023 special, we will give new members 50% off the first month of membership. Book your class and use coupon code 2023 at checkout. Set yourself up for success and spend a little time each week building a healthier body and a stronger mind.
Our in-person 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training is full, but no worries, The online version is ready for you to start today! Our Yoga Alliance-approved school has Yoga, and our Aerial Yoga Training with 100% virtual sessions you can take from your phone, tablet, and computer.
Don’t miss out on Mallory’s next sound bath, on February 10th. Book early as space is limited.
Feel your feelings this week and book your classes today or log on to our Sunshine Yoga Shack app.
Love and Light,
Lynn