Guiding principles in Yoga
Yes- there’s more to postures :D let’s explore more about the Guiding Principles in Yoga. Chalo!
🪷 DIVERSITY
There are people who are cat people and dog people. There’s gelato and ice cream. There are 7,000 languages spoken in the world. There’s so much richness to diversity, and Yoga isn’t the exception. There’s Hatha (ex.Vinyasa, Yin), Classical, Jhana, Bhakti, the list goes on. And it’s important to respect and embrace them all.
Diversity- open mind and child-like curiosity. Just say hi!
🪷 EFFORTLESS PRACTICE
Don’t worry about looking perfect! Or looking at what your neighbor is doing. Focus on your breath, on your practice, and remember there’s no competition here. Your movements should be slow and gradual and with practice, you’ll achieve any asana you want.
🪷 RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Yoga has multiple tools to help you to stop thinking. Besides postures and breathing exercises, any activity that you love doing and you find relaxation in, that’s yoga. Watering your plants, losing yourself in a painting. Relax :)
🪷 NON-JUDGEMENTAL ATTITUDE
Open mind, child-like curiosity, and approaching your learning as if you were a beginner will save you from too high expectations and judgment.
🪷YATHASHAKTI
According to your capacity in English, Yathashakti means that you should always listen to your body and be mindful of how far you can go without hurting yourself. A facilitator will guide you through your practice and help you achieve different asanas, always within your limits.
🪷SEQUENCING
Every Asana should be slow and gradual, and there are preparative poses to help you get to the final Asana. Take small steps and work your way through.
🪷PROPER DIET
Useful in Yoga practice and in life, your stomach should be 85% full, ideally of rich Satvic food- in Aryuveda (Natural medical system with roots in India) Satvic food that nourishes you, gives you energy, and is freshly made.
🪷SHAUCH
Proper behavior also follows the Yogic principles of Yoga.
🪷ANCHKOSHAS
The five layers of Existence, include the Layer of Food or Physical body, Vital energy, the layer of Mind, the layer of Intellect, and the final one which is the Layer of Bliss.
🪷GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA
“Student of a Guru” where the learning is approached in an open, earnest way.
There we have it! The 10 guiding principles in Yoga. Enjoy your practice and stay mindful. 😊 🙏
References: Yoga sutras of Patanjali
Certification of Yoga Professionals Guidebook
Visit https://www.swastiyogacenter.com for more resources ✨
Thank you for joining me on this journey! If the stories shared here have inspired or helped you in any way, please consider supporting this space. Your contributions, big or small help sustain and encourage the creation of meaningful content :) -JC
