When you hear the word ‘yoga’, what comes to mind?
Maybe it’s insightful meditation with your hands at the third eye center or maybe you are picturing a wild pose balanced on your hands. Either way, it can be daunting.
The purpose of yoga is unique to each person who practices. Some people seek a stronger connection between their body and mind, some crave physical challenges, and others use it to further their spiritual journey.
The 101 of yoga philosophy comes from an ancient Sanskrit text called The Sutras, and anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the practice starts here.
YogaKoh is here to tell you that ‘yoga’ is not just movement. It is a philosophy – a way of life meant to guide you toward focus, clarity, and growth. And the best part is there are so many easy ways to implement the philosophies of yoga in your routine.
Here are what we consider to be the ten most important concepts of The Sutras and easy tips to help you embrace them everyday!
1. Sutra 1.1 - Yoga is Now
The present moment is the only moment we have. The present is where everything happens, there is no past and no future, just this moment right now.
Pause throughout your day and bring awareness to your consciousness, to who you are and where you are right now. Try to reconnect with the present moment – there is only one.
2. Sutra 1.2 - Yoga is calming the mind
The ability to control the chaos of our mind in the present moment is the entire purpose of yoga. Our mind can run in so many crazy directions, but we need to find ways to keep it stable, calm, and content throughout the good and bad moments in life.
Once a day, intentionally bring your focus to your breath. Take three deep inhales and exhales to clear your mind when it becomes foggy. Allow your breath practice to help center and ground you, bringing you back to the present.
3. Sutra 1.12 - A calm and controlled mind is accomplished through practice and non-attachment
Calming and controlling our overactive mind does not happen overnight. It takes consistent practice. Allow yourself grace when you slip up or have off moments, days, or weeks – you cannot attach to the journey. Instead, connect with the present state of mind.
When you start to feel anxiety surrounding the past and future, practice allowing yourself to detach from the negativity through accepting the present moment and your ability to create change for yourself.
4. Sutra 1.33 - The 4 Keys: Happy for the Happy, Compassion for the Unhappy, Delight in the Virtuous, and Disregard for the Wicked
You cannot attach your own emotions to the experiences of others. Practicing gratitude daily will help you to focus your mind on your own journey. Try listing three big things* and three small things* you are grateful for today.
* Things not necessarily being physical items; a moment, experience, person, place, or quality.
5. Sutra 1.47 - Perfection is an illusion and only attained when we connect with the infinite within us
When something goes wrong, embrace imperfection. Give yourself compassion and grace, everyone is human and being where you are right now is a blessing. Consider that you are lucky to be who you are and where you are right now.
6. Sutra 2.1 - The practice of yoga consists of self-discipline, self-study, surrender to a higher power, and dedication to the practice
Set daily goals for yourself. Simple goals, like brushing your teeth, will help you feel accomplished, even in the smallest aspects of your day, while more challenging goals, like waking up thirty minutes earlier to meditate, will instill discipline and push you towards self-growth.
7. Sutra 2.16 - Future suffering should be avoided
If you are in control of your mind, then you are in control of your suffering. Therefore, is it possible to consider avoiding future suffering by committing to keeping a calm and stable mind. Practice emotional resilience.
Anticipate challenges and risks you may come across in your day, prepare your mind to handle the suffering, and find ways to overcome. Try resorting back to your breathing practices and remembering what you have control over.
8. Sutra 2.29 - The Eight Limbs of Yoga
1. Yama (how we act outwardly)
2. Niyama (how we act inwardly)
3. Asana (postures)
4. Pranayama (breath control)
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dhyana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (absorption or enlightenment)
When handling the difficult situations life throws at you, be considerate of how you act towards others, and how you act towards yourself. Practicing control of your mind, body, and emotions, will lead you to an enlightened state.
When someone makes you angry or sad, take a moment, breathe, and reflect before you act. Consider how your words will not only affect another person, but how they will affect you too.
9. Sutra 2.33 - When disturbed by negative thoughts, opposite ones should be thought of instead
When your mind is in turmoil and filled with unease, think back to our third tip: try detaching from negative energies and accepting what can change in the present. Building on that, practice self-control. Try replacing your negative thoughts with stronger, positive ones.
10. Sutra 2.46 - Yoga Asana Postures should be steady and comfortable
Not only should you practice yoga postures with strength, balance, and mindfulness, but you should carry yourself with those qualities throughout your day-to-day life.
When you find yourself hunched over your device, try uncurling your spine, opening your collarbone, and filling your lungs with three intentional deep breaths.
Yoga is so much more than crazy poses.
Although The Sutras may be intimidating, we hope we have shown you how to break them down, and how to embrace their true meanings in your everyday life. Practicing the philosophy of yoga is simpler than you think!
By using our tips, reflecting deeper on The Sutras and the purpose of yoga in your life, we know you will see and feel the benefits. We are excited to watch you create the best version of yourself!
Don’t forget to sign up for our upcoming teacher trainings!
We are hosting our 300hr YTT in New Zealand this October, join us to deepen your practice and continue your education! And this November, we are continuing our 200hr Bali Sea-to-Sky YTT, perfect for yogis looking to start their teaching journey! We hope to see you there!
Connect with us on our social media and share your unique experience. We would love to know how you are embracing the philosophies of yoga in your life – let us know which tip works best for you!
Keep Practicing!
-- YogaKoh
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