Yoga is often understood as movement—but movement is only one part of a much deeper and richer tradition. Yoga is a path of self-inquiry, inner steadiness, and compassionate awareness. It invites us to turn inward, to live with intention, and to connect more deeply to ourselves and the world around us.

The tradition I draw from originated in ancient India thousands of years ago. It is grounded in the eight limbs of yoga—an enduring framework first described in the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, a foundational text of classical yoga philosophy. These teachings have been passed down through generations, and I honor their roots with deep respect.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga

1. Yama – Ethical living
How we relate to others. The yamas are guidelines for living with kindness, integrity, and respect.
Examples include non-harming (ahimsa) and truthfulness (satya).

2. Niyama – Personal reflection
How we relate to ourselves. The niyamas include practices like self-discipline, contentment, and self-study (svādhyāya).

3. Asana – Physical postures
The movement part of yoga. Asana helps us build strength, balance, and ease in the body so we can sit more comfortably with ourselves.

4. Pranayama – Breath awareness
The practice of consciously guiding the breath. It can help regulate the nervous system, focus the mind, and create more spaciousness in the body.

5. Pratyahara – Sensory withdrawal
Turning inward by softening our attention to external distractions. It’s a practice of becoming more present to what’s within.

6. Dharana – Focus
Sustained attention. This is the practice of choosing a single point of focus—like the breath or a mantra—and gently returning to it.

7. Dhyana – Meditation
A deepening of focus into steady awareness. Dhyana invites us to rest in stillness and observe what arises without judgment.

8. Samadhi – Inner stillness or union
A state of peace, clarity, or connectedness. Not a destination, but a feeling of presence that can arise when we soften striving and come fully into the moment.

You don’t need to understand or “achieve” all of these limbs to practice yoga.
They’re simply here to support you—wherever you are, however you are.