Yoga in the West
Yoga has become a popular method of exercise in the last decade. The practice has grown accessible for a wide variety of people. It is offered in the form of a studio classes, outdoor classes, hot yoga and chair yoga.
Some teachers have created unique offerings such as goat yoga and wine yoga. However, yoga in the West has evolved significantly from its origins in the East.
Eastern Origins of Yoga
In the yoga tradition, there are eight limbs of yoga. These limbs progress from a set of guiding principles all the way up to a meditative state we might refer to as bliss.
The physical postures we commonly associate with yoga are called asanas in Sanskrit. To put it in perspective, asana is only the third limb of yoga.
For an in-depth exploration of the eight limbs, check out this Yoga Journal article by Mara Carrico (2017).
An Exploration of Samadhi (Bliss)
For now, I would like to focus on one of the eight limbs, Samadhi. This might be translated to mean bliss. Samadhi might also be described as the experience of our interconnection to all beings. However, that sounded too esoteric or vague, stick with me.
As a result of studio classes, one might come to the conclusion that the goal of yoga is to become hyper-flexible or flow into handstand. Alternatively, one might wish to become enlightened and immune to suffering. While those sound like great goals, they are not the goal of yoga.
The goal of Asana (Postures)
The goal of asanas, or yoga postures, are to still the body in order to enter a state of meditation. Often times, people who are new to meditation will attempt to sit cross-legged and upright and find themselves becoming restless, sore or fatigued.
Without a regular asana practice, the body may be too tense to sit still. This is why the physical practice is one of the first limbs of yoga.
Classes that simply focus on postures for strength, balance and alignment are not a comprehensive introduction to yoga. The postures are created to still the body in order to silence the mind.
In other words, the postures alone are not enough.
The Goal of Yoga
The goal of yoga is to develop a set of guiding principles that we put into practice on the mat and carry with us into our daily lives. While the ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve a state of bliss, we also know it is impossible to exist in constant bliss.
Life is an ebb and flow. We are constantly working our way through the eight limbs of yoga. We will never become truly perfect or reach a sense of finality.
By the time we reach adulthood, we begin to understand that once a goal is completed, another goal is usually well underway.
It is the same in yoga.
The goal of yoga is to develop greater mental flexibility. If one were to achieve a state of bliss and never leave, they may struggle to survive in our busy world.
Stress, suffering and existential concerns are all part of the human condition and no amount of practice can eliminate these givens of reality.
Developing Resilience
“Instead, the goal of yoga is to assist us in developing greater resiliency towards our stress, suffering and existential concerns. A regular yoga practice offers us the tools to cope with life’s concerns.”
-Olivia Schnur
Instead, the goal of yoga is to assist us in developing greater resiliency towards our stress, suffering and existential concerns.
A regular yoga practice offers us the tools to cope with life’s concerns.
Consistent practice gives us a break from these concerns; to move our bodies, still our minds, and perhaps, even achieve a state of bliss.
Working with a Guide
I highly suggest working with a yoga teacher as you begin your yoga practice.
A teacher can help to refine your personal goals and find ways in which the physical and mental practices of yoga may help you to achieve this goal.
Schedule A Yoga Session With Me
If you would like to learn more about my yoga background and qualifications check out the Trauma-Informed Yoga page of my website.
On this page you will find information regarding services, fees and scheduling.
Yoga Resources
For more information on the guiding principles of yoga I suggest reading, “The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Principles” by Deb Adele (2009). You can read more about her book and find ways to purchase it here.
References
Adele, D. (2009, September 1). The yamas & niyamas: Exploring yoga’s ethical principles. One-Word Bound Books.
Carrico, M. (2017, July 10). Get to know the eight limbs of yoga. Yoga Journal. Retrieved from: https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/the-eight-limbs
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This blog post and additional information posted on oliviaschnur.com represent Olivia Schnur’s personal views and should not be treated as professional guidance. The views in this blog post do not represent clinical treatment guidelines or recommendations and should not be treated as medical or mental health guidance. Furthermore, the views expressed on this blog and website do not reflect the views of any professional companies by which Olivia Schnur is employed.
Note to current and former mental health clients: Any contact made via oliviaschnur.com is not considered a confidential means of communication. Furthermore, as a result of ethical and legal requirements, Olivia is unable to respond to current and former clients who attempt to make contact via social media, personal email, or website. Posting comments on blog posts or other web pages can compromise your confidentiality. It is recommended that former or current mental health clients avoid interacting with, commenting on, or making contact via this blog or website.
Awesome read!