Taking yoga off the mat Part 1

There's no doubt that we do yoga for our body but also for our mind. The much needed stillness, conscious breathing and ability to let go are qualities we use when we practice yoga. Yoga means 'union' and it's about reconnecting us with what matters., which is subjective; it can be people, nature or even ourselves.

When referring to yoga, we normally mean the poses (asanas) and perhaps breathing that enables relaxation. In reality, yoga is much more than that. Today we're going to look into Santosha, the second Niyama (observances) from the eight limb path of yoga which is about contentment. But how do we find contentment? This is so relevant to our modern world so let's have a better look.

Our life situations fluctuate very often, even every day in some occasions. Moving house, meeting a new partner, changing job, getting into the cool difficult yoga pose you've been dreaming about are probably a few things that can make us feel good. It is in our nature to always want more and actually, this is how we improve.

We do need to consider what our priorities in life are though. Relying on external factors to bring us contentment and basing our entire happiness on these can create attachment and ultimately lead to joy, happiness but also greed and loss.

Accepting and appreciating who we are and what we have is enough to bring us peace and happiness. Santosha is looking inside one's self and embracing the real you, unapologetically and truthfully. You are one of a kind and no one else can offer the world what you have.

Loving yourself is the greatest gift you can give others, as it will allow you to love, trust and give them more of that love. So do not wait for happiness to come in the shape of a human, car or job. Everything you need, you already have and it's inside of you. Make sure you keep working on it through honesty and acceptance.

P.S. Free online classes continue but you're welcome to make a donation here. Don't forget to get in touch here if you want to get the link and join! Oh and Merry Christmas! Ho ho ho!