Yoga is one of the world’s oldest traditions, with roots stretching back 5,000 years. Originating in India, yoga is deeply connected to Hinduism and Buddhism, where it was practiced not just as movement but as a spiritual discipline. The word YOGA means “to yoke” or “to unite,” pointing to the idea of union of body, mind, and spirit. Over time, yoga traveled across cultures and evolved, and in modern-day America, it is most often seen as a physical activity, something you do at the gym or in a studio to stretch, strengthen, and de-stress. While this is true, it’s only one small part of the bigger picture.

Most people are introduced to yoga through the physical postures, known as ASANAS. These poses are valuable, but they represent just one limb of the eight-limbed path outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of yoga’s foundational texts. If yoga were a tree, the asanas would be one sturdy branch, important, but not the whole tree. The Eight Limbs of Yoga offer a holistic philosophy for living well, blending ethical principles, personal discipline, breath, focus, and meditation to guide practitioners toward a balanced, purposeful life.

What are the Eight Limbs of Yoga?

Yamas

Ethical practices (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, non-possessiveness). Think of these as the roots of the yoga tree, grounding us in how we treat others.

Niyamas

Personal observances (cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-study, surrender). These are like tending your own garden, daily habits that nurture growth.

Asana

Physical poses that support health and prepare the body for meditation. The visible branch many people first practice.

Pranayama

Breath control to calm and focus the mind, much like adjusting the sails on a boat to guide its direction.

Pratyahara

Withdrawal of the senses from distractions, like dimming the lights to help you notice the glow of a candle.

Dharana

Concentration, or holding focus on a single point, as steady as compass needle pointing true north.

Dhyana

Meditation, cultivating awareness and stillness, like resting beside a quiet lake.

Samadhi

Union or bliss, the ultimate state of yoga, when all the elements come together in harmony, like sunlight and rain joining to create a rainbow.

Different Types of Yoga

Just as there are different educational philosophies like traditional K-12 state-run schooling vs. Montessori, yoga also has many styles and approaches, each offering its own flavor. Some of the most well-known include:

  • Hatha Yoga – A foundational style of yoga that emphasizes physical poses, gentle movement, and mindful breathing.
  • Vinyasa Yoga – A flowing practice where movement is linked with the breath, like a dance that keeps evolving.
  • Kundalini Yoga – Focuses on awakening energy (prana) through breathwork (pranayama), chanting, and specific movements. Practicing it can feel like lighting a candle and watching the flame grow brighter.
  • Iyengar Yoga – Known for precise alignment and the use of props like blocks and straps. Think of it as using tools in a workshop to build a strong foundation.
  • Restorative Yoga – A deeply relaxing practice using props to fully support the body. It’s like curling up under a warm blanket on a quiet evening.
  • Bikram Yoga – A set series of 26 poses practiced in a heated room, designed to improve flexibility, strength, and detoxification through sweat. It can feel like stepping into a greenhouse where growth is accelerated.

Each style is a doorway into the broader philosophy of yoga. Whether someone comes to yoga for exercise, stress relief, or a deeper spiritual practice, there’s a path that can meet them where they are.

Ultimately, yoga is about the connection between breath and movement, self and community, body and spirit. The beauty of yoga is that it offers something for everyone, whether you want to sweat, stretch, or simply slow down.

Experience Yoga in Community

If you’re curious to explore yoga in a welcoming and supportive space, join us at Lake Ann Community Yoga. Here, you’ll find a place to move, breathe, and connect with yourself and others. Whether stepping onto the mat for the first time or looking for a regular place to practice, you’ll discover that yoga is not just about poses, but about cultivating balance and joy in everyday life.

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