Yoga and everything connected with it (yoga mats, water bottles, retreats, clothing, books, etc.) has become very popular over the past two decades, not only in our country but worldwide. This growing interest is, of course, understandable — yoga helps with the mental and physical stress that modern people face daily. However, in this article, I have the pleasure of presenting the concept of yoga in a perhaps slightly different way than you may be used to. I sincerely hope that this brief read will deepen your knowledge, shed light on some fascinating aspects of a thousand-year-old tradition, and overall inspire and motivate you to explore techniques that are still relevant today — perhaps even more so than ever before.

But what is “Yoga,” really?

As I’ve already mentioned, the word “yoga” is frequently used, both here and globally. However, I dare say that the western world tends to perceive these traditions and practices somewhat “practically — and superficially”. Personally, I don’t condemn this at all; everything has its natural evolution. After all, who can afford to spend several hours a day practicing, considering time, finances, family obligations, and so on?

This article doesn’t aim to criticize the shortcomings of the western approach to yoga, but rather to highlight that there is a deeper way. Just a few small changes in your daily life and a shift in awareness can turn a routine class into an enriching, consciousness-expanding experience.

The only remaining question is: Do you want that?
I ask because, as a yoga teacher and aromatherapist working mainly with the mental and emotional aspects of my clients, I know not everyone is ready for — or even wants — change. Our life paths are incredibly diverse, and I would never claim that one way is “right” and another “wrong.” That’s a topic worthy of an entire article on its own.

However, if you feel your life could benefit from more harmony, inner peace, confidence, safety, relaxation, and lightness — and if simply putting your body into certain positions doesn’t bring the emotional, mental, or spiritual depth you’re looking for — then this article might illuminate a new direction that feels more aligned.

Patanjali’s Eightfold Path

The founder and “father” of yoga philosophy as we know it today is Master Patanjali. He gave structure and form to the system of teachings and practices we now call yoga. His most famous work is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, written around 200 BCE. I’ll use this article to summarize these teachings for use in everyday modern life.

Patanjali defines the core of yoga philosophy through eight parts or limbs, which we should follow, integrate into our lives, and embody. The reward is wholeness, deeper awareness, understanding, inner peace, and harmony with everything. These parts are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
You’ve probably noticed that Asana, or physical poses, makes up only 1/8 of the entire philosophy — let’s now explore each limb individually and perhaps even try to integrate them.

YAMA

These are five ethical principles that help the yoga practitioner establish harmony with themselves and eventually with the outside world. These are high moral values necessary for being fully human. We are encouraged not to support the following tendencies:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): Let go of violence in all its forms — physical, psychological, toward oneself or others, even in thoughts and speech. Ahimsa is about renouncing aggression and evil and realizing that violence cannot be countered with more violence.
  
• Satya (Truthfulness): Living with honesty and authenticity — not just expressing “your truth,” but aligning your thoughts, words, and actions with integrity.
  
• Asteya (Non-stealing): More than just not taking what isn’t yours, Asteya includes avoiding deception, fraud, and exploitation — especially stealing time, attention, or energy.
  
• Brahmacharya (Moderation of the senses): Often misinterpreted as celibacy, its original meaning refers to acting with purity and not being driven by sensory impulses. It’s not about repressing sexuality, but not acting like an animal ruled by desires.
  
• Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Letting go of greed, ownership, and the need to control or accumulate. Yoga teaches us to serve, share love, joy, and presence from the heart.
  

NIYAMA

These five disciplines are about what we should cultivate and do in our lives. While Yama is about restraint, Niyama is about action. These foster harmony with ourselves and our environment:

• Saucha (Purity): Both inner and outer cleanliness — of body, mind, space, speech, and emotions. Let go of clutter and old patterns to allow free expression and open communication.
  
• Santosha (Contentment): Finding inner peace and balance. Even in chaos, there can be stillness at the center.
  
• Tapas (Discipline): Commitment, regular practice, and the fire of determination. Whether it’s daily asana, breathing, or meditation — Tapas is about keeping the fire alive.
  
• Svadhyaya (Self-study): Self-inquiry and reflection. The path of introspection can lead us beyond illusions to true self-realization.
  
• Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a Higher Power): Trusting the universe, showing gratitude, and having faith in the greater forces at play — even if we can’t always see or prove them.

ASANA

This is the part of yoga most people know — physical postures. The word “asana” appears in the name of every yoga pose. Ancient texts say there are 8,400,000 poses, though only 84 are considered essential.

In some yoga schools, students practice asanas for years before moving to meditation or other techniques. Asana is considered preparation for deeper spiritual work — not the final goal.

The real goal of asana is presence — to be aware of your body, mind, and energy in the moment. If you’re moving through poses without awareness, it’s just exercise, not yoga.

That said, the physical benefits are many: stretching and strengthening muscles, improving joint mobility, balancing muscle imbalances, stimulating metabolism and internal organs, regulating hormones, and supporting cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems.

For best results, stay in each asana for 3–20 minutes in a calm, natural state — without pain, with steady breath and mind.

PRANAYAMA

These are techniques for controlling the flow of energy (prana) through breath. They oxygenate the body, boost energy levels, and help release heavy thoughts, emotions, or behavior patterns.

PRATYAHARA

This teaches us to withdraw our senses from external distractions and turn inward. Once mastered, you realize the observer and the observed are one. Until we master the lower mind, we remain its servant. The goal is full inward focus — control of senses and mind.

DHARANA

Simply put, concentration. Fully being in the present. Focus on the breath, body posture, or internal energy (through bandhas — energy locks in the body). It’s pure, blissful presence.

DHYANA

This is a higher mental state — meditation that flows from deep concentration. Here, the mind dissolves, and one enters peace, happiness, love, and harmony. It is accompanied by a luminous clarity and omnipresent joy.

SAMADHI

Also known as “perfect knowledge” or cosmic consciousness. It is the realization of universal awareness. It can manifest as brief flashes of pure awareness or become the natural state of being. A soul that reaches this is said to be liberated — realized.

A Word of Support to End

Dear friends, I hope this article has inspired you to explore something new. If you attend the same yoga class weekly and it feels right — then it is right! But I encourage you to seek out certified, soulful teachers who have the strength, capacity, and skills to help you grow on your path.

For me, pranayama and meditation are essential foundations. Asanas, of course, are important too — but please consult a knowledgeable teacher to find the right poses for you, especially if you have any physical challenges like a sore shoulder, hip pain, menstruation, or fatigue. Every body is different, and the same asana will look and feel different in two different people.

Learn to start with awareness…