This terms theme in class has been the Yamas or 'restraints / controls' that we might consider observing as suggested by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. I'll let you in on a little secret - this is why Yogis are typically calmer, more self assured and grounded, not because they did 100 Sun Salutations before breakfast. (Although that does help ;)

Patanjali wrote these sutras c. 2000 years ago and they are as relevant now as they ever were. Whilst they make great ideas to apply on the mat they go much further than that.

To get the most out of these simple themes it's necessary to take them off the mat and contemplate them in the context of our broader lives. The Yamas (the first of the '8 Limbs of Yoga') provide 5 ethical rules to be applied within our relationships with others. I propose taking one of these ideas and pondering, journaling, discussing or generally exploring how you interpret it. how you already apply it and how you might live it better?

1. Ahimsa - Do no harm! Makes sense right? Non-violence, the reason many Yogis are vegetarian, has deeper reaching benefits. "...hostility is abandoned in the vicinity of one who has mastered Ahimsa." - Ranju Roy & David Charlton. This quote give us a glimpse into a new way of being. So often our grievances with others are purely internal - if we change our perspective then all hostility vanishes.
2. Satya - Truthfulness: "When established in truthfulness words and actions are consistent" Firstly we must be sure that the truth will do no harm but then we should seek to embrace our authenticity - thinking, speaking and acting on our truth. What a wonderful way to live?
3. Astey - Non-stealing: I think we can all agree that shoplifting and burglary are not routes to lasting happiness. But again this idea applies more deeply. In what ways to you take from others non-materially? Taking peoples time, peace, ideas etc or taking people for granted. This one could also be seen as 'taking advantage of people'. How does this show up for you?
4. Brahmacarya - Maintaining Priorities: "For one who maintains priorities tremendous energy develops". For me this means setting healthy boundaries. Again as long as those boundaries do no harm, are honest and don't take advantage of anyone else then they can only be a good thing. And if you're a master of setting healthy boundaries then of course you're going to have more time and "energy" for what matters to you!
5. Aparigraha - Non-grasping: Of course this one is the last of the Yamas. Once you've got your healthy boundaries and all the others in place you've got to learn to accept all the other shit that happens. Letting go of resentments, frustrations, expectations etc. What do you need to let go of mentally, physically, emotionally, materially? By letting go we are truly able to live in the present and connect more fully with those around us and ultimately that is all any of us really want!

So grab a pen, meditation cushion or phone a friend. Explore these themes, how they show up in your live, how you interprest them and how they can lead you towards a better life. I'd absolutely love to hear your thoughts, drop me an email or comment on one of my social media posts on the subjects.