The Eightfold Path: How To Apply the 8 Limbs of Yoga to Your Everyday Life
I was reminiscing and thinking back (wayyy back) to the first weekend of my 200-hour yoga training. My fabulous and knowledgeable teacher trainer, Stacey, unveiled the secrets of the eightfold path: the 8 limbs of yoga. Since then, it's been my trusty companion on and off the mat.
The 8 limbs of yoga are a key component of the ancient Indian philosophical system outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. According to Patanjali, this eightfold path is like a moral compass consisting of eight limbs that guide us to living a meaningful and conscious life, bringing us on a journey to self-realization, spiritual enlightenment, and alignment with our true selves.
Each limb has its own meaning and there are ways we can implement all of these disciplines into our daily routine. The 8 limbs of yoga have been transformative to my life, so I want to share these wonderful teachings with you! Read below to learn what each of the limbs represents and simple ways to apply them to your everyday life.
The First Limb: Yama
Yama is often translated as "restraints" or "moral disciplines," and it consists of five ethical principles that provide a framework for how individuals should relate to the external world. The yamas serve as a code of conduct, promoting ethical and moral behavior.
The Five Yamas
Ahimsa represents non-violence or non-harming.
Practice kindness toward yourself and others.
Prioritize self-care to maintain mental and emotional well-being.
Resolve conflicts peacefully rather than with aggression or violence.
Satya is being honest and truthful in thoughts, words, and actions.
Avoid exaggerations or falsehoods.
Respect others and their perspectives by listening to them, even if it challenges your own beliefs.
Embrace who you are and always express your true self.
Asteya means non-stealing (this is one of my favorites!).
Focus on appreciation over jealousy (simply put, avoid being competitive).
Don’t drain others' energy through gossip and negativity—contribute positively to the spaces and relationships you inhabit.
Go about your professional life ethically and cultivate a spirit of generosity and giving. Share your time, skills, and resources.
Brahmacharya advocates for moderation in all aspects of life, physically and mentally.
Enjoy sensory experiences, like food and entertainment, in moderation (excess can lead to imbalance or distraction).
Strive for balance in all aspects of life to prevent physical, mental, and emotional burnout.
Depend only on yourself for your happiness.
Aparigraha cultivates a sense of non-attachment to material possessions and being content with what one has.
Recognize and appreciate the abundance in your life (I highly recommend a gratitude journal!).
Focus on the process rather than being overly attached to the outcome.
Release resentment and forgive others. Holding onto grudges can create emotional burdens and hinder your personal growth.
The Second Limb: Niyama
Niyama translates to "observances" or "positive duties," and it consists of five ethical principles that focus on self-discipline and self-regulation. While the yamas (the first limb) deal with our interactions with the external world, the niyamas are about personal observances that promote self-awareness and inner harmony.
The Five Niyamas
Saucha means maintaining cleanliness and purity, both physically and mentally.
Keep your living and working spaces tidy and organized (decluttering can contribute to a sense of order and cleanliness!).
Show and practice forgiveness and let go of grudges. Holding onto negative emotions clutters your emotional space.
Limit screen time and reduce exposure to digital media (set your phone up to only allow you a certain amount of scrolling time each day!).
Santosha is cultivating contentment and finding joy in the present moment.
Write down things you are thankful for (no matter how big or small).
Engage in mindfulness meditation to be fully present in the moment. (Make sure to read about the seventh limb below for a link to my simple two-minute meditation!).
Practice random acts of kindness without expecting anything in return.
Tapas means practicing self-discipline and austerity to achieve personal and spiritual growth.
Define clear and achievable goals for yourself.
Establish a daily routine that includes time for work, self-care, and personal development.
Develop positive habits that align with your goals. (Consistent, small actions over time lead to significant results!)
Svadhyay is self-study and self-reflection of sacred texts.
Explore spiritual or philosophical texts. (This could be religious, philosophical or inspirational writing—whichever resonates the most with you!)
Embody the wisdom found in your texts, applying its teachings to your interactions and decision-making.
Reflect on your intentions, goals, and mind-body connection before or after your yoga practice.
Ishvara Pranidhana is surrendering to a higher power or divine force and recognizing that there is a purpose beyond our individual selves.
Be mindful and fully present in the moment (acknowledge the beauty in everyday life).
Practice devotionals, chants or mantras to connect with the divine.
Perform selfless acts of kindness (they’re positive contributions to our world after all).
“By firmly grasping the flower of a single virtue, a person can lift the entire garland of yama and niyama.”
The Third Limb: Asana
Asana is the practice of physical yoga postures to develop strength, flexibility, and balance.
Establish a consistent practice. If you're new to yoga, start with a shorter practice and gradually increase it as your strength and flexibility improve. (I always say, just five minutes per day does the trick!) Click here to check out my Stronger Bones freebie for 4 Daily Pilates & Yoga Exercises to Optimize Bone Health!
Dedicate a quiet, comfortable space for your practice.
Incorporate simple yoga stretches and movements into your workday (especially if you have a sedentary job). Click here to download my free guide for Tips & Movement Tricks For Working at Home (or in the Office) Pain-Free!
The Fourth Limb: Pranayama
Pranayama, or breath control, channels life force energy (prana) within the body.
When life gets busy and stressful, it’s important to take a moment and breathe. In yoga, there are many different pranayama practices. Some of my favorites include the three-part breath and the cooling breath. Click here to check out my cooling breath blog to learn about the benefits and how to do it!
The Fifth Limb: Pratyahara
Pratyahara is the withdrawal of the senses inward to prepare for meditation.
Eat mindfully, savoring each bite and paying attention to the flavors, textures, and aromas.
Spend time in nature (get outside and away from the hustle and bustle of daily life).
Use guided meditation or visualization techniques to focus inward.
The Sixth Limb: Dharana
Dharana is the concentration or focus of the mind on a single point or object to cultivate inner awareness.
Bring your attention to the present moment.
Embrace slow and mindful movements.
Create personalized positive affirmations that align with your goals (write them down and put them in a place you’ll see them everyday!).
The Seventh Limb: Dhyana
Dhyana is the uninterrupted flow of concentration, leading to a deep meditative state where the meditator and the object of meditation become one.
Consistent meditation can give you a calm and centered mind, reducing stress and letting you tap into your inner peace. If you're new to meditation, here’s my two-minute meditation that’ll be the perfect start to your dhyana journey: click here.
The Eighth Limb: Samadhi
Samadhi (Union) is the ultimate goal of yoga where the individual self merges with the divine—a true state of blissful absorption and oneness with the universe.
The essence of the eighth discipline is the integration of mindfulness, compassion, and deep connection with the present moment. Achieving Samadhi is a profound and transformative journey.
Embrace the 8 limbs
The 8 limbs of yoga is a roadmap leading you to a balanced and fulfilling life, addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual worlds. Incorporating these practices into your daily life will serve as steps toward a more awakened and harmonious existence. Are you ready to dive into these yogic teachings?
Immerse yourself in these teachings
Practice some of the 8 limbs when you retreat with me this year! Add yourself to the waitlist to be the first to know when early bird registration opens!
Want to learn more?
Discover how to incorporate these disciplines into your daily life for personal development through yoga therapy sessions! If you're new to wel•lam or movement, schedule your complimentary connection call HERE. Embrace the transformative journey toward balanced living and self-discovery!
Until next time,
Lia
P.S. Check out this book for more info: