Can Yoga Really Transform Your Life?

Many of us come to yoga via a class at the gym or an asana (yoga posture) class at a local studio, which in many ways can be transformative as we feel amazing afterwards (commonly known as the ‘post yoga bliss’) as a result of moving our bodies, breath work and bringing our awareness continually to the present moment.

However, it is in the further study and application of the principles of yoga, as a spiritual practice, that the deep, lifelong transformative aspects of the practice are found. One example of this is in the yamas and niyamas, which are Sanskrit words for yoga’s ethical and moral codes. Let’s talk a little about the yamas; they ask the practitioner to observe non-violence (ahimsa in Sanskrit), to foster truthfulness (satya), not to steal (asteya), to avoid possessiveness (aparigrapha) and to maintain vitality (brahmacharya).

Taken literally non-violence could mean refrain from slapping that very annoying commuter next to you on the train, although if we take a more subtle approach means being gentle with ourselves and being less critical of ourselves in order that we allow ourselves to flourish. Avoiding possessiveness can mean we let go of past regrets and grudges allowing ourselves to move forward unfettered to our past, and fostering truthfulness could relate to having an open, honest conversation with a loved one or co-worker which results in strengthening that relationship.

As September is National Yoga Month let’s take this opportunity to dive a little deeper, beyond our downward dog and pigeon poses, to the roots and teachings of yoga which are transformative on levels and in all areas of our lives.

Written by Gemma Ford

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